Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Location
    Maitland
    Age
    31
    Posts
    2

    Default 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

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    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.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    blue mountains
    Posts
    4,882

    Default

    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

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    near Mackay
    Age
    59
    Posts
    4,628

    Default

    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.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Location
    Maitland
    Age
    31
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Thanks for the advice guys. Ill keep looking 👍🏼👍🏼

  7. #6
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    489

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ironwood View Post
    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.
    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.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Leopold, Victoria
    Age
    65
    Posts
    4,677

    Default

    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

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,556

    Default

    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.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    275

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    East of Melbourne Aus.
    Age
    72
    Posts
    1,219

    Default

    I'm about to sell a nova lathe, for about $850. Let me know if you would like photo's.
    I am learning, slowley.

Similar Threads

  1. New Lathe Purchase (Help Needed)
    By Perfect Pens in forum WOODTURNING - PEN TURNING
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 4th February 2013, 07:36 PM
  2. Lathe crash - help needed
    By 19brendan81 in forum METALWORK FORUM
    Replies: 64
    Last Post: 26th January 2011, 10:54 AM
  3. Help needed - using the lathe for toys
    By jefferson in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 21st November 2008, 09:13 PM
  4. Lathe needed
    By Haemish in forum METALWORK FORUM
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 23rd January 2005, 11:07 PM
  5. Lathe needed
    By Haemish in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 22nd January 2005, 05:03 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •