Got a chance to pick up my first lathe. (did some turning years ago) Any thoughts on Ridgid lathes? Can't find out much from the net. I guess it's a WL1200. Can't find a price either. This one is in good shape. How much is it worth? (ballpark)
I would think it might be worth up to $200.00 to some people. Pretty light duty for turning bowls, but can still be fun to play with.
Have fun,
Rick,
This is a good lathe to start on, I used the Craftsman version for 9 yrs. and turned just about everything I'm now turning on The General....... just more comfortably now!
If you bolt the lathe to a sturdy bench, you should be able to turn out some nice bowls, hollow forms and table and chair parts too. I also had 4 or 5 cinder blocks on a shelf under the table/bench and never had vibration problems.
It's not the "modern" way to go, but I have nothing bad to say about that machine. Leif is still using his!
Happy Turning, Ruth
Woodturners Logo My shop and Turnings at
Hi Rick, It doesn't feel right to disagree with three good net friends who know what they are talking about, but this is RCW. ;) Don't spend 200 bucks for the Ridgid. Ruth, Leif, and Darrell could turn nicely on an apple corer, but why repeat their years of experience and their commendable loyalty to old machines that once served them well but have been superceded. A brand new Mini Jet is $199, has a integral motor with a small footprint, bed can be extended, spindle is the common and strong
1X8, bed is solid and machined flat, has stood the tests of time and misuse, and is wide use today. I defend my old Dunlap tilt- top table saw, but I wouldn't buy one today. Maybe $85 for the Ridgid and move up to the Jet next month. (weak grin).Happy new year, R, L. & D. Forgive me.
Arch
Fortiter,
I had a moment of weakness at the BORG, (recovered fortunately) and they had this lathe listed for $197 with the stand. I think I might like the Delta Midi a LOT better too. Good advice can save you a lot of money too.
Many thanks for the input. The price, as I found out later, was TOO high.
Arch wisely wrote: ....."Don't spend 200 bucks for the Ridgid. =A0 Ruth, Leif, and Darrell could turn nicely on an apple corer, but why repeat their years of experience and their commendable loyalty to old machines that once served them well but have been superceded. A brand new Mini Jet is $199," ....snip...
**************************************** First, Arch, thank you for that high compliment on my turning ability...... never tried an apple corer....hmmmm.As I read your post, I did a mental palm to forehead slap! You are absolutely right, and I have a Jet Mini that I'm getting to love more and more!
Doesn't have to be a Jet but the mini lathes on the market are just super. Yesterday I turned a 10" box elder burl, out-of-balance chunk, and that little lathe made The General feel a wee bit insecure! I still love him but Miss Mini sure can handle more than I originally gave her credit for!
Ruth
Woodturners Logo My shop and Turnings at
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