My grandchildren are starting to get into turning pens and magic wands. They are at the point now where they only need minimal supervision. I’d like to be able to turn at the same time as them because they are taking up all of my turning time.
I’d like to keep it under $500. Some options I’m seeing are WEN mini at $300 with vsr and bed extension to accommodate longer wands. It has MT1 spindles so my existing tools won’t fit. I don’t like to buy junky tools, but have a WEN wet grinder that’s much better built than I expected for the price. Another option is a used Record CLC3-48 for $350. No vsr. And also has MT1 spindles. From what I see online it was a fine lathe back in the day. There is also the Rikon 70-105 new which has MT2 but no vsr. I’m not seeing much in the way of newer used lathes under $500.
Does anyone have experience with a WEN lathe? Any other options I should consider? What would you do?
I’d like to keep it under $500. Some options I’m seeing are WEN mini at $300 with vsr and bed extension to accommodate longer wands. It has MT1 spindles so my existing tools won’t fit. I don’t like to buy junky tools, but have a WEN wet grinder that’s much better built than I expected for the price. Another option is a used Record CLC3-48 for $350. No vsr. And also has MT1 spindles. From what I see online it was a fine lathe back in the day. There is also the Rikon 70-105 new which has MT2 but no vsr. I’m not seeing much in the way of newer used lathes under $500.
Does anyone have experience with a WEN lathe? Any other options I should consider? What would you do?