Finally decided to get into turning. In reading about lathes I discovered the spindle TPI. Some have said stick with an 1" x 8 because it is easier to get accessories to fit. The lathe I am considering however, a newer Grizzly model, has a 1" x 12 TPI. Does it really make a difference? Can they be changed? Secondly, although I am considering a particular lathe as mentioned above, I am really at a loss. JET? Grizzly? Harbor Freight? PSI? Delta? What about size, should I go with a 1/2HP (JET) mini and a bed extension or go straight into something like the larger 1HP JET 1442? That is an expensive start at about $850 through Amazon.com. Grizzly offers a very similar model for only $350. Please help me get started! Any help would be very much appreciated.
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spindle TPI and choosing a 1st lathe
- Thread starter gary7
- Start date
Gary
Grizzly's are generally a good deal, I have a couple of items from them (a Table and Band saw).
I don't have one of their lathes, because of the problems in getting anything 1x12.
There are adapters though, but I would hesitate to use one under a heavy load.
I would stick with (in the US) 1x8 and 1-1/4x8 lathes.
The better (if I can use the term loosely) Harbor Freight Lathes have 1x8. But my results with HF tools are such I will never buy another.
Another choice might be this one from Wood Workers Supply.
Then there are the midi's from Jet and Delta. Plus, many, many others.
Grizzly's are generally a good deal, I have a couple of items from them (a Table and Band saw).
I don't have one of their lathes, because of the problems in getting anything 1x12.
There are adapters though, but I would hesitate to use one under a heavy load.
I would stick with (in the US) 1x8 and 1-1/4x8 lathes.
The better (if I can use the term loosely) Harbor Freight Lathes have 1x8. But my results with HF tools are such I will never buy another.
Another choice might be this one from Wood Workers Supply.
Then there are the midi's from Jet and Delta. Plus, many, many others.
Gary,
If you are just starting to turn and are buying a first lathe, I suggest the Jet mini or the Delta midi. They are good solid lathes and you can turn anything on them that you can on a larger lathe, on a smaller scale. If you find that you want to get serious, you will have a much better idea of what you want and need. You will not have too much money in small lathe and after you buy a larger lathe you will be suprised how handy the second lathe is and you will find yourself using it often.
If you are just starting to turn and are buying a first lathe, I suggest the Jet mini or the Delta midi. They are good solid lathes and you can turn anything on them that you can on a larger lathe, on a smaller scale. If you find that you want to get serious, you will have a much better idea of what you want and need. You will not have too much money in small lathe and after you buy a larger lathe you will be suprised how handy the second lathe is and you will find yourself using it often.
Gary, I am going to second bbrussell's recomendation. You can start with a Delta or Jet Midi, which each have 10" swing and 14" center capability with extensions available to extend spindles to about 36". You can try it out and really see if turning is for you. If it is, most of the accessories you buy will be applicable to a larger lathe. Spindles are a standard 1"X8. I started with a Delta Midi 4 months ago, and am still satisfied with it and have no plans to move to a larger lathe any time soon. If (when) I do, I will still keep it for smaller work. I love doing small goblets where there is no need for a large lathe.
I will warn you that while the lathe is a large single expense of turning, you will probably spend more on accessories than you do on the lathe. You are going to need a good grinder with cool cutting wheels, and probably a jig set to help with grinding your tools. Then you need a bunch of tools (chisels) to sharpen. A work bench or stand, preferably very heavy to help absorb the vibration. Calipers. A Chuck. Shop Vac and/or Dust Control system. A face shield and a dust mask/respirator. Then you will want to add a band saw........
And one more very important expenditure, membership in a local turner's group. You will be able to learn more about turning from a club with a mentoring program than you will ever get from a video. On the home page you will find a link to local chapters, go there and see if you can find one near you. Visit and talk to the members. Most will invite prospective turners to visit their shop and try a hand at turning. Visit with several and you will learn a lot about techniques of tool usage. Talk with them about lathe models.
Another factor to help decide which brand to buy is local service. What ever you decide, welcome to this addiction that we call turning.
