Buying a lathe

[Mike in Calgary]

I am considering buying a lathe within the next month or so and I have no idea what I should be looking for. The majority of my other power tools are from Ridgid and, although a shop full of tools from the same manufacturer would be nice, it is not a necessity. The Ridgid Lathe sells at HD for under $600 and has a lifetime warranty. What do you turners with all your experience recommend that I should look for? I would like to buy something that's not going to cost an arm and a leg but at the same time, I want something that is going to continually challenge my skill level and perhaps last as long as I do. Thanks for your help and input.

Mike

[John Allman in T.O.]

Mike:

My second piece of advice is to buy a Jet or Delta mini-lathe. They are good machines that will let you start to learn how to use the lathe and chisels, without hampering your skill development on a machine of limited capabilities.

If you really get into turning, you can buy a bigger lathe, and sell the smaller unit for a good return. Chances are if you really get into turning that you will keep the smaller lathe and just buy a bigger one. ;<)

My first piece of advice is go out to the meeting of the Calgary Woodturners. From the CHW website I quote "The local chapter of American Association of Woodturners meets the first Tuesday evening of the month at the Black Forest Wood Co. Bay 7, 603 77th Ave. in South East Calgary (403-255-6044). Annual dues are $20. Group provides education, information and organization to interested woodturners."

Go to their meeting and talk to the folks. They may well have a new members instructional night, and you may be able to try out a lathe or two before you buy. My experience is that turners will be very willing to help, just like the folks on this forum.

Warning - Turning can become addictive!

Good Luck.

John

[J.P.Rap (Hamilton)]

Rigid builds nice tools but you can't tell me that lathe is worth $600.00. It's a clone and there are are lot others out there just like it for half the price.
I picked up a Trade Master lathe over ten years ago for $200.00 thats almost identicle to the Rigid. I sold it this year for $150.00.
CT has some nice entry level lathes. If you do as John suggested, you may be able to pick up a used lathe at a good price.
FWIW J.P.
http://www.trademasterltd.com/
Funny.They don't seem to have lathes on there web site.
Canadian tires lathe looks awfull familiar.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Workshop/PowerTools/StationaryTools/Lathes/0554507_160_CC_1f7c.jpg

[Bryan Cowing, Innerkip, o]

I am on my 3rd lathe in 20 yrs. I still don't turn bowls very much but have done a lot of turned legs on it. If you get a used one and want to move to a larger unit you usually can get your money back. Invest in the best H.S.S. chisels you can afford.

[Bill Mac]

I bought my first lathe last spring. I was in the same boat as you and was surprised when I went into my local supplier. I was actually in to purchase the $600.00 Delta and the supplier asked 1 simple question. "Had I turned before, or was this my first lathe?". Once I answered he suggested the $300.00 King, because he knew too many people who have an expensive lathe collecting dust in the corner. He also suggested that if it decide I want a bigger lathe later, I could easily sell the old King for $150.00 to $200.00. Give it some thought.

[Bill Duce]

Hi Mike

There is a lot of good advice here, but I would listen to John - go to a local turning club a couple of times, don't be shy and ask some questions (you'll likely find it harder to get them to stop talking than start).

Try to canvas a variety of people at the club, but pay particular attention to the more experienced turners. Our local club has 100+ members of all skill levels, including some who like giving advice but probably shouldn't be (of course, some might argue that I fit into this category too :)

But what you will have to do in the mean time, is try to figure out exactly what you want the lathe for. If you're not sure, drop by a local Chapters and browse through their selection.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.