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  1. 25th August 2014, 03:05 PM #1
    wood88
    wood88 is offline Novice
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    Default Which begginers Lathe?

    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
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  3. 25th August 2014, 06:44 PM #2
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    dai sensei
    dai sensei is offline Wandering in search of timber
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    Woodfast 305 Midi (not mini) is the best IMHO (I have one ). Easy speed change, 30x3.5 spindle, solid little unit that can be used for pens up to small bowls etc
    Neil
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  4. 25th August 2014, 07:36 PM #3
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    Jim Carroll
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    As Neil indicated the 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.
    Jim Carroll
    One Good Turn Deserves Another. CWS, Vicmarc, Robert Sorby, Woodcut, Tormek, Woodfast
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  5. 25th August 2014, 07:52 PM #4
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    powderpost
    powderpost is offline Retired Chippy
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    I would also support the Woodfast 305 midi. Can also be converted to electronic variable speed at minimum cost.

    Jim
    Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important...
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  6. 25th August 2014, 08:15 PM #5
    Tim the Timber Turner
    Tim the Timber Turner is offline SENIOR MEMBER
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    Default

    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
    Some days I turns thisaway, somedays I turns thataway and other days I don't give a stuff so I don't turn at all.
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  7. 25th August 2014, 09:05 PM #6
    wood88
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    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?
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  8. 25th August 2014, 09:22 PM #7
    jefferson
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tim the Timber Turner View Post
    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.
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  9. 25th August 2014, 10:12 PM #8
    stuffy
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    There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/balla...the/1055015129
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  10. 25th August 2014, 11:04 PM #9
    wood88
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    Quote Originally Posted by stuffy View Post
    There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/balla...the/1055015129
    Yes I saw that ad. I have sent an email to him, hopefully hear back from him soon.
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  11. 25th August 2014, 11:15 PM #10
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    Treecycle
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    Quote Originally Posted by stuffy View Post
    There's one on gumtree that might be worth a look.

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/balla...the/1055015129
    Looks like a reasonable deal including the chuck etc. especially in that the price is negotiable.
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  12. 26th August 2014, 12:05 AM #11
    wood88
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    OK I'm going to look at the lathe on Gumtree tomorrow, is there anything I should be keeping an eye out for?
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