Ever since my shop class in middle school many years ago I've wanted to own a wood lathe because it was so much fun. I'm finally getting a house with enough room for a workshop, so I'd like to finally add one to my inventory. Can someone recommend a good lathe for me? There are no specific projects that I had in mind, but I thought it might be interesting to start by making my son a baseball bat because it's simple and then perhaps try bowls, pens, rolling pins, candle sticks, lamps, etc. Thanks in advance.
Lathe recommendation needed
Jan 14, 2004
4 Replies
How much time will you spend on it, and how much money will you be willing to spend on the lathe?
I don't imagine that I will spend a great deal of time using it. I saw a Jet for $400 and I'd say that's probably the top of my price range.
I don't own a Jet lathe, but have heard good reviews all around. You can get a discontinued Jet Mini without variable speed for maybe $200, put a bed extension on for another $50 and be able to turn a bat plus bowls up to 9+" diameter after spending maybe $100 on basic good quality tools.
Ken Grunke Coulee Region Woodturners of Southwest Wisconsin
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The $400 limits the type of lathe you can buy. The Jet Mini will be a good starter, a good keeper, or trading for a larger lathe at a later time. You will have at least this much to invest in tools and sharpening equipment. Good luck. Glenn Hodges Nashville, Georgia
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