HELP! - Trying to pick a lathe (advice requested)

Briefly,

Forget C and D. You don't need those headaches. If you want to turn wood instead of figuring out why this or that isn't working the way you want it to then get a real lathe.

Look for B in the area classifieds or just post online if you're willing to travel some to go get it. You'll get many people that think their old lathe is the greatest thing in the world and want to charge you a premium for it though. The truely great old lathes that are reasonably priced aren't all that easy to come by but they are out there. Careful with used lathes or you're going to get something that you might as well just have gone the C route anyway for all of the fixes you'll make to them.

If you're just wanting to simply get to turning wood, then go with A. The lathes you listed are all fine and will serve you pretty much as well as the others. Personally, I don't like the Reeves drive (mechanical variable speed) setup but it's a low cost entry into variable speed. Have you considered the expense of new equipment such as chucks, adapters, etc. if you've already got those things for what lathe you have now?

- Andrew

Hi Rob, There are indeed a lot of things to consider here, not hte least of which is the type of turnings you are most interested in doing.

Purchasing a used lathe is not unlike purchasing a used car: sometimes you can get a excellent value if you are in the right place at the right time with expectations that are consistent with what a large volume of turners have previously had (i.e, it is easier to find a deal on a used Honda Accord than a used Saab, just because there are a lot more of them out there--in the lathe world, you are more apt to encounter a good used Nova 3000 than a good Vega, just because there are a lot of Nova's out there). The best substitute for luck, when it comes to a used lathe, is patience and pursuing a lot of potential sources.

I will also point out some characteristics of the Nova 3000 that may or may not be pertient to your present and future turning interests.

1. The Nova has a 16 inch (well, in truth, a 15.7 inch) swing over the bed. The counts if you are intested in making larger hollowforms and even many bowls. Compared to a 14 inch swing, the Nova allows for a significantly large blank to be positioned over the bed. Why do I keep mentioning "over the bed?" It is because in this configuration you can use tail stock support for initial roughing out, reverse turning, and specialty work like coring. Also, use of a steadyrest or secondary tool rest for deep hollowing rigs requires a bed to mount them to. All of this is not necessary for some work, but in general, I think you will have more flexiblity in what can do if you choose a lathe with maximal swing over the bed.

Of course there are times when just getting maximal swing out of machine is important for some projects, irregardless of bed mounted devices. Machines that have swivel heads or headstocks that can be slide to the end are advantageous at such times, but then you are getting into the issue of outboard tool rests. With the swivel head Nova, a factory "outrigger" system is available that is sturdy and works well, being attached directly to the bed at the far end of the headstock.

1. Future upgradability is important for some people, particularly those on a limited budget who would like the opportunity for future incremental upgrades. I think the Nova 3000 has greater opportunity for upgrading than any other lathe out there. You can add the above mentioned outboard tool rest system, you can add bed sections, you can change motors from single speed to variable speed, you can upgrade to a DVR headstock, and you can even upgrade to the complete DVR headstock. This allows a lot of room for future customization and growth, depending on you needs and future interests. For example, should you ever be interested in making long spindles, the Nova 3000 will allow you to add additional bed sections to your heart's content (there are a few 8 foot Nova 3000 beds out there).

There is more that can be said, and I'm not necessarily encouraging you to select a Nova 3000, but hopefully by raising these additional considerations your search may become more focused than less.

Lyn

Rob McC> Greetings!

Rob,

Join a woodturners club. Most of the members will be happy to let you try your hand on their lathes. You can then decide which one you like. There is nothing as good as a test drive.

The only advice I have is, don't get in a hurry.

Kirk

Hello, The Nova is a good choice for a fair price. I really liked the versatility of it and Lynn is right, you can add to it to your heart's content. Also it doesn't take up much space. The base model that you change speeds by moving a belt on pulleys is reliable and has a very wide range of speeds from very slow to way fast. Turning the head is also very handy. I think for the price it is the best lathe out there and it is probably as much lathe as lots of folks will ever need. The only reason I don't have mine anymore is that my wife offered a new lathe for Christmas and being the tool junkie I am...I have this monster in the garage and it did not leave room for two lathes so out with the Nova. I would steer away from used unless you have a good knowldge of bearings etc and can check out the lathe personally. Look around for a woodturning club in your area or check out your nearest Woodcraft for a test spin. I took a class at our Woodcraft and tried out a few lathes there including the Nova and that's why I bought it. Have fun and good luck!! Guy

I can only speak for the Jet 1442, having used one now for a little over a month. I'm a very new turner, and this lathe has presented no particular surprises or significant disappointments. It so far appears to be quite competent, if not perfect, and it is my opinion that at its price point the only real competition is the lighter weight Delta 36-715.

That said, I'd probably have bought a nice used Nova 3000 if I could have located one.

I'll be happy to elucidate via email, if you wish. snipped-for-privacy@mindspring.com

Max

On re-read, I noticed an error. It's a Delta 46, not 36.