Wood Lathes

[propav8r]

I'm looking at picking up a wood lathe to start turning some stuff on, just to see if I like it. I'm looking on Craigslist and there seems to be a bunch of older stuff in the $100-$150 range, then a big jump for stuff in the $600-$700 range.

Most are just a basic electric motor belt drive to the spindle.

Am I going to notice a huge difference between brands (Craftsman, Delta, Rockwell, etc?) Are there any things I need to look out for? Features that are worth a few bucks more?

 

[pault28]

I'll try and give my two cents. Many of the older craftsman, as well as the rigid benchtop lathes use a MT1 in the headstock and tail stock and a 3/4" spindle diameter. Often, you'll have to buy accessories, perhaps a live center or a chuck because they are hardly ever included. They certainly make smaller sized stuff for the 3/4" spindle or MT1 stuff for the smaller morse taper, but I'd suggest buying a used one that uses a more common MT2 morse taper and a 1"8tpi spindle. Then if you decide to step up to a bigger lathe, the older accessories may still work and you won't have to buy them twice. I have a delta 46-460. It's a benchtop variable speed midi lathe. I do not have the extension bed to go wider but it is perfect for me since I do pens, salt/pepper shakers/ wine stops, etc. I didn't need a full size powermatic with a huge bed since I am not doing spindles.

I'd try to find a lathe with:
MT2 headstock and tail stock
1"-8tpi spindle
Variable speed (beyond just switching belts since larger out of round stuff you want to spin slower)

I'd look for a used jet or delta. Luckily they are usually pretty easy to sell if you want to upgrade down the line.

 

[propav8r]

I'll try and give my two cents. Many of the older craftsman, as well as the rigid benchtop lathes use a MT1 in the headstock and tail stock and a 3/4" spindle diameter. Often, you'll have to buy accessories, perhaps a live center or a chuck because they are hardly ever included. They certainly make smaller sized stuff for the 3/4" spindle or MT1 stuff for the smaller morse taper, but I'd suggest buying a used one that uses a more common MT2 morse taper and a 1"8tpi spindle. Then if you decide to step up to a bigger lathe, the older accessories may still work and you won't have to buy them twice. I have a delta 46-460. It's a benchtop variable speed midi lathe. I do not have the extension bed to go wider but it is perfect for me since I do pens, salt/pepper shakers/ wine stops, etc. I didn't need a full size powermatic with a huge bed since I am not doing spindles.

I'd try to find a lathe with:
MT2 headstock and tail stock
1"-8tpi spindle
Variable speed (beyond just switching belts since larger out of round stuff you want to spin slower)

I'd look for a used jet or delta. Luckily they are usually pretty easy to sell if you want to upgrade down the line.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to check this out tomorrow.

http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/4997505342.html

 

[pault28]

Good luck! Looks like a solid one for the asking price. I don't turn as much as I'd like to, but I do find it very relaxing, almost therapeutic. I really enjoy it. It's amazing how quickly some of the pens or small projects can be completed, from blocks of wood to a finished project. Once you've turned the stuff, finishing in the lathe is super easy too. Good times!

 

[propav8r]

Just got a response to an ad...a guy has a JET 36" (From cursory research, I assume it's probably a 1236) and some tools for $350.

Doesn't seem like a bad deal, but HF has a clone of the same lathe that gets really, really good reviews..with coupon, it would be about $220. No tools though.

 

[woody 73]

A good lathe is heavy as a matter of fact the heavier it is the better (at least for wood lathes) the reason being the added weight tends to dampen any vibrations when you first start turning odd shapes until they become more stable with each cut from your lathe tool.

Sometimes you will find older models with sand bags something that helps to stop all the vibrations. Now of course smaller lathes are ok for turning smaller items will not need much weight but when you are talking about turning very large items the more weight the better.

When you are talking serious wood lathes and higher price tags then you will start to see cast iron legs and solid steel beds , weights approaching the 600 to 800lb range.

But for just starting out the lathe you are looking at will be fine.

 

[propav8r]

Wound up snagging the Jet. It is indeed a 1236, about 2000 vintage. Nearly unused. $200 for the lathe and an assortment of tools and other things.

 

[PugetDude]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to check this out tomorrow.

http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/4997505342.html

Wound up snagging the Jet. It is indeed a 1236, about 2000 vintage. Nearly unused. $200 for the lathe and an assortment of tools and other things.

The old Delta has an indexing head...just sayin'...

 

[propav8r]

 

[PugetDude]

Nice!

 

[pauls_workshop]

That is a super deal on that Jet and perhaps an "ideal" starter lathe. Let us know how you like it ! - Paul

 

[propav8r]

I've made a few things so far. Several shift knobs, a cup, etc.

I need to figure out a better way to finish the knobs other than shellac. Turns out shellac bubbles up and out of the wood when the interior of the car gets hot in the sun.

I also just ordered a Barracuda 2 4-jaw chuck and a 1/2" drill chuck so I can start doing some more intricate work.

 

[LordPsychon]

You earn a "you ****" award for the Craigslist deal and a "you rock!" award for the turned items.

 

[Maui]

Use tongue oil (5 coats total), and when dry in between coats use an extremely fine sandpaper to knock down the fibers that stand up. It will look like glass when you're done. The coating is very durable, and won't bubble when applied properly. After five years of steady use, you may have to apply a few new coats. And if you do it will look new again.

Maui

 

[LordPsychon]

Use tung oil (5 coats total), and when dry in between coats use an extremely fine sandpaper to knock down the fibers that stand up. It will look like glass when you're done. The coating is very durable, and won't bubble when applied properly. After five years of steady use, you may have to apply a few new coats. And if you do it will look new again.

