Reply by navtalk

Hi folks. I have been perusing the thread and am in need of some advice myself. I am also starting into wood turning. My lathe is an old Craftsman 2 rail 12 inch open headstock 4sheave cone pulley 35 inch bed. Until a few minutes ago I was not aware of the vintage of this lathe. I could not find any plate or number on the lathe. I stumbled onto a UK site with pictures, this is a 1933 Craftsman. I purchased several components , live center, star center. I had centers but were very badly used. I also have a 6 inch faceplate, mandrel with chuck. I had to install a motor and the only one I had available was a 1HP 2 speed cap start cooler motor. I put a two speed switch in line and now have 8 speeds. From about 450 RPM TO 3550 RPM. I need advice on turning chisels. I have a very poor quality sears set of tools, of course they have been knocking around my shop for 20 years or more, the parting tool which I thought was one piece wasn’t as the tip broke off while I was using it. I made a new parting tool out of a lawn edger blade. These are light weight spindle tools and I want to do bowls as well. At my age, 74, I don’t want to invest in pro grade tools but still want tools that will do the job. In reading I find that to start several sizes of gouges an skews should be considered. If I find I like turning and have somewhat of an aptitude I will certainly consider upgrading my equipment. Even now I am thinking of a new Mimi lathe but will wait till see how I actually fair. Thanks Navtalk

-- My G-Kids call me Grumpy