scheppach 450

[bill purves]

Hi, I am thinking of taking up turning as a new hobby. I am in my fifties with a strong dislike of soaps so as an alternative I would like to turn, a thing I have not done since I was at school.
What are your thoughts on the Scheppach 450 mini lathe?
My thoughts at the moment are small scale projects, pens etc.
Any advice will be welcome. Regards Bill.

 

[CHJ]

to the forum Bill,
Don't have any experience of small lathes myself but no doubt there will soon be others along to give their experience, it looks much the same in features and spec. as various other machines with different distributer badging.

 

[John. B]

Hello Bill, Welcome to the forum,
As far as the 450 is concerned, initially you'd probably like it.
After a month you'd probably think that was a waste of money, it doesn't do what you want it to do.
I think the first thing to do is try to join a local, turning club.
There you may be able to get some hands on experience that can put you in the right direction, particularly what costs are involved.
You will of course get excellent advise on this forum. I have had a Tyme Avon since 1990 and great little lathe it still is.
I would of course like a much bigger/heavier lathe, but, ce le vie.
I think you might find a few members here have done what you are thinking of doing and have regretted not getting something bigger.
I hope you take it up, I still think it's the best thing to do since sliced bread was invented.
BTW If you do decide to take the plunge think used! it can be supprising what you can pick up for a whole lot less. :lol:

John.b

 

[cornucopia]

hello and welcome

 

[SVB]

Hi and welcome,

A quick look at the members lathe's 'sticky' is prabably useful. As all will say, it really depends on what you want to turn tempered with the space you have.

I would suggest something like the Axminster M900 or one of the many clones as the ideal first lathe - there are loads around.

Simon.

 

[THOMASB]

Hi Bill and welcome to this friendly forum, if you are in a small space have a look at the Jet 1220 spec, I have had one for two years with no major problems, great for pens,boxes, up to 12" dia bowls, platters etc.
Have a good look at all of them before you buy :roll:
Its a great hobby enjoy

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Bill
Take a look at the Axminster M330 and M600 ... along with the many very similar looking machines and compare specs and product support from the dealer/manufacturer/importer.

I have an M330 which I find ideal for small work and miniatures; Axminster have an excellent reputation for great customer service. (NO, I'm not on commission :lol

Send me a pm if you'd be interested in me calling in whilst on my world tour of Scotland this year ...I'll have the M330 with me abw :wink:

 

[PowerTool]

Hello,and welcome to the forum,Bill

Glenrothes - used to go there a lot at one time,delivering to Tullis Russels paper mill (as well as Forbo Nairns down in Kirkcaldy);very nice bit of the world 8)

Andrew

 

[penman]

Hi and welcome Bill
I also was like you hated soaps and last did some turning at school (anything to get away from the screech of slates :lol: :lol: ). I took up turning about 6 1/2 years ago and am now on a Record CL4-36VS lathe
http://www.recordpower.co.uk/index.php? ... 0TAILSTOCK
which I find a most useful lathe if you have the space for it
Hope you get sorted soon and get some spinning done

Malcolm

 

[Woodmagnet]

Welcome to the world of "spinny" things Bill. :lol:

 

[bill purves]

Wow, what a forum 9 replies to my first post. Many Thanks.
There is a wood machinery exhibition in Glasgow in a couple of weeks that I hope to go to and have a good look around.
I have a bigger shed to build as well to house my lathe when I get it too, it just seems the more I look the more confusing it gets.
Thanks for your comments Andrew about Fife,yes it is nice part of the country. I have also worked in both TRs and Nairns,mostly repair work and jobbing over the years.
Many Thanks to you all for your comments and advice. Bill.

 

[Jenx]

Hi Bill ...
welcome from a wee bit further up the road.. ( but originally from Dundee :wink: )

Good luck with your search and subsequent decision !

All the best,

Jenx 8)