Question for turners

[silverstar]

I am thinking about getting myself a lathe. Is the Jet Mini, var speeds indexing lathe o.k. as a starter? What type tools do I need to start? I know nothing about lathes but want to learn. What is a good brand of tools not real expensive? I'm just going to start out with simple things at first, like candle sticks, want to get into bowls later. All help is appreciated.

[bearfretworks]

Beware......the lathe s the cheapest part of turning!

Yes, a Jet mini is a nice machine. I started with a 10" variable speed. If I was to do it over again, I'd not buy the VS, and use the extra $100 for tools. I stil lhave and use that lathe, but a PM3520b is my main lathe now.

You'll need spindle gouges and skew chisels for candle sticks. You'll need a bowl guge and scraper for bowes/bowls. Harbor Freight makes a decent $40 set of spindle chisels. Whatever you do, DO NOT use spindle gouges to turn bowls. The tang is much too short and they will break, potentially injuring the turner.

You'll need a sharpening system as well as a bunch of other things. Several turning forums exist that have the info you are looking for. www.sawmillcreek.org is a good one. I'm sure William will be along to dd to this and his forum has a few recent threads asking the exact questions you are.

Good luck! Your other tools will become turning blank storage tables once you buy a lathe.

[William Young]

Bruce.

As has been said

I'm sure William will be along to dd to this and his forum has a few recent threads asking the exact questions you are.

There are some very recent topics in my site that address what you are looking for. There is also 1014VSI lathe for sale in my buy /sell board.
That is a wonderful little lathe for pens and spurtles and bottle stoppes and Tea lights and small vases and small bowls and hundreds of other nice little things that can be made on a lathe that size.
W.Y.

[Paul S WI]

Bruce...definitely check WY's site. I get a lot of great information there including projects completed. Also, check out other sites with forums on turning. A lot of great turners willing to share their experience.
Now, I am not a turner yet. But I am ready to take that leap as I ordered a lathe and just waiting for its arrival. I started out reading several books by Richard Raffan and Barry Gross and will be adding other authors to my collection soon. Then I took several classes (basic courses, pen turning, and bowl turning). All the while surfing the Turning forums - gathering info on tools, techniques, finishes, mistakes made, money spent WOW anyway you get the idea.
And Bearfretworks is right, the lathe will be the least expensive tools (unless you go with a high end Lathe from the start).
Good luck with your new venture.