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Thread: Lathe Decisions

  1. #1
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    Question Lathe Decisions

    I'm going to get a lathe, and tend to get a little crazy about these things - research ad infinitum, then end up buying some all-the-bells-and-whistles monster...! I'm trying to avoid doing that here, so after a bit of the usual advice from People Wot Know...

    My shop space is a little limited, and I figure a lathe can be many machines. I'm not a turner, but I'm sure I'll play with it at some point in the future. I've thought of getting a decent big beast from the start, but I think a mini/midi might do initially, and then I can get something bigger when I have an idea of what I want to do. I do want a quality tool though - cheap and wobbly just don't float my boat any more!

    Initially, it'll spend most of its time being a disc and spindle sander to clean up those little bandsaw boxes Alan taught me to make. Likely to make some small pieces and widgets like handles, and then we'll see...

    I'd prefer a swivel head for the added versatility, and variable speed control as I'm inherently lazy and unlikely to spend too much time fiddling with belts - particularly with the sanding application.

    From reading through the forums, these lathes seem to have a reasonable rep:

    Hafco: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W385 (no swivel head :/ )
    Nova Comet: https://www.carbatec.com.au/comet_lathe (no swivel head :/ )
    Hafco with a swivel headstock: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W382

    Not sure about the Jets - I've had some personal recommendations liking them, and others that say they're now pretty poor quality.

    Anything else I should be thinking about?

    I've kept an eye on gumtree, but it's the usual case of people asking much more than I'm willing to pay for a 2nd hand machine of unknown origin. Unless there's a significant saving, I'd rather pay a few hundred more and get the full backup of a new buy. As an example of a recent ad: a Nova 3000 DVR for $2250 just seems like a lot of money for a machine that's likely to be 10+ years old, and a serious problem if that motor or electronics let's its smoke out. Is that an unreasonable attitude?

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  3. #2
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    I only just turned something this weekend for the first time. So I haven't even reached beginner status yet.
    However here is my experience for what it is worth.
    1. Your approach is the correct one. I bought a cheap lathe because it was an ALDI special buy. I got what I paid for so that aspect was fine. The thing is, that you also need chisels and a sharpening machine and all sorts of other accessories. I wasn't planning on turning and only bought it because of the "low entry price" into this hobby. Well, I've already spent a lot more on just the chisels and sharpening machine than I did on the lathe. So what low entry price? Plus it took me more than 6 months to save up to get those other bits so what was the rush? Sadly another forum member warned me about this and although it made me hesitate I probably jumped the wrong way.

    I'm not complaining about my lathe, but if I had known what I was going to spend in total I would have just put the whole thing off until I had enough for a better setup.
    That said, I only have space for the sort of lathe I have purchased or for a mini lathe, so perhaps I ended up the best setup for my circumstances anyway.


    2. Yes I agree, us Aussies have unrealistic expectations for 2nd hand machines. I have bought some 2nd hand machines but mostly it was worth buying new due to unrealistic asking prices for 2nd hand.


    3. The three lathes you are looking at are each very different. Consider the size of what you may want to turn and the available space in your shed to help narrow down your options. (Not that I should be giving anyone turning advice).

    4. Most of all, give it a go. It's fun!

  4. #3
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    I've only been turning for few years(14 or 15), on to my 3rd lathe. Yes it's a slippery slope, you get a lathe and a set of carbon or "HSS" chisels and a grinder with a white wheel. After a while, you learn the limitations of yourself, the lathe and the tools. You resolve to get lessons to improve yourself, then look at the lathe and tools. Yes I know, it's not the tools that make the turner, but good tooling makes things easier.

    My biggest suggestion is to try before you buy, go and join a club or if you are lucky enough to know a competent turner, annoy them for a day. Most turners I know will get you on the lathe turning beads and coves, which teaches you tool control in a safe environment. After you are hooked, get some tuition. Yes there are plenty of turners on utube, but you learn more with hands on instruction.

    Then you can make an informed decision about whether you are a match for turning.
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

  5. #4
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    Bern, I began with a Jet mini 10 years ago. With a bed extension it became a decent tool for turning legs, spindles and tool handles. Very basic lathe - no variable speed, and only 1/2 hp. Yet it proved to be a wonderful assistant.

    Several months ago I purchased a Nova Saturn, which is one huge jump from the Jet. For the above tasks, however, it may have more power and variable speed, but spindle work does not require a big, honking lathe if one has patience. I am hoping to turn some bowls on the Nova, which I could not do on the mini.