Maui

There, fixed it for ya! Tung oil's a great choice though, better in heat than shellac.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Use tongue oil (5 coats total), and when dry in between coats use an extremely fine sandpaper to knock down the fibers that stand up. It will look like glass when you're done. The coating is very durable, and won't bubble when applied properly. After five years of steady use, you may have to apply a few new coats. And if you do it will look new again.

Maui

Call this chick up...she can probably help with that tongue oil....


btw, nice lathe and nicer work!

 

[propav8r]

There, fixed it for ya! Tung oil's a great choice though, better in heat than shellac.

Cool, I'll give that a shot. I guess I could try a polyurethane or spar varnish too.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Another idea is French Finish. I learned about that back in middle school woodshop back in the day and put it on some maple lamp lathe projects back then. It is basically 1/3rd Shellac and 2/3rd Linseed Oil, but "burned" in to the lathe project but putting on rags and applying to the spinning project until your rag is dry and hot. you do several coats of it. While I haven't put my lamp in a hot car, it has lasted oh a good 33 years or so now and the finish is about as good as new on it still with no touchups of any kind since. - Paul

 

[bindernut]

Wound up snagging the Jet. It is indeed a 1236, about 2000 vintage. Nearly unused. $200 for the lathe and an assortment of tools and other things.

You **** big time!! Do the police know you STOLE it??? I paid $800 for the same lathe and some tools and accessories and I still think I did good, that lathe is at least &12-1300 without any extras. Congrats!!
I also have an older Rockwell Delta that came out of of the grade school I went to. The jet is bigger and has a rotating headstock which is great if you want to turn large bowls or platters and it's easier to change speeds on, but I still use the rockwell most of the time. I've thought about selling the jet actually but I'll probably end up taking it to my dads for his shop.

 

[bubinga]

Yeah, good advise finding a more common say 1 X 8 TPI with # 2 MT Head spindle and tail.
Also keep in mind, easier to find used centers, chucks, etc.
You can always convert to a VFD or Treadmill motor down the road too.
But keep your cone pullies too.
Also if you happen to find a deal on a Oliver, don't pass it up.
Albeit odd ball spindle, it is 1 1/8" X 8TPI , but you can find them,centers are #2 MT. And they normally have a reeves drive.
Mine is sporting a 110Volt input VFD Inverter, with a Reeves drive. Its sweet! But you surly don't *need* the VFD esp. at first.

I'll try and give my two cents. Many of the older craftsman, as well as the rigid bench-top lathes use a MT1 in the headstock and tail stock and a 3/4" spindle diameter. Often, you'll have to buy accessories, perhaps a live center or a chuck because they are hardly ever included. They certainly make smaller sized stuff for the 3/4" spindle or MT1 stuff for the smaller morse taper, but I'd suggest buying a used one that uses a more common MT2 morse taper and a 1"8tpi spindle. Then if you decide to step up to a bigger lathe, the older accessories may still work and you won't have to buy them twice. I have a delta 46-460. It's a benchtop variable speed midi lathe. I do not have the extension bed to go wider but it is perfect for me since I do pens, salt/pepper shakers/ wine stops, etc. I didn't need a full size powermatic with a huge bed since I am not doing spindles.

I'd try to find a lathe with:
MT2 headstock and tail stock
1"-8tpi spindle
Variable speed (beyond just switching belts since larger out of round stuff you want to spin slower)

I'd look for a used jet or delta. Luckily they are usually pretty easy to sell if you want to upgrade down the line.

 

[bubinga]

Listen to woody 73;4981051, how do you think he got his screen name?
LOL
he's a good guy too!

A good lathe is heavy as a matter of fact the heavier it is the better (at least for wood lathes) the reason being the added weight tends to dampen any vibrations when you first start turning odd shapes until they become more stable with each cut from your lathe tool.

Sometimes you will find older models with sand bags something that helps to stop all the vibrations. Now of course smaller lathes are ok for turning smaller items will not need much weight but when you are talking about turning very large items the more weight the better.

When you are talking serious wood lathes and higher price tags then you will start to see cast iron legs and solid steel beds , weights approaching the 600 to 800lb range.

But for just starting out the lathe you are looking at will be fine.

 

[bubinga]

Wound up snagging the Jet. It is indeed a 1236, about 2000 vintage. Nearly unused. $200 for the lathe and an assortment of tools and other things.

That is a super deal on that Jet and perhaps an "ideal" starter lathe. Let us know how you like it ! - Paul

Yeah man, good snag!!!

You earn a "you ****" award for the Craigslist deal and a "you rock!" award for the turned items.

Yeah, they look good, nice Job man,

Another idea is French Finish. I learned about that back in middle school woodshop back in the day and put it on some maple lamp lathe projects back then. It is basically 1/3rd Shellac and 2/3rd Linseed Oil, but "burned" in to the lathe project but putting on rags and applying to the spinning project until your rag is dry and hot. you do several coats of it. While I haven't put my lamp in a hot car, it has lasted oh a good 33 years or so now and the finish is about as good as new on it still with no touchups of any kind since. - Paul

Yeah, shellac will do that (bubble up) Try water base polly, and/or deft brushing lacquer.

Yeah, mr Neil in High school has us use that "french polish" all the time.

 

[cgv69]

That is a great first lathe and you almost stole it at that price. Nice snag!

 

[propav8r]

 

[ford guy]

Great Lathe & a super price! I've got the same lathe (and paid a lot more than you).
There is a mod you can do to lower the RPMs here: http://www.chrisbillman.com/Projects/LatheSpeed.htm

The mod is pretty easy to do and will lower the RPM under 500