I'm looking to buy a small lathe, for pen turning only. Would like a decent quality lathe, without getting too crazy. I have no desire or plans for doing anything bigger, and space is a premium. I"ve done some searches, read the penmaking group on Yahoo's site, etc., but get no real concensus of opinion on what a good lathe would be.
Anyone here have any experience turning pens, and maybe point me in the "right" direction? Thanks for any and all help, even opinions would be appreciated at this point...
If you want to ONLY make pens, I would suggest the new Jet Pen Lathe. I've used it on several demonstrations and in some classes that I teach. It really works well for pens. Its almost small and light enough to strap it on your forearm! Just a couple things to consider.
1) It has a non standard taper in the headstock (i.e. smaller than a MT1). It comes with a good pen mandrel, but I would order an extra from Jet, just to keep on hand.
2) The handles that tighten the banjo and tailstock leave much to be desired. Take 'em off and replace the with simple bolts. Use a rachet box-end wrench to tighten the bolts.
3) The three pen turning tools that come with it are ultra cheap. Throw them away and get a decent set.
Don't be put off by the 1/12 HP rating. Its plenty for pen turning. You can simply throw the whole thing in a drawer when you're not using it!
I have to agree with Digger here. I just bought the Jet Mini over the Jet Pen lathe for the exact reasons that Peter states.
I am new to pen turning although I started turning full size in 1975. I am totally satisfied and happy with the Jet Mini. I didn't see any need to go with the new variable speed model. You still need to change the belt on the pulley and it still won't turn down any slower the 500 rpm.
Thanks guys, the Jet Mini sounds like it may be the way to go. Get a little more lathe, for a little more money than the "pen lathe", although I can see why people might go for that one too...
Any weak spots anyone is aware of with this lathe, things to watch out for or change right away?
There are two things that I've noticed and they are minor.
If you tend to really grab hold of the headstock handwheel to slow the lathe down quickly, you'll notice that the handwheel gets loose. IF this happens to you, all you need to do is file a small flat on the spindle shaft where the setscrews for the handwheel touch it. Don't put the handwheel on again too tight or too loose. Once you do this, you shouldn't have a problem again if you even have the problem in the first place.
The second "problem" with this lathe I've found on *some* of them is that the tailstock tends to creep (doesn't lock down tightly on the bed) if you stress it. The culprit is the adjustment of the "washer" under the tailstock that presses up against the bed. Back off the nut under this "washer" just a bit until the tailstock really holds then put some Loctite on that nut/thread to hold it there.
Like I said, these are minor and you may never notice them anyway. This is a quality lathe. I've stressed mine and several others (all Jet Minis) to their max and they've handled it.
If you're seeing over $300 these days, you're looking at the new variable speed model. It's not worth it, in my opinion, for this kind of lathe. The "regular" Jet Mini should be found for $200 or a little less.
Jet currently has a promotion for the mini lathe to sell for $199. This price should be found at Woodcraft, Pen State, your local dealer or anywhere else that sells Jet. This price will be good until the end of April when the price is said to be going back up to the normal $349. Their variable speed version will be going back up from the current $299 also. So if any of you are considering the Jet mini - sooner is better than later. I work for a Jet dealer, and that's what Jet is telling us. I myself don't own a Jet mini lathe, but I wouldn't hesitate in an instant to purchase one if I didn't already own two mini lathes already.
Should find it for $199 at most places. You're aware its not as small nor light as a standard pen lathe, right? Its bigger and a whole lot heavier but its an excellent lathe too. The box is 1'x1½'x2½' and weighs 78#s - if space is at a premuim.
http://sh> Also, where is a good place to get the Jet? I'm seeing prices over
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