Newcomer lathe

[paulmann]

Hi All,

Let me start with an apology as I expect a question similar to mine has been posted a thousand times, I ask as where I live I cannot view and try a lathe as suggested in the forum. I have been wanting to try woodturning for some time, I have a little metal lathe experience but love the thought of being able to create things from attractive woods. To cut to the chase I want to purchase a 'starter' lathe but nevertheless something worthwhile and am considering a Nova 1624-44 as a starting point. Any help and or advice would be appreciated. I want to spend enough to give myself a reasonable chance of success with a machine which will enable me to learn without re selling in the short term.

 

[PowerTool]

Hello,and welcome to the forum

To let us help you more - how big a budget? how much space? looking for new or second-hand ? any ideas on what you plan on turning?
Sorry to have to answer your question with more questions,but it will help..honest :wink:

Andrew

 

[paulmann]

Hi as to budget perhaps up to £1500.00 for a lathe but I know I need a whole host of other things as well, so less if possible. I suppose I would be interested in bowls and table lamps but anything which I could learn to turn with some success. I have a workshop of about 14ft x 10ft available.

 

[Geoffrey]

Hello and Welcome to the forum
Keep it simple to start i recommend a Record DML305 CAST IRON MIDI lathe only about 270 pounds and is brilliant or any other mini lathe.
The Record will turn bowls up to 12"inches and spindles up to 24".
It as a Good Resale value if wood turning is not for you.
and leaves you lots more Money to spend on Good Tools
I have a big lathe but it is not used as much as The midi and takes up no room at all and is easy to move.

Regards Geoff :wink:

 

[Paul.J]

Hello Paul and welcome
Difficult one to answer.
Looking back i would get the best lathe i could afford,and build your tools/equipment round it.
Makes it more enjoyable.

 

[maltrout512]

Hi Paul, and welcome. Boy a Nova as a starter lathe. Not used the nova but I bought Records CL4. At about £900 and you would have extra left for tools. Having said that Geoffs idea is very sensible indeed. A day out across the water would be an idea to have a look at one or two lathes. All the best.

 

[cornucopia]

hello and welcome, you've got a very good budget.

 

[Bodrighy]

With that budget you can get a pretty high spec lathe, some decent tools and a chuck. Lathe wise you have Jet, Record, Nova, Hegner to choose from. All good lathes that are used by various people on here. It might also be worth keeping an eye on Ebay as you sometimnes see higher level lathes on there. Chucks are all around £125 + and a basic set of tools will cost about another £100. Don't forget you'll need a grinder for sharpening, or a set up like the Sorby or Tormek if you are thinking extravagant. I'd put about £1250 for the lathe and the rest for chuck & tools. You'll find that you will always want something else :lol: My advise is buy basic and add as you go along. Saves wasting on things you only use once.

Pete

 

[Geoffrey]

Hi paul if you want nova 1624-44 have a look at records web site if you
Like what you see i think you will then ring this number 01254 57282 and ask for Jen its in Blackburn Lancashire you will like even more i have found this Dealer hard to beat and its not to far from Heysham dock.

Regards Geoff

 

[boysie39]

Hiya Geoff, I bought the Nova 1624-44 lathe they are doing a deal with a Supernova chuck and an outrigger for real big stuff. It cost me £1000 x shipping to Ireland. Ibelieve they are much cheaper because of the Vat cut. It is a belt change lathe but it is quite easy and quick after a day or so . I will not be changing this one. I bought mine from ASK tools the had the cheapest shipping and I saved almost £50.oo no hassle and belivery with in 4/5 days Russell Keeble who posts on here is the contact.
Where ever you buy from you are getting a great lathe. REgards Boysie

 

[paulmann]

Thanks to everyone who has posted, I do think I shall go for this lathe especially with the extras on offer, I'll shop around for who will ship it for a reasonable sum. Just to break it to the wife what she has bought me for Christmas. I'll then go to the UK for a couple of days of tuition.

Best wishes to all

Paul.

 

[Jenx]

Hi Paul
Good luck with everything when you get up and running .. keep coming here, for loads of help and tips / hints ... invaluable !

All the best !

Alun

 

[paulmann]

Well I did it, bought a Nova 1624-44 on offer for £899 seemed a good deal. Think I should go and have some tuition, can anyone recommend anyone in NW england or around Ayr in scotland where I could have a couple of days to get me off on the right foot ?

Best wishes

Paul.

 

[pete honeyman]

Hi - there is a great turning shop in Ayr - http://www.just-wood.co.uk/ very helpful, and runs courses.

Pete