a beginner's lathe on e-bay

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markgum

markgum

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Hi all
found this on e-bay:
thought it might be good for a beginner's lathe? any thoughts about shopfox? Ebay Item number: 390001094045
thanks.
W1704 - 1/3 HP Benchtop Lathe

Ideal for pen turning and small project turning, this Bench-top Wood Lathe with cast iron construction and infinitely variable speed control offers the precision pen turners demand. Includes Safety paddle switch, MT #1 spur center, MT #1 live center, 4-1/4" and 7" tool rests, 5-3/4" face plate and 3/4" x 16 TPI RH spindle.


Variable speed motor
1/3 HP, 2 Amp, 110V, Single-phase, 60HZ
700 - 3,200 RPM spindle speed
12" Distance between centers
8" swing over bed
Footprint: 23-3/8" x 5-1/2"
Weighs 45 lbs.

 
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Although I have never personally used this brand/lathe I would say "pass"... number one reason is that it's a MT#1 not a MT#2... you would be much happier with an MT#2 because you can find more accessories for it and in my opinion is better.

Dave
 
I've seen some Shop Fox things around the stores, they're not terrible.. sort
of a budget brand from what I've seen so far. Affordable. Not great.

But with a lathe, I don't think there's really any justification for a 'beginner'
lathe. It isn't like you can upgrade it, you'll just end up putting it back on
Ebay and maybe that's OK.

As mentioned, the #1MT is a non starter for some because of the lack of
accessories. I think the 3/4 x 16TPI might leave you in a bind finding extras
too, but I could be wrong on that. I just haven't seen it. Seems small, though.

The variable speed sounds good.

I regularly see lathes for sale on Craigs List, but you might need to get in
the car and take a drive. You can often do well there. I just sold a bunch
of tools there and the buyers did just fine.
 
I use the Wilton mini lathe, pretty much the same as the Shop Fox. I've never had a problem with it and I would buy it again if I had to. Got it at Amazon for $100.00 with shipping included. Pro: Fully electronic speed control (no belts to change). Con: #1MT.

The Wilton is made by the same company that owns Jet and Powermatic so you get a lot of the same quality IMHO.
http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/Categories.aspx

It's $136.00 on Amazon now with free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-99177-H...7905248&sr=8-1

I've paid for my lathe a hundred times over with the pens I've made with it.

You can buy a lot of stuff for a #1MT, but odds are that you will upgrade to a lathe that's a #2MT. That's the problem. Anything you buy #1MT runs the risk of not being utilized on the new lathe.

I think the Wilton makes a great starter lathe because after you upgrade to a better lathe you can use it for a buffer.

I think the Ebay listing is over priced when compared to the Wilton. If you'd like more details on the Wilton e-mail me and I can feel you in.
 
Hi All, A new guy here. I have used the Shop Fox for a couple of years ahd found it works great for pen turning. I also have a Jet but find myself going back t the "Fox" for pen work. One caution though, it is a little under powered for anything but smaller work.
 
les-smith said:
I use the Wilton mini lathe, pretty much the same as the Shop Fox. I've never had a problem with it and I would buy it again if I had to. Got it at Amazon for $100.00 with shipping included. Pro: Fully electronic speed control (no belts to change). Con: #1MT.

The Wilton is made by the same company that owns Jet and Powermatic so you get a lot of the same quality IMHO.
http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/Categories.aspx

It's $136.00 on Amazon now with free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-99177-H...7905248&sr=8-1

I've paid for my lathe a hundred times over with the pens I've made with it.

You can buy a lot of stuff for a #1MT, but odds are that you will upgrade to a lathe that's a #2MT. That's the problem. Anything you buy #1MT runs the risk of not being utilized on the new lathe.

I think the Wilton makes a great starter lathe because after you upgrade to a better lathe you can use it for a buffer.

I think the Ebay listing is over priced when compared to the Wilton. If you'd like more details on the Wilton e-mail me and I can feel you in.
Click to expand...


Amen!! And I had caught mine on clearance at the local Menards for $69!!!
 
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