Mini-lathe for PNG

[RFNK]

Well, seeing that NO ONE http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/rolleyes.gif has been any help so far in advising me of carving tools that I might take to PNG, I'll try this instead...
I'm off to PNG for a couple of years and I'm considering taking a mini-lathe so that I can keep turning wood in the apartment I'll be living in. Does anyone have a really good mini-lathe they'd like to sell or can anyone advise of types they've been happy with?
Thanks, Rick

[John Saxton]

G,day Rick,I thought that the Grand Poobah may have responded to your earlier request
but I guess he must be busy!!
I have a Carba-Tec Mini Lathe that more than exceeded my expectations and was the cheapest around with all the necessary features.
We took it around Oz a few years ago when in a caravan and it stood up to all that I asked of it when with time permitted I got it set up selling pens etc.
It may still be regarded as one of the cheapest still around ,I have a Carba-Tec catalogue in front of me with the current price of $489 but with a variable speed motor.
I bought mine for around the $3oo mark and mounted my own motor.
I know that there are a lot of small portable lathes about but for mine I woudn't go past this.
Good luck in PMG.
Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

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Johnno

[RFNK]

Thanks John! The Grand Poobah has responded via BB & email, and very helpful too, I must say ... especially for a Grand Poobah! Thanks for tip on Carba-tec; another friend recommended Durden Joey too, so I have a bit to ponder. Rick

[Iain]

And...........I was in at Woodsmith yesterday and saw a small Vicmarc. There is also a small Record which I must admit is larger than the Carbatec. Bunnings still have some of the old Records at about $700.00

[RFNK]

OK, a little bit of research later and this is where I'm up to... Durden Joey, about $560; Vicmarc ?L100 COMP, about $700; Carba-tec mini, no longer available; Nova Comet, $700 (deal). Oh yeah, there's also a small Woodfast (WM280?) for about the same price. Any comments from http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif, http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/mad.gif or http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/eek.gif users about this lot?

[ubeaut]

Try Carbs Tec for their new Mini Maxi lathe. It is their (slightly beefed up) version of the Jet Mini Lathe. Both come ready to use straight out of the box. All cast iron, variable speed motor and I think morse 2 tapers etc. Both around $600 (again, I think).

I have seen a Joey and wasn't impressed, the one I saw looked like a kids toy. I have never used one or seen it in action. It may well be a good little lathe.

I have however had a play with both the Carba Tec Mini Maxi and the Jet mini, both run extremely well and appear to be fantastic value for money.

Cheers - Neil http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif