Lathe buying advise? £400 budget

[martlewis]

Hi. Looking for advise on buying my first lathe. Something big enough to turn staircase spindles. Doesn't need a stand but I'll need tools, etc. I have a maximum £400 for everything. Needs to last a few years. Any recommendations really appreciated thanks.

 

[BearTricks]

Get something dependable second hand. Got a Record CL3 on eBay with a set of chisels, a (useless) chuck and a stand for it.

Does your budget include wood? I can turn decent bowls but I would probably turn a good few spindle blanks in to sawdust before turning a matching pair.

 

[martlewis]

Which ebay listing and where abouts are you mate?

 

[timber]

Hi. Looking for advise on buying my first lathe. Something big enough to turn staircase spindles. Doesn't need a stand but I'll need tools, etc. I have a maximum £400 for everything. Needs to last a few years. Any recommendations really appreciated thanks.

Hi
I used a Trend router lathe and cut 200 spindles out of 2" X 2" OAK when I built my house stairs and gallery. I moved and have some here at the present house . Did spiral cuts using an Elu 1/4" router.
I have two old ordinary lathes at the moment, both of them are capable of reasonable work. For spindles you will need a fairly long bed.---- If starting up, do not spend too much , my first one that I bought 15 years ago was an old treadle lathe made by Britannia metalwork lathe, converted to electric 3 phase with an inverter
I have seen a good one on the add site "GumTree" It's not far from, you at Ashbourne

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

I've recently bought a Record Power DML36SH that has 914mm between centres and a Robert Sorby beginners turning tool 8 piece set for £460 in total. I wasn't sure what turning tools I would need so I bought the big set but you could save a few quid just getting chisels you know you want.

 

[BearTricks]

Sorry, I meant that's what I paid for mine on eBay, rather than me listing it.

 

[martlewis]

Upped my budget to about £1000. Thinking the Record CL4 or looking at Axminster. Need something with a decent distance between centers.

 

[marcros]

don't forget the sharpening kit

 

[BearTricks]

You'll need a bench grinder, and at a minimum a white wheel. You can sharpen freehand, build a simple wooden jig or get something fancy. I think someone is selling a jig on the forums here.