JimQ
Glendale, AZ
I will warn you that while the lathe is a large single expense of turning, you will probably spend more on accessories than you do on the lathe. You are going to need a good grinder with cool cutting wheels, and probably a jig set to help with grinding your tools. Then you need a bunch of tools (chisels) to sharpen. A work bench or stand, preferably very heavy to help absorb the vibration. Calipers. A Chuck. Shop Vac and/or Dust Control system. A face shield and a dust mask/respirator. Then you will want to add a band saw........
And one more very important expenditure, membership in a local turner's group. You will be able to learn more about turning from a club with a mentoring program than you will ever get from a video. On the home page you will find a link to local chapters, go there and see if you can find one near you. Visit and talk to the members. Most will invite prospective turners to visit their shop and try a hand at turning. Visit with several and you will learn a lot about techniques of tool usage. Talk with them about lathe models.
Another factor to help decide which brand to buy is local service. What ever you decide, welcome to this addiction that we call turning.
JimQ
Glendale, AZ
New lathe
JimQ is right on the money. I have a new lathe ordered and am changing from a 1 1/4 x 8 spindle to the M33-3.5. The main thing I have to change is the inserts in my chucks and eventually I'll need to replace my faceplates but I bought a spindle adapter to use until I replace them a little at a time.
I also still have my Jet mini and probable will also keep it. Like the others have said even if you outgrow the mini and move to a bigger lathe there are projects that are still easier on the small mini. It always gets my vote for a first lathe. The chucks are still interchangable between lathes by changing inserts.
Vernon
JimQ is right on the money. I have a new lathe ordered and am changing from a 1 1/4 x 8 spindle to the M33-3.5. The main thing I have to change is the inserts in my chucks and eventually I'll need to replace my faceplates but I bought a spindle adapter to use until I replace them a little at a time.
I also still have my Jet mini and probable will also keep it. Like the others have said even if you outgrow the mini and move to a bigger lathe there are projects that are still easier on the small mini. It always gets my vote for a first lathe. The chucks are still interchangable between lathes by changing inserts.
Vernon
Check out the new Rikon lathe. It's very similar to the Jet and Delta mini's but is just a tad larger. I looked at one on the Woodcraft and liked most of what I saw, but I haven't actually turned on one.
I bought the Jet Mini lathe for myself recently and I really love it. If you start collecting wood you exceed its capacity rather quickly though. I have some Walnut blanks that I'm sure I can't turn on it. So I've already thought about getting another lathe.
But the mini is an excellent place to start. You can do a lot of stuff on it.
I just wish I had more time to get out in the shop and play with it. Too much Kitchen and Laundry room remodeling going on.... I did get to make a tool handle last night. I even used a tip from someone here who suggested using a brass compression nut as a ferrule.
Anyway,
welcome to the "Vortex" as someone here so aptly put it. It's a whirl! 😛
I bought the Jet Mini lathe for myself recently and I really love it. If you start collecting wood you exceed its capacity rather quickly though. I have some Walnut blanks that I'm sure I can't turn on it. So I've already thought about getting another lathe.
But the mini is an excellent place to start. You can do a lot of stuff on it.
I just wish I had more time to get out in the shop and play with it. Too much Kitchen and Laundry room remodeling going on.... I did get to make a tool handle last night. I even used a tip from someone here who suggested using a brass compression nut as a ferrule.
Anyway,
welcome to the "Vortex" as someone here so aptly put it. It's a whirl! 😛
Alternative MIDI
Gary,
An even less expensive alternative to the Jet or Delta is a PSI Turncrafter Pro lathe. It has 1" x 8tpi headstock, #2 MT and you can pick the thing up with the extension bed for under $200. Essentially it's a clone of the Delta MIDI. I bought mine this past summer as an inexepensive entry level lathe and I am completely satisfied with it, as such. I'm turning spindles, boxes and bowls and this little bugger handles everything nicely.
Of course now that I'm afflicted with the turning addiction that everyone else in this forum suffers from (enjoys?) I'm already looking to upgrade. However, until I decide how much of an upgrade I need/want/can afford this TLCPro will do nicely.
And again, as mentioned earlier, the cost of an entry level lathe is the least of your impending expenses. My little TLCPro cost about $200 with shipping and PA tax. But I've spent three or four times that so far on turning tools, centers, tool rests, sharpening gear, educational videos, chucks and all the other widgets that make woodturning such an alluring habit. er, I mean avocation.
