Question about Wood Lathe?

Question

I am looking to buy a wood lathe for my husband for his birthday, but I know nothing about them. I would like to get a normal size one but they are very expensive. Could anyone tell me what the largest item/items you can build with a mini lathe are and if the extension is worth buying. I want to get a decent one, and used would be okay if anyone knows what brand I should buy or if you have one to sell, please let me know. Any information about either size lathe would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Consider that you can always  do small pieces on a larger lathe.

Eg, have  a 40year old Sears ( not the finest) 36" w/ a 6" swing which means you can turn almost 12'dia pieces or down to less than an inch.

Woodlathes are simple machines & it is easy to go overboard on something that will not handle much more than a less than pro. model.

You can save if you buy the machine without a base & bolt it to a workbench.

Some belt driven lathes come without motors & a used or refurbed 1/4 hp , 1/3hp  motor is  fine.

Lathes do not suffer much abuse so a good older one (used) would  be a good bet.

Also factory refurbs or floor models can save some $$

Rigid , Delta, even Sears .

Would  put my money into the turning tools.

Have  found beautiful old tools at garage sales & antique shops .

Individually, lathe accessories are not very expensive , usually fit brand to brand & can be added as you go.

Obviously a fine woman to buy hubby a lathe......

You will get som nice things & he will find it very relaxing.

Best regards

Answer 2

JIHAG -

My wife in past has bought me power tools, but usually I go with her in advance and tell her which ones are best or which one I would buy.  If the items are expensive, I think that's the best way.  I ruins a surprise sometimes, although she can surprise me with which tool she has bought.  Got most, so now I get neckties :(

Anyway, when it comes to lathes, alot depends upon what type of stuff your husband is likely to do.  I turn pens, and other small items, so a small lathe was ideal for me.  Surprisingly, I have a jet, and it has performed remarkably (some people conside jet to be low-end).  I would buy another tommorrow if needed.

I also have a large model (Delta) that I love just as much.  I use it to turn baseball bats, poster work, some bowls, and just generally larger items.  So the bottom line is, what type of work would your husband do most and which which size would it dictate?  A large lathe normally won't do smaller items like pens because they will snap the thin wood.

You're likely to find used lathes in swap newspapers, or want ads.  I think this is because people sometimes lose interest, or don't use them as much as they thought.  Or the orginal owner passes it along and the recipient doesn't do lathe work.  But there are some used one out there, and in good shape.

good luck

Answer 3

Get as large a lathe that will fit in the area he has to work in.  I have a normal sized one and prefer it to a mini lathe.

Answer 4

As a men I would say let him pick it out. No one can buy a tool or machine for me, we all have different taste as for as style and brand.

Answer 5

i shopped for weeks comparing all models. this turned out to be a fantastic buy\value. and yes the extension should be purchased.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPRO...

will turn up to 10" diameter bowl, and a 36" bat or spindle.

if you want to move to the $500 range, Delta, JET, or NOVA would be recommended.

Hope that helps.