Please help me

[Mickfb]

I am looking at getting a lath for the first time.
Have a budget of about £300 plus about £200 for accessories . Do I go for a Record Dml 305, this looks like a strong machine. Or go for a Axminster Awvsl 1000 and have the extra length but it does look a lighter machine.
My goal is to make bowls goblets and pens etc . I hope to sell these at a later date.
I don't want to buy second hand as I want to get up and running asap.

Many thanks Mick

 

[Chrisp]

Hi Mick,
I don't have experience in either but the feedback from the Axminster lathe looks good and there is always the fantastic service they provide, I'm not going to raise the Record quality/customer service debate as I only have one piece from them and have no problems with it, have you joined your local woodturning club or at least contacted them to see what is being sold through them, there are always several lathes up to workshop clearances available, you will get more for your money as you will find once you get into the hobby £200 on accessories will get gobbled up pretty quick!
Regards Chris.

 

[Noggsy]

PM sent.

 

[monkeybiter]

My lathe is the Axminster Awvsl 1000 and it's fine, does all I ask and the mobile headstock/drive is a great boon in a confined space. I haven't used the legs but have bench mounted instead. The only thing I'm not keen on is the variable speed mechanism, but having said that it's easy to use and hasn't let me down. It's got me a first and a second in the monthly challenge, so I haven't any real complaints.