Beginners lathe?

[Daniël Bos]

Hallo,

 

I've decided my life is void of meaning unless I have a lathe.

I've played with turning before, a long time ago though, and am a complete novice, I know very little about what machines are good and what just looks good etc.

 

I'm looking for a machine that's easy enough to use for a beginner, but doesn't need upgrading too soon because of reaching the limits of capability?

 

With such kit, is it better to buy a really good solid 2nd hand or new?

 

What's a good selection of chucks etc to start of with, wanting to turn bowls, small plates etc.?

 

Basically: help, I'm clueless!

 

Thanks, Daniel

[se7enthdevil]

welcome to the weird world of turning mate.

 

the machine you want depends on what exactly you would like to turn.

 

a good second hand one to start you off is the best way to go.

 

i'm on my third lathe and have had it for ten years.

[Daniël Bos]

Well... I don't don't really know exactly what I would like to turn...

I would like to make some bowls, tool handles, small trinkets etc.

Is there a machine that'll do most things ok? I suppose if I want to specialise in one thing or another I can get a machine to suit the specific purpose, but until I've tried everything a bit I won't know?

[se7enthdevil]

most lates will be able to turn those sorts of things the only limit being their overall capacity and power so i suggest you buy a small but decent lathe off ebay and have some fun till you discover what road you wish to go down.

 

i'll see if i can find a few for you to look at.

 

what is your location?

Edited August 23, 2018 by se7enthdevil

[Daniël Bos]

Cheers Steve!

 

I'm in Oxford mostly, but don't mind travelling or paying for postage.

 

I just don't know what brands/models etc to look for?

[Conor Wright]

Maybe consider a shopsmith? not for everyone but a very versatile little machine, good lathe with a few other bits added on! Got myself one two years ago.. must admit I rarely use it but thats my fault, not the machines.. check them out.. expensive new but can be got secondhand now and then. Mines a mk5 from the late 80's. built like a tank and still in good nick.. Basically its one motor running a drill, lathe, sander, band saw and circular saw in one. Any lathe can only be as good as the chisels you're using on it.. so spending a few quid on those is equally important!

As far as I am concerned a well built older machine is a better buy than a flimsy cheapo new one.

Thats my two cent.. if you are serious about turning bowls it may be better to go for a dedicated machine.

[se7enthdevil]

older is usually better i agree but i would not go for a shopsmith if you only want a lathe.

 

what's your budget dan?

[se7enthdevil]

here is a good set of tools to keep an eye on.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wood-lathe-chisel-set/273418142640?hash=item3fa8fdc3b0:g:UEwAAOSwqLxbesZB

[Conor Wright]

9 hours ago, se7enthdevil said:

older is usually better i agree but i would not go for a shopsmith if you only want a lathe.

 

what's your budget dan?

I would tend to agree to be honest, however if you need some other tools to compliment the lathe it may be a worthwhile coonsideration.. if you have a few bits in the workshop already, probably cheaper and easier to find a good old lathe somewhere..

[Woodworks]

Got an old Coronet No 3 myself. Does all you have mentioned and built to last so worth keeping an eye out for SH IMO

 

Like this with a rotating headstock which enables large bowls to be turned. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/record-power-woodturning-lathe-coronet-no3-with-many-extras-IE-chisel-blanks/332771408006?hash=item4d7ab8b886:g:WBgAAOSwkzhbeb~5

Edited August 24, 2018 by Woodworks