Lathe Decisions

[Bernmc]

I'm going to get a lathe, and tend to get a little crazy about these things - research ad infinitum, then end up buying some all-the-bells-and-whistles monster...! I'm trying to avoid doing that here, so after a bit of the usual advice from People Wot Know...

My shop space is a little limited, and I figure a lathe can be many machines. I'm not a turner, but I'm sure I'll play with it at some point in the future. I've thought of getting a decent big beast from the start, but I think a mini/midi might do initially, and then I can get something bigger when I have an idea of what I want to do. I do want a quality tool though - cheap and wobbly just don't float my boat any more!

Initially, it'll spend most of its time being a disc and spindle sander to clean up those little bandsaw boxes (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/opportunity-learn-master-226297) Alan taught me to make. Likely to make some small pieces and widgets like handles, and then we'll see...

I'd prefer a swivel head for the added versatility, and variable speed control as I'm inherently lazy and unlikely to spend too much time fiddling with belts - particularly with the sanding application.

From reading through the forums, these lathes seem to have a reasonable rep:

Hafco: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W385 (no swivel head :/ )
Nova Comet: https://www.carbatec.com.au/comet_lathe (no swivel head :/ )
Hafco with a swivel headstock: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W382

Not sure about the Jets - I've had some personal recommendations liking them, and others that say they're now pretty poor quality.

Anything else I should be thinking about?

I've kept an eye on gumtree, but it's the usual case of people asking much more than I'm willing to pay for a 2nd hand machine of unknown origin. Unless there's a significant saving, I'd rather pay a few hundred more and get the full backup of a new buy. As an example of a recent ad: a Nova 3000 DVR for $2250 just seems like a lot of money for a machine that's likely to be 10+ years old, and a serious problem if that motor or electronics let's its smoke out. Is that an unreasonable attitude?

[DaveVman]

I only just turned something this weekend for the first time. So I haven't even reached beginner status yet.
However here is my experience for what it is worth.
1. Your approach is the correct one. I bought a cheap lathe because it was an ALDI special buy. I got what I paid for so that aspect was fine. The thing is, that you also need chisels and a sharpening machine and all sorts of other accessories. I wasn't planning on turning and only bought it because of the "low entry price" into this hobby. Well, I've already spent a lot more on just the chisels and sharpening machine than I did on the lathe. So what low entry price? Plus it took me more than 6 months to save up to get those other bits so what was the rush? Sadly another forum member warned me about this and although it made me hesitate I probably jumped the wrong way.

I'm not complaining about my lathe, but if I had known what I was going to spend in total I would have just put the whole thing off until I had enough for a better setup.
That said, I only have space for the sort of lathe I have purchased or for a mini lathe, so perhaps I ended up the best setup for my circumstances anyway.


2. Yes I agree, us Aussies have unrealistic expectations for 2nd hand machines. I have bought some 2nd hand machines but mostly it was worth buying new due to unrealistic asking prices for 2nd hand.


3. The three lathes you are looking at are each very different. Consider the size of what you may want to turn and the available space in your shed to help narrow down your options. (Not that I should be giving anyone turning advice).

4. Most of all, give it a go. It's fun!

[Pat]

I've only been turning for few years(14 or 15), on to my 3rd lathe. Yes it's a slippery slope, you get a lathe and a set of carbon or "HSS" chisels and a grinder with a white wheel. After a while, you learn the limitations of yourself, the lathe and the tools. You resolve to get lessons to improve yourself, then look at the lathe and tools. Yes I know, it's not the tools that make the turner, but good tooling makes things easier.

My biggest suggestion is to try before you buy, go and join a club or if you are lucky enough to know a competent turner, annoy them for a day. Most turners I know will get you on the lathe turning beads and coves, which teaches you tool control in a safe environment. After you are hooked, get some tuition. Yes there are plenty of turners on utube, but you learn more with hands on instruction.

Then you can make an informed decision about whether you are a match for turning.

[derekcohen]

Bern, I began with a Jet mini 10 years ago. With a bed extension it became a decent tool for turning legs, spindles and tool handles. Very basic lathe - no variable speed, and only 1/2 hp. Yet it proved to be a wonderful assistant.

