Happy springtime neighbors!

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for reading.

I’ve finally had an idea good enough to sell that I’m in the market for my first lathe. I’ve got about $600 in store credit at both HD and Lowe’s so for now I’m gonna settle for something that’ll get the job done and then upgrade later.

Any opinions about this WEN lathe from HD? ...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-6-A...ble-Speed-Benchtop-Wood-Lathe-34034/306031795

 

[bourbon]

Hi, Don't take this the wrong way. But this forum is (was) primarily UK based. So the tools you link to may not be available here and will limit your responses. Having said that, there are a few from your part of the world, so you may get lucky

 

[Cabinetman]

Thanks for reading.

I’ve finally had an idea good enough to sell that I’m in the market for my first lathe. I’ve got about $600 in store credit at both HD and Lowe’s so for now I’m gonna settle for something that’ll get the job done and then upgrade later.

Any opinions about this WEN lathe from HD? ...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-6-A...ble-Speed-Benchtop-Wood-Lathe-34034/306031795

Hi Bradley, I’m sorry that link doesn’t open, maybe because I’m in the UK? , the only thing I would say from the information given is that 20 inches between centres is a bit on the short side, obviously it depends what you want to make, be okay for chair legs. Ian

 

[Doug B]

The lathe you link to looks to me like a generic Chinese machine with a Wem badge on it, I don’t know what the exchange rate is at the moment but it looks a tad expensive compared to what you can get get this side of the water.
Personally I’d buy something with a better pedigree, it seems a little strange to me that you would buy something you already expect to upgrade from but as you seem to think it will do the job you want & you’re happy with that fact then go for it.

 

[danst96]

Hi Bradley,
Since you have most of the money in store credits and that lathe is essentially only going to cost you $79 then I would say go for it unless there is something else you really could use those credits for. One thing to consider is the resale value of the item if you are planning to upgrade later. If there is a more recognized brand you could buy (Jet or something like) then it could be worth spending a little more plus your credits but then again I dont know whether HD or Lowes stock Jet or any other better known brands. And with all that considered, you surely will be able to sell it for more than $79 in the future. Seems a no brainer.

I have a "generic Chinese rebadged lathe" which was cheap, yes its not a Jet or RP or Union or any other nice brand but it does exactly what i need it to do with my occasional use of it for small items and components for larger projects.

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've since been warned against the WEN line so I'll be saying away from their products altogether. Anyone have an opinion about this Delta 46-460 at Home Depot? I can get the extension and stand on my HD credit and have a 1 HP motor and 42" bed. Quality product?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-21-5-in-x-34-5-in-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe/4743323

 

[danst96]

That seems a better shout to be honest and likely much better resale value if and when you upgrade.

 

[baldkev]

Or..... can you buy something with your credits that will get most of your money back if you sold it brand new still boxed?
That way you can convert the credits to cash and put it towards a decent 2nd hand unit ( although i have no idea how much 2nd hand kit goes for out there )

 

[bradleyheathhays]

That's not a bad idea, buying something new then reselling. I'm sure it's possible as I've done it before. There's also the option here in the states to sell my cards at a discount. I might give up something like 10-15% but I'll get cash back.

 

[Droogs]

Of what is available, I would get either the Powermatic or the Grizzly shown below for my money and at the rough size.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerma...Wood-Lathe-1792014/313021558#product-overview




https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grizzly...od-Lathe-with-Copy-Attachment-G0842/310410449

and the grizzly has a copy attachment too


preference would be powermatic, yep it costs more but is sooooo much better or save up and get a Nova Saturn DVR

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Droogs can't say how much help your link was. I didn't even think of needing something like a copy attachment but that's exactly what I need for production. Uggh back to square one. Now that a copy attachment is a requirement what models of machines should I be looking at now?

 

[Doug B]

If I was living in your neck of the woods I’d be taking a good look at Robust Lathes, made in the USA Home

 

[gregmcateer]

Copy attachment is nice and handy, but is achievable cheaply by rigging up a couple of centres in articulated arms - they are just holding a piece in place, after all.

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Yes those Robust lathes looked great. Hopefully I'll be able to lay out for that kind of quality soon. And on the copier front...I got lucky and ran across a youtube video making a simple copy device for the Delta 46-460, so that's the lathe I've ordered. I'll make my own set up once it gets here. Feels good knowing I'm saving myself the money.