KarlAndre Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 im looking to buy my first lathe . i dont have the space or money for a full sized lathe, im looking at eather a mini or a midi. im wanting to turn bowls, maby some pens, candle holders, boxes,ect. but mostly bowls. at 16, money is hard to come by so ive been looking at the, rikon 70-100 12-by-16-inch mini lathe, the rockler excelsior, ive looked at a couple diferent jet lathes and the nova 46300 comet II. the jets and the nova are at the top of my price range. im also open to suggestions, and any suggestions on a good set of cheep turning tools? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pwalter5110 Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 I have a Jet mini lathe that I use for pens and such. Its a good little lathe. But the Rockler Excelsior is an exact replica of the Jet lathe for a lot less money. I also think you should look at Harbor Freight. There mini lathe again, is an exact replica of the Rockler Excelsior, and the Jet mini lathe that I have, and it gets a lot of good reviews. Take a 20% off coupon, and it will be under $200. As far as the cheap turning tools. I can't help you much there. My first and only set are cheap, and no high quality. I might take the money I save buying a Harbor Freight lathe, and buy better quality turning tools. IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 First Hello and Welcome to the forum. This topic has been covered a few time here is the past, so do a search at the top right of the page. But My quick 2 cents is to go with a middle price Lathe. I have used the Rikon, Excelsior, Jet and others. I like the Rikon 70-100 (made at the same factory as mine), Jet lathes are also great, if You have the money get a variable speed Jet. But a Lathe is just the start of what You need to get turning and about 1/3 of the money You will spend for other power tools, lathe tools, chuck, sandpaper, glue, etc, etc,etc. To add take the Rikon lathe for example, it size is "Swing over bed 12" " and "Swing over tool rest base 9-1/2" " so the blank (block of wood to turn) max size is about 9"+ a little, making the max deep Bowl size about 9" after Your done turning. If turning a shallow bowl with some skill and a band saw (trim blank corners) and having the tool rest to the side You could turn a max size about 11". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 I have a Jet mini lathe that I use for pens and such. Its a good little lathe. But the Rockler Excelsior is an exact replica of the Jet lathe for a lot less money. I also think you should look at Harbor Freight. There mini lathe again, is an exact replica of the Rockler Excelsior, and the Jet mini lathe that I have, and it gets a lot of good reviews. Take a 20% off coupon, and it will be under $200. As far as the cheap turning tools. I can't help you much there. My first and only set are cheap, and no high quality. I might take the money I save buying a Harbor Freight lathe, and buy better quality turning tools. IMO. Pat, I don't think using the words "exact replica" is right. The 550 spyder kit car is a "replica" of Dr.Ferdinand Porsche 1953 porsche 550 spyder, BUT does it have the same Engine, Built by the same craftsman, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlAndre Posted June 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 do you think the 1/2 hp moter of the rikon and the excelsior will be sufficient for turning bowls? i did forget to mention that i do have a well equiped shop, bandsaw, tablesaw, jointer, drillpress, sanders, an asortment of handheld powertools, and some handtools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 Yes 1/2 HP is the standard HP for a Lathe this size. Of course the quality of the motor and the size / weight of the turning blank will be the factor in the motor life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pwalter5110 Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 Pat, I don't think using the words "exact replica" is right. The 550 spyder kit car is a "replica" of Dr.Ferdinand Porsche 1953 porsche 550 spyder, BUT does it have the same Engine, Built by the same craftsman, etc? Your probably right. I am sure there are slight differences. I myself own the Jet, but have read tons of good reviews of the harbor freight lathe. I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the Jet, Rockler, and the Harbor Freight model were all built in the same factory, just rebranded. But I have no proof of that. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have paid double the price for the Jet when I could have went to Harbor Freight. Actually, to be honest, If I were to do it again, I would have actually bought a full size lathe. After turning pens and such, I wish I had the capacity to do table legs. Even if I bought a bed extension, I don't think the smaller lathes have the HP to turn the longer legs. By the way, If I had the choice between spyder car kit, or a '53 Porsche. I would buy a Lamborghini. