Narrowed down to three lathes

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Haynie

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May 20, 2011
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3,516
Location
Page Arizona
Considering the budget I have and I don't know if I am going to stick with this pen turning thing I have the following three lathes to choose from and am looking for opinions.

No they are not top of the line
No I will not be getting a "better, more expensive" lathe. These three are it.

Rikon Economy mini lathe 12 x 16 $239.00

Grizzly H8259 10 x 18 $259 after shipping

Harbor Freight 65345 10 x 18 194.99 (Kind of wonder if this is the same as the grizzly)

Opinions would be helpful. If I stick with this and finances allow a better lathe will be in the future. I don't want to sink a lot of money into something I don't know if I will stick with yet.

I have been faithfully following craigs list for places close to me and people seem to looking to make a profit off their used lathes.
 
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Ricon, all the way! The Grizzly and the HF are essentially the same lathe with a different label, and neither are very good quality. The Ricon is a good quality lathe.
 
Of your choices, I also vote for the Rikon.

Other options in your price range that you may not have come across that I've seen good reviews for include the Woodtek (Woodworker's supply) and Steel City. Woodcraft used to sell Steel City, sometimes with decent sales -- not sure if they still carry the line or not.

Keep your eye on Craig's list though, and don't be afraid to make an offer -- I've seen the non VS Jet 1014's listed with little use for less than $200 a few times.
 
I too would reccomend the Rikon for the customer service and ease of changing the belt for speed adjustment. One other thing to consider, The Rikon can be upgraded to variable speed later on for about $150. Just upgraded one for my dad. It was an easy job and took less than an hour.
 
You might also want to see if there is a local turning club in your area, and check out their newsletters for classified ads.

Here are the Arizona clubs listed on the AAW website:

Arizona Woodturners Association ( Tempe, AZ )
Web Site: http://www.azwoodturners.org

Desert Woodcrafters ( Tucson, AZ )
Web Site: http://www.desertwoodcrafters.org/

Peaks Woodturners ( Flagstaff, AZ )
Web Site: http://www.peakswoodturners.org/

Prescott Area Woodturners ( Prescott, AZ )
Web Site: http://www.prescottareawoodturners.com

Southern Arizona Woodturners Association ( Tucson, AZ )
Web Site: http://www.SAZWA.org
 
I have the smaller Harbor Freight lathe and absolutely love it. I was like you, brand new and afraid to spend much money in case I didn't like it. It has worked great for me, plus the lathe and 2 yr extended warranty only set me back $120 after coupon. So at least for two years if it does break I can drive 10 minutes to HF and exchange.
 
I have a Rikon and it is a great lathe. I have had it for almost 4 years and worked it hard. I have never even had a broken belt. I did something wrong and the hold down was worn down. I called Rikon to purchase a new one, since it was my fault, and they sent me a new one for free. Great customer service and nice lathe, easy to change belt speed and very solid.
 
Thanks folks. There are some ideas here I never would have thought about. As for craigs list, I have been very disappointed in it. At least around these parts.

I will definitely look at the other options as well.
 
I have a steel city mini, can't recommend it.

Have heard good things about Rikon.

Craigslist is your friend, but be willing to lowball the silly people!
 
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