I have been thinking about a small lathe for turning brushes and other stuff maybe some pens for christmas etc. and I was curious what people were using as far as brands and size. Also what is needed that they they they don't come with new. Thanks in advance
Lets talk lathes please
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look herehttp://woodcrafter.com.................JR
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Thanks but I didn't see any lathes there
Not sure but I think he meant here: http://www.woodcraft.com/category/1002150/lathes.aspx
I've had the Delta 46-460 for about a year and I've been happy with it. I consider myself still a beginning turner.
Thanks Mack, that's were I meant to send him..............JR
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Thank you Gentlemen.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/20...2-wood-lathe-pro-model-jwl1642evs-112-hp.aspx
This is what I have in my shop. Obviously if you are only going to turn pens, brush handles, Christmas ornaments, etc, you could easily get away with a mini lathe, however, just like shaving, turning is an addictive hobby and you will likely want to start turning larger items. One other piece of advice. Look for a lathe with a fully adjustable speed like the one in the link. You simply turn the knob to adjust the turning speed. VERY handy!
Things not usually included:
1. Turning tools
2. Chuck ( I like the Nova chucks the best as you can buy several different sets of jaws for the same chuck
That's about it. It is a dangerous hobby to start
This is what I have in my shop. Obviously if you are only going to turn pens, brush handles, Christmas ornaments, etc, you could easily get away with a mini lathe, however, just like shaving, turning is an addictive hobby and you will likely want to start turning larger items. One other piece of advice. Look for a lathe with a fully adjustable speed like the one in the link. You simply turn the knob to adjust the turning speed. VERY handy!
Things not usually included:
1. Turning tools
2. Chuck ( I like the Nova chucks the best as you can buy several different sets of jaws for the same chuck
That's about it. It is a dangerous hobby to start
Joe can you turn acrylic on those wood lathes? Or would you need one with a tool post on it?
You can turn acrylic, no problem. Below is an image of an acrylic handle I have turned. You have to turn acrylic at higher speeds with VERY sharp tools, otherwise it has a tendency to tear out or chip. I usually turn acrylic at 1500-1700, much faster than wood. It makes a marvelous mess! The other downer is my shop smells like a nail salon rather than a wood shop
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You can turn acrylic, no problem. Below is an image of an acrylic handle I have turned. You have to turn acrylic at higher speeds with VERY sharp tools, otherwise it has a tendency to tear out or chip. I usually turn acrylic at 1500-1700, much faster than wood. It makes a marvelous mess! The other downer is my shop smells like a nail salon rather than a wood shop
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Those "nails" look marvelous Joe!
Those "nails" look marvelous Joe!
Thanks.
I don't mind at all. I get my acrylic blanks from Penn State Industries. See link below. I don't use micro-mesh. I usually sand up to 1200-2000, then use a plastic polish- see second link.
http://www.pennstateind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2005771/17469/hut-ultra-gloss-plastic-polish.aspx
My pleasure
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I am surprised i thought I might hear a few people were using the smaller 12" +/- lathes.
It goes back to thinking long term. I'd bet dollars to donuts, once you start, brush handles and pens will only a fraction of what you turn. You will want to make bigger items. It will start with a custom soap bowl, but then your kitchen table will need a fruit bowl and so and so will need so and so.... Get a big'un!
If your budget can afford it, get the largest you can. Variable speed is nice, but not essential, though I'm glad I got it. Don't forget turning tools and a way to keep them sharp. Much like honing razors, there are a number of methods that work.
But be warned. Turning can be very addictive.
But be warned. Turning can be very addictive.
So to get started you need at a minimum:
Lathe - I recommend at the smallest a Delta 46-460 variable speed. The are cheaper smaller lathes but I wouldn't buy one, lathes are something where the best advice is buy the biggest most powerful you can cause you will most likely outgrow it quickly. You can turn the smallest things on the biggest lathes but you cant turn anything bigger on a smaller lathe.
Chuck - I have a Nova but would buy a Vicmarc if I was doing it again
Chuck Jaws - depends on what you are turning
Tools - minimum of a spindle gouge and a parting tool
Something to sharpen the tools - I use a grinder and a sharpening jig
This is the absolute minimum of what you need, and will allow you to do a few things including brush handles and with the addition of a couple other minor things pens.
Now onto the cost:
Lathe - $700 Delta 46-460VS $430 Jet 1014
Chuck - $240 Vicmarc VM100 This includes one set of jaws that should work for brushes and small bowls
Chuck Jaws - $50 or more
Tools - $70 minimum for a decent spindle gouge and parting tool
Sharpening system - $240 includes: 8" slow speed grinder, Wolverine grinding jig, Wolverine Vari-Grind jig (this is a pretty complete system at a good price)
(All prices from Woodturnerscatalog.com except sharpening system is from Woodcraft.com)
This is an absolute minimum of what you would need and would probably only be complete for about the first week. That's about how long I lasted until I started buying more stuff.
Lathe - I recommend at the smallest a Delta 46-460 variable speed. The are cheaper smaller lathes but I wouldn't buy one, lathes are something where the best advice is buy the biggest most powerful you can cause you will most likely outgrow it quickly. You can turn the smallest things on the biggest lathes but you cant turn anything bigger on a smaller lathe.
Chuck - I have a Nova but would buy a Vicmarc if I was doing it again
Chuck Jaws - depends on what you are turning
Tools - minimum of a spindle gouge and a parting tool
Something to sharpen the tools - I use a grinder and a sharpening jig
This is the absolute minimum of what you need, and will allow you to do a few things including brush handles and with the addition of a couple other minor things pens.
Now onto the cost:
Lathe - $700 Delta 46-460VS $430 Jet 1014
Chuck - $240 Vicmarc VM100 This includes one set of jaws that should work for brushes and small bowls
Chuck Jaws - $50 or more
Tools - $70 minimum for a decent spindle gouge and parting tool
Sharpening system - $240 includes: 8" slow speed grinder, Wolverine grinding jig, Wolverine Vari-Grind jig (this is a pretty complete system at a good price)
(All prices from Woodturnerscatalog.com except sharpening system is from Woodcraft.com)
This is an absolute minimum of what you would need and would probably only be complete for about the first week. That's about how long I lasted until I started buying more stuff.
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