Newbie just joined.

[swivvler]

Hi guys, please be gentle. Totally new to this but something I've always wanted to try, so looking for a new or second hand machine open to suggestions. Anyone selling or where to look for a new machine on a relatively tight budget!! Thanks for any help!! Cheers!!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Welcome. If there is a club near you, give it a try - most will give you trial evenings. If you buy something with no experience or knowledge you will come to grief. It helps to have some idea what your end goal is, whether you are buying something to trade in after a year or two or whether (if you have the readies) or whether you are looking for something permanent. You might (an extreme, I know) have your heart set on turning pens then after trying them decide you want to make large bowls, which of course needs different tools, chucks, lathes etc.
If you look at evilbay, look for old Myfords, Axminsters, Records (there are other good ones, but some have odd threads) and watch for what comes with them - every bit of kit that comes with them will cost you if you have to buy new.
Buy a copy of this - https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/Book ... 0584467889
the newer editions have a DVD.

 

[Homerjh]

Check ebay and set to 'local to you', it may take a while but lathes generally are collection only (size and weight) so set yourself a budget and have email alerts.

facebook marketplace as well may be useful.

But dont forget that you will need a dust mask and a decent full face mask as well as other odds, so add in budget for them as well.

most 'used' may come with tools and some blanks to start you off.