I'm after a good Lathe under $300

[Jac]

I was wanting to get a GMC Lathe for $100 but after looking on these forums about some people's experiences with them, I have decided to save a bit more money but I don't want to spend more than $300. Can anyone recommend a Safe,Sturdy good value Lathe under this price..

If I wasn't un-employed,I'd have no problem buying a Lathe from Toolies for $400,but I'm on a budget so all advice is welcome...

I have found these ones: http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=300_14570_19865

http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=300_14570_14580

Has anyone had any experience with these Lathes??

Does anyone know of any places apart from Toolies in the Newcastle area that I can get a Lathe with my budget?? As those Lathes from Carbatec won't include postage...

Also what else do I need apart from Chisels?

Thank you

[derekcohen]

Hi Jac

I have not used either but ...

The mini lathe looks identical to the Jet mini, which I have, and which is a great, if not now classic, small lathe. It is really mainly for spindle work (you can add a longer bed to extend the reach), although it is rated for bowls up to 10" diameter. I use it for handles, pens, knives, table legs.

The micro mini I have no experience of. It is designed for pens only.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[robyn2839]

http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/2501983519438080_1.jpg (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/12-x8-VARIABLE-SPEED-MINI-WOOD-LATHE-NEW_W0QQitemZ250198351943QQihZ015QQcategoryZ84012QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
12"x8" VARIABLE SPEED MINI WOOD LATHE (NEW) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/12-x8-VARIABLE-SPEED-MINI-WOOD-LATHE-NEW_W0QQitemZ250198351943QQihZ015QQcategoryZ84012QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

found this on ebay 1hr 3 min to go, they are on ebay all the time , this one is $169
http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/au/s.gif

[derekcohen]

That eBay lathe has a 1/4 HP motor. THe Carba-tec and the Jet both have a 1/2 HP motor which is only just OK. I would not want one that is less powerful than 1/2 HP.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[ss_11000]

if i was you, i would go to the showgrounds and visit the woodturners of the hunter. ask them if anyone is selling a lathe locally.

second hand is the only way you'll get a decent lathe for <300 in newcastle. although, having said that, keep checking toolies and gasweld incase they mark down their mc-900's to $300. i got mine at toolies 3 years ( or was it 2??? ) for $300 on special so you may be able to do the same.


i think it would be worth the drive to carbatec to get the mini lathe ( the yellow one ). they're basically the same as the leda machine that so many people on here have nothing bad to say about for the price.

you will need some way of sharpening your chisels and a few accessories ( a scroll chuck, live centre, drive centres, drill chucks, pen mandrells if you want to make pens ). eventually, you will need a bandsaw and drill press at the very least.

it is a very expensive hobby to start with so i would reccomend joining the woodturners of the hunter do you can use their machinery and get taught by people who know what they're on about.

good choice to stay away from the GMC...i saw one the other day at bunnings and couldnt imagine using it...its too flimsy, under powered, lacking simple features such as a hollow head stock, it has an uncommon thread and its speeds aren't exactly the best either. the tailstock wouldnt hold up very well and the bed looks like it bend to easy, the centres wouldnt align either ( i actually 'tested' this in the store ).

hope this helps
cheers:cool:

[ss_11000]

by the way...what do you plan on using it for? and do you have access to other machinery?


if you dont have any other machinery and woodwork stuff - you will have to join the club because a lot of tasks will require the use of another tool whether its drilling pilot holes for the faceplate or squaring the ends of some timber to set up between centres, you WILL find it hard to cope with just a lathe


cheers

[lubbing5cherubs]

Contact Jim Carrol (http://www.cws.au.com/cgi/index.cgi/shopfront/view_by_category?category_id=1107144882)in regards a Leda they are a brilliant lathe that don't break the bank costing $269.00. Jim will always find the most cost effective way to get it to you. When I started he got mine to Winton which is in the middle of outback and if I remember correctly for something like $70.00
everyone I know with one loves them to bits
hth
Toni

[munruben]

and a few accessories ( a scroll chuck, live centre, drive centres, drill chucks, pen mandrells if you want to make pens . Might be an idea to explain what those things are and their function for those of us who know absolutely nothing about the subject but would like to learn.:)

[ss_11000]

Might be an idea to explain what those things are and their function for those of us who know absolutely nothing about the subject but would like to learn.:)



Woodturning Glossarys for definitions of Woodturning terminolgyhttp://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/glos.htm (http://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/glos.htm)
http://www.turningtools.co.uk/glossary/glossary.html (http://www.turningtools.co.uk/glossary/glossary.html)
http://www3.sympatico.ca/3jdw8/glossary.htm (http://www3.sympatico.ca/3jdw8/glossary.htm)
http://www.cicaaw.org/glossary?PHPSE...546c257e3d1 b (http://www.cicaaw.org/glossary?PHPSE...546c257e3d1%20b)

from this thread: woodturning info links (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=53794)


cheers

[Jac]

by the way...what do you plan on using it for? and do you have access to other machinery?


if you dont have any other machinery and woodwork stuff - you will have to join the club because a lot of tasks will require the use of another tool whether its drilling pilot holes for the faceplate or squaring the ends of some timber to set up between centres, you WILL find it hard to cope with just a lathe


cheers

I want it mostly for turning Bowls & such, I do woodwork class once a week at the local Community centre,they have all the equipment, I have only recently just finished a Chess board & I started turning my own Chess Pieces as well,but it such a long drawn out process & because woodwork class is only once a week it will take quite a long time,I've only done 4 pieces so far that I'm happy with,that is why I want one a Lathe of my own...

