First wood lathe

[DigitalM]

Looking to buy my first wood lathe, not having used one since school some (cough) 30 years ago.

Specs:
Less than £250!

To make:
Lathey things! No really, I want to make some things that you'd make on a lathe as a means of learning to use it, that;s my only criteria. So I guess that means any suggestions as to "extras" I might need in order to make a reasonably wide range of things that are made on a lathe.

Full disclosure:
It's actually for my wife, who has been watching loads of youtube things of people making things on lathes and seems fascinate by it. Yes I could ask her exactly what she wants but I'm 99.9% sure my description above is correct, and I want it to be a surprise.

Inevitable ebay linky:
Saw this http://tinyurl.com/gleht82 on ebay. How much of a deal is it that the two centre points on the chuck and tail don't meet (you can see it on one of the photos). I've no idea how adjustable these things are. I suppose the guy selling this realises it's potentially a problem and pictured it accordingly (doesn't mention it in the description though).

There we go, mad question of the day, all helpful answers appreciated!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Get in quickly and get second dibs on this in case the transport costs make it prohibitive for Sammy.
record-power-dml18sh-lathe-stand-extras-t100128.html
A few tools and you're away. Worth a try.

 

[DigitalM]

Yeah that does look good thanks.

 

[woodpig]

These Record Lathes come up quite often so just keep a good look out.

 

[DigitalM]

I take it then that they have a reasonable rep?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

They are very good lathes, practically bulletproof. The centres not being exact isn't that critical - they are not far out (it might even be the centre itself - the seller has put the pic. there to show they do line up, not that they don't) - and they are unlikely to be more than a few thou out as the headstock swivels. It's collection only, so you have the costs of that to add, and there's nothing apart from the stand with it. If you watch you can sometimes come across a package for say £300 or £350 (whatever) that has extras two or three times the value of the lathe in monetary value - you're looking to spend £250, and you could easily then go out and spend £300 on a chuck and a set of decent tools. Be careful. Has she looked into joining a club? It could save you a lot of money and mistaken purchases - you often get the chance to buy equipment from people trading up (or down) from other members, as well.

 

[DigitalM]

Thanks for the info, that's very useful.

A club? There are woodworking clubs?

Sorry - just never heard of it - do I just google this or is there some place (directory) where all these things tend to get listed?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Not just woodworking, woodturning -
http://www.awgb.co.uk/club-list/
http://www.gaw.org.uk/

 

[DigitalM]

Perfect - so glad I asked here, I wouldn't have stumbled on that in oodles of researching. TYVM