what to buy??

[DavidF]

I am about to get paid for the dining room table and have been toying with the idea of getting a lathe with some of the money. I promised Carol that I could "maybe" set my self up for around $500! I am not really interested in doing up old or used equipment and was impressed wit the Rikon Midi, but I know many like the HF lathe. Bowl turning and short spindle work will be the main things so max swing over the bed is important or maybe the ability to swing the head round to do outboard turning. I will need a set of basic tools for bowls etc and a 4 jaw chuck. I know I can mange without the 4 jaw, but I don't want to:lol: I will also need a slow grinder and a wolverine jig! we can go over the $500 by a little to cover the grinder and jig if required. If I can't do this for around this cost then it won't happen. So have at it!

So a shopping list please!:icon_thum

 

[JimmyC]

David,
I've been looking at entering for that amount also and here's what I came up with :

HF lathe #34706 - $279.99, when on sale $199.99-10% coupon= $160.00

Basic tool set from HF = $40

Oneway talon chuck = $200 + or -

Total = $400 plus tax, whick will leave some wiggle room for sharpening.

Good Luck, and let's see how others weigh in .

Jimmy

 

[DavidF]

Sounds like a good starter list Jimmy, thanks for the input

 

[froglips]

I started my dad out with a new Delta MIDI 2 years ago. He has since out grown it big time.

In current research I did find lots of negatives about the Delta 1440.

One "suggestion" is to check the local community colleges. We are in Hillsborough and he has been going to Alamance CC for the last year and a half. They have woodturning. For $85/9 weeks (free for the +65 gang) you have access to lots of full sized machines and tools.

Several local full time turners attend that class too. It is really quite a party for turning!

Back to the topic, his initial setup ran me about $400 and now most of that cash is "down the drain" as he moves to a full sized lathe.

I'm not knocking the tool or the approach, just sharing my experience.

Penn-State Industies does seem to offer a very wide selection of inexpensive tools. He orders from them quite often. And the Fisch midi looks like a very good deal for the $$.

Oh, fwiw, those mini-tools are a waste. They look like a good deal when bundled, but they just aren't very usable.

Good luck!

Jim

 

[DavidF]

Good points Jim, although I would'nt say anything was "down the drain" after an upgrade as the Chuck appears to be 50% of the initial expenditure and the tools another 10%, and the original lathe could be sold on to recoup some of the cost of upgrading, but I take your point! I must say, and others will say "there is no resistance", but my main "thing" is furniture design; turning is just another facet that I want to introduce to satisfy the need to be creative between "flat" projects:lol::lol:

 

[FredP]

Good points Jim, although I would'nt say anything was "down the drain" after an upgrade as the Chuck appears to be 50% of the initial expenditure and the tools another 10%, and the original lathe could be sold on to recoup some of the cost of upgrading, but I take your point! I must say, and others will say "there is no resistance", but my main "thing" is furniture design; turning is just another facet that I want to introduce to satisfy the need to be creative between "flat" projects:lol::lol:

when concidering a chuck think ahead! the oneway chucks use an insert to get ya to the corect size threads.;-) I'm not sure about the others. if [ spelled when! ] you upgrade to a larger lathe you only need to get a different insert to convert the chuck.:icon_thum so everything used on the small lathe can be used on the bigger better lathe saving mucho bucks!:-D the barracuda chuck is a little cheaper and comes with several sets of jaws but i dont recall if it is adaptable.

 

[Wildwood]

If your serious about turning bowls would recommend you think about adding a few more dollars to that initial estimate.
Two lathes that deserve your attention would be the Jet 1442, or Jet 1642.

1442 comes with reeves drive, 450 rpm - 3,000 rpm with 1 hp motor. They run about $750. To $900.

1642 comes with EVS 1 ½ hp 110-115V, or 2 hp 220-230V both run from 0 - 3,200 rpm. They run $1399.99 to 1499.99. Get either one of these bad boys and you’ll never look back!

Basic tools, buy as you need them.

For spindle work, ½ " spindle gouge, ½ " rolled skew, 3/4 " roughing gouge, and diamond parting tool.

For bowls, ½ " and 5/8 " bowl gouges. Need the 5/8" gouge for roughing out the shape, and ½" for finishing. A narrow parting tool may also be a good buy. Can really get by with just the ½" for awhile. When you look at scrapers pay attention to thickness, thicker is better.

I don’t knock HF tool sets, but, really limited, good to learn basic stuff and how to sharpen. So get a set, make your own tool handles, and see if P&N tool appeal to you.

Recommend any of the Oneway or Vicmarc chucks. There are cheaper alternatives out there.

You might also look into one of the many sharpening jigs available. I have and recommend the Oneway Wolverine sharpening system. There are other alternatives out there. Any 6" - 8" bench grinder will do the job.

 

[jeff...]

Dave what you need is this --->

http://www.woodmizer.com/us/sawmills/options/lathemizer.aspx


Go Big man !!!


