Thread: Bowl turning setup for an old lathe

I borrowed one of those and came to the conclusion that it was OK for spindle work but apart from that was best
tied to a rope and used as a boat anchor.

There are no chucks I know of that will fit that lathe. I think the headstock spur is a permanent fixture.

Even if a chuck could be fitted the bearings would not stand the load.

Originally Posted by artme

I think the headstock spur is a permanent fixture.

Artme, I agree with your comments about the lathe, except that the headstock spur can be unscrewed and a face plate attached as per the instructions in the link provided.

Thus any chuck can be attached with the right insert with thread 3/4” x 16TPI (UNF). I'm sure that Vermec has those available.

Then when he upgrades all he has to do is get a new insert.

Peter.

Mate,

I had one of those as my first lathe, it was good as a starter lathe but makes a much better boat anchor ! LOL.

Seriously, use it as best you can, don't spend money on it or bits for it, save a few dollars up and look around at low cost replacements, a small lathe can be had for 300 bucks.

regards,
Cam

Many thanks guys! That sounds like pretty much what I expected. I'll investigate what I can do without spending much money on anything specific to this lathe.

My pop was able to overcome slightly iffy tools like this one with actual talent and experience, but I don't think I can get away with that !

Danny

Danny, I don't know where you live in Brisbane but joining a club would be a good idea.

Queensland Woodturners' Society at Greenslopes is a good club.

Bayside Woodcrafters at - I think- Manly or Wynum has a good set up also.


Just actually read the manual!! The manual is worth more than the lathe!!!!

If you have the face plate that goes with it I would just use that while you get a feel for turning again.

Agree with all the above comments.

You could get a scroll chuck with the adapter to suit your spindle thread but if there is a possibility you might give turning away that would be a waste of money. I know a local guy produces some good looking stuff on a rebadged model .... All spindle work, not sure if he has done any bowls or platters. Once upon a time people used pole lathes and treadle lathes. They would have thought this was a Rolls Royce

Mind you they would not have had a power point to plug it into lol


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Danny,

If you do smaller bowls and take small cuts with sharp tools, you should be OK. The bed flexes on this type of lathe so it is easy to get vibration and tear out.

There is a technique for gluing a waste block to your blank with a piece of brown paper between, then screw the waste block to the face plate. Do a search. Older turning books, 1970s, show you how.

One way to get some of the flex out is to make a block to fit snugly between the bottom of the bed and the bench, then run a bolt through a piece of timber across the bed rails through the bench, washer and nut under the bench and snug everything up.

This thread might be of help to you:

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/help-wood-chisels-185596

Thanks again folks!

I'm southside of Brisbane, so I think I'll head along to the Queensland Woodturners' Society once I get the house properly moved and the workshop a bit more organised.

Danny