First lathe: which spindle thread to choose?

[ThornOfCamorr]

Hi,

I'm completely new to wood turning and looking into buying my first lathe. Was hoping for a good second hand one. I read recommendations here in this forum that you should choose a common type spindle thread, so attachments will work across lathes when updating. Which thread should one look for? M33x3.5mm or 1"x8 TPI or ???

What are decent second-hand lathes? Axminster Perform CCL?

Thx for you replies

 

[Duncan A]

M33 x 3.5mm definitely the way to go. It is the standard nowadays even on small lathes.
Only thing to watch out for is that many newer lathes have a Euroloc collar to prevent the chuck coming off by accident.
These are great but they do make the spindle longer and some of the cheaper chucks won't screw on far enough to sit on the register - important for alignment purposes.
Best to stick with Axminster, Record Power, Novatech, Sorby etc - or simply make a spacer ring, usually 3-4mm thick.
Second hand lathes - join a club and get advice. Electronic variable speed is preferable to anything else.
All depends on your budget of course!
Duncan

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

Speak to a firm lock Axminster and ask which is the way forward
My 1992 Axminster has 1inch *8 tpi so that has been around for a few years now
I have noticed that newer chucks can be reversed something mine can not do

 

[Sideways]

M33 x 3.5mm on a new lathe.

If you decide to buy an old classic lathe, many threads were used and chucks and adapters can be got for most of them. In that case you will be choosing the lathe because of it's build or features and the spindle thread will be incidental.

Axminster Perform (yellow) are cheap Chinese generic woodlathes badged for Axminster. As a cheap lathe to learn on, perfectly usable and many were sold. Not something to go out of your way to look for.