Greg
Lancaster PA
Gary,
An even less expensive alternative to the Jet or Delta is a PSI Turncrafter Pro lathe. It has 1" x 8tpi headstock, #2 MT and you can pick the thing up with the extension bed for under $200. Essentially it's a clone of the Delta MIDI. I bought mine this past summer as an inexepensive entry level lathe and I am completely satisfied with it, as such. I'm turning spindles, boxes and bowls and this little bugger handles everything nicely.
Of course now that I'm afflicted with the turning addiction that everyone else in this forum suffers from (enjoys?) I'm already looking to upgrade. However, until I decide how much of an upgrade I need/want/can afford this TLCPro will do nicely.
And again, as mentioned earlier, the cost of an entry level lathe is the least of your impending expenses. My little TLCPro cost about $200 with shipping and PA tax. But I've spent three or four times that so far on turning tools, centers, tool rests, sharpening gear, educational videos, chucks and all the other widgets that make woodturning such an alluring habit. er, I mean avocation.
Greg
Lancaster PA
Gary,
There have been other posts on first time lathe buys. Everyone has their own opinion but most will agree that you should get what you can afford.
My recommendation is to stay away from poor quality machines such as anything from Harbor Fright or (arguably) Grizzly while sticking with the standard #2 MT and 1X8 TPI.
I like the Jet Midi for around $200. You can expand the machine with a bed extension and stand or you can set it up on a bench.
As other members also stated, you will most likely spend more on accessories like a good scroll chuck and some turning tools. I initially bought a cheap, full set of tools but later found that it would have been better to spend the same amount on 3 or 4 quality HHS tools like a nice skew, gouge and maybe a diamond parting tool.
Finally, dont concern yourself with limited spending based on weather you will find turning fun and interesting. If you like the rest of us, you'll be hooked!!
There have been other posts on first time lathe buys. Everyone has their own opinion but most will agree that you should get what you can afford.
My recommendation is to stay away from poor quality machines such as anything from Harbor Fright or (arguably) Grizzly while sticking with the standard #2 MT and 1X8 TPI.
I like the Jet Midi for around $200. You can expand the machine with a bed extension and stand or you can set it up on a bench.
As other members also stated, you will most likely spend more on accessories like a good scroll chuck and some turning tools. I initially bought a cheap, full set of tools but later found that it would have been better to spend the same amount on 3 or 4 quality HHS tools like a nice skew, gouge and maybe a diamond parting tool.
Finally, dont concern yourself with limited spending based on weather you will find turning fun and interesting. If you like the rest of us, you'll be hooked!!
Just a quickie mention. You can save a few bucks by not pursueing a VS model on the mini or midi. I've got the old belt change model and have found it to be quick and easy to work with. The problem, also, with VS is the loss of torque at low speeds. Exact opposite with belted only.
Also, a used floor model from Woodcraft, Rockler, or any local no-name is a good way to save some money. If you're getting the Jet Mini (and to a slightly lesser extent, the Delta Midi), the extra wear and tear on the machine will likely be negligable, seeing as they are bomb proof little bastidges.
dietrich
Also, a used floor model from Woodcraft, Rockler, or any local no-name is a good way to save some money. If you're getting the Jet Mini (and to a slightly lesser extent, the Delta Midi), the extra wear and tear on the machine will likely be negligable, seeing as they are bomb proof little bastidges.
dietrich
Actually the inexpensive turning tools are a Good place to start. You can grind away while you are learning to sharpen without feeling guilty or worrying about damaging an expensive chisel. But stick with High Speed Steel. The carbon steel cheap tools will not hold an edge for very long so they can be frustrating. I practiced my sharpening technique on an inexpensive $90 set from Sears. I pretty well ground some of them down before I knew what I was doing. Now I am not afraid of ruining a $60 chisel from Sorby on my grinder.
JimQ
JimQ
JimQ makes a good point, especially if you choose to learn to grind your tools free hand rather than using a jig. I tried free hand on some expensive tools and quickly found out the price of the Wolverine paled in comparison to the cost of a quality gouge.