Which begginers Lathe?

[wood88]

Hi Everyone,

Looking at getting into woodturning and was looking at a lathe to purchance, but not sure which one to go with as there are quite a few at around the same price $300-$500.

Just wondering everyones experience with these lathes and which one you recommend and for what reasons.

- Woodfast M305 $399
- Woodfast Mini Lathe WM-305 $475
- Woodfast Mini Lathe WM-305 $475 Starter Pack $673.00
- Carba-Tec Economy Mini Lathe MC1018 $299
- Jet Mini Lathe $499
- Ledacraft MC-1018 Mini Wood Lathe $297
- Ledacraft MC-1018E Mini Wood Lathe $352 (ebed extension to 1000mm (39") maximum between centres)

Any recomendation on which one to go with or which ones to stay away from would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[dai sensei]

Woodfast 305 Midi (not mini) is the best IMHO (I have one :rolleyes:). Easy speed change, 30x3.5 spindle, solid little unit that can be used for pens up to small bowls etc

[Jim Carroll]

As Neil indicated the Woodfast M305 midi lathe (http://www.cwsonline.com.au/shop/item/woodfast-m305-midi-lathe) is a good starter lathe if all you want to do is small items.

From there the range is wide open for bigger and better lathes.

[powderpost]

I would also support the Woodfast 305 midi. Can also be converted to electronic variable speed at minimum cost.

Jim

[Tim the Timber Turner]

I also vote for the Woodfast 305.

We have 5 or 6 in our club, along with a couple of 20 year old Vicmarc VM100 mini lathes and a Jet mini.

Don't forget a set of good tools and a chuck will cost about the same as the Lathe.

Enjoy the journey.

Cheers
Tim:)

[wood88]

Thanks Guys.
So it looks like the Woodfast 305 is the unanimous winner.

If I look into getting something second hand is there anything I should be looking for?

I know I should make sure the two ends meet up looking at it from front on and from above. Anything else?

[jefferson]

I also vote for the Woodfast 305.

We have 5 or 6 in our club, along with a couple of 20 year old Vicmarc VM100 mini lathes and a Jet mini.

Don't forget a set of good tools and a chuck will cost about the same as the Lathe.

Enjoy the journey.

Cheers
Tim:)

And don't forget, a sharpening system.

[stuffy]

There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ballajura/other-tools-diy/wood-lathe/1055015129

[wood88]

There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ballajura/other-tools-diy/wood-lathe/1055015129

Yes I saw that ad. I have sent an email to him, hopefully hear back from him soon.

[Treecycle]

There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ballajura/other-tools-diy/wood-lathe/1055015129

Looks like a reasonable deal including the chuck etc. especially in that the price is negotiable.

[wood88]

OK I'm going to look at the lathe on Gumtree tomorrow, is there anything I should be keeping an eye out for?