Looking for recommendations for new eqipment

[WoodLM]

Hello turners!

I have been out of the turning game for a couple of years due to a few factors, but that is finally changing! I will be setting up my shop starting next week, and wanted some input from the group on what they like as far as some mid-range tools go. I will be buying a new lathe, drill press, and band saw (this one is not right away) and wanted to know what y'all like. the lathe i had before was the cheapest one you could buy at harbor freight and would like to step up from that. As far as drill press' go, i would like to have 3'"+ of spindle travel. i just feel like i have been out of the game for so long i don't really know what all is out there anymore. thanks in advance for any and all input!

Cheers!

 

[Rockytime]

WOW! What a wonderful opportunity to spend.

 

[Dalecamino]

Hey Logan,

Check this one out. I've used its ancestor for 8 years now.

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC10VS.html

 

[JimB]

For a lathe, if you want a mini, go with the Jet 1015 or the Rikon equivalent. Get the variable speed versions. Jet also makes a slightly larger one, I believe it's the 1221.

For a bandsaw I have the Grizzly G0555. It has served me well and is a good price.

I don't know anything about drill presses because I have been borrowing one from a friend for the past 8 years. He doesn't seem to miss it.

 

[Warren White]

Some thoughts...

I have a Jet Mini 1015VS and I really like it. That said, your choice of models should be influenced by the intended use; if you want the added flexibility of a larger lathe with bells and whistles, go there. If you think you will need more than a 10" swing, do it now rather than later.

I have a Jet 14" bandsaw with riser. I also like it.

As far as a drill press, if you are planning on drilling pen blanks, make sure the quill travel is adequate for a complete pass through the blank.

 

[stonepecker]

Better still.........plan to drill on the lathe and get the bandsaw. The drill press can always be gotten later.

I have both Jet and Rikon. For my money, get the Jet with VS......you will never regret it. And as Warren said ......go bigger if you think you need it.

 

[keithbyrd]

If you are limited go as advised - Drill on the lathe and get the band saw
I just got the Nova comet VS - that is a good competitor for the lathes mentioned above.

 

[WoodLM]

thanks everyone! i think i will go with drilling on the lathe... after doing some research i think this will fit my uses better! as far as lathes go, the jet 1015vs is looking good. but i also found the Delta 12-1/2 Midi-Lathe Variable Speed Wood Lathe for $549 on Home depot website... i have heard goo things about that as well

 

[TimS124]

Lowes carries a nice Porter Cable drill press for $319 that has 4" of quill travel. It's a floor-standing unit and appears well made. I've drilled on the lathe and on the drill press...I'm not giving up my drill press any time soon and that's a pretty good price for a nice drill press!

Here's a link: Shop PORTER-CABLE 8-Amp 12-Speed Floor Drill Press at Lowes.com

I picked up a used Jet 1014VS (the predecessor to the 1015VS mentioned by others) for $300 via Craigslist. It's a great lathe for pen turning and similarly sized projects. I'm sure their 1015VS is equally good.

My bandsaw is one of my favorite tools. I used a Delta 14" open-stand version from Home Depot for 20+ years (and it was only about $400 new). A buddy has it now and I've moved up to a larger Rikon (dual-speed, beefier motor, bigger cutting capability). You can do a lot with a good bandsaw that goes beyond just supporting what you'll be doing at the lathe...might be worth saving up a bit more to get a better one instead of falling for the budget models (a cheap bench top bandsaw that's sufficient for pen turning can be bought new for about $100).