I've never used a lathe before, but am fascinated with the works it can produce and would like to make a purchase to learn the trade as well as handle minor projects. I don't want to get into anything extravagant/expensive just in case I may not like it or don't do many projects with it. Therefore, what would be a minimum HP rating and a decent size to start with?
Thank you
I don't think you can go wrong with a Jet mini.. If you get into turning, you'll outgrow it, but like most of us, never part with it.. ;-]
It has 1/4 hp and a 450 - 3,000 rpm range.. It will do up to a 10" diameter bowl and is a very quiet, dependable lathe..
mac
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I'll second that motion. A chuck does makes things better. You'll spend more for accessories then for the lathe, get ready.
Yep, and in my case, for adapters.. My Original Oneway Talon has been on a Shopsmith, 2 Jet lathes and is now on a Nova.. I'm on my 3rd adapter..
mac
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I an by nature a "contrarian" and, in that light, offer the following advice. Go cheap on your first lathe. If you like turning, which is a question you do not have the answer to at this point, you WILL upgrade sooner than later, regardless of what lathe you buy. PennState has a nice little mini-lathe and Rikon makes a nice one, both cheaper than the Jet (which I happen to own and love). Harbor Freight and Penn State have some HSS (high speed steel) gouges at at very reasonable price for a set of 8, I have both and prefer the ones from Harbor Frieght.
The comment about accessories is "spot on" You two most important will be a low speed (1725rpm) 8" grinder (Woodcraft has a nice one (or did have) for less than $100) and a good chuck. You do not "need" a wolverine type sharpening jig, but will probably get one in the future "IF" you like turning.
ONE LAST AND VERY IMPORTANT ITEM
Join, attend and make friends with a local woodturner's group/club you can find one in your local area at the following URL. If you are going to turn this is essential. My local club is actually about 80-90 miles away. Even with the price of gas, it is time and money well spent.
Damn, Reed... you dug your way out of the shavings with some good advise...
I've learned a tremendous amount about turning in the last 5 years or so, from these sources, listed by amount of help:
This group.. both here and via follow up email.. The AAW club I was in before we moved here.. A couple of Bill Grumbine's bowl turning videos..
BTW, Reed.. When you coming down?? I have a friend that owns 2 fishing boats and says that if I have friends that want to fish or tour, he'll "make them a great deal"..
mac
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Best time for you to visit, being from up North, would be early October to late May..
If you were from Arizona or a like climate, July would be fine.. It was 84f and 54% humidity at 6 am this morning..
The say that the fishing has been very good this year... I know the shrimpers are doing well, the shrimp in the cantinas are getting bigger and cheaper.. :=)
mac
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