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8th March 2010, 06:40 PM #1
What lathe should I get for pen turning?
Hello,
I am new here so I hope I am posting this in the right place
Here are my two choses
This Nova Mercury Mini Lathe has a 8" swing with 8" between centers and 14" swing outboard. It's powered by a 1/2 horse variable speed motor. It is made by Teknatool.
the second one is a Carba-Tec 1/4 horse mini 6" swing 12.5" between centers
They both look nice, but my problem with the mercury is that Teknatool no longer makes it, so if something brakes then I probably will not be able to get parts. Also I cannot find much information about it so I don't know if has any major flaws.
The problem I have with the Carba-Tec is I think it might be a little under powered.
I plan on turning mostly pens, but I would like to be able to turn some small bowls.
Any help would be appreciated,
Jeff
Also the picture of the Carba-Tec is not the actual picture I don't have one. I had to find one online (thank you pennstateind.com)
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8th March 2010, 08:02 PM #2Skwair2rownd
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G'day Jeff and welcome aboard!!
For me the Nova is the better lathe. Looks more robust and has a 1/2 hp motor. The extra grunt over and above the other will be appreciated when doin bowls.
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8th March 2010, 08:33 PM #3
G'day Jeff, welcome to the forum.
I must confess I hadn't seen the Teknatool Mercury lathe before, looked it up on the Teknatool website and it is still listed there.
The specifications are certainy very attractive, like that variable speed DC motor and some of the other features.
It would certainly be a better lathe than the Carbatec one.
Have you looked at the Vicmarc VL100 EVS, I believe they are available in your neck of the woods.
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8th March 2010, 10:01 PM #4
Not sure if I can say I'm qualified to give advice mate, but I always work on get the best and most powerful thing you can afford.
I call it future-proofing!
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8th March 2010, 10:30 PM #5
I would stay clear of the carbetec , I had a similar one from new ,took it back three times in a couple of weeks for repairs ( mainly drive belts and drive pulley runout ) they had no spares and kept replacing the machine ,the third time I told em to keep it and upgraded to a Woodcraft ,done a few thousand pens and no problems with the machine ,I just miss the variable speed hehe. I think the stronger motor will prove useful in time for other small turnings you may like to try cheers ~ and good turning John
G'day all !Enjoy your stay !!!
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8th March 2010, 11:02 PM #6
Hi newbie: glad you made it here. You will learn a lot. I'm from USA also and am confused as to your lathe choices. There are many small lathes available here in U.S. Jet , Delta, PSI brand (of which I have no clue) . If I were you and my budget allowed I would go with a minimum of 10" swing and at least 1/2 hsp. That way you can do small bowls too. Have fun
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9th March 2010, 04:27 AM #7
Alright, thanks guys! I will go with the nova. The reason I am picking between these 2 lathes is because they are the only ones in my price range at the moment. When I get older and have a more steady job I will get a bigger lathe.
Thanks again for all your help!
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9th March 2010, 01:25 PM #8
Good choice and good luck with it.
Reality is no background music.
Cheers John
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9th March 2010, 01:51 PM #9Intermediate Member
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I have owned a Nova Mercury for several years (7+) with the smaller motor as 1/2hp was not available when I purchased it.I have turned pens ect, bowls,platters, plus pieces that should have been turned on my Woodfast Cobra.I have had NO PLOBLEMS at all with it. I have abused this lathe at times and it keeps going.
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9th March 2010, 06:35 PM #10
Awww man, it got sold out from under me. I am thinking about getting a shop smith instead. Or maybe I should just save up and get a jet or delta. I don't know what I want. Thanks for all your guys help.
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9th March 2010, 06:44 PM #11Skwair2rownd
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Bad luck mate!
Shopsmith is a bit finicky.
the Small deltas - new models get good reviews. Try the IAP site for more information.
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9th March 2010, 06:53 PM #12
there a bit finicky, how so?
Thanks
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