buying lathe, craftsman?

The best I've seen for that price is a General mini-lathe. It has a swivel head and an outboard swing of about 18-19". Electronic variable speed as well. I bought one and am quite happy with it. IIRC, it was around $550. I think you can get a bed extension for it if you want to turn long spindles.

you have plenty of $$ to get a reasonably good lathe, particularly if you are patient and get a used one.

Hi, Depends on what you want to use the lathe for? The amount you have will buy a really nice Mini lathe (like a Jet) with some tools and assc. or maybe a nice chuck. If you are looking at a full sixe lathe... Delta has one for around

Randy

Don't forget that the price of the lathe will be about 1/2 of your total expense. For starters.... :-)

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the ranks of addicted wood spinners.

When you buy a table saw, and take it home, it is ready to saw wood.

When you buy a lathe and take it home, it is ready to turn on and watch it spin. That's all.

In order to get any use out of it, you need, an electric grinder with a good adjustable angle tool rest. Most of us like use the friable wheels, but I know not all.

A few good lathe chisels. A scroll chuck. (I turned for two years without one, and realized I wasted a LOT of time.)

Then you can put some wood on it and get results.

I suggest you figure half your budget for the lathe, the other half for the other stuff, and othe other half for things that you discover you need like good sandpaper.

Have fun....

Old Guy