wood or machinist lathe?

[Red96TA]

I'm interested in lathing pens, but have a few questions before I plunk down a considerable amount on a lathe.

I'm not particularly interested in doing a kit. Instead, I want to take AA stock and lathe up replacement parts for existing pens from the 20's-40's.

As I see it, since I wouldn't be working with wood and need the flexiblity to drill and thread, wouldn't a machinist lathe suit me better than a wood lathe?

 

[baldysm]

I use a Sherline lathe to make my pens, and I can do anything I want to within the size limits of the machine. The one thing I don't like about the Sherline for penturning is that my fat hands always want to be in the place the cross slide is in.

Scott
www.woodtreasuretrove.com
www.onlyonecreations.com