Several months ago I purchased a Nova Saturn, which is one huge jump from the Jet. For the above tasks, however, it may have more power and variable speed, but spindle work does not require a big, honking lathe if one has patience. I am hoping to turn some bowls on the Nova, which I could not do on the mini.

Any of the lathes you linked to would be better than the Jet mini. I would go for the Nova.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[orraloon]

You asked is there anything else to think about and there is. Tools, chucks, grinder to sharpen tools and other bits and pieces. Usually getting tooled up can cost as much as the lathe, more if you feel like it. While looking at your shortlist I spotted this package.
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/K021
As to the second hand market often turning tools are included in the deal. Good luck with the hunt.
Regards
John

PS A 10 year old belt driven lathe may be an ok buy as belts and bearings can be replaced but like you I would have second thoughts on 10 year old EVS.

[Fumbler]

Daveman, did u buy the turning chisels that were advertised with it in the catalogue? I was just wondering if anyone killed themselves with them. That lathe was pictured with regular chisels!!

[Fumbler]

Bernmc,

i have the W385 - WL-14 and it's a great little lathe. It would be remiss of me not to let you know that there were issues with the EVS, but they have been fixed and those left in stock fixed also. It was model wide. Machinery house were great to deal with. I primarily bought it due to 3 things, $, EVS, space or lack there of. And to save a few hundred and get EVS I was able to buy a scroll chuck and jaws set.

you ultimately do get what you pay for and unless your sitting on a politicians pension and can afford the 1100 long Woodfast with all the bells and whistles, then you can't go past the Hafco models you have described. If space is an issue, go the W385, if not, go the W382 with swivel head.

[Bernmc]

Thanks everyone. You haven’t made it any easier!
I have the advantage of Peter and Artisans on The Hill not too far away in Tinonee, so I’ll be able to get a bit of turning instruction when the time comes.

I’m tending (slightly) towards the little Nova now, mainly because the spinny bit (™) outrigger whatsit means I’ll be able to add a sanding disk easily, and it already has a grinding wheel attachment available for it.

I figure it’s small enough to spend its life sitting in the corner doing disk and spindle sanding and small jobs if I end up getting a bigger lathe when I grow up.

I don’t think it’s a true induction motor (may be wrong there) but it does have EVS. Pricey little fiend too, particularly when you throw in a chuck and some pointy things.

Haven’t ruled out the H&F’s yet, particularly as I like the reports on customer service.

[Bernmc]

Oh, and timbecon are now offering a little lathe with a true induction motor, similar/slightly more $$ than the Nova

[Bernmc]

There's an EOFY special on the little NOVA at carbatec, so I've ordered one. THanks for all the advice - will let y'all know how it turns out...

[DAL1957]

I have a Jet 1221VS with the electronic speed control. I've had it around a year now and am very happy with it. It's my second lathe (after a 6 position belt Woodfast) and I do not regret having bought it. Hasn't missed a beat yet. And I see right now that Carbatec have a sale on this one as well.

[GRK]

Oh, and timbecon are now offering a little lathe with a true induction motor, similar/slightly more $$ than the Nova

I've just purchased this machine (MC-1420-VF) - although I've only had a couple of days to play with it am very happy so far. A real step up for me from a home made lathe originally belonging to my wife's grandfather and rebuilt by me.

Induction motor with frequency control gives good torque low down, nice solid bed, near perfect alignment of headstock/tailstock (within about 0.1mm horizontally and vertically).

Only gripe was toolrest was painted on top, but that was soon fixed with a bit of filing and flattening on a diamond stone.

[Bernmc]

I've just purchased this machine (MC-1420-VF) - although I've only had a couple of days to play with it am very happy so far. A real step up for me from a home made lathe originally belonging to my wife's grandfather and rebuilt by me.

Induction motor with frequency control gives good torque low down, nice solid bed, near perfect alignment of headstock/tailstock (within about 0.1mm horizontally and vertically).

Only gripe was toolrest was painted on top, but that was soon fixed with a bit of filing and flattening on a diamond stone.

I was very tempted, but couldn’t find much in the way of opinions and reviews on Timbecon’s lathes, and nothing for this one as it’s so new, so opted for the Nova. Be interested to hear if it keeps keeping you happy. (And maybe post a review here once you’ve had it for a bit longer)

[justonething]

I have a Jet 1221VS with the electronic speed control. I've had it around a year now and am very happy with it. It's my second lathe (after a 6 position belt Woodfast) and I do not regret having bought it. Hasn't missed a beat yet. And I see right now that Carbatec have a sale on this one as well.


