Beginner lathe for a clueless cheapskate?

[Maxwell]

Hi,

I've decided to get into woodturning mainly because i want to start making ear plugs and tunnels, so i need something that is good for working a minimum diameter of 10mm. But i wouldn't mind trying my hand at a couple of bowls etc. just for fun

As far as price goes, i'm thinking maximum 200, plus a chuck with jaws (or at least i think i need jaws for the tunnels).

I've been looking at some of the draper lathes and the price is okay, but i'm not sure if they're good for what i want to do. Any help would be hugely appreciated

Thanks!
Maxwell

 

[Bigbud78]

Buy used, anything at £200 is not going to be great. A good Chuck with one set of jaws is anything from 60-100, a set of jaws is £25-40. Also plan for tools/safety visor/sharpening method/books.

Look for a used record/myford or maybe a tyme

 

[Stiggy]

I started on a Sealey lathe I bought for £50 - did me proud until I upgraded!

 

[Maxwell]

There's a fairly cheap Record with loads of accs but it's way on the other side of the country so it's a bit of a no go :/
The only thing i can find close to me is a Clarke CWL 12D, anyone have any comments on the make/model?

 

[sunnybob]

Youre making wooden ear plugs?
????????????????????????????

 

[Homerjh]

I believe this may be the things people who are into 'body modification' use, so have them in their modified ear lobes.

and the tunnels are the same thing but hollow.

probably wont be something the majority of people on here will have i expect :lol:

 

[DiscoStu]

Axminster hobby series are good. Not sure what price they start though. I got an Axminster £600 lathe for £200 second hand and a further £100 got me a set of tools and a chuck all from the same person.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Maxwell]

Youre making wooden ear plugs?
????????????????????????????

Haha! i can't post images but a quick google of 'wooden ear plug' or 'wooden ear tunnels' will answer all questions (except maybe "why?")

Mine are only 10mm dia but i'm hoping to sell the larger, more sought after sizes once i'm competent at making them, they go for pretty decent buck.

 

[sunnybob]

and I thought our biggest problem was leaving the EU!

 

[Robbo3]

As an owner of a Draper WTL 330 (if that is what you were alluding to) it will easily cope with what you envisage however it doesn't have a lot of power especially at lower speeds & thus requires light cuts with sharp tools. Small spindle work should be turned as fast as possible ie as fast as you, & the lathe, feel comfortable.
It will cope with small bowls especially if you start off with balanced blanks but if you wish to progress to bigger things it's probably best to get a slightly larger lathe from the start.