Hello lathe question

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pasotewood

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Joined
Aug 3, 2008
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7
Location
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Hi guys, Thank you for all the tips on stag. My machine that I purchased used, died after 5 pens. I called the seller and he said he know it was going out but did not think I would use it. So shame on me for listening. Ok, Jet has the new 20" mini for around 500. Grizzly has a 20" lathe for 450 with really all same specs. Grizzly also has models for less. Should I buy a less expensive one and upgrade as I sell pens or just save now. I want to buy cheaper and sell to upgrade but I want to hear from the people who have already done it. OH, Fox tools has a 12" for 150 brand new too but not variable speed. Thank you and have a good night. Jerry
 
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Jerry, buy as much as you can afford. I have only been doing this for about a year and have already bought my second lathe. I bought a used Jet Mini with variable speed and it is really nice.
 
The Grizzly, IIRC, is basically the same as the General Maxi VS and will allow you to turn outboard should you wish to turn pieces larger than 12".
 
I agree with harold I am one who buys the best I can afford. Tools carry there value so if it doesn't work out tools sell fast here. Again on big ticket items I buy the best I can afford. I have learned this the hard way....
 
Buy the Jet

The new Jet 1220 gives you the option to turn small bowls if you want. There will be Fall sales starting soon and you will benefit from the quality of the Jet, due to its mass even if you only turn pens. Buy Doug Thompson tools too! The qualty of his tools is very high! No, my name is not Doug Thompson!
pasotewood said:
Hi guys, Thank you for all the tips on stag. My machine that I purchased used, died after 5 pens. I called the seller and he said he know it was going out but did not think I would use it. So shame on me for listening. Ok, Jet has the new 20" mini for around 500. Grizzly has a 20" lathe for 450 with really all same specs. Grizzly also has models for less. Should I buy a less expensive one and upgrade as I sell pens or just save now. I want to buy cheaper and sell to upgrade but I want to hear from the people who have already done it. OH, Fox tools has a 12" for 150 brand new too but not variable speed. Thank you and have a good night. Jerry
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Going cheap may end up with disappointment and you could end up being like the guy who sold you your, now dead, lathe.
Also, you haven't mentioned your future turning plans. Are pens going to be your only endeavor or are large bowls something you want to try?
As mentioned, the Jet has a huge following. But Grizzly is coming on strong with a series of mini/midi lathes. I would recommend staying away from their two lowest end models though. The 'hobby' drill powered one is a guaranteed dissapointer and the one just above isn't much better. But, after that they are serious machines.
I would suggest that demanding electronic variable speed is not as important as getting the best possible in your budget. The VS is nice but not really needed.
 
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