I'm reasonably keen on this one, does it come with the extension as a standard or is that an optional extra?

[DAL1957]

The Extension is an extra option, but last time I looked Carbatec had it out on Special - may still have. Pretty neat little lathe though.

[wood spirit]

Have turned very occasionally for many years. Started with my dads homemade lathe -baisicly a say3/4 " industrial collet on bearings and a friction tailstop with a lever action tightening. My current is something that appears to have been some kind of TAFE/ student prodgect with a quite nice head -bored through the middle of a H beam- nice and sturdy with a No2 morse taper -but not hollow for boring (even had to make a hole in the side to release the morse taper components. The tailstock is similar. But for $30 at the auction -who's arguing. The main fault is the bed -3mm steel angle -not nearly enougth (have some lengths of 6mm galvanised angle awaiting replacing and extending the bed) Only came with a 2 speed pully set up and no motor. Currently has a 1/3 HP wasing machine motor driving. Have given it 5 speeds out of my random box of V belt pullys, but I had to make 2 out of wood -self destructed after about 5 years -will use good ply next time if needed. (originals were solid oak) Have made a coincidentally handy buy from the auchions as well. Stand up drill press -just happens to have a No2 morse taper chuck so it fits either end of the lathe. At $80 was probably worth it for this alone -but it has issues.The head on mine appears to have welded stops that will let it turn 90 degrees but havent had the need.
While I know that propper turning tools are far superior-Ihave only used makeshift things - mostly sctapers made from old dead files an chisels (need to change the angle considerably)and a few other things, but if you want to realy get into it -the propper tools are probably worth it.
If looking at lathes get a good solid bed, good versitile head & tailstock only realy NEED hollow tailstock for lamps. More speeds the better but a reasonable range will be good (32 speeds -not needed) depending on your plans -might think about chucks and there requirements. Otherwise have fun. cheers.

[Woiim]

Yes a top little lathe I was going to get one but ended up with bigger one the Laguna 1836. But yes the 1221VS is a top midi lathe.

[DaveVman]

Daveman, did u buy the turning chisels that were advertised with it in the catalogue? I was just wondering if anyone killed themselves with them. That lathe was pictured with regular chisels!!Hahaha. No. But I did get caught out another way. As I said, a forum member warned me that there is more to buy than the lathe. I did actually heed that and did some research before buying. I found a set of chinese turning chisels that seemed a good budget choice. So I thought I could manage the costs.
I still dithered until there was only one lathe left in my local store. Then finally decided to buy it.
So after I bought the lathe I went to order these chisels. Only problem of course is that ALDI had probably sold a few hundred of these lathes that month and everyone had the same plan as me. Hence chisels out of stock. The supplier hadn't known this was going to happen and so new stock was going to be 6 months away.
So I went looking 2nd hand. but
A. being a newbie I only knew I needed a roughing gouge and a spindle gouge and not what else. and
B. Same problem with market flooded with newbies trying to find cheap chisels.
So had to buy what I hope are better quality chisels at a higher price. Not great but not as cheap as my 1st option. These were too much so I had to wait a few months to order these.

Then don't even get me started on the sharpening saga. Suffice to say I eventually got too frustrated and ultimately went out and bought the Sorby belt sharpener just to put an end to my hassles. (great machine by the way).

Only genuine bargin I really got was a face shield online.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[DAL1957]

Hahaha. No. But I did get caught out another way. As I said, a forum member warned me that there is more to buy than the lathe. I did actually heed that and did some research before buying. I found a set of chinese turning chisels that seemed a good budget choice. So I thought I could manage the costs.
I still dithered until there was only one lathe left in my local store. Then finally decided to buy it.
So after I bought the lathe I went to order these chisels. Only problem of course is that ALDI had probably sold a few hundred of these lathes that month and everyone had the same plan as me. Hence chisels out of stock. The supplier hadn't known this was going to happen and so new stock was going to be 6 months away.
So I went looking 2nd hand. but
A. being a newbie I only knew I needed a roughing gouge and a spindle gouge and not what else. and
B. Same problem with market flooded with newbies trying to find cheap chisels.
So had to buy what I hope are better quality chisels at a higher price. Not great but not as cheap as my 1st option. These were too much so I had to wait a few months to order these.