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted June 24, 2013 Report Share Posted June 24, 2013 i think you would be unhappy in the long run with a mini lathe. they dont have the motor for unusual shaped or larger blocks. with a 1/2 hp motor you will find your wood bogs down when you turn large pieces or long pieces like table legs. i have the delta 46-460 and i love it ill have it all my life. http://www.deltamachinery.com/products/lathes/item/46-460 i know its more expensive but i paid off mine at craft sales in a year and in the next year i bought extension tools, jigs, ect..... i have spent probably 1500-1700 alltogether. and i have paid for it all with craft sales. here is everything i have learned so far including inlay (my folcus right now) if you have any questions pm me im a teacher so im more then happy to help. Tools(long handles allow extra stability and strength because you can brace it on you hips) you can make your own tools I found these site’s to be useful your own tools http://www.bigtreetools.com/articles/siegel%2018-4.pdfmaking making a texturing tool http://www.woodturnersresource.com/extras/projects/SpiralingTexturingTool/index.html making a minie cove cutting tool http://www.davidreedsmith.com/Articles/MiniCoveTool/MiniCoveTool.htm texturing tool http://aroundthewoods.com/detail.shtml 3 point tool http://aroundthewoods.com/three.shtml arm brace for hollow turning http://aroundthewoods.com/brace.shtml chatter tool http://www.detroitareawoodturners.org/Making%20a%20Chatter%20Tool.pdf cheap e-z tool blades http://globaltooling.bizhosting.com/products/carbide-insert-knives.html home made e_z lathe tool http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f6/first-homemade-lathe-gouge-19990/ lathe chucks http://www.deltamachinery.com/accessories/lathes/item/46-461 http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CSC2000C.html http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/6/1/25/103/-/4604/RMWoodCo-Modern-Longworth-Chuck center finders http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=688 http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2083056/33683/The-Bullzeye-Woodturners-Center-Finder.aspx wood line burner use Formica scraps and the friction will burn lines on the wood buying tools buying e-Z tools http://easywoodtools.com/ buying blades to make handles for http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/default.asp Robert sorby tools are very good steel that hold a edge longer http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/ sandpaper cheap http://www.woodworkingshop.com/category.aspx?id=25&f1=BARGAIN+BOXES sharpening wolverine sharpen jig http://www.amazon.com/Oneway-Wolverine-Vari-Grind-Attachment/dp/B003L0M69O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1371213971&sr=8-4&keywords=wolverine+sharpening+jig paper sharpening hone for grinder http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2000219/2254/complete-razor-sharp-system.aspx home made paper hone http://www.davidreedsmith.com/Articles/HoningDisk/HoningDisk.htm grinder tool rest great for sharpening http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/6/-/21/94/-/699/Apprentice-Universal-Tool-Support sharpening with two grinders one normal with regular stone, second white stone, second grinder reversed with mdf wheel and felt wheel rotating up for honeing. sharpening arm and base http://aroundthewoods.com/sharpening03.html you can also just buy the base http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/5/-/21/93/-/817/Oneway-Wolverine-Sharpening-System how to sharpen your tools stores woodcraft http://www.woodcraft.com/category/1001030/woodturning-tools-lathes-and-kits.aspx craft supplies http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/ Packard tools http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=tools pen state industries http://www.pennstateind.com/store/woodturning-tools.html 30 cheap pen kits http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKSLFUN99.html Videos Carl Jacobson has a lot of videos to study http://www.youtube.com/user/haydenHD?feature=watch eddie castelin teaches hoe to make lots of tools and jigs cheaply http://www.youtube.com/user/capneddie?feature=results_main making a wood pens turning corian books finishes for turning favorite finish is : shelack, boild linseed oil, denatured alch one part of each mixed together. it makes a decent finish that blends and smooths well, dries fast and is shinny. BEESWAX WOOD FINISH (for bare wood) 1 pound beeswax 1 pint turpentine (odorless, if you can find it) 1 pint boiled linseed oil Melt wax. Remove wax from heat source, then stir in turpentine and oil. Before applying to bare wood, warm the mixture to achieve better penetration. Apply with a soft cloth, let dry, then buff with a wool cloth. Old coats can be removed with an organic solvent such as turpentine. This can also be used on leather. (Another wood finish can be made with 1 pound beeswax and 1 pint turpentine, omitting the linseed oil.) use full sites tips and techniques http://aroundthewoods.com/contents.html#con08 Christmas ornaments http://www.woodcentral.com/newforum/ornaments/ project ideas http://www.woodturningonline.com/index.php tools,jigs,chucks http://www.turningblanks.net/servlet/the-template/shopmadelatheturningtoolprojects/Page lots of good info http://www.woodturnersresource.com/ inlay favorite inlay artist and how he does inlay http://stephenhatcher.com/index.php?n=10 videos on inlay supplies http://www.firemountaingems.com/ brass chips from key cutting machine black steel from grinder(black with a silver light reflections) decorative sands unity sands for wedings chrysocolla- blue green aragonite- light creamy yellow Lapis-dark blue tan jasper-tan malachitedark green sponge coral-red turquoise-light blue golden flurite-translucent yellow black sheen obsidean-dark black howlight-white rhoddonite-pink garnet-blackish dark red breccalaited jasper-red and black african jade-green blue peridot-translucent green yellow marble-carmel collored red