Things to look for in a lathe,

[WoodAddict]

Thanks chaps,

So I've just picked this one as an example.......... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SIP-37-Woodturnin ... 500wt_1182 what's your thoughts? I'm not saying I want to buy this one but just to give me an idea of the kind of obvious things to look for.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Blister]

Thanks chaps,

So I've just picked this one as an example.......... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SIP-37-Woodturnin ... 500wt_1182 what's your thoughts? I'm not saying I want to buy this one but just to give me an idea of the kind of obvious things to look for.

Thanks
Paul

I would avoid it

Single round tube chassis
Tin body
Plastic hand wheel on the tail stock
No variable speed

Not enough power

 

[CHJ]

WoodAddict, In my opinion a used lathe such as the Axminster 900 series is fine for starters, admittedly if you get hooked on the slope then after 12months-2 years you may feel the need to start spending serious money on heavier and more robust machines. By then however you will know a lot more about what you want to do and what attributes you feel you need in a machine. If you spend that time sorting yourself out with some good basic tools along the way and don't fall for 'all that glitters' advertising of must have tools you will not regret it.

Low power is not a bad idea for a new starter, it teaches good tool skills and an appreciation of the loads involved with a spinning lump of wood, better that a 1/2hp motor stalls than you have a major accident with a machine that is stronger than your wrist.

What you produce with a lathe is down to your ability to develop the skills more than the price or size of the lathe, using a large machine to overcome unbalanced work pieces or poor tool sharpening or control does you no favours at the end of the day.

 

[OldWood]

On the other hand you could far wrong with this

Ebay 260550977384

(I need a Smiley at this point !!)

Rob

 

[WoodAddict]

now that is a beast! 8)

 

[WoodAddict]

WoodAddict, In my opinion a used lathe such as the Axminster 900 series is fine for starters,

this one?

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0

 

[Blister]

If you only want a small cheap lathe to give it a try ?

How about one of these

http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/4/prod ... 781208.htm

1/2" HP , cast iron , variable speed , and new with a guarantee

 

[CHJ]

WoodAddict, In my opinion a used lathe such as the Axminster 900 series is fine for starters,

this one?
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0

That's the type I was referring to, if you can get one, perhaps with some extras like a scroll chuck thrown in second hand. They do need a little more maintenance than some but it's all a good learning curve.

If going for new, then the model Blister referenced is very versatile and would not come to much more with a suitable scroll chuck. Should be lower maintenance than the 900 series.

I started with an even more 'budget' version of the one you referenced.

and all pieces between May 2005 & Nov. 2006 were produced on it.

 

[WoodAddict]

Thanks again guys. I'll keep an eye out on the usual second hand sites. I've had a PM from a member (thanks!) telling me of a local club so I'll be popping down for a look 8)

Thanks everyone,

Paul