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Thread: New (old) Lathe help needed
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9th February 2021, 09:31 AM #1New Members
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New (old) Lathe help needed
Hey, I’m new to wood turning and am looking at lathes on gumtree, I’ve found a couple of sub $200 ones and from what I've read they seem to be not that great. Can anyone please explain to me the downsides of the lathes that all look like this one? Ryobi Wood Turning Lathe | Other Tools & DIY | Gumtree Australia Port Stephens Area - Seaham | 1263608728
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9th February 2021, 09:56 AM #2.
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One of the most important properties about lathes is rigidity.
That ryobi is too lightly built to maintain rigidity so while it may be OK for small spindles eg pens it will struggle on anything larger.
A skilled turner can make these things work but given you are just starting out I would look for something more rigid if you can - of course expect to pay more.
At our mens shed we have been gifted with more than half a dozen such lathes and have kept none of them
If you are going to buy an older lathe look for one with plenty of cast iron in it.
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9th February 2021, 03:47 PM #3
Totally agree with Bob. Not the thing to be starting out on. Not only is it not rigid enough its almost impossible to get other bits and pieces to fit like chucks or other drive centers. Its out there under many brand names so whatever colour or brand you see one give it a miss.
Regards
John
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9th February 2021, 03:58 PM #4
Both good advice above. Buying one of this type of lathe will only give you headaches.
Look for one with a common size spindle thread, so you can buy adapters, and make sure it’s got a Morse taper in the spindle and the tailstock. MT2 is the most convenient size for wood turning.Brad.
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10th February 2021, 07:41 AM #5New Members
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Thanks for the advice guys. Ill keep looking 👍🏼👍🏼
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10th February 2021, 08:14 PM #6Senior Member
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As well as all the things Ironwood said, you need to look for weight. Weight equals rigidity and stability. A "midi" size lathe should go around 30-odd Kg and a full size machine should need at least 2 medium size gorillas to carry it. You don't want a lightweight lathe hopping all over the floor because the blank you are turning is out of balance and shaking the crap out of the machine and causing you to need a change of underwear.
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13th February 2021, 10:27 AM #7
Not advocating this particular lathe but it gives you an idea of the difference between what you are looking at and what a reasonable lathe design should be. As others have said, cast iron bed, headstock and tailstock and morse tapers inside the spindles so drives and centres can be replaced. The stand on this particular one is not the best being made from thin sheet steel but a better stand can be made that gives them more bulk or mount it on a bench.
Dallas
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15th February 2021, 07:25 AM #8GOLD MEMBER
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All the above is good advice, but ultimately unless you are ordering a top of the line Vicmarc or Woodfast, the lathe will probably be the cheapest part of the deal. Tools and add ons are where it costs. A scroll chuck can cost almost the same price as a Midi lathe.
i found that bit out too late, I was already hooked, so I joined a club and kicked around on their lathes to see what sort of lathes were available, what would I like and what would work. And then what would fit in my shed but ultimately my budget. Had any of the ones you are looking at been available I would’ve snapped one up and as Treecycle said bolted it to a bench for support. Back then it was under GMC and I missed out, but this Ryobi one came available 1 month after I bought my WL-14 from Hare and Forbes.
I would recommend Joining a club first and seeing if you actually enjoy it before spending money. But if you go the quick route by buying the above it may not be what you expect, may not deliver results that you expect and you’ll end up chucking in an often very rewarding past time. There is no better feeling than 1. The accomplishment of making something, and 2. The first time you hear someone say ‘wow’ that’s beautiful, where did you get it, I made it..... gets me every time, their face has a mixture of impression and jealousy.
anyway best of luck and hope to hear of which path you took and the posting of your creations.
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15th February 2021, 08:40 AM #9SENIOR MEMBER
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15th February 2021, 12:37 PM #10
I'm about to sell a nova lathe, for about $850. Let me know if you would like photo's.
I am learning, slowley.
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