Help Me Pick a Mini or Midi Lathe

[LeftyTom]

No, not for me! I am a dedicated flatwooder.

Father in law mentioned he wants a lathe, for making small bowls and other stuff. I did mention that the necessary tools will cost more than $19.95.

Keep in mind, my FIL makes me look like a drunk sailor with my money. I want to keep him from buying a cheap lathe, only to be disappointed. That said, I must prepare for the option that he will get a lathe, decide it isn't his cup of tea, and give it to me.

I saw the CL ad in Cary, but that is 2 hrs on-way for me.

 

[JJD]

I have the JET variable speed mini lathe, and I really like it. I did get it new from Rockler about two years ago before they closed their Greensboro store, and it was on sale for a good price. Have never seen them that inexpensive since, so I would surely keep my eyes open for one on the used market.

 

[DIYGUY]

FWW did a review of mini's a few issues back, maybe more than a few - time goes by faster these days! I used the Jet mini at the NC State Craft Center last year and liked it a lot. IIRC, the General gives you the most versatility but at a fairly steep price for small lathes. If you look on the RAL CL you will find some Craftsman turning tools listed for sale over the w-e - I think they were around a half-dozen or so for $50.

Main issues for small lathes is getting them anchored properly so they don't vibrate/wobble much. The better ones weigh more but you will still need to bolt them down to something. Oh yeah - don't forget you are going to need something to sharpen your tools, so add that to the budget as well. Gets up there pretty fast ...

 

[JackLeg]

"No, not for me! I am a dedicated flatwooder."

WHEW! Thanks for the disclaimer! Had me worried there for a minute!!

:rotflm:

 

[Ken Massingale]

"No, not for me! I am a dedicated flatwooder."

WHEW! Thanks for the disclaimer! Had me worried there for a minute!!

:rotflm:

Yeah sure, famous last words. they all go down eventually!!! :rotflm:

 

[CaptnA]

["That said, I must prepare for the option that he will get a lathe, decide it isn't his cup of tea, and give it to me."}

I couldn't help but read this part as........ I HOPE, I HOPE!!!!!!!!:rotflm:

:tinysmile_tongue_t:the dark side - it's all fun and games til they turn their first bowl:tinysmile_tongue_t:
-let the addiction begin-

 

[froglips]

My opinion, look at the Harbor Freight one like DaveO uses.

I got my dad into turning on the delta midi, he outgrew it in about 7 months. Nothing against the delta, its just fine but its small.

He did mount it on the Jet stand, that worked great.

Jim

 

[LeftyTom]

["That said, I must prepare for the option that he will get a lathe, decide it isn't his cup of tea, and give it to me."}

I couldn't help but read this part as........ I HOPE, I HOPE!!!!!!!!:rotflm:

:tinysmile_tongue_t:the dark side - it's all fun and games til they turn their first bowl:tinysmile_tongue_t:
-let the addiction begin-

Just in case I end up with it, I want it to be a lathe I would sell honestly.

 

[TracyP]

For a starter lathe the Harbor Freight 34-706 has been a good choice for me. And it is on sale right now.

 

[erasmussen]

My HF lathe has been good to me, still havent maxed it out yet :gar-Bi

 

[LeftyTom]

For a starter lathe the Harbor Freight 34-706 has been a good choice for me. And it is on sale right now.

Perhaps I can find one of these, gently used.

 

[PChristy]

Just in case I end up with it, I want it to be a lathe I would sell honestly.

If you are looking for a starter kit here is one that you might like -
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/tclproxxwb.html

 

[JimmyC]

Tom,

I'm another one for the HF, if budget is a problem. But even if you get the HF for $200, figure on going for at least another $400, minimum, for tools, chuck, and sharpening set up. And I personally don't believe you can actually get away with a $600 total:BangHead:.