FordTrax
Member
I am trying to get a start in turning. I live in PA and have a unheated small shed/workshop. I have an older lathe I am working on getting cleaned up which has about 14"+ swing and maybe 30" bed. However, for the winter I thought I would get a small lathe for in my heated finished basement to learn the basics on while doing small projects - at the present time I really don't see me doing real large stuff anyway. But that may change and if it does I should have the old lathe ready to go by nice weather. My primary interests at this point are Pens (obviously), Bottle Stoppers, Seam Rippers, X-mas ornaments, Small Bowls, and oddly enough I would like to try Jewelry (pendants, earrings, and bangles) I think my wife and daughter would like them a lot. My issue is I don't know what lathe to go with and I wanted some feedback:
Jet 1014: 10" swing 1/2 hp with 6 belt speeds. This is an older 1014 that was never used (the owner passed away) and his wife just left it in the box. I think the quality is here and it has a great speed range about 500-4000. I have read on-line that it gets hot when run for a while. My only issue here is the 10" swing over the tool rest it will probably be like 8.5" - but as I said I am only planning on small stuff anyway. Supposedly the belt changes are pretty quick with good access. She wants $270 which does not seem bad.
Rikon 70-100: 12" Swing 1/2 hp with 6 belt speeds 1/2 hp. This is an older used 70-100 but is in great shape. I don't think it is as nicely made as the 1014 but it is good. Great speed range from 430-3900. This is a strong contender because of the 12" swing. The issue is my budget is $300 (and firm since I need some tools and like so I have $125 for that). There is a local guy that has a used one and said he might sell it but he is not sure now. He initially mentioned $250 but he may not sell it now.
Grizzly T25920: Since I live near Muncy I could go with the Grizzly and pick it up. This is 12" Swing and 3/4 hp (but I really think it is closer to 1/2). This is variable speed within 3 belt ranges. But the slow speed is 670 - which seems high to me. I can find nothing about this on the internet so I don't know if it is a good/reliable. Also, I am not sure about the lathe and the variable speed does not seem that helpful since I have to switch belts to turn, finish, and sand. There on sale at $275.
Rikon 70-105: 10" Swing 1/2hp 5 belt speeds. Woodcraft guy says going on sale for $250 for black friday. 500-3200 speed range but only 5 speeds Jet has 6. Same limitation as the Jet 10" swing. Nice machine but I could have the 1014 Jet for $10 more.
The 1014 would be my first choice for quality/reliability and the belt moves are supposedly easy, however, the Rikon 70-100 offers 2" more swing but I don't know if I really need that with the larger old lathe coming online in the spring. Any thoughts on these three lathes and any other options in the $300 or less price range?
Jet 1014: 10" swing 1/2 hp with 6 belt speeds. This is an older 1014 that was never used (the owner passed away) and his wife just left it in the box. I think the quality is here and it has a great speed range about 500-4000. I have read on-line that it gets hot when run for a while. My only issue here is the 10" swing over the tool rest it will probably be like 8.5" - but as I said I am only planning on small stuff anyway. Supposedly the belt changes are pretty quick with good access. She wants $270 which does not seem bad.
Rikon 70-100: 12" Swing 1/2 hp with 6 belt speeds 1/2 hp. This is an older used 70-100 but is in great shape. I don't think it is as nicely made as the 1014 but it is good. Great speed range from 430-3900. This is a strong contender because of the 12" swing. The issue is my budget is $300 (and firm since I need some tools and like so I have $125 for that). There is a local guy that has a used one and said he might sell it but he is not sure now. He initially mentioned $250 but he may not sell it now.
Grizzly T25920: Since I live near Muncy I could go with the Grizzly and pick it up. This is 12" Swing and 3/4 hp (but I really think it is closer to 1/2). This is variable speed within 3 belt ranges. But the slow speed is 670 - which seems high to me. I can find nothing about this on the internet so I don't know if it is a good/reliable. Also, I am not sure about the lathe and the variable speed does not seem that helpful since I have to switch belts to turn, finish, and sand. There on sale at $275.
Rikon 70-105: 10" Swing 1/2hp 5 belt speeds. Woodcraft guy says going on sale for $250 for black friday. 500-3200 speed range but only 5 speeds Jet has 6. Same limitation as the Jet 10" swing. Nice machine but I could have the 1014 Jet for $10 more.
The 1014 would be my first choice for quality/reliability and the belt moves are supposedly easy, however, the Rikon 70-100 offers 2" more swing but I don't know if I really need that with the larger old lathe coming online in the spring. Any thoughts on these three lathes and any other options in the $300 or less price range?