SMALL INEXPENSIVE LATHE

[Drcal]

I am looking for a small inexpensive lathe because I want to experiment with a lathe stand. Back problems are making it necessary for me to sit while turning. I hope to spring for a sit down lathe @$4,000 to $7,000 eventually, but now thanks to the help of some IAP members, I want to try and build a stand for a mini. I have a great lathe but do not want to mess with it by retrofitting it just yet.

I thought I could try playing with something small and inexpensive- like under $400. I don't want a Harbor Freight because the one thing I have to have is #2 MT.

Any thoughts on an small, inexpensive decent lathe???

Carmen

 

[low_48]

Craigslist may be your only option at that budget and not wanting to buy from HF.

 

[Edgar]

Rockler has the Excelsior mini-lathe for $300. I bought mine for $200 last year when they had it on sale. It does go on sale from time to time, but even at full price it might fit your budget. It is MT2 and I've been quite satisfied with mine.
Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe, MC-1018 - Rockler Woodworking Tools

 

[PSNCO]

Rikon 70-100 is on sale for $300 at Woodcraft

 

[thewishman]

Buy RIKON Mini Lathe Model 70-100 at Woodcraft.com

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Rikon is right in the money or spend a little more fir the nova comet vs.

FYI: the larger harbor freight mini is all mt2

 

[Jim Burr]

There is more info on this in the search function than should be displayed in this thread...try it, you'll like it.

 

[Band Saw Box]

I have the Harbor Freight 5 speed 1/2 HP it has #2MT on both head and tail stock and has a 1" X 8TPI spindle. I'm really happy with it. I got it when it was on sale and I had a 25% off coupon, My final cost was about $155.00. http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-bench-top-wood-lathe-65345.html

 

[Edgar]

I have the Harbor Freight 5 speed 1/2 HP it has #2MT on both head and tail stock and has a 1" X 8TPI spindle. I'm really happy with it. I got it when it was on sale and I had a 25% off coupon, My final cost was about $155.00. Benchtop Wood Lathe - 5 Speed

And I believe that one is the same as Rockler's Excelsior - just a different color & label. And FWIW, the HF unit has a much better user manual than Rockler's version,

 

[ironman123]

I have the same HF lathe as Dan and it is great. The Bed extension for the Rockler lathe is a bolt on if you want it longer.

Ray

 

[UCLAJediKnight]

I have the same the HF lathe. No complaints. A great first lathe. Great value.

 

[sbell111]

There is more info on this in the search function than should be displayed in this thread...try it, you'll like it.

You really have become that guy.