Thread: Lathe choice

Hi BS. For what it's worth (and if you're not in a hurry) I think purchasing a 2nd hand lathe will give you a better quality tool. I have a J.L.Golding and Son lathe (made in Geelong) that is simple but solid. It has handled everything I have asked of it (including turning bowls from wet, just split, chunks of firewood). I was easily able to get accessories for it and have spent more money on these and chisels than initial purchase price of $200. My dilemma was that if I bought a cheap one and took to turning I would have to buy another. If I bought and expensive one and hated it then I wasted money. My lathe is a good middle ground and I don't think I will need to upgrade

For my money try to find an older full sized lathe, I was recently faced with your dilemma, thought I would like wood turning, new a little (very little), so jumped feet first and bought a large old Durden Lathe. Have since (last 3 months) worked out I like Bowl Turning, not big on Pens and Spindles, and the 400+mm is just big enough to last me a while, dont really need to go bigger at this point, would dearly love variable speed and reverse, but that is all this lathe lacks at this point, and could be added as a modification if it ever becomes a limiting factor.

Secondhand usually comes with a bunch of tools and accessories, most are someone else's pick, in my case the tools were more spindle oriented, and as such some of them I will only use rarely, that being said the overall package from a secondhand full sized lathe bundle will pay back in the future no matter which way you go, just find the right bundle, and be prepared to do some clean up work on the old lathe.

Garry

Originally Posted by Gazob

Secondhand usually comes with a bunch of tools and accessories, most are someone else's pick, in my case the tools were more spindle oriented, and as such some of them I will only use rarely

Old tools can often be reground into different shaped scrapers for specific tasks - cutting the mortise and/or tenons for chucks to grip for example.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

I ended up buying the Nova Comet pictured, it is indeed very small as I was advised. I figured it would be a good entry point, if I decide I need something more after this at least I will be making an informed decision. I believe I paid a fair price for it so I should be able to move it on if needed at a similar price.

Its looks like a well made and solid machine in comparison to some I have seen. It is bolted to a heavy steel frame which is a bonus.

Looking forward to making some sawdust / shavings this weekend.