G’day all

**pachrisjd** · 24th September 2019, 09:58 PM

As a newby to woodworking but with 70 yrs experience of breathing, I’m excited at the prospect of becoming a woodworker. I’m about to purchase a wood lathe and am leaning toward the Hafco WL-20. Anyone have experience with one of these and give me an opinion and tips. Perhaps suggestions as to a better buy? Cost and value for money have led me to chooseg the WL-20.
I came back to edit this and add more info. I live in Pembrooke, near Port Macquarie on 5 acres. Lived here 40 yrs. We don’t have animals anymore and the old stockyards are deteriorating. I knew the bloke who originally cleared and farmed this property and he cut the timber, mostly blood wood, from here prior to WW2. I decided to try and make some items out of the slabs and of stuff lying about. Started off with a Carbotech ball gouge and made some burl bowls. Then some an outdoor table and benches (drop saw, electric plane), then some chairs with carved armrests(Thicknesser, table saw, router, scroll saw, small band saw, Dremel , sanders,). Although not much room left in the shed, next project is to be wood turning and I’m after a lathe. Absolutely loving this woodworking journey (although I have to ensure it doesn’t stop me fishing). Enough talk have to do something about this lathe. Thanks for listening.
Cheers

**old1955** · 25th September 2019, 01:55 PM

Welcome to the forum.

**JJF** · 26th September 2019, 12:08 AM

Welcome to the forum

**bruceward51** · 26th September 2019, 09:38 AM

Welcome to the forum.

The WL20, or the smaller version, the WL18, are popular choices for a first lathe. A lot of people have started out with one of these, and they meet the needs of many hobby woodturners.

If if you really get bitten by the woodturning obsession, it is likely that you will eventually want something more robust and with electronic variable feed, but experience with the havoc will give you a better idea of what to look for. In my experience, they sell pretty well on the second-hand market.

I bought an old WL18 as an impulse buy at a garage sale. I used it for 2 years, worked through a few repair issues (it was an old model) and finally sold it for more than I paid. My replacement of choice was almost 10x the price.

**KeithP** · 26th September 2019, 10:31 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Regards
Keith

**pachrisjd** · 27th September 2019, 07:57 AM

Thanks for that feedbsck. Ordered the WL 20 yesterday. Now have to find somewhere to put it. Wife has made a couple of suggestions but I don't like pain.

⁸

QUOTE=bruceward51;2157196]Welcome to the forum.

**orraloon** · 27th September 2019, 11:09 AM

Welcome to the forum.
Be warned that turning is even more addictive than general woodworking. It's an instant woodworking fix as you can go from a block of wood to a completed item in one go. Finishing included. Enjoy the new lathe and of course post some pictures as you go.
Regards
John

**Old_Tom** · 29th September 2019, 03:16 PM

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy your stay. I'm also looking to get a wood lathe in the near future. Don't let anything stop you fishing mate. We all need some extra relaxation and I find it is just the ticket!
Cheers,
Tom

**cefn** · 29th September 2019, 07:46 PM

Lots of good timber around Pembrooke. Used to visit there often to McLeod's home but wasn't into turning then. Would love to try turning Coachwood from around the Wauchope area. I started turning with a second hand Jet 'mini' lathe. It established the addiction alright. Fortunately have access to larger Vicmarc lathes now at Caloundra Woodworking Club. Start small until you feel the force then the lathe will suck you right in to cover your boots with shavings forever.
I don't think you can go wrong starting off with the Hafco.
Don't neglect the fishing at Blackman's Point however.

**pachrisjd** · 30th September 2019, 10:10 AM

Hi cfn. If you mean Mac & Ann McLeod then we live next door. Have done for 40 yrs. Helped them move into Whp when they shifted. There's been about 6 owners since then. I,ve been using the bloodwood sleepers off the old stockyards but it's sooo hard don't know how it will go turning. Looking forward to finding out.
Cheers

**crowie** · 30th September 2019, 10:23 AM

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum,
There are good few members up on the mid-north coast with stacks around Sydney & Brisbane plus from around the world.....
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [Work In Progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork......
Cheers crowie

**cefn** · 30th September 2019, 10:24 PM

Well I'll be debarked and chipped. I'm their son in law so must have met you over the years. Their daughter and I lived at Rossglen for several years.
Good luck with the bloodwood. You need to keep your tools very sharp and hone them often when turning bloodwood. It comes up with a beautiful finish at the end though. Practise with that rubbish they grow up the Comboyne, Paulowna or whatever it is, it's soft and allows you to practise coves etc.

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G’day all

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