Thread: Looking for a Lathe

David, what do you want to do with the lathe?

I have a mini Jet, which has an 8" radius limit. Its lower speed is still too fast for small bowls. I use it very successfully for spindles (with the bed extension) and tool handles. Its 1/2 hp motor copes with hardwoods.

I am not sure it the midi Jet is any advancement. It has a 10" radius limit and 3/4" hp, but I suspect it is still too fast for bowls. The mini Jet is 1/3 the price of the midi Jet.

Regards from Perth

Derek

We actually sell mini lathe. If you are interested, please look at the link below. Just one more choice for you

370w

The Woodfast Midi is a popular choice here. I bought the GPW Midi for my Penturning. I liked the specs when I was doing the research, I bought the 5speed model and converted it to variable speed myself. Having variable speed is a big bonus for Penturning but it is not essential to have it, I used a manual change lathe for about 15 years, but going to the variable speed was a revelation, a twist of the dial and I go from 3500 rpm for turning, to 100rpm for finishing and anywhere in between.
I started a thread here when I was researching for mine, I can't link it here just now as I am on an iPad.
I will find it later and put a link here.
Another option is the Vicmark VL150, a bit of a step up in the budget, but it is a very good lathe.

I only have direct experience with the Vicmarc VL150 in the midis/minis and agree it's an absolute ripper. Admittedly it's not cheap!

If you can tell us a bit more about your turning experience, existing gear, and what you want to turn we can probably be more helpful

Hi Everyone

I am a beginer and have done some pens so far and am looking at possibly making some bowls and goblets as well, i have had to borrow a lathe off a friend and am wanting to purchase one for myself so i can continue this hobby,

Thanks
David

Sure - most small-ish lathes with variable speed and reverse should do the trick for that. Obviously with some limits to how big a bowl or goblet you can make! The suggestions so far still all hold.

Be aware the cost of the lathe will probably be equaled (if not more) by what you end up spending on chucks, tools, centres, sharpening gear, etc., etc. !

I am sure you will find something Dave either on here or outside of this we have a few people looking for you. Making sure it is not rubbish

Cheers Ian