Lathe Question

[Henricogolfer]

This can be had for $60, thoughts? I am looking to start wood turning, I am somewhat proficient with woodworking tools, but not a lathe.


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[lilredex]

It is a starter lathe with those rails, not that rigid, but good enough for smaller turnings. A cast iron bed is always better. I started with something similar, but it did have a light duty cast iron bed.

Check to see what the spindle connection is then look at Grizzly to see what is available.....that would make my decision.

 

[gungatim]

cummins was sub HF quality tool truck sales in parking lots...lots of that stuff at farm auctions. personally I would look for something better with a cast iron bed, even a used CM from HF is a step up.

I would pass...

 

[hsvtoolfool]

I'd pass and keep looking. You can probably make a better lathe yourself from scrap lumber and a couple of pillow block bearings. Hey, it works.

My favorite beginner wood lathe is the original Jet "midi" lathe. It's just right for small projects. Back when they only cost $250 they were a no-brainer. Now they want $400 to $500 for the thing. You can find a full-size used lathe with tools for that much on Craigslist. But for beginners, I like that the teeny-tiny motor and belt aren't big enough to be dangerous. A catch with a skew just stops the work. Or if you force a dull tool into the work, the motor stops or the belt slips. Instant feedback. You learn quick that way.

 

[Packard V8]

The classic Delta/Powermatic, et al, cast iron lathes are much more durable and more rigid. That most require moving the belts to different pulley diameters to change speeds are less convenient than the recent Chicom imports which have rheostat speed controls.

FWIW, I recently rescued a Delta lathe and found no takers locally at $100. Because they didn't sell here, a complete shop of Delta and Craftsman woodworking machines went to Africa. How ironic is that?

jack vines

 

[Henricogolfer]

Thanks everyone!

 

[rsanter]

If working, $60 is top price for that machine but for that price you can get started and learn on it.
Eventually you could use it as a disc sander or resell it

 

[seber]

That 1/3 hp motor isn't going to turn anything larger than spindles. I'd give it a hard pass.