Lathe Decision Help!!!

[HoratioHornblower]

There is a guy that I know who has been keeping a lookout for a lathe for me in case he ran across one, and it just so happens that he did the other day. I was able to go check it out today and it is a craftsman 4 speed, 1 hp, 37" bed. It has one tool rest, and it is big but I think I can work with it. So, it seems to not be the best thing in the world but its $50! (much better price wise than a Delta 46-460) I can get a spindle adapter for drilling which was my main concern. My current lathe makes pens out of round because the tail stock has a lot of play in it, so if I don't remember to center it my pens don't turn out as good...The Craftsman does not seem to have this problem, at least not near as much. I would have to check before I would buy it.

So, is this a no brainer? Should I pick it up? It should also be noted that I have a very limited budget, so almost all of my income comes from pens. I have a disk that is healing in my back so I can't do much else right now until I finish college. (end of summer) A $50 lathe that does the job is much better than $550! Thanks for the thoughts everyone!!!

David

 

[OldGrumpy]

Go for it

 

[thewishman]

If you can make better pens with it, I'd say it is worth the $50. You can always get a nice lathe later, when money is less of an issue. If you can use your existing turning stuff on it, it should be a good deal.

 

[Joe S.]

There are pen kits that cost more, go for it!

 

[HoratioHornblower]

There are pen kits that cost more, go for it!

Hahaha, That is so true Joe, and I don't want to use those kits until I have a lathe that will turn a concentric pen!

Thanks all! I can use a collet chuck on it to drill, and that was my main concern, so as long as the head and tail stock align I think I will get it.

If there are any thoughts about this lathe please let me know before I go to check it out tomorrow morning, which is when I would buy it.

David

 

[Wildman]

If looks like this one, can no longer get parts for it. Palmgren made latest versions of this lathe for Sears, not sure who made previous version. Palmgren gave better support than Sears. Lathe no longer sold in US.

Amazon.com: Palmgren 84315 15-Inch Swing by 38-Inch between Centers 1 Horsepower Benchtop Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 120/240-Volt 1 Phase: Home Improvement

If complete and in working order $50.00 good price. I recommend testing it out before buying, bring tools and wood. Have seen Craftsman version on CL for lot more money.

Prior to this version and single tube lathes, Craftsman had some nice lathes which folks enjoy restoring.