Then don't even get me started on the sharpening saga. Suffice to say I eventually got too frustrated and ultimately went out and bought the Sorby belt sharpener just to put an end to my hassles. (great machine by the way).

Only genuine bargin I really got was a face shield online.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk


I suppose now's not the time to mention chucks and all the various jaws to add to the collection? And remember, there is always one more chisel you need.

BTW, I agree with you about the RS sharpener, it is a great unit, easy to use, I don't regret having bought it.

[Luke Maddux]

Apologies if I repeat information which has been stated already.

I firmly believe that the single most important upgrade a lathe can have is electronic variable speed with a digital readout. As far as I'm concerned the catagories are binary: Lathes with EVS and lathes without it.

The Hafco lathes have what's called a Reeves' drive, which works based on two opposed sides of a pulley. They go together and tighten the belt to increase speed and move apart to slow down. This is an antiquated and finnicky system and is best avoided altogether in my experience.

Among the three you've selected I would get the Nova hands down. It has EVS, is a solid lathe for its size, and their customer support is second to none (again, based on my experience).

With that said, If you want to turn bowls, you should consider a larger lathe. Turning bowls is kind of like "chasing the dragon" in that you always want to try a bigger one and a bigger one etc. You'll get tired of turning cereal bowls quick enough and want to try a salad bowl or larger.

For spindle turning the Nova is great. For bowls I would consider something second hand which has more swing and around 2hp.

Good luck,
Luke

[derekcohen]

I agree with all Luke has written. This is the reason I ended up with a Nova Saturn: EVS, direct drive, 14" over the bench and a lot more with the head turned outboard, and 2.3 hp. I purchased the bed extension for longer spindles/legs, and cast iron legs, and this combination makes it bloody heavy and solid!

I had a professional turner friend giving it a workout a while ago, and he gave it the thumbs up.

https://i.postimg.cc/XN9MT9nP/Lathe1.jpg

I built a slide away holder for the chisels. Works great ...

https://i.postimg.cc/vTrpfwPy/Lathe2.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/8cQ27zmw/Lathe3.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Bernmc]

The little comet II is sitting on my temporary-pallet-recycled-bench.

All it needs is a cabinet constructed out of ply or mdf or melamine or semi precious metals :q !

I got the grinding attachment too. Figure the little beast will always have a use in the corner of the shop, even if I decide to get something bigger...

455943

[alanburton1960]

Hi everyone, I have looked at all the responses with great interest as I have been bitten by the wood turning bug and was a little lost on where to start my foray into wood turning. Thank you for all your responses they have helped me formulate a list of what is required in a lathe and also to look carefully at all the additional requirements for tools, chucks etc etc. I do like the look of the Record lathe https://www.woodworkmachinery.com.au/product-page/record-power-coronet-herald-heavy-duty-electronic-vs-lathe If anyone has an opinion on the record lathe I would like to hear it. Thank you everyone.

[NeilS]

Record lathe https://www.woodworkmachinery.com.au/product-page/record-power-coronet-herald-heavy-duty-electronic-vs-lathe If anyone has an opinion on the record lathe I would like to hear it.

Last year I spent ten days with some of the best woodturners in the world where two of the workshops were equipped with Record lathes like that. Many of those highly experienced turners have Vicmarc lathes in their own workshops, but none of them complained about those Record lathes, well at least that I heard, but they are a polite bunch on such occasions!

I should point out that the Coronet has a 33mm thread, which is different to most lathes here in Australia.

If it was me I would try to find the extra $800 to buy the Vicmarc VM150 (and build your own stand) or something similar, but not quite the same build quality, like the Rikon 70-220VSR and save yourself some money for tools (again build your own stand).

https://www.cwsonline.com.au/shop/item/vicmarc-vl150sm-evs-lathe

https://www.woodworkmachinery.com.au/product-page/rikon-variable-speed-midi-lathe


PS - Interesting to note that Record's top lathe, the MAXI-1-M33, is a re-badged Woodfast C1000X.