Thanks

 

[Eaglesc]

Congrats on the sale of the table.
Since the longest thing I turn is about 4 inches overall and the largest diameter might be 3/4 of an inch I really don't have much to offer.
The HF tools are fine but I started with a set they carry that went for about $12.00.
The $40.00 looks similar to the ones WC used to sell at a much higher price.
For sharpening I won't bother to expound the benefits of a diamond stone on a skew but I would suggest that you make your own "wolverine type" jig as opposed to buying one.
The concept is simple and there are many varieties available to see online.
With the savings you could get another chuck.may be the barracuda from PSI to augment your start up accessories
When I started turning pens I used a hand cranked grinder,

 

[DavidF]

Dave what you need is this --->

http://www.woodmizer.com/us/sawmills/options/lathemizer.aspx


Go Big man !!!


Thanks

That looks like everything a man could need!

 

[DavidF]

If your serious about turning bowls would recommend you think about adding a few more dollars to that initial estimate.
Two lathes that deserve your attention would be the Jet 1442, or Jet 1642.

1442 comes with reeves drive, 450 rpm - 3,000 rpm with 1 hp motor. They run about $750. To $900.

1642 comes with EVS 1 ½ hp 110-115V, or 2 hp 220-230V both run from 0 - 3,200 rpm. They run $1399.99 to 1499.99. Get either one of these bad boys and you’ll never look back!

Basic tools, buy as you need them.

For spindle work, ½ " spindle gouge, ½ " rolled skew, 3/4 " roughing gouge, and diamond parting tool.

For bowls, ½ " and 5/8 " bowl gouges. Need the 5/8" gouge for roughing out the shape, and ½" for finishing. A narrow parting tool may also be a good buy. Can really get by with just the ½" for awhile. When you look at scrapers pay attention to thickness, thicker is better.

I don’t knock HF tool sets, but, really limited, good to learn basic stuff and how to sharpen. So get a set, make your own tool handles, and see if P&N tool appeal to you.

Recommend any of the Oneway or Vicmarc chucks. There are cheaper alternatives out there.

You might also look into one of the many sharpening jigs available. I have and recommend the Oneway Wolverine sharpening system. There are other alternatives out there. Any 6" - 8" bench grinder will do the job.

Too much money here Wildwood:lol: Good tips on the tools though.

 

[DavidF]

Congrats on the sale of the table.
Since the longest thing I turn is about 4 inches overall and the largest diameter might be 3/4 of an inch I really don't have much to offer.
The HF tools are fine but I started with a set they carry that went for about $12.00.
The $40.00 looks similar to the ones WC used to sell at a much higher price.
For sharpening I won't bother to expound the benefits of a diamond stone on a skew but I would suggest that you make your own "wolverine type" jig as opposed to buying one.
The concept is simple and there are many varieties available to see online.
With the savings you could get another chuck.may be the barracuda from PSI to augment your start up accessories
When I started turning pens I used a hand cranked grinder,

Thanks Eagle, it looks generally like the HF tool set has no detractors at this point so they go on the list:icon_thum

 

[DavidF]

So here is the story:
As you may remember I posted that the Raleigh store was out of the HF lathe, but that I had reserved one at Greensboro - Wrong! having driven a hour to get there I was greeted with blank looks (don't you love those?) what lathe? , nope don't have one, only the display model and that's 6 years old! However, the manager, Ryan Simms was very helpful and apologetic and called the Winston Salem store, they had one and would hold it. He also told them to give me 25% discount! So off to WS to pick up the lathe. No problem there apart from the extra 60 miles round trip! Looked at the tool set they had and to be honest couldn't bring my self to buy it! no price on it so not sure whether it was the same one that members have - 8 tool set. So left there with lathe and back to the Greensboro Woodcraft for the other items. Couldn't resist the $99 wixey table saw setup with free angle gauge:roll: Anybody want to buy the gauge for $30 ONO???? I have one already. Picked out the WC slow grinder and the Wolverine jig with the bowl gouge add on, left the skew attachment. On to chucks - looked at the Nova G3 at $115, but thought it a little small so went with the SuperNova 2 on sale at $139 reduced from $169. Then on to tools - my are they expensive!!!! Looked at buying a set of 5 for $126, but the consensus of the turning people there said that if bowls are my thing then to start with individual tools. Ended up with Sorby 3/8 bowl gouge, pinnacle Roughing gouge and Red river Diamond shape parting tool. Total damage - $700!!!!!!!! blew the turning budget of $500 by $250 (excluded the wixey) So $600 for accessories and $150 for the lathe!

Home to assemble; about 2 hours start to finish. Packaging was great, no damage, no missing parts. Build quality looks great. Everything worked well. I love the speed control! I would say that I wouldn't rely on the indexing pin to align the head to the tailstock after rotating it; I had to "jiggle" it into place before tightening the clamp, other than that, first class. Turned a few practice things with my 3 tools and then started on a bowl blank! I NEED HELP AND I NEED IT NOW! not bad so far, but lessons would help.

Some pics:






So experts out there, what do I need now, other than lots of practise:lol:

 

[Eaglesc]

The cheap set of HF tools goes for about $12.00.
The high Dollar set for around $40.00 in a wooden box and I think they say Windsor design. Same as Woodcraft used to sell.
Personally I don't buy tools with someone elses name on them.
Usually the guys name(Sorby in this case) winds up costing a lot of money.
In my experience the wood never knows where the steel came from as long as it has a good edge..
I hope you learn to sharpen good fast.Sorbys are expensive to practice on.
I know I can't afford them.But then again the HF ones work good for me.

