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My first lathe

Well, I bought an OLD Powerkraft lathe today at a garage sale. According to the little bit of research on the web, it was sold by Ward's in the early

50's, has 31" between centers and a 10" swing. Also, a 1/3 hp motor. The biggest thing - it seems to work. The sellers put a blank on it and let me run it. There doesn't seem to be anything loose, and I was able to cut (or whatever the official name is) some wood relatively easy. It also came with about 8-10 older Craftsman chisels. All this for $40. There is no faceplate, and it has a dead center. (is that the correct term? I really am new at this whole lathe thing.)

I've never owned a lathe before, just played with one for about 3 minutes earlier this year at a woodworking class,and I must admit, it was pretty fun.

I really have no idea what I'm doing, and have very little idea where to start. The chisels are semi sharp, how do I make them very sharp? (I don't have a grinder) Are there any website's for the turning neophyte?

Did I get a good deal - or did I get screwed? Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks Rob

Reply to
Rob Worgull
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Easily fixed if you can find out the spindle/thread size of the headstock.

Yes it is the correct term and if you can find the Morse taper size chances are you can get a live center to replace it

Here is a good place to start:

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and digest and then go to it and turn as much firewood as you canfor a few weeks to learn some skill. Then think about getting someupgrades done to the lathe after you get some idea of your needs. Fornow if you want to do bowls then a faceplate is kinda important butyou can turn bowls between centers. Look here:
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to wood turning you might become addicted like the rest of us!Have fun :-)

Reply to
Peter Hyde

Rob see here for some reference materials: A nice set up for your Powerkraft:

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and Ward catalog with all the specs for your lathe whichshould make it easier for parts hunting:
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Reply to
Peter Hyde

Hi Rob, What a deal! For $40 and Peter's good advice and referral to a free great teaching site, you can't beat it. Fun day after day, rain or shine. An easy introduction to a satisfying hobby made up of decent people. New friends standing in line to help you. I suggest using the lathe & tools as you bought them and turn found wood for now. Some beautiful work has been turned on that set-up. You won't outgrow it for a while and sooner than you think you will be offering advice, trying to keep up with the demand for your turnings, and you will know what particular upgrades are worth your while.

Have fun and keep us posted as you progress. Arch

p.s. On the slim chance that someone persuades you that you made a bad deal, I'll give you $41 for the outfit. :) A.

Fortiter,

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Reply to
Arch

Peter ~

I went to

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it isindeed a great treatise. I e-mailed Brian Clifford at the address you kindly gave me in youre-mail that you sent to me but have received no answer. I thought thatit might be available in book or manuscript form. So, being afraid that the website might disappear, I printed out all 60+ pages tonight. Tomorrow I go and buy new ink cartridges!

Thank you very much for sharing this website with us as that is the best and most complete information on turning that I have ever come across.

Peace ~ Sir Edgar =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8= =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8

Reply to
Sir Edgar

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