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Mikeshullo

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Apr 25, 2018
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4
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Verona
Can I have some recommendations for good lathes that are out there. Ultimately I am wanting to make pens and I see there are some requirements a lathe needs to do that. Any specs and prices to look for would be helpful.

Thank you,
Mike
 
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Charlie_W

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Nov 16, 2011
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Sterling, VA USA
Hi Mike!
You will probably get many different thoughts and recommendations on lathes. Therefore, I am not going to point you towards one in particular lathe nor do I know your proposed budget. Some say to buy your second lathe first as you will outgrow your first lathe in a while. The bottom dollar lathes don't have much resale value. Carefully consider your purchase realizing you will be spending on chisels, chucks, centers, a grinder set up and other goodies as well.
I usually recommend buying quality if the budget is there.

Here is a good read on lathes from Carl Ford. It is lengthy but chocked with excellent info.
Good luck on your choice!

So you want to buy a lathe? A real lathe? | Carl Ford's Woodturning Blog
 

greenacres2

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Joined
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Like many I started on a Harbor Freight. In less than 6 months (more like 4) a spindle bearing started going. I stepped up to a Rikon VS and have issues with the tailstock as well as it cutting out and giving a wierd error code. If I knew then what I do now, I would've started with a small Jet. You'll probably want variable speed since constantly changing pulleys gets old real fast, not to mention turning/sanding/finishing at a preset speed instead of what you prefer. IMHO I think either a good used lathe or just spending a bit more on a Jet VS is the way to go. I wish I did...
 

TonyL

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Mar 9, 2014
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Georgia
There are many:
I own several..my favorite for pen turning is the Jet 1221 EVS.
I like this model because I can perform all of the pen turning steps without have to change a belt/pulley. I own 3 Jets and a Rikon and even the smallest HF which I don't think they make any more. I used it for applying CA, and I have made a very good pen using it.
However, I have not tried them all (all lathe models and brands) - so not fair for me to give you a full recommendation.

You will find the right one for your level of interest and budget. Happy shopping!
 

Woodchipper

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Mar 15, 2017
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Cleveland, TN
I bought A Rikon 70-050VS but it has been replaced with another model. Has a five year warranty. Harbor Freight doesn't have a long warranty- usually 90 days and then you buy an extended warranty. My first lathe was a HF. There are a lot of lathes out there. Keep in mind that some are made in the same factory with only a different paint job.
FWIW, the guy I bought my HF lathe from made all kinds of bowls and had bought a Jet, don't know the model.
 

DavidD

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Oct 4, 2017
Messages
299
Location
Boulder, Colorado
Hi Mike,

I have four lathes dedicated to pen turning and my favorite is actually the cheapest, the Rikon VS 70-220. If you're near a Woodcraft store, these go on sale at least 3-4 times a year. Compared to my JETs and Laguna, I prefer this because it is so quiet!

David
 

tomas

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Jul 12, 2010
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Rio Rancho, NM
I bought my Jet midi on Craig's list. It came with the stand, VS, basic chucks, and a set of Sorbe tools - $300 delivered. I would not buy another lathe without VS (I did all my work on a ShopSmith for 20 yrs and got spoiled).

Tomas
 

ed4copies

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Mar 25, 2005
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24,514
Location
Racine, WI, USA.
I have several jets and a delta. I slightly prefer the delta, controls are better located. But I would recommend either. Used and cheap is good!!
 
Joined
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Tellico Plains, Tennessee, USA.
I won't recommend any one brand as I only know about my JET's, but I would recommend you buy the largest lathe you can afford... you will outgrow the small one pretty quick.... I have a JET 1014 that is mostly a buffing machine now and do all my turning on a JET1442 and wish I had gone up one more step to the 1642.... get EVS if you can, mine is a Reeves unit and while it works well, there are some draw backs.... you can turn pens on a larger lathe as well as a small and as Charlie W said you are going to need all the accessories to go with it and they are pricey, so you want good ones up front.
 

sbwertz

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May 11, 2010
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Phoenix, AZ
Rockler has their little Excaliber lathe and the bed extension on sale this week. I've had mine for seven years and it has been totally trouble free.
 

Mikeshullo

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Apr 25, 2018
Messages
4
Location
Verona
Thank you everyone. You have all given me me some good info I've been looking at everything you all have been mentioning. I see some used items that maybe good but concerned if there is anything wrong or out of alignment and be out more money trying to save a few bucks. A large one might be out of the question right now given my space unless I can make something work. A vs defiantly seems to be the way to go. Right now I'm looking at a Rikon from woodcraft they have a good 5 yr warranty the size and price are good my second choice currently is a jet I have always heard good things from that brand but I will need to wait to reach some of those prices I am definitely a believer in waiting to buy a better one first. So again thank you all and if I still get more comments I will still appreciate them and if I remember how to find this thread when I make my final decision or purchase I will definitely update you.
 

Mikeshullo

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Apr 25, 2018
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Location
Verona
I ended up getting a turncrafter commander. 12" by up to 40" vs two belts goes down to about 150-4000 rpm. Paid 300$ Was only used about 5 times.
 
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