 

[DavidF]

The cheap set of HF tools goes for about $12.00.
The high Dollar set for around $40.00 in a wooden box and I think they say Windsor design. Same as Woodcraft used to sell.
Personally I don't buy tools with someone elses name on them.
Usually the guys name(Sorby in this case) winds up costing a lot of money.
In my experience the wood never knows where the steel came from as long as it has a good edge..
I hope you learn to sharpen good fast.Sorbys are expensive to practice on.
I know I can't afford them.But then again the HF ones work good for me.

These were in a cardboard box 8 tools - very, very cheap looking.

 

[FredP]

So here is the story:
As you may remember I posted that the Raleigh store was out of the HF lathe, but that I had reserved one at Greensboro - Wrong! having driven a hour to get there I was greeted with blank looks (don't you love those?) what lathe? , nope don't have one, only the display model and that's 6 years old! However, the manager, Ryan Simms was very helpful and apologetic and called the Winston Salem store, they had one and would hold it. He also told them to give me 25% discount! So off to WS to pick up the lathe. No problem there apart from the extra 60 miles round trip! Looked at the tool set they had and to be honest couldn't bring my self to buy it! no price on it so not sure whether it was the same one that members have - 8 tool set. So left there with lathe and back to the Greensboro Woodcraft for the other items. Couldn't resist the $99 wixey table saw setup with free angle gauge:roll: Anybody want to buy the gauge for $30 ONO???? I have one already. Picked out the WC slow grinder and the Wolverine jig with the bowl gouge add on, left the skew attachment. On to chucks - looked at the Nova G3 at $115, but thought it a little small so went with the SuperNova 2 on sale at $139 reduced from $169. Then on to tools - my are they expensive!!!! Looked at buying a set of 5 for $126, but the consensus of the turning people there said that if bowls are my thing then to start with individual tools. Ended up with Sorby 3/8 bowl gouge, pinnacle Roughing gouge and Red river Diamond shape parting tool. Total damage - $700!!!!!!!! blew the turning budget of $500 by $250 (excluded the wixey) So $600 for accessories and $150 for the lathe!

Home to assemble; about 2 hours start to finish. Packaging was great, no damage, no missing parts. Build quality looks great. Everything worked well. I love the speed control! I would say that I wouldn't rely on the indexing pin to align the head to the tailstock after rotating it; I had to "jiggle" it into place before tightening the clamp, other than that, first class. Turned a few practice things with my 3 tools and then started on a bowl blank! I NEED HELP AND I NEED IT NOW! not bad so far, but lessons would help.

Some pics:






So experts out there, what do I need now, other than lots of practise:lol:

one thing to think about with HF tools. change out all the set screws!!! DAMHIKT. the first time you need to tighten one and it strips out you will understand.:cry: set screws are cheap and readily available at most hardware stores.:icon_thum I have seen the HF lathe and it looks like it would suffice for the beginner and everyone seems to like em. BUT those dreaded set screws will anoy the bejesus outta ya.:roll: ummm.... now its time fer the pics!!! whacha turnin????

 

[DavidF]

one thing to think about with HF tools. change out all the set screws!!! DAMHIKT. the first time you need to tighten one and it strips out you will understand.:cry: set screws are cheap and readily available at most hardware stores.:icon_thum I have seen the HF lathe and it looks like it would suffice for the beginner and everyone seems to like em. BUT those dreaded set screws will anoy the bejesus outta ya.:roll: ummm.... now its time fer the pics!!! whacha turnin????

Any in particular with this lathe?

Currently turning a bowl in Maple or trying to! Turners out there, what is the best cut/tool/technique to flatten the bottom of the blank while the top is held in a screw chuck. My attemps always end up with the tool being pushed away leading to a dome in the centre.

 

[Eaglesc]

These were in a cardboard box 8 tools - very, very cheap looking.

Yep those were the ones I had been using for the first 2 years of turning pens.
Granted not robust for bowls but they worked good for me.

 

[DavidF]

Yep those were the ones I had been using for the first 2 years of turning pens.
Granted not robust for bowls but they worked good for me.

That was my take on it too, if I was pen turning or small spindle work then they would have been fine.

Next tools will be scraper and Skew.

 

[FredP]

Any in particular with this lathe?

not sure but the pulleys should have em. I would replace em all!:roll: they seem to be very soft and split or strip easily. hd this problem with the realy cheep lathe [99 dollar model ] and the duplicating lathe from HF.



Currently turning a bowl in Maple or trying to! Turners out there, what is the best cut/tool/technique to flatten the bottom of the blank while the top is held in a screw chuck. My attemps always end up with the tool being pushed away leading to a dome in the centre.

i usually use a scraper to true up the bottom. the nub requires a certain amount of finness! :drunken_s practice practice practice! :eusa_clap sooo.... i make it a feature by cutting my recess for the chuck and turning a few small beads inside of it.

fred