Deal or No Deal - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Steviegwood · 02-18-2008, 07:32 PM

Hi Everyone, I have the chance to purchase this lathe. It is made in China and opens to 40". Set of eight knives and another brand new set of knives and the old Craftsman lathe goes with the package deal $75. Now Deal or NO Deal. Thanks, Steve

jigsue · 02-18-2008, 08:00 PM

I would say you cannot go wrong with the price of the lathe(s), but the chisels look decidedly dodgy. I don't think we have a chisel that we paid that little for (other than perhaps the odd second-hand ones we have picked up). You may also be limited on the size of pieces you can make, we are, but we do not use the lathe that often, so do not mind too much. However, if you want to make plates, bowls etc, you need one where the headstock rotates. It all depends what you intend to turn.

Sue

workin for wood · 02-18-2008, 08:17 PM

Just looking at the pictures I'm saying to my self "feet don't fail me now!" because I'm running for the hills! The chisels are as junk as they get, you can purchase better junk than those in a 5 pc set for $10 at woodcraft. The lathe is totally non conforming to most models, so it's a pain to do upgrades. Tail stock is as whimpy as I have ever seen. No idea about the motor if there even is one, as I don't see it. Chisels are in the way so I can't see how the tail locks and if it can move out. I dont' see a locking pin for freeing up a face plate. Can't tell how you move and lock down the tail or the tool rest. Looks frustrating. The second one might be ok if you have a row boat that needs an anchor. You can do way better without much more cash, and I do mean waaaaaay better! If you are desperate for a lathe, keep looking. Join some turning forums and put the word out you are tight on cash and want a lathe. A few hundred dollars will put you into a jet mini which is a great quality little machine. You can find used ones cheaper. Ebay is probably not the best place, the weight of the machine for shipping is the biggest issue. Look for turning clubs in your neighborhood. Watch the classifieds in your paper. I can make better chisels than those el super cheapos out of old files with a grinder.

lucky788scroller · 02-19-2008, 03:53 AM

I would say No deal, and watch your local craigslist for a better quality used machine. Dale

bearfretworks · 02-19-2008, 05:05 AM

You get what you pay for.....................NO DEAL is my $.02.

Rivari · 02-19-2008, 05:42 AM

I have to go with the others on this one, this set up is rather junky at best. If you get it you will limit yourself before you ever make any shavings. Now if you needed a boat anchor it might be perfect for you.

Rolf · 02-19-2008, 01:38 PM

I would also say NO deal. As soon as you start turning You will NEED a chuck,
and lots of other accessories. This lath looks non standard and the add on bits may not fit.
I picked up my used Jet 12/36 for $250.
Save your money and keep your eyes open for the right deal.

knothead · 02-19-2008, 02:42 PM

I also say no DEAL. I have had my 36" delta for years and never had any problems. I think you can find a much better deal.

Tom

campasano · 02-19-2008, 03:59 PM

I have to agree with everyone else, NO DEAL. Steve do not throw your money away. Look at craigslist or ebay. you may get lucky and find a better deal......MIKE

michaelK · 02-19-2008, 08:44 PM

Steve,

I agree with everyone else.

This is some scary looking stuff.

But don't walk away from this, RUN!

02-18-2008, 08:17 PM	#3
workin for wood Master Scroller Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Eaton Rapids Michigan Posts: 2,474	Just looking at the pictures I'm saying to my self "feet don't fail me now!" because I'm running for the hills! The chisels are as junk as they get, you can purchase better junk than those in a 5 pc set for $10 at woodcraft. The lathe is totally non conforming to most models, so it's a pain to do upgrades. Tail stock is as whimpy as I have ever seen. No idea about the motor if there even is one, as I don't see it. Chisels are in the way so I can't see how the tail locks and if it can move out. I dont' see a locking pin for freeing up a face plate. Can't tell how you move and lock down the tail or the tool rest. Looks frustrating. The second one might be ok if you have a row boat that needs an anchor. You can do way better without much more cash, and I do mean waaaaaay better! If you are desperate for a lathe, keep looking. Join some turning forums and put the word out you are tight on cash and want a lathe. A few hundred dollars will put you into a jet mini which is a great quality little machine. You can find used ones cheaper. Ebay is probably not the best place, the weight of the machine for shipping is the biggest issue. Look for turning clubs in your neighborhood. Watch the classifieds in your paper. I can make better chisels than those el super cheapos out of old files with a grinder. __________________ Jeff Powell

02-19-2008, 05:05 AM	#5
bearfretworks Retired Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Buse Township, MN Posts: 1,367	You get what you pay for.....................NO DEAL is my $.02. __________________ I love the smell of burnt gunpowder.....it reminds me of a full freezer

02-19-2008, 05:42 AM	#6
Rivari Southern Alaskan Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 865	I have to go with the others on this one, this set up is rather junky at best. If you get it you will limit yourself before you ever make any shavings. Now if you needed a boat anchor it might be perfect for you. __________________ *Todd* Hawk G4, Dremel 1800 Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

02-19-2008, 01:38 PM	#7
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	I would also say NO deal. As soon as you start turning You will NEED a chuck, and lots of other accessories. This lath looks non standard and the add on bits may not fit. I picked up my used Jet 12/36 for $250. Save your money and keep your eyes open for the right deal. __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can"

02-19-2008, 02:42 PM	#8
knothead Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: ARIZONA Posts: 719	I also say no DEAL. I have had my 36" delta for years and never had any problems. I think you can find a much better deal. Tom __________________ Tom ___________________ America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln

02-18-2008, 08:00 PM	#2
jigsue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 896	I would say you cannot go wrong with the price of the lathe(s), but the chisels look decidedly dodgy. I don't think we have a chisel that we paid that little for (other than perhaps the odd second-hand ones we have picked up). You may also be limited on the size of pieces you can make, we are, but we do not use the lathe that often, so do not mind too much. However, if you want to make plates, bowls etc, you need one where the headstock rotates. It all depends what you intend to turn. Sue

02-19-2008, 03:53 AM	#4
lucky788scroller Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6,260	I would say No deal, and watch your local craigslist for a better quality used machine. Dale

02-19-2008, 03:59 PM	#9
campasano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Citrus Heights,Ca. Posts: 505	I have to agree with everyone else, NO DEAL. Steve do not throw your money away. Look at craigslist or ebay. you may get lucky and find a better deal......MIKE

02-19-2008, 08:44 PM	#10
michaelK Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Round Lake, Illinois Posts: 62	Steve, I agree with everyone else. This is some scary looking stuff. But don't walk away from this, RUN! __________________ _______________________________________________ Mike Craftsman-16" saw

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