    Any of the lathes you linked to would be better than the Jet mini. I would go for the Nova.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  6. #5
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    You asked is there anything else to think about and there is. Tools, chucks, grinder to sharpen tools and other bits and pieces. Usually getting tooled up can cost as much as the lathe, more if you feel like it. While looking at your shortlist I spotted this package.
    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/K021
    As to the second hand market often turning tools are included in the deal. Good luck with the hunt.
    Regards
    John

    PS A 10 year old belt driven lathe may be an ok buy as belts and bearings can be replaced but like you I would have second thoughts on 10 year old EVS.

  7. #6
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    Daveman, did u buy the turning chisels that were advertised with it in the catalogue? I was just wondering if anyone killed themselves with them. That lathe was pictured with regular chisels!!

  8. #7
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    Bernmc,

    i have the W385 - WL-14 and it's a great little lathe. It would be remiss of me not to let you know that there were issues with the EVS, but they have been fixed and those left in stock fixed also. It was model wide. Machinery house were great to deal with. I primarily bought it due to 3 things, $, EVS, space or lack there of. And to save a few hundred and get EVS I was able to buy a scroll chuck and jaws set.

    you ultimately do get what you pay for and unless your sitting on a politicians pension and can afford the 1100 long Woodfast with all the bells and whistles, then you can't go past the Hafco models you have described. If space is an issue, go the W385, if not, go the W382 with swivel head.

  9. #8
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    Thanks everyone. You haven’t made it any easier!
    I have the advantage of Peter and Artisans on The Hill not too far away in Tinonee, so I’ll be able to get a bit of turning instruction when the time comes.

    I’m tending (slightly) towards the little Nova now, mainly because the spinny bit (™) outrigger whatsit means I’ll be able to add a sanding disk easily, and it already has a grinding wheel attachment available for it.

    I figure it’s small enough to spend its life sitting in the corner doing disk and spindle sanding and small jobs if I end up getting a bigger lathe when I grow up.

    I don’t think it’s a true induction motor (may be wrong there) but it does have EVS. Pricey little fiend too, particularly when you throw in a chuck and some pointy things.

    Haven’t ruled out the H&F’s yet, particularly as I like the reports on customer service.

  10. #9
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    Oh, and timbecon are now offering a little lathe with a true induction motor, similar/slightly more $$ than the Nova

  11. #10
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    There's an EOFY special on the little NOVA at carbatec, so I've ordered one. THanks for all the advice - will let y'all know how it turns out...

  12. #11
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    I have a Jet 1221VS with the electronic speed control. I've had it around a year now and am very happy with it. It's my second lathe (after a 6 position belt Woodfast) and I do not regret having bought it. Hasn't missed a beat yet. And I see right now that Carbatec have a sale on this one as well.

  13. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bernmc View Post
    Oh, and timbecon are now offering a little lathe with a true induction motor, similar/slightly more $$ than the Nova
    I've just purchased this machine (MC-1420-VF) - although I've only had a couple of days to play with it am very happy so far. A real step up for me from a home made lathe originally belonging to my wife's grandfather and rebuilt by me.

    Induction motor with frequency control gives good torque low down, nice solid bed, near perfect alignment of headstock/tailstock (within about 0.1mm horizontally and vertically).

    Only gripe was toolrest was painted on top, but that was soon fixed with a bit of filing and flattening on a diamond stone.

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by GRK View Post
    I've just purchased this machine (MC-1420-VF) - although I've only had a couple of days to play with it am very happy so far. A real step up for me from a home made lathe originally belonging to my wife's grandfather and rebuilt by me.

    Induction motor with frequency control gives good torque low down, nice solid bed, near perfect alignment of headstock/tailstock (within about 0.1mm horizontally and vertically).

    Only gripe was toolrest was painted on top, but that was soon fixed with a bit of filing and flattening on a diamond stone.
    I was very tempted, but couldn’t find much in the way of opinions and reviews on Timbecon’s lathes, and nothing for this one as it’s so new, so opted for the Nova. Be interested to hear if it keeps keeping you happy. (And maybe post a review here once you’ve had it for a bit longer)

  15. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by DAL1957 View Post
    I have a Jet 1221VS with the electronic speed control. I've had it around a year now and am very happy with it. It's my second lathe (after a 6 position belt Woodfast) and I do not regret having bought it. Hasn't missed a beat yet. And I see right now that Carbatec have a sale on this one as well.

    I'm reasonably keen on this one, does it come with the extension as a standard or is that an optional extra?

  16. #15
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    The Extension is an extra option, but last time I looked Carbatec had it out on Special - may still have. Pretty neat little lathe though.

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