New Lathe...New questions

[NEDIVER]

So here is the story...I got a free lathe from my fiance' father who is a contractor and bought it awhile back to do some custom spindle work and never even opened the box. Good score for me...I realize I am very lucky. Anyway, so its a Jet 1236 VS and I havent even finished setting it up yet cause I am super busy with work. He gave me some small calipers and a set of HSS tools as well. The tools have short flutes and I already realize that they are not the same size as those I learned on...like say the PM tools. One of the tools I noticed that was missing was a roughing gouge. I am looking to do mostly bowl turning, and maybe some pens. So here go the questions:

I was thinking of getting this grinder b/c it comes with the wheels, I thought of getting a HF grinder for 50 bucks but after I get wheels it would be about the same and it is high speed, does this matter?

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4605

I do not really have the funds for a new bandsaw...any suggestions of what to look for used...like size models, etc.?? What kind should I get if I am saving for a decent new one?

If I was to buy one new turning tool from a local woodcraft what would you suggest?

What kind of drill press can I get by with? If I want to do pens w/o a press what do I do?

I think that is all for now. I realize this is a long post and probably many of my answers are scattered about this forum, but I have been lurking for a few months and these are still some pressing questions I have. Thanks in advance for the responses.

-Andrew

 

[-e-]

Hi Andrew

congrats on the lathe!

my grinder is very important to my work. i invested in a baldor years ago. a bad grinder is one that vibrates causing the tool to skip on the stone. this is not only frustrating but makes it very difficult to get a good bevel and edge. also, you'll end up wasting away the steel on your tools.

therefore, investing up-front in a good grinder is cost-effective purchase. i've heard several people give the delta a good recommendation.

the other recommendation for the grinder is to get or make a Wolverine-type jig system ... this will greatly improve your turning while learning what good sharpening is.

now for the 'one' tool, i found that i pretty much use one tool for most all my general face-plate turning (bowls, platters, hollow forms). i like ellsworth's signature gouge (see attachment) or anything similar. the specifics of the angle of the side-grind is not important to me...keeping a good edge is. i use it to rough and to finish ...

BUT .. i usually recommend to new turners to find the cheapest tools to learn how to sharpen on ... why grind-away a good gouge while you're learning.

there's lots of turners that don't use a bandsaw...it's not essential. a small electric chainsaw or grinder can be just (or more) effective in preparing a blank ... or you can use the lathe.

also, a drill press is not essential for pens. you can setup jigs for handdrills, as well as purchase pre-drilled blanks ...

don't forget the very important face-mask and safety glasses ... perhaps the most important piece of equipment to invest in.

 

[Griesbach]

Andrew,

I must agree with "e" on his response. FIRST is the face shield. I have the grinder you are looking at and and I'm pleased with it. Sometimes you can find it on sale at woodcraft. In fact, this saturday (Feb 4) I believe they have 10% off everything and that's about as good as you're likely to find. I also have the basic Wolvering jig with the vari-grind attachment and like my sharpening system very well.

I have a 14" Delta bandsaw with the riser but I also waited to buy this as it's nice for roughing out blanks but, as mentioned, not essential. I'd go with a chain saw, AND IT'S RELATED SAFETY EQUIPMENT first. You can't, mount a whole log on your lathe.

Next, check on this web site for the nearest AAW chapter in your area and go to the meeting, meet the members and you're likely to get lots of friendly help as you go forward in this joyful pursuit.

 

[NEDIVER]

Andrew,

Next, check on this web site for the nearest AAW chapter in your area and go to the meeting, meet the members and you're likely to get lots of friendly help as you go forward in this joyful pursuit.

I took a class at the local woodcraft and the teachers were members of the local AAW chapter, I will be at the next meeting.

Thanks for all the advice, and the tip on the sale.

 

[NEDIVER]

So if I was going to look for a good second hand chain saw from somewhere, what brand, CC's, and bar size should I be looking for. I see in the local classifieds some 18" bar saws used for under 100 bucks. This would be great if I could get one of those for roughing up some blanks.

 

[Jeff Schutzman]

Chainsaws

For second hand saws look in the obvious places, classifieds, ebay etc. For the second hand saws you need to be prepared to replace the bar and chain which will cost a few bucks.

BTW, I was considering buying an electric so I could use it inside the shop. I have found that the price for an electric with an 18 inch bar, from all the home centers is about $80. Depending on how much you plan to use the saw, and proximity of power this might be an alternative for you.

- jeff

 

[Walt]

You can make a pen press out of any hard wood (Google it) or you can use a bar or "F" clamp. As for the ONE turning tool tobuy, that would be determined by what type of turning you are doing. Since it sounds like you are just starting, use the basic set, and practise the basic's (control) with them.

Walt

 

[gary7]

Recommendations for your questions

You can get a set of 8 turning tools from HF for $35 which are good enough to learn a few basics like actual turning and more importantly (for this set) sharpening. That way as earlier mentioned, you don't waste away a good set trying to learn how to sharpen your tools. I would recommend either the Jet or Delta 12" or 14" bandsaws. The Delta grinder, GR450 is fine with the Wolverine jig from One Way. Now, considering all this expense, you are realizing that there is more to turning than getting a lathe and getting in further with regard to expense than you first thought. Tools, grinder, sharpening jigs, etc, etc, etc. You will find though that the cost and the effort will be worth it all. Final mention, don't forget your local AAW chapter!

