Any advice welcome

[Orraloon]

I think you are well shot of that lathe and even if it had worked it would have been a source of frustration. Good to see you are looking to get some instruction as well. I would advise you hold off on buying a lathe until you have had a bit of hands on and some advice from other turners. Places like men's sheds and turning clubs are also good at knowing where bargains are to be had on tools and wood.
Regards
John.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Some Draper stuff is excellent, some isn't. We don't always know which is which.

 

[clogs]

Just seen this.......if u lived near me I'd be happy to let u use my lathes n tools.....
would be fun.....
the older lathes are very simple machines.....
often with 3 or 4 pully speeds and 1/2 a decent motor.....
most models will have some sort of roller bearings in the head stock....apart from a few big lathes cheap to change....
just go used.......plenty of decent stuff out there.....prob get the tools as well chucked in....
I'd prefer a cast iron head stock....

 

[JimTaylor]

Where are you based?
I would suggest joining a local wood turning society. Go on the AWGB web site you can find what clubs are near you. They all usually have tuition and mentoring by more experienced turners. Clubs usually know where good used lathes are for sale. Not all used lathes are good, there may be a reason it is for sale, so read some reviews and get some input for an experienced turner.
Remember like everything in life, there will be a compromise in the lathe you choose. Until you have a bit more experience knowing what features is a must and what is a would be nice is difficult. You may buy a small lathe and find big bowls are your thing or turning pens is your passion. You can turn small stuff on a big lathe but not big stuff on a small lathe. Good luck with your turning journey.

 

[Duncan A]

Draper do some good kit; they do some rubbish. Many of these smaller lathes are similar, coming as they do from the same factory in China. There are often differences, however, between different brands who will specify different QC standards, different bearings etc.
For this reason, you're best sticking to reputable woodturning suppliers such as Axminster, Jet, Record Power, Hope, Laguna, Charnwood (budget brand but easy to talk to if there are any problems). Avoid generic tool suppliers who often simply won't be able to support the product properly.
You'll get a better lathe second hand but advice will help greatly and that's where clubs and men's sheds are great.
Good luck!

 

[Spectric]

Are the likes of Draper and Clarke just wholesalers who buy in tools and stick there name on either the tool or just the packaging ?

 

[JimTaylor]

There are several factories in China that build for these companies. They look very similar, different colours, one may specify better bearings or accessories. If you need support, that is where there are differences.
The likes of axminster and specialist suppliers have sales staff who can turn and so demo the equipment. There are often free demos in store by professional turners.
There are some who do great turnings with drill powered lathes, there can be some snobbery about cheaper tools, but until you have enough experience to avoid the dross, go with experienced advice.

 

[Peter907]

All great advice thank you.
I have just joined a local turning group and attended a meeting which was a demo by a professional turner.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned lots of new stuff.
Still haven't decided on a lathe yet, but after discussions with other members I'm much better informed now and prepared to increase my budget. I also have an invite to one of their workshops to try some turning soon.
Cheers.

 

[Lonsdale73]

All great advice thank you.
I have just joined a local turning group and attended a meeting which was a demo by a professional turner.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned lots of new stuff.
Still haven't decided on a lathe yet, but after discussions with other members I'm much better informed now and prepared to increase my budget. I also have an invite to one of their workshops to try some turning soon.
Cheers.

I'm bit of a way away from you however if you're still looking for a lathe then take a look in the for sale section where you can see the lathe I'm hoping will sell to a fellow member. Perhaps more significant are some of the comments other members have left concerning the lathe.

 

[Peter907]

@Lonsdale73
Thanks, what a pity, I would have much preferred your Jet if I hadn't already taken the plunge last week on a new Charnwood w824 with chuck which cost very slightly more than your asking price. My daughter lives in your area so collection wouldn't have been a problem.
I'm very pleased with the Charnwood so far and learning fast, just wish it had a slower speed than 500rpm.

 

[Lonsdale73]

@Lonsdale73
Thanks, what a pity, I would have much preferred your Jet if I hadn't already taken the plunge last week on a new Charnwood w824 with chuck which cost very slightly more than your asking price. My daughter lives in your area so collection wouldn't have been a problem.
I'm very pleased with the Charnwood so far and learning fast, just wish it had a slower speed than 500rpm.

No problem, which is also what I hope you have with your Charnwood.