Carpentry and Woodworking - Suggestions for a good lathe
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tradiesdaughter
02-01-09, 03:54 PM
Dear All,
My Dad is building his dream shed so he can finally do some lathe work. He's got a big birthday coming up and I'd love to surprise him with a lathe for his shed. Problem is, I don't know what specs to look for.
He is a very experienced builder and plumber but hasn't used a lathe more than once before.
Any tips would be very greatly appreciated. I expect he'll want to make chairs and tables mostly.
Kind regards,
Julie
My Dad is building his dream shed so he can finally do some lathe work. He's got a big birthday coming up and I'd love to surprise him with a lathe for his shed. Problem is, I don't know what specs to look for.
He is a very experienced builder and plumber but hasn't used a lathe more than once before.
Any tips would be very greatly appreciated. I expect he'll want to make chairs and tables mostly.
Kind regards,
Julie
Wirepuller38
02-01-09, 03:57 PM
Are we talking wood lathe for turning wood or metal lathe for turning metal?
Gunguy45
02-01-09, 04:03 PM
WP I don't think he'll be making solid metal turned table legs...lol...though it would be unique!
Tradies.....there are some woodworkers around that I'm sure will have some answers. How much do you feel like paying? Good shop power tools don't come real cheap unless they are used. I could give brand names, but I've never used one, so I wouldn't know what features are really necessary and what are frills.
Tradies.....there are some woodworkers around that I'm sure will have some answers. How much do you feel like paying? Good shop power tools don't come real cheap unless they are used. I could give brand names, but I've never used one, so I wouldn't know what features are really necessary and what are frills.
tradiesdaughter
02-01-09, 05:10 PM
Yep, it would be wood!
As for amount to spend, I'm unsure. I don't mind looking for a good used one, but would like an idea of the specs - ie. what is a decent RPM speed, HP, turning length (etc) for a beginner, with some skill with tools?
As for amount to spend, I'm unsure. I don't mind looking for a good used one, but would like an idea of the specs - ie. what is a decent RPM speed, HP, turning length (etc) for a beginner, with some skill with tools?
Randy Mallory
02-01-09, 06:09 PM
Hello tradiesdaughter,
One question you need to answer first. I think I saw the answer, but it definitely needs consideration before you spring for a lathe. You mentioned tables and chairs. That tends to make me think he will be interested in "architectural" turning...that is to turn structural/decorative elements to supplement or enhance his furniture, cabinet, or architectural work. The other world of turning involves things such as bowls, other types of hollow vessels, ornaments, and such.
That said, if you are serious about tables and chairs, you need to look at full size lathes. The main consideration would be "distance between centers." Typically, a full size lathe would be in the 40" plus range. These lathes would also typically have larger "swing over bed" capacity...they will be able to turn vessels, etc. with larger diameters.
If you think he'd be more interested in decorative things such as pens and ornaments, then a mini or midi lathe would be ok...usually at a substantially lower price. Most of the better midi lathes can be upgraded later with bed extensions.
Next, consider price and quality. The two are quite often relative with some exceptions. Some brands that stand out (there are others) are Jet, Delta, and Oneway. You may find some of your better DEALS with Grizzly(Grizzly.com -- Home (http://www.grizzly.com)). They've come a long way in the recent years in developing quite a good reputation for quality and even better reputation for customer service.
Good luck in shopping. One thing I can say about wood turning is that is VERY addictive and satisfying...well, sometimes frustrating, too. :)
One question you need to answer first. I think I saw the answer, but it definitely needs consideration before you spring for a lathe. You mentioned tables and chairs. That tends to make me think he will be interested in "architectural" turning...that is to turn structural/decorative elements to supplement or enhance his furniture, cabinet, or architectural work. The other world of turning involves things such as bowls, other types of hollow vessels, ornaments, and such.
That said, if you are serious about tables and chairs, you need to look at full size lathes. The main consideration would be "distance between centers." Typically, a full size lathe would be in the 40" plus range. These lathes would also typically have larger "swing over bed" capacity...they will be able to turn vessels, etc. with larger diameters.
If you think he'd be more interested in decorative things such as pens and ornaments, then a mini or midi lathe would be ok...usually at a substantially lower price. Most of the better midi lathes can be upgraded later with bed extensions.
Next, consider price and quality. The two are quite often relative with some exceptions. Some brands that stand out (there are others) are Jet, Delta, and Oneway. You may find some of your better DEALS with Grizzly(Grizzly.com -- Home (http://www.grizzly.com)). They've come a long way in the recent years in developing quite a good reputation for quality and even better reputation for customer service.
Good luck in shopping. One thing I can say about wood turning is that is VERY addictive and satisfying...well, sometimes frustrating, too. :)
mikeTN
02-02-09, 09:15 AM
Randy is right;many factors involved! I have found out that if you buy the best and most versatile one you can afford you will never be sorry. You can always recoup your investment if you change your mind/hobby.
Now! The more speeds you have the better. Motor will have one or two pullys and the head stock will have multiple pullys(like a drill press) to increase/decrease speeds.
A BEARING mounted tail stock is a must in my book.(the other end of the work piece is rotating in a bearing not a bushing).
Length between centers is important. Table height is usually about 29/30 inches high. You will need at least 36 inches. Prefer 40/48. Any thing longer may cause wobble at high turning/sanding speeds. Longer pieces need to be glued together with large dowels.
An adjustable (left and right; up and down) tool rest is necessary.
I would want a motor no less than oned H.P. and probably more. Using a lathe usually requires a lot of time so it will be running for 30 min. to an hour min..
There are a lot of extras you can buy to increase the versatility of it and the fun in making different things but this should get him started. Chuck up a piece of 4x4, get some GOOD cutting tools and start making sawdust!!!
Now! The more speeds you have the better. Motor will have one or two pullys and the head stock will have multiple pullys(like a drill press) to increase/decrease speeds.
A BEARING mounted tail stock is a must in my book.(the other end of the work piece is rotating in a bearing not a bushing).
Length between centers is important. Table height is usually about 29/30 inches high. You will need at least 36 inches. Prefer 40/48. Any thing longer may cause wobble at high turning/sanding speeds. Longer pieces need to be glued together with large dowels.
An adjustable (left and right; up and down) tool rest is necessary.
I would want a motor no less than oned H.P. and probably more. Using a lathe usually requires a lot of time so it will be running for 30 min. to an hour min..
There are a lot of extras you can buy to increase the versatility of it and the fun in making different things but this should get him started. Chuck up a piece of 4x4, get some GOOD cutting tools and start making sawdust!!!
tradiesdaughter
02-02-09, 04:05 PM
Randy and Mike, thank you so much for your help, you've given me some great pointers! Now the search begins.