I am looking at adding a lathe to my wood working fun and if I do it will not for several months. I do not need a professional one, but I do not want to get one too small either. (for turning bowl, goblets and such) When looking at a lathes dimensions is there a way to tell who big (wide) a project can be? Hope this makes sense. 

 

Thank you!

@KevTN The dimension you're talking about is called the swing. It is the largest diameter that can be turned. A 16" swing means a 16" diameter piece, maximum.

 

Sometime lathes are numbered by the max diameter and max length. By old Delta was a 1440. 14" swing and 40" max length

Thank you lew! I appreciate the information. 

Are you looking for uses or new?  I have this one and love it.  Has served me well for quite a few years now.  It is a short bed lathe but an extension can be purchased for it.

 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-21-5-in-x-34-5-in-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe/4743323?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-SS_TOL_129_Power-Tools-_-4743323-_-online-_-0-_-0&gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZJZwhx9sEXhSV3B1fpWcw_ai7ReZv8a2T3CI0Y0FgiteMxHRZXakoxoClFUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I turned this bowl recently on it for my sister.

 

 

After reading @HandyDan’s response, I should add that the max dimension mentioned is for turning over the ways. Outboard turning can be larger than over the ways. Outboard turning dimensions would be somewhat limited by lathe power and tool rest configuration. 

Max dimension is maybe not the best way to express it. The swing is actually twice the distance from the spindle to the bed. When you turn a bowl it is almost impossible to get diameter to match the total swing so on a 16 inch lathe if you are good will get a 15 inch bowl. Best bet if not in a hurry is to look at used.

Thanks Gerald yes definitely looking at used. I am a non profit with a kid getting to go into grad school. I want start small but not to small to get a good feel if I will enjoy turning.

On 12/17/2021 at 4:24 PM, HandyDan said:

Are you looking for uses or new?  I have this one and love it.  Has served me well for quite a few years now.  It is a short bed lathe but an extension can be purchased for it.

 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-21-5-in-x-34-5-in-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe/4743323?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-SS_TOL_129_Power-Tools-_-4743323-_-online-_-0-_-0&gclid=CjwKCAiAh_GNBhAHEiwAjOh3ZJZwhx9sEXhSV3B1fpWcw_ai7ReZv8a2T3CI0Y0FgiteMxHRZXakoxoClFUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I turned this bowl recently on it for my sister.

 

 

I have seen that. I am looking at used for financial reasons.  That’s a great looking bowl.

Edited December 19, 20214 yr by KevTN

It would be great if you could find a club or people near you that you could sample a few lathes. I bought a small lathe thinking it would be all I need.it was for a long time because I was only turning pens. Then I turned a bowl. I was hook instantly and needed a larger lathe. I bought a midi that would turn 12.5” and that worked for a year or so then I wanted to go bigger. My lathe now will turn a 16” bowl over the bed and 39” outboard. I think this one will last a while.

On 12/28/2021 at 7:54 PM, RustyFN said:

It would be great if you could find a club or people near you that you could sample a few lathes. I bought a small lathe thinking it would be all I need.it was for a long time because I was only turning pens. Then I turned a bowl. I was hook instantly and needed a larger lathe. I bought a midi that would turn 12.5” and that worked for a year or so then I wanted to go bigger. My lathe now will turn a 16” bowl over the bed and 39” outboard. I think this one will last a while.

I agree. There is balance of finding the right size, and price.

Kevin, to follow up on @RustyFN post - Woodcraft in Chattanooga may offer a bowl turning course.  Some teaching and hands on to turn your own. 

1 hour ago, Cal said:

Kevin, to follow up on @RustyFN post - Woodcraft in Chattanooga may offer a bowl turning course.  Some teaching and hands on to turn your own. 

Yes that is a good idea. All Woodcraft stores should have some kind of classes. A friend of mind teaches the classes at my local Woodcraft.

I agree that a turning club is usually the best option but right now it may be difficult to find one that is holding meetings. Is anyone doing live remote classes ?

Paul

On 12/30/2021 at 10:07 AM, RustyFN said:

Yes that is a good idea. All Woodcraft stores should have some kind of classes. A friend of mind teaches the classes at my local Woodcraft.

That’s right they do! I completely forgot about that….I will need to check into that…Thank you