Very Small Wood Lathe Recommendation

[Bushpilot]

Hi, new to so much here and really appreciating the information you provide so promptly.

I am getting together a number of small-scale power tools to help me make one or two bushcraft related products. I like the idea of making some small turned handles for flint and steel firelighting equipment (ferro rod). Any recommendations (avoids) for a small lathe?

Thanks.

 

[Sheptonphil]

First off, what’s the total budget? You will spend as much on extra equipment as the lathe, so it would be good to know a ball park figure.

 

[marcros]

what volume are you looking to make? what other products?

if it is only a few I would look at ways that you can avoid needing a lathe. For example, get it somewhere near with a spokeshave then spinning the wood in a cordless drill and using sandpaper to shape/smooth it.

 

[Lazurus]

You can turn small things on a big lathe, but you cant do the reverse, think future proof , as said above the tools and sharpening system can be as big, if not bigger investment than the lathe it self. My lathe will turn up to 5`9" diameter, and also does pens.

 

[Jameshow]

I have a little black and decker drill powered lathe which I brought out of curiosity... About as cheap £20 and as small as you can go!

Anyone used one or have any tips for using it!

Thought I might try egg cups etc!!

Cheers James

 

[marcros]

You can turn small things on a big lathe, but you cant do the reverse, think future proof , as said above the tools and sharpening system can be as big, if not bigger investment than the lathe it self. My lathe will turn up to 5`9" diameter, and also does pens.

you can fit a small lathe in a barn, but you cant fit a toolroom lathe in a 6x4 shed...

 

[Steve_Scott]

you can fit a small lathe in a barn, but you cant fit a toolroom lathe in a 6x4 shed...

Well played Sir, well played indeed!

 

[pe2dave]

Look at the local ads for a woodturning group. Usually have their own lathes for members to use,
rather than expense of buying a few off uses? Likely you'll get the tuition too?

 

[Duncan A]

Something like this maybe: Proxxon DB 250 Micro Woodturning Lathe - 230V
Never used it myself so can't comment on it's suitability but Proxxon are well respected
Duncan

 

[Paul Hannaby]

Most of the extremely small lathes have oddball spindle threads and might not use standard accessories so you would be better off going for a lathe that has a common spindle thread. these days that's usually one of 3/4" x 16tpi (which will be 1MT taper) or 1" x 8tpi (which will usually be 2MT taper).

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You can turn small things on a big lathe, but you cant do the reverse, think future proof , as said above the tools and sharpening system can be as big, if not bigger investment than the lathe it self. My lathe will turn up to 5`9" diameter, and also does pens.

Yes. My Poolewood 28 - 40 isn't massive, but is a fair lump -

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I have a little black and decker drill powered lathe which I brought out of curiosity... About as cheap £20 and as small as you can go!

Anyone used one or have any tips for using it!

Thought I might try egg cups etc!!

Cheers James

OK for small knobs, maybe light pulls etc. but I wouldn't like to try hollowing anything on one. Someone will doubtless prove me wrong.

 

[Blister]

I would advise a middie size lathe as it wont be long before you want to turn bigger items

 

[pe2dave]

Axminster do benchtop lathes - seen in use, sounds suitable for your use and more?

 

[Harvey B Davison]

I have a charnwood w824, I find it a decent machine. They also do a smaller one w824 I think.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

I've had a Record Power DML 24" lathe for many years and it's a little beauty running very sweetly indeed. Bought as a present to me from my lovely wife costing £200 new from Tabwell tools; it was a lot of money to us in the day and no sooner had we travelled to Bakewell and collected the lathe Record Power then dropped the DML price to £100. Typical of my luck but the lathe has proved its worth many times.

I also have a wonderful fully restored and upgraded Union Graduate but this would be far too expensive for a novice to play around with.

Kind regards, Colin.

My old but trusty DML24". Heavy and solid built to last.

 

[Penllysbach]

I started on a Clarke 13" (Clarke CWL325V 13" Wood Lathe with Electronic Variable Speed - Machine Mart - Machine Mart) and would highly recommend it. However, 2 years on I have just bought a (2nd hand) CL3 which is fab.
The Clarke will take sizeable pieces.
Happy Lathing

 

[Tanglefoot20]

Hi there...I have just bought an Axminster 355...ideal bench lathe...very stable and a great size. Will turn small up to 12”....I’m not disappointed ...