What basic lathe for small parts?

[timberfly]

I'm looking for a mini lathe to do some pen turning and working with cylindrical game parts (20mm rounds which need a 10mm hole halfway through the centre). I don't need it for larger turning etc, so I think I need quite a basic, entry-level machine. I'll also be looking at a tailstock chuck to make the game part holes.

At the moment I'm choosing between:

• Axminster AW205WL - looks a good basic, reliable option for £210
• Axminster AW240WL - even this might be too much lathe for what I need, and at £270
• Charnwood W815 - this looks suspiciously like a rebadge of the AW205WL but for only £180 at Yandles

Does anyone have any advice, or particularly experience with the Charnwood W815? As I say, it's for quite small, specific work only - if I do want to get into bigger projects in future, I'll be looking at a different machine then.

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

I have an Axminster from 1992 that is about the size of their entery machine
I also have a newer aw305wl slightly bigger
The Axminsters would do what you want, just look to see what thread the chuck needs m33 seems to be the current norm
For smaller items axminster do smaller size 4 prong drives and have a look at their gk88 chuck

 

[Tris]

They are all 1" x 8tpi thread spindles, so chucks etc are readily available, though you might be better getting an M33 chuck with an insert so you are covered if you upgrade later.
That 240 is not variable speed, you have to swap pulleys with the belt, a right pita compared to twisting a knob. 240 has a lower top speed too, might be a consideration for the size stuff you want to do.

 

[Vulcan]

I’ve noticed recently on one of the forums that a few Pen turners have started using metalwork lathes, particularly for custom pens. Just thought I’d mention it.