Thread: First Lathe Advice

I have a Carbatec MC1100. It's just a longer bed than the MC900 and as the others have mentioned, it is more limited than more expensive machines but still capable of allowing you to produce good work. A slower lowend speed and electronically variable speed would be nice but it all costs $. At the time it was all I could afford (and still is).

I don't think I'll replace it but rather just add a mini or midi as a second lathe. These are within your budget too.

I decided to commit over the Christmas-New Year break one year and did most of the buying homework myself. My local turning club was shutdown until early Feb, didn't know about the forum and so I was really in the dark. I didn't even know what a chuck was and now own an expensive chinese paperweight I bought at the last minute. I replaced with a Supernova2 within months.

You will find good turning tools and grinder are a big part of the budget too. There are often deals on chisel sets to be found on ebay. Just ask on the forum for opiinions on brands if you're unsure.

Thanks very much for the replies guys, is really appreciated.

My problem is that I do not understand a lot of what you are saying?

Neal I read your post with interest but unfortunately I do not understand it )

Basically I guess I want to know what kind of things can I make on it and what can't I make.

Thanks again.

Wood fast mini best bang for your buck
About $400

Can that do things like salt and pepper mills, bowls, tool handles, mallets etc?

Arry,
I have the Hare and Forbes lathe equivalent to what is discussed above. As i live in Perth you are welcome to come around and have a look at it.
Cheers
Pete

With a budget of $1000, if you want a new machine and spindle length is not important, go for the Woodfast midi.

Woodfast Mini Lathe : CARBA-TEC

A really good lathe.

You will have some money left over for tools, a chuck perhaps and incidentals such as finishes and sandpaper.

Thanks very much, what does spindle length mean?

Spindle turning is turning with a piece of wood supported at both ends - by the headstock at one end and the tailstock at the other. Spindle length then is the length of the spindle - the piece of wood. Maximum spindle length is the maximum length of wood that you can turn between centres (supports). Essentially it is a function of the length of the bed of the lathe.

Originally Posted by Arry

Thanks very much, what does spindle length mean?

The Woodfast is about 400 mm long, the MC 900 about twice that. If you are not going to turn long stuff the Woodfast will do the job. For mallet handles and pepper grinders etc. it is more than enough.

IF you want to turn bigger stuff, and you probably will at some stage, then you need a bigger lathe. Of course the bigger they are the more money .

Don't forget that you need all the tools and accessories to come out of your budget.

Originally Posted by Avery

The Woodfast is about 400 mm long, the MC 900 about twice that. If you are not going to turn long stuff the Woodfast will do the job. For mallet handles and pepper grinders etc. it is more than enough.

I have one of these and picked up the 600mm extension bed for about $100. Having the removable extension has it swings and roundabouts. Being removable it can leave valuable bench space free. OTOH it is probably not as rigid for long work as a dedicated/fixed length lathe. Although for light work I reckon it's OK.

Arry,


I suggest you take up the offer from the turner in PERTH , .

Go and see his equipment and learn about the equipment and the part names etc,
BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING.
Your other alternative , is to find your nearest WOOD TURNING Club.

All the advice from others , is meaningless , unless you understand what they are saying. (NO OFFENSE TO OTHER MEMBERS WHO HAVE POSTED)

Jeff
vk4

One thing to consider is that while the mc900 or 1100 discussed here are solid cast iron construction, they come with a flimsy steel set of legs which limits them greatly. I built a more rigid and useful bench for mine. The optional cast iron legs are also great if you don't have the time to build something else and budget accordingly.

Good luck and I also suggest getting hands on before you part with $$$$

Originally Posted by vk4

Arry,
I suggest you take up the offer from the turner in PERTH , .

If you wish you can also come and look at my Woodfast.

Arry, good on you for wanting to have a go, and you're in the right place to ask the right questions.

By the sounds of things, like asking what was meant by spindle turning, and not understanding mine and others posts a little, a bit of research on your part might go a long way to helping you out more. I'm not having a go, just trying to assist.

Find a basic beginners turning book, from the local library or if you see one shopping, give it a read and make sure to get into the glossary, there are a lot of terms some of us turners take for granted that don't otherwise come up in regular conversations.

Likewise if your a woody type already, hit google and look for a local club, they'll most likely have a little bit more specific selection to read or borrow too, theyre a great resource even if its just the people your interacting with face to face while there.

Neal.