Looking for a lathe

Have you checked Craiglist.com? I got a great deal on my jet table saw there.

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

I just went on there when I saw your reply. To my surprise I found like 3 for around 200 and one for 75! I will have to search around of course to look for a decent one at a nice price. Thanks a lot! I never even knew about this site.

matt not sure what kind of tools you have in the shop now but you could also look for used shop smiths on craigslist im currently looking that way cuz i need a lathe and a drill press neather will see a ton of action so i figure kill 2 birds with one stone just my thoughts.

-- I buy tools so i can make more money,so ican buy more tools so I can work more, to make more money, so I can buy more tool, so I can work more

I got my lathe on craigslist recently. It’s old but the price was right and it works great for me just starting out.

-- Alan, Prince George

I don’t have too many. Just a tablesaw and then some power tools and hand tools. I was also thinking about a shop smith. They seem like a good deal. I saw some for about 400 bucks in my area.

if thats the case i would really think about the shopsmith my friend has one and he loves it like i said ill only be useing mine for one or two tools so swaping from tool to tool wont slow me down

-- I buy tools so i can make more money,so ican buy more tools so I can work more, to make more money, so I can buy more tool, so I can work more

That will probably be my case too and it won’t be seeing some long term use. It’s not like I do this for a living. It’s just a hobby

for now…

Before you buy a lathe (I would not recommend a Craftsman) check-out the American Association of Woodturners. There website is http://www.woodturner.org/ . That is where I started woodturning. They have local chapters all over the country. You live in Pennsylvania there are a lot of great woodturners there. Attend a few meetings of the local chapter one of the members may have a good used lathe for sale. The chapter meetings are a great place to learn. Also, the cost of the lathe is just a start there is always that new lathe tool you will just need.

-- Bob Clark, Tool Collector and Sawdust Maker

jet 12×20, awesome lathe, great power and expandable to 22”
more fun tan a barrel full of kittens!?

-- MARK IN BOB, So. CAL

I Gotta throw my 2 cents in for a used Shopsmith. An older mark 5 should not be more than 250-400 and the bonus is that it’s mobile and variable speed and, while most non Shopsmith guys won’t recommend the table saw function, the drill press and horizontal boring functions are first rate as is the 12” disk sander, all in a really small space. I’d try to steer clear of the green mark 5 machines. They are the oldest and have a 3/4 hp motor as opposed to 1 1/8hp on the later ones, and a slightly different belt system. One of my machines is this type, & it’s ok, especially if you can get one for $75-125, which is possible for these early ones. If you do get into looking at shopsmiths as an alternative & need more info, send me a private message & I’ll get you more info. -SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you

i saw some shopsmiths pretty cheap in my area. I am gunna pick up a local ad magazine tomorrow and see what i can find. I saw the online version and saw some really cheap lathes, 75 bucks was the cheapest i’ll call them and let you guys know and you can give me some advice.

I agree with Big_Bob. Unless you already have the chisels, face shield, grinder, etc, you might want to give the lathe decision a second thought. The lathe is just one part of the purchase. I spent $325.00 for a brand new Jet 1220 18 months ago (before the big price hike). With all the other stuff I needed I spent about another $500.00. For the stuff I “needed” I spent another $1500.00. Keep in mind, you’ll need some turning tools, face shield, and a way to sharpen you tools, at a minimum. A chuck and sharpening jig are not requirements but they almost are. It’s a whole lot of fun. Please let us know how you fare in your quest for ‘round things’. :)

-- Matt - My Websites - http://www.bestinwood.com - Hand Tools :: http://www.workshopgarage.com - Small Shops

I don’t think the Shopsmith is the way to go.

I suggest either a Jet, or Rikon mini lathes.

Check on both, they both have great features.

There are others, so check out the LJs reviews for lathes.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Yes there are alot of lathes on craigs list. Most are craftsman and realy not any good.(more agrivation than there worth). If you spend 4 or 5 hundred on a good industrial lathe you won’t be sorry.

-- ART- WINSTED CT. Just Remember! If you walk a mile in another mans shoes ----your a mile away and you've got his shoes!

I must say ask your self what do you want to turn.Then once you establish that you will know what size of lathe you need.You might not like turning but the chances are you will !!! .And you might like it so much that you will soon want a bigger beefier lathe .And so I suggest you buy a larger one to start with try used before new if the pennies are tight at the moment and also don’t buy too old once you start replacing bearings etc etc etc you will be sorry, having said that most newish lathes will be fine as the bearings unless the lathe has been neglected will be fine.Now to rrassure you if you have any anxieties or any probs get back to us before parting with your hard earned poppy and don’t rush it’s a buyers market at the moment.Also try ebay and get someone at say a locaL club to advise you and maybe even look at a potential lathe for you.It’s not like buying a first car if you stick to a modernish lathe that has been used for hobby purposes only it should last for decades yet regards and have fun Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Well I was planning on getting used because the pennies are tight. I am looking in my local advertising things like the newspaper and stuff. I think I’d really like turning. It looks like so much fun. I will get one someday, but I have to look for a good deal.

Steel City just came out with solid granite 12 inch model at a nice price. $319.00 as opposed to $400.00+ for the Jet 1220. My 1220 was priced at $325.00 when I purchased it just a year, or so, ago. The motor is only 1/2 hp but it would probably be rock solid (due to its weight) and would allow you to swing the larger blanks. If you just want to make pens and other small spindles, a 10 inch would probably work. You’ll more than likely want a bigger one. I want a bigger one. A Jet 1642 is somewhere in my near future! I wouldn’t go with anything less than 12 inches for bowls.

Buy a good lathe and, most likely, you won’t have a problem getting close to all of your money back. Especially the way they seem to be ‘appreciating’ these days.

-- Matt - My Websites - http://www.bestinwood.com - Hand Tools :: http://www.workshopgarage.com - Small Shops

Like many have said, you can look around and find a good used one. I found a like new early 70’s Rockwell lath(and bandsaw) all cast iron, WITH a full set of cutting tools all for $400.00.

Needless to say, these were in my shop before he finished saying 400 dollars, lol. If your not in a REAL big hurry, take your time….find a good deal, then come to a place like this and see if it’s a good deal if your not sure.

-- Don S.E. OK

Beware of the Rockwell with a tubular bed, a friend of mine had one.

The tubes were too flexible, which made it hard to turn a longer spindle, they caused vibration.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Hello. When you go to Craigslist, be sure to type in either your state or city before the word craigslist, otherwise you will get the general site, and that is not specific for you. They have great deals, and be patient; items are added daily. Best of luck.
I’ve worked for a pen manufacturer (A.T. Cross Pen Co.) in Lincoln, Rhode Island,and now they too are going overseas to you guessed it; CHINA. It’s a crying shame so many great companies have turned their backs on the American work force for profit. It will be Americas’ demise.
Just look at the junk that has come from China. lead painted toys, bad baby formula, pet food etc.
Someone asks me the time, and I tell them how to build a clock.

-- Paul, Bristol,Rhode Island

I just bought an old Rockwell/Deltal 11 inch lathe. Turns out the headstock thread is no longer standard and does not have a Morse taper so I haven’t been able to find a chuck for it. I do have face plates so will be able to turn bowls that way. But, can’t turn pens. Anyone know of a source for adapters – I’ve tried Penn State and am waiting for their reply.

Thanks,

-- Always do the Right Thing the Right Way the First Time - if you can figure out what that is! Ken, Spring Branch, TX