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First Lathe: UPDATE

Dudley

Dudley

Joined
Dec 10, 2005
Messages
96
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Location
SW Pennsylvania
Thank you everyone for the suggestions you made for my first lathe. I was planning on going to Woodcraft this weekend to pick up a Delt or Jet, I wanted to adjust speeds and things to see what fits me the best. HOWEVER, I was given a chance to purchase a used lathe today.

This lathe is made by Delta, it's free standing, VS, with a cabinet (a lot like th oneway on Woodcraft's web store.) It's currently owned by a friend of mine that I can trust with life. He bought it new about 13 years ago and has used it for about three hours. It has a dust shield, an outboard turning motor, a 16" swing, and 42 inches between centers. He is going to throw in his tools (a five or eight piece set, not sure which) which have only been sharpened once. He is also going to give me all of the face plates and such that came with it for.... HERE'S THE BEST PART.... $500.

Since I'm very new to turning (this would be my first lathe) I'm thinking this is a fantastic deal. I figured the tools, a Delta Midi or Jet Mini, a stand (or lumber to build a stand) would come close to $450. This one from my friend is only $50 more and it is everything I want now... and in the future. I'm thinking that if I hate turning, I could always sell it and get my money back.

Would this be the way to go? Or should I stick with the mini/midi? I'm definatly leaning towards my friends Delta.

Brad
 
Hi Brad,
I must aggree with most who have replied to your post... that sounds like a nice bargain. However, something occured me to me as rather funny.
You stated in your post " It's currently owned by a friend of mine that I can trust with life." If that statement is true and you trust that your friend would not harm you (do you wrong) then why are you asking a bunch of strangers on an internet forum what you should do or if this is a good deal??? LOL! Then again it could just be me... Have a good holiday! VWNW
 
Vinces,
Bill hit the nail on the head. I wanted to make sure I wasn't getting in over my head with a big machine like this. Since turning is new to me, I'm looking for every little bit of help.

It is a owned by a friend that I could trust with my life. I know he's not going to offer me a sour deal, a broken machine, or a piece of junk. The price almost seemed too good to be true, but he is a great friend.

Thanks everyone for you help! I'm hoping to get it before Christmas, but I need to make arrangements to pick it up, might not be till the New Year!

Brad
 
I have to disagree with everyone so far. I think that picking up a lathe like the Delta you described is INCREADABLY DANGEROUS for anyone except an expert. Luckilly, I'd be willing to come take charge of the lathe so that NO ONE WILL GET HURT!!!! I won't even charge your friend for this service. Just mail me the address and I'll take care of it from there. If it happens to be too far to drive, I'd even be willing to help out a little with the shipping.

I know, I know. I'm generous and overresponsible to a fault. But I can't help it. It's just who I am.

Sincerely,
Dietrich
 
Brad (aka Dudley) - you are definitely not getting in over your head. That will be an excellent machine to start with...and will last you a very long time. With lathes you can always start with a more expensive/bigger model and grow into it. Another way to say it - is that a big lathe can generally turn both small and large items, but a smaller lathe can only turn the smaller items. You're getting a great deal and the only warning I would give you is that you might get sucked into the woodturning vortex like the rest of us....which may really get you hooked on a new hobby!
 
Hey Brad,
It sounds like you are getting ready to have a great time turning. Congrads on your new lathe and set up. This is a great hobby with great people. I was just razzin ya with my comment. There may be questions you have in the future and this is a great place to ask and be a part of. Congrads again, Vince
 
Vinces,
I know you were just razzin'. I have already found a lot of great info in the posts on this forum. I'm even thinking of attending the closest club meeting in the new year.

I told my buddy today that I definatly want his lathe. It's in the back of his garage so he has to make room for it to come past his Harley Davidsons! He has a motorcycle trailer that were going to transport it in, but we have to wait for the snow to melt a bit to get it (the trailer) out of his yard.

I'm very excited. I feel like a little kid waiting for a new bike for Christmas--a 32 year old going on 10 maybe!!!🙂 Probably won't have it until after the holidays, just more time to be excited!

Thanks for all the info folks! I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions in the near future... like is it ok to learn how to use tools on found (green) wood? How will I know when I'm ready to move from basic spindle techniques to bowls? Ect. Ect. Ect.

😀 😀 😀
 
Green wood? You mean people turn pieces from dry wood? :cool2:

I do 99% of all my roughouts from green wood. It's softer and self lubricating from the sap.

The only problem with this hobby is that you may never come back inside except to eat and sleep! You know you have it bad when you can't drive by a freshly cut tree without slowing down or stopping.
 
Brad,
In the mean time while you wait for the lathe you can always order a good video or DVD. Jimmy CLewes has a good one out that cover sharpening, spindel work, platters, etc. There is many out there and it might be a good question to ask. What is your favorite Turning video for a beginner? VWNW
 
Jeff Jilg said:
You know you have it bad when you can't drive by a freshly cut tree without slowing down or stopping.
Click to expand...


Boy... I know I've been doing that a lot lately... Must have caught the bug somewhere. 😛

... I should be out in the shop turning now. But had to straighten out the snakes nest under the computer desk so it didn't look so tacky in here for Christmas. 😎

"Got your DSL set up honey? Now go clean up those wires!"
 
Yeah, I know about snake's nests and messes. But it's more fun to play in the shop. I always feel more productive out there.

For me though, no new wood for awhile. I got the woodcollecting bug and one of my tree-trimmer buddies gave me so much that I finally had to say no. That's the tough part, refusing to accept good wood that will just go to the mulching/recycling center. Seems such a shame.

I rough turned some of the cypress he just gave me. It is kind of stringy, and also soft like pine. Even though the grain is pretty I probably won't try that wood again.
 
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