I've never turned anything in my life. If I did get a lathe I don't think I'd turn just for the sake of turning. I would want if for making furniture parts.

 

So what do you think of this lathe? Good for what I want? decent price?

 

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/tls/2614467600.html

It really depends on the size and length of the pieces that you want to turn. I have 2 mini lathes, one is a turncrafterpro, it was my first one. I went and bought the Delta 46-460, this past Feb. and it is a cadilac for mini lathes, it has a one hp moter, variable speed and reversable head. I really like it alot, but I still have the 10 inch turncrafterpro. The Delta, is a 12 1/2 inch. You can buy an extention bed for both, but you may need more hp, again depending on size of the stock you want to turn. There are several on the market, just play close attention to the specs. And if you buy a mini lathe, be sure to get one with a #2 mortise taper, so that if you decide later to get a larger one, then your accessaries will interchange. Just my thoughts.

I agree with Keith for about the same price you could get the Delta 46-460 which has the same bed length and a lot of added features like an indexing head stock, reversible, variable speed and it's bed length is expandable. Unless your wanting to turn larger diameter stock I'd go with the 46-460. I've got the Jet midi which works very well but as soon as it dies I'll get the 46-460. Good luck!

Maybe it's just me but I think some of the older machinery is built better. Comparing prices, you get a heavier built lathe, and no need to spend more money on an extension bed. While it may not be reversible- which is a VERY nice option- the mechanical variable speed control is probably more robust that the electronic speed control- although not as precise. Also, there is tool storage shelves built into to the base- which always comes in handy. I'd go look at it and take the cash along- just in case.

Just my 2 ¢

Lew

 

Whatever you get, you will love turning.  It's an absolute blast!  Definitely get one with variable speeds.  The belts can be pain.  

 

SQ 

 

---

It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.

Greetings All

 

My 1st lathe had 0.75h power, good when starting to learn but anthing heavier/bigger pieces, it couldn't turn, not enough power.

My 2nd lathe had 1.5h power but it was too light weight when turning bowls.

and my 3th lathe is 2h power and solid mahine. And I only have been turning 2 years now, wood turning  bug got me big time.

Just make sure what ever you buy, all extra bits like Chucks, faceplates are using same size treats, most common size is No. 2 morse taper and M30 x 3.5 spindle. This way you don't need to buy inners with right treads.

Think twise what you are going to buy, and then think one more time, saves you money in the long run, don't need to upgrade soon and you can so everything with it, furniture pieces, bowls, spindel and vases.

http://www.woodfast.com.au/index.php?p=1_5 model M910 is what I got now. It should last few years. I'm happy with it.

Don't just think you will be doing one kind of turning with it, it's so much fun when you can do some many different kind of work with it.

 

 

---

Keep on turning, if not today, do it tomorrow.

Jari,  

 

Good advice.  I haven't had my lathe long and it's a 14 inch inboard.  Wish I could afford a 16 inch inboard.  (I'm keeping a close eye on craigslist.)

 

SQ

 

Jari Kilpi said:

Greetings All

 

My 1st lathe had 0.75h power, good when starting to learn but anthing heavier/bigger pieces, it couldn't turn, not enough power.

My 2nd lathe had 1.5h power but it was too light weight when turning bowls.

and my 3th lathe is 2h power and solid mahine. And I only have been turning 2 years now, wood turning  bug got me big time.

Just make sure what ever you buy, all extra bits like Chucks, faceplates are using same size treats, most common size is No. 2 morse taper and M30 x 3.5 spindle. This way you don't need to buy inners with right treads.

Think twise what you are going to buy, and then think one more time, saves you money in the long run, don't need to upgrade soon and you can so everything with it, furniture pieces, bowls, spindel and vases.

http://www.woodfast.com.au/index.php?p=1_5 model M910 is what I got now. It should last few years. I'm happy with it.

Don't just think you will be doing one kind of turning with it, it's so much fun when you can do some many different kind of work with it.

 

 

---

Keep on turning, if not today, do it tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone's reply to my question. I guess I'm going to pass on the lathe in question. I kind of like the idea of the Delta mini but I think I want something with around 32'' center to center for turning the foot on Cabriole Leg. Some of those leg I have made in the past are 31 inches long. 

 

If you are willing to do a little work the older Delta 1460's are a good lathe and if you find one with a 3ph motor you can add a VFD and get variable speed!! I have one and love it, it is original with a 1/2hp single phase motor and I am goning to be changing it to 3 ph so I can get variable speed. The 1460 is a good lathe and will handle just about anything you can throw at it. I would think you could pick one up for about $150 and with some new bearings you will be good to go

 

---

My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist

Sound like an excellent idea except finding one here in Alaska may take the rest of my days.


Ken Rasmussen said:

If you are willing to do a little work the older Delta 1460's are a good lathe and if you find one with a 3ph motor you can add a VFD and get variable speed!! I have one and love it, it is original with a 1/2hp single phase motor and I am goning to be changing it to 3 ph so I can get variable speed. The 1460 is a good lathe and will handle just about anything you can throw at it. I would think you could pick one up for about $150 and with some new bearings you will be good to go

 

---

My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist

Ken has some good advice.  I bought my 1971 Delta Rockwell with 3-phase motor about 2 years ago for $150 off CL.  I then bought a phase converter from an eBay seller for $150.  I've just recently gotten back into turning and actually putting it to use.

The lathe has a four-step pulley, and with the new converter, I have infinite VS from 0-3k rpm.  When turning large, out-of-round items, I slow it down to 100-200 rpm.  I only use two settings on the pulleys--low "gear" for bowls, high "gear" for pens and other spindle work.

 

Here it is right after I bought it:

 

Here it is set up, and in use:

 

 

I'm in the process of rearranging, cleaning, and all that.  My shop is in shambles, but shelving is sprouting from the walls, so I'm hoping that in the next week or so I'll have access to my lathe again.  Don't mind the pic above; things look much better now.

 

---

Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

Oh, and a bit of warning for you...I've only once ever seen a person who bought a lathe and NOT use it, completely addicted to it.  It's a fatal disease, I tell ya.  AND it's an expensive way to die...

 

---

Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

The Delta and Powermatic lathes were very popular school lathes.  Most didn't get used much by what I have seen.  You might be able to find a school lathe in pretty good shape and at a reasonable price because most people do not want to mess with the three phase.  After using v/s I would have a hard time with just 3 or 4 speeds.  I bought a Grizzly at their scatch and dent sale a couple years ago with the control board burned up.  I picked up a tread mill for $15 and stripped it of its board and choke.  Retofitted to the lathe and now have a board that will hopefully never quit.  DC v/s is great.  Penn Industries even has a conversion kit for mini's.

Dan Coleman.