Seeking Advice On Buying a Lathe

[Rick-H]

I think the 1642 is a great lathe. For the money I haven't seen anything better. I have turned some big stuff on it and done some coring with the Mcnaughten tool and have been happy with it. It is so quiet when running I can listen to the TV. Mine is the 110 volt 1 1/2 HP model. I would recommend it to anyone, but if you think you need more power, there is a 2HP 220 volt model also.

[tnirish]

JWL-1236 is what I have

[Ramjet]

With all this lathe talk I have a question re static . Jet 1220 vs knocks out my radio with static in my shed , when my wife is turning on the lathe in the basement ..I have my dewalt there in the shed . Is there a suppressor or a simple fix . Do some lathes not create static and is this something to consider for the rest of the household ,and when purchasing a lathe ?
Roger

[miniwoodworker]

I'm no expert, but this sounds like an electrical problem in the lathe motor or on your circuit. Do you get the static on your radio just by turning the lathe on? If so, the electrical outlet may not be wired / grounded properly. One way to test, is to use a HEAVY Duty extension cord to plug into an outlet on another circuit. If the static goes away, you know the problem is in the outlet. If not, it's more likely the problem is in the motor.

Just my 2-cents until someone with more experience with this problem comes along. Hope it helps, a bit.

[Ramjet]

Lee .Thanks ,I 'll check that out.
Roger

[Scrolling Days]

So I've been looking into this some more. Buying a larger lathe, as some suggested, makes sense, but I don't think I want to commit upwards of $1,000 or more to buy one (I have never turned wood before and I don't want to go overboard).

A lot of you mentioned Jet products, and from what I'm reading, they look nice. Still kind of costly, though.

What do you guys think about this one?

LINK

Is PSI a decent brand?

Also, how important is being able to adjust the headstock and tailstock without using tools (as offered by most of the Jets)?

Thanks.

[Trout]

Originally Posted by Scrolling Days

I don't think I want to commit upwards of $1,000 or more to buy one (I have never turned wood before and I don't want to go overboard).

I was at Wood Crafters yesterday picking up some wood dowels and was checking out the 20 inch Jet lathe, by the time the guy told me everything I would need the cost was well over $1,000 just to get started..

Trout

[miniwoodworker]

Trout, you can get started for far less than that. It's like buying a scroll saw. As you see here in the forum, there's a wide range of prices and people successfully using them, in each of the general price breaks.

Here's an example of a brand to check out. While I haven't used one of their lathes, I have a number of their products and I've been satisified with both the tools and their service. Grizzly.com® -- Product Categories

To keep your investment to a minimum until you know how much you'll enjoy turning, first of all look for a used lathe. It'll take some legwork, but get a handle on the retail of several brands. Then, work towards finding a used one for 50% of retail or less. (FWIW, thats the breakpoint I use when shopping for used equipment.)Depending on your area, you may find them in pawn shops, flea markets, swap meets, ads in your local paper, ebay,etc.

Next, don't let the sales people talk you into those beautiful high end turning tools. And, don't let them talk you into buying those 10 piece sets. (Some of which you may never use.) Again, look for used to start. If you can't find them, used, look for mid-range in quality. Sure, you'll have to sharpen them more often. But, also remember you'll have to learn to sharpen them. That means it's better to learn how on a less than top end tools.

One item to keep in mind is that you'll need a grinder. Choose one that either runs at 1750 rpm or a variable speed one. Most inexpensive grinders run 3600 rpm. (Much too fast for your use with lathe chisels.) If you can't find one used, watch for Lowes 20% off sales and pick up a variable speed Delta. Best I remember, mine ran around $100 +/- a few bucks.

Oh, did you know that you can make some of your turning tools? (Materials sources: lawnmower blades and auto leaf springs.) And, you can make substitutions for some tools. For example, need to cut down a cylinder to 3/4" ? A 3/4" open end wrench will work as a caliper.

In closing, may I suggest your first purchase be a good book on turning and/or a DVD on the subject? And, research on the net to get as much info as you can. Once you get a handle on the basics and the principles, it'll be easier to keep your expenses down, when you first get started, since you'll have a better handle on the basics and the "bells and whistles". After you've turned for a while, you'll be in a better position to decide if it's worth it to YOU to invest in high end tools and accessories.

Hope this helps.

[Trout]

it wasn't like the guy was tiring to sell me a bunch of stuff I didn't need..

that $1,000 also included the slow speed girder with the special grinding wheels and some jigs to help get the tuning tools just right and sharp..
he said you can ruin a $100 gouge real quick. I never thought about all that stuff.

I found out that there's more to wood turning than just having lathe...

thanks for your input..
Trout

[miniwoodworker]

His comment about the gouge is the reason why I recommend starting out with tools like these in the beginning. Economy Turning Tools - Lee Valley Tools (A) Less fear of messing up a $20 gouge when first starting out learning how to sharpen (B) It isn't a $100 one, if you do ruin it. Opps do happen, especially when learning a new skill.

As to a sharpening jig, there are many plans for shop built versions that can be made at little cost. Here's an example of one using the search keywords - sharpening jig plans - . King Heiple's Shop-Built Jig

One other point, once you've mastered sharpening those tools, odds are that you'll go straight to the hone or grinder and won't bother with setting up or adjusting a gig.

BTW, In turning, there are several other jigs used that can be shop made or purchased. A good example is a steady rest for spindle turning.

FWIW, I often drool when I look at the high end turning tools, lathes, and accessories at the Woodworking Shop. But, I know it wouldn't be money well spent for the amount of turning that I do. It would be much different if turning were my primary focus. As it is those dollars for high end would be better spent on a dust collector and a better air filter system for my shop.

Yes, there's a lot involved when getting into turning. Everything from how to stop green wood from warping/checking to how to center a lopsided blank. But, it really isn't that much different from starting out with a scrollsaw. Initially there's a lot to learn, including determing how much work and what type of work you'll do with the saw.

That's why I recommend starting out with a reasonably low initial investment. (No, I don't recommend going with the cheapest things on the market.) Then, if you enjoy turning and determine what style you like best, move on up to higher quality/cost tools and accessories, IF that's needed. If what you have meets your needs you'll have those extra dollars for more WOOD.

Hope this makes sense and is helpful.