newer than new - lathe purchase question

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R

rkenly

Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Messages
32
Location
high desert CA
Hi everybody -

I'm newer than a newbie - never have done turning - don't currently own a lathe. But I do woodworking - got a big TS, DP, BS. jointer, planer, yada yada.

Never had a desire to turn bowls, etc. (probably bad on me) - Part of that, I suspect, took woodshop over 40 years ago in school (and no lathes there), and everything since then has just about "making sawdust" - stress relief from work, and the wife got "stuff" out of the deal.

But during the Christmas break, looking through my Penn State catalog, kinda started a fire/desire to try pen turning. The idea of cranking out a project in a short time (see stress relief above), and not taking months (entertainment centers, etc) has a certain positive.

Found this site several days ago, and have been going through the libraries, etc, and reading some of the mail traffic.

While I'm not looking to start a war on what lathe is best - I'm trying to figure out what to purchase. I won't say that price is no object, but I intend to only purchase one lathe. - General reading looks like the first pen is about $1500, and then goes down rapidly? (Kind of like fishing - the first fish of the year after licenses and everything is $100 a pound)

So I think I want a variable speed.

But do I want a Shop Jet, Rikon, Jet, Woodturner?? Kinda leaning toward the Jet - just due to quality mentioned here, but still not nailed down.

10x14 or 12x20 ??? - seems like 12x20 has 3/4 hp vs 1/2 hp for 10x14 - big issue?

Again - since I intend to only purchase 1 machine, and no upgrades...

Since I live out in the middle of nowhere - it's about 1 1/2 hour or 2 hour drive to even look at something, so will probably purchase sight unseen over internet. - Closest Rockler is about 2 hours 15 minutes from here, and it appears to be much cheaper to purchase supplies elsewhere?

As an aside, I travel for work a lot, and have purchased exotic hardwoods when out of town, and have the wood shipped home - favorite place is in Tucson, AZ. Purchase some wood, and have them Fedex it home. Tried carrying it on the plane once (4 bf) and TSA kinda got wierd about it.

TIA

>>>Rod<<<
 
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I would look closely at the Jet 1014Vsi or the Delta 46-460. I have both these lathes and they are solid pieces of equipment.

Brands that I would avoid are: General (may be sold as Grizzly or HF), Shop Fox, excelsior, TurnCrafter and Carba-Tec lathes. Many of my friends that have owned these lathes have had big troubles.

If my budget ruled out the Jet or Delta, I would look closely at the Ricon. Ricon seems to have decent quality and doesn't force you to give up things like 1x8 head screw and M2 tapers.
 
I just bought a Delta 46 460 after TONS of reading and contemplating and questions. With this much money involved I might as well try to start at the top. Can't comment on quality or anything as I just ordered it yesterday - I think Amazon has the best price, and if you order before the end of the month you can get a $50 mail in rebate, bringing the price down.

Here's a good Delta review.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=58041&highlight=delta+review

And here's the rebate. You have till the end of January to get it in.
It's on page 11.
Link.
 
I have the jet 1220VS and love it. with that said, i would love to have a bigger lathe, but my main concentration is pens, so its not realistic to spend that much moola when it wont get used
 
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I have a Jet 12x20 non-VS and it is a great lathe. No problems with switches, bearings, belts, or alignment. However, it would have been better if VS had been available when I got it. As you noticed, the 3/4 hp motor does make a difference. Have used Delta, 10x14 Jet, and Rikon. They are all good midi's and I would be happy with any of them. I have been doing pens for three years and want to start other things (bowls, etc) which are bigger, so I invested in a much larger lathe with variable speed, reverse, horsepower, etc. But I do go back to the Jet for drilling, buffing, and some small turning.
Like someone said: "It is easier to turn small things on a big lathe than to fit big things on a small lathe".
Welcome to the world of pens!!
gordon
 
I have a rule of thumb when buying tools. I figure out the biggest thing I want to make/do with it then go a little bit bigger. You can easily turn a pen on a 16" lathe but you can't turn a 14" bowl on a midi lathe. I don't own one but think the most bang for the buck right now is the Powermatic "Mustard Monster" 3520b. The great thing is that there are literally dozens of lathes to choose from in all sizes and price ranges. spend some time shopping and look for a local turners club. You will surely find a few people who will show you their lathes and let you test drive. and welcome to the best forum ever.
 
I'm in the market myself, and one thing I hear is that you want to make sure you get one with #2 Morse Taper, and a 1"x8 spindle, because some of the best accessories only fit those. The Jet 1014 fits that, but there are several out there.
 
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