I've just turned 16, and in the last while have gotten interested in turning wood at school, our teacher hasnt done much turning, so I'm mostly reading from a couple of books as i go. I'm mostly interested in turning larger things(bowls, plates, boxes)instead of spindle turning. do you have any suggestions on what would be a good lathe for this kind of work? I'm trying to find one that I wouldnt outgrow too quickly, and obviously, one that I can afford. also, is there anyone here who lives on Vancouver Island B.C. Canada? I'm trying to find someone who could help me find green wood for turning, as I havent found out what company takes care of collecting/trimming fallen trees. thanks Reyd
Hi Reyd. Without knowing how much coin you've got in your pockets, I'll make a wild stab at assuming not a lot (being 16 and all- tho that doesn't seem to have hindered the local youts from driving Acura's, new
4x4's and playing with all the cool techno-gadgets). I'd highly recommend one of the mini/midi lathes - the Jet (1014 at less than $350US) gets very good reviews and has for years. The Delta midi is good (the one and only lathe I use) though it may not be up to the overall quality, fit and finish of the Jet at a very similar price point. For Canadian companies, General makes a mini which has gotten favorable comments and of course, Oneway's 1018 is tops in minis. Do a google search of this group's archives using "mini midi lathe" from 2000 to present and you'll get more info than you will care to read through.
Though these lathes can't produce a turning larger than about 9.5", they're generally very well built and a good solid lathe to build your skills without spending a lot - you'll also need to keep some bucks set aside for tools, chucks, finishing supplies, etc. There's always something else on the wish list.
You will likely hear from some local folks via private email - if not, post another note here and I and others will give ideas on where to locate free wood. I guarantee in short order you'll have more wood than you know what to do with.
_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____
Hi, I second Owen's comments on the Jet Mini, except for the pricing. Right now, Woodcraft and others have the Jet manual speed change model on sale for $199 USD. They have come out with a new variable speed unit that sells for around $325, if you have the extra cash available. But if you don't mind the extra few seconds it takes to change the belt to another pulley step, you can save enough to get a "starter set " of tools. Good luck with whatever you decide to get.
Reyd I am odd man out on this topic. I live on the other coast of Canada, Truro, NS. The lathe I use the most is the 15" Craftsman from Sears. It handles anything I throw at it from a small spindle to an 18" bowl. A lot of people do not seem to like it but for C$700.00 it is hard to beat. I still have my Canadian Tire special monotube that was on sale for about C$150.00. This is the lathe that a lot of us started on and it goes on sale about every 3 to 4 weeks. Some pointers for beginners are on my web site. Hope it helps. Have a great Christmas.
in article snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com, Owen Lowe at snipped-for-privacy@easystreet.com wrote on 12/22/03 10:07 PM:
I have closer to 100$USD to spend on a lathe.(that's still gonna take a few weeks to earn, i have about half of that now) and I can maybe get my parents to chip in 20$ towards tools.
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