But I'm have been buying other equipment as well,I got alot of Bunnings vouchers for Christmas & did abit of shopping yesterday... Bought a Biscuit Joiner,Electric Planer,Table saw & a few other bits & pieces.. I also own a Drill press,Drop saw,Belt sander & some other important power tools..

[Jac]

if i was you, i would go to the showgrounds and visit the woodturners of the hunter. ask them if anyone is selling a lathe locally.

second hand is the only way you'll get a decent lathe for <300 in newcastle. although, having said that, keep checking toolies and gasweld incase they mark down their mc-900's to $300. i got mine at toolies 3 years ( or was it 2??? ) for $300 on special so you may be able to do the same.


i think it would be worth the drive to carbatec to get the mini lathe ( the yellow one ). they're basically the same as the leda machine that so many people on here have nothing bad to say about for the price.

you will need some way of sharpening your chisels and a few accessories ( a scroll chuck, live centre, drive centres, drill chucks, pen mandrells if you want to make pens ). eventually, you will need a bandsaw and drill press at the very least.

it is a very expensive hobby to start with so i would reccomend joining the woodturners of the hunter do you can use their machinery and get taught by people who know what they're on about.

good choice to stay away from the GMC...i saw one the other day at bunnings and couldnt imagine using it...its too flimsy, under powered, lacking simple features such as a hollow head stock, it has an uncommon thread and its speeds aren't exactly the best either. the tailstock wouldnt hold up very well and the bed looks like it bend to easy, the centres wouldnt align either ( i actually 'tested' this in the store ).

hope this helps
cheers:cool:

So which one from Toolies did you get? Are the ones for $400 from Toolies Full size Lathes & how do they differ from the mini lathe from Carba-tec?

I guess I have to weigh up all my options & decide which is better value,I guess spending an extra $100 or so will be worth it if it's a way better lathe..& plus Toolies is fairly local..

[ss_11000]

a mc900 will be better for you than a mini lathe if you want bowls IMO...the extra swing and outboard capabilities will make it much easier.


So which one from Toolies did you get? Are the ones for $400 from Toolies Full size Lathes & how do they differ from the mini lathe from Carba-tec?

I guess I have to weigh up all my options & decide which is better value,I guess spending an extra $100 or so will be worth it if it's a way better lathe..& plus Toolies is fairly local..
i got thier mc900 ( the 400$ one )...great lathe for the money.

it is the next step up form a mini lathe...a lathe can be pretty much as big as you want - the biggest readily available that i know of is 1m by 1.5m? ( a stubby 1000 lathe ).

but the mc900 is probably as big as you will need, its not likely you will need any extra swing ( especially becaus eof its outboard capabilities ) and the between centres legnth has been more than adequate for anything i have thrown at mine. the mini lathe has a greater speed range ( the mc900 speeds are still alright ) but doesnt have the legnth, swing or bigger motor.

cheers

[joe greiner]

a mc900 will be better for you than a mini lathe if you want bowls IMO...the extra swing and outboard capabilities will make it much easier. I've been using my HF34706 (almost identical to the MC900) for about 1.5 years, without serious disappointment. I haven't yet tried outboard turning, but when I do I'll use a separate auxiliary toolrest. The flimsy elbow contraption that came with it looks like it's designed to break; probably also supplied with the MC900. Joe

[hughie]

The flimsy elbow contraption that came with it looks like it's designed to break; probably also supplied with the MC900.


Joe, Mine was the same, so much so that I made my own. When your ready pm me and I will send some pics.It'll be some where to start...learn from my mistakes :U

Stirlo is right go for some something that has some legs into the future.MC900 are around 300 new so second hand it should be well with in your range. As frustrating as it is, take your time seeing money is tight and get what you want.

[Pat]

You may want to look at this on Epay (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Wood-Lathe-Jet-JWL-1236_W0QQitemZ320199089459QQihZ011QQcategoryZ84012QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). . . :U

[ss_11000]

its still worth contacting the local turners to see if they have any second hand ones going cheap.

[BazzaDLB]

Hey Stirlo,

Thanks for bringing that link to our attention. As somebody who is just getting into woodturning, I'll find it of great assistance.

[ss_11000]

no worries baz