Turn it up!

 

[S. Clark]

BTW, I was considering buying an electric so I could use it inside the shop. I have found that the price for an electric with an 18 inch bar, from all the home centers is about $80. Depending on how much you plan to use the saw, and proximity of power this might be an alternative for you.

I have a cheap electric chainsaw and it works excellently. It has a 16" bar. I also use a big gas powered 36" when required. I think the little electric one cost me about $60.

There has already been a lot of good advise given here but what you are going to need the most is patience. Patience with yourself to start small and learn the basics. There is no need to run out and buy a bunch of stuff. Using the tools you already have on a couple small projects and allow yourself to get the feel. You'll then know better what tools/equipment you really will need vs what you desire. And you are more likely to fell successful and therefore retain enthusiasm. If you loose that, any money spent is wasted.

- Scott

 

[Griesbach]

I took a class at the local woodcraft and the teachers were members of the local AAW chapter, I will be at the next meeting.

Thanks for all the advice, and the tip on the sale.

Andrew,
If your local AAW chapter has a lending library, as many do, try to get Bill Grumbine's DVD on bowl turning. Although it's not the only media on the subject it's quite excellent as well as complete.

Be safe and enjoy.

 

[NEDIVER]

Thanks to all that replied so far. I have one question...would something like this work instead of a drill press for making pen blanks?

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=2405&cookietest=1

 

[Griesbach]

It could if you can rig up a way to securely hold the pen blank in place. With pin jaws on a chuck and a drill chuck for the tailstock, it's also possible to drill them with the lathe.

 

[dkulze]

As to your bandsaw question, I'd look around for a used 14" HF, Grizzly, or (un)Reliant. As is, you're good up to about 6" thick and any diameter your lathe can handle. If you find one, you can upgrade it with a riser block (adds another 6" to the throat) and a bigger motor if you plan to be resawing thick green wood. Otherwise, take your time and it will work just fine for that level of work. Figure a used saw, riser block, and bigger motor can all be had for about $300 give or take a little.

I have an electric and a gas saw (Husquevarna rules!). I'm surprised by just how well the electric works. It's a little 14" and will gnaw through just about anything. Plus, it's alot easier on the lungs and ears if I use that one inside instead of my husquy.

Nice grinder. All you'll need for a while.

Seconds on the Wolverine jig. I'd get that one immediately if you can. Otherwise, you're in for alot of patience and "g#wld*(mmits". More important that the chainsaw or the bandsaw.

And I'll also second the bowl gouge. Most versitile tool out there. Can use it as a scraper, roughing gouge, skew, spindle gouge, and even a bowl gouge. Make sure to get some hands on time with a more experienced turner once you get it. Will make a world of difference.

Dietrich

 

[georgetroy]

I can remember when I first started out 25 years, I bought cheap and had to buy and buy again. This means saws, lathes, tools, grinders and so on. It is hard to buy best quality and put out the bucks, but I think in the long run you save money and will use that best tool over and over again. GT

 

[Dudley]

I just started turning in December and I have to say the best turning tool I bought so far is the Wolverine Grinding Jig with the Varigrind. I use it all the time when I'm turning.

I also bought a reconditioned Craftsman electric chainsaw to rough blanks with in the shop. It cost me $20. I already had a Stihl gas chain saw (both with 16" bars) So far I use the Craftsman almost everytime I'm getting ready to turn.

One thing I learned is that green wood is much easier to learn on. It is free, it is easier on the tools edge, and I don't feel my wallet shock me when I make a mistake.

 

[pencheff]

I can remember when I first started out 25 years, I bought cheap and had to buy and buy

Yeah, but some of us like the buying again and again part. Especially tools and accessories. Coming home from work and finding a package at the front door from UPS makes me feel like a kid on Christmas.

Seriously, there's no way to know as a newbie turner what you're going to still be using in six months or a year or five years so the decision on what to spend those hard earned dollars on early in the game is risky. I've only been turning for six months or so and am very much ready to upgrade from my little midi-lathe. But will I still be this infatuated with turning in two years? I dunno. That makes it hard to justify spending nearly $3 grand on a big PM when I could also really use an 8" jointer and a 15" planer. However I CAN justify spending less than $1grand on a Jet 1442.

It's all personal.

 

[Griesbach]

Yeah, but some of us like the buying again and again part.

Hmmmmm....yeah. More toys...More toys 😀 .

 

[Wilford Bickel]

Thanks to all that replied so far. I have one question...would something like this work instead of a drill press for making pen blanks?

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=2405&cookietest=1

Watch HF for their sale on the 5 speed bench top drill press - the sale price is about what Rockler has this priced. I've gone through a couple at the farm and for the money they are decent machines. They will eventually wear after a couple of years of hard use to the point that you get play in the shaft but at that point I just replaice.

Welcome to the world of turning - make sure and get a good face shield and respirator BEFORE you buy the other items. They are a must to keep you safe!!

Wilford

 

[NEDIVER]

Well I had about $200 bucks to spend and I went down to local Woodcraft and got myself the delta slow speed grinder and the wolverine jig. I also picked up a good book. So I think I have everything I need to get started for now. I am going to grab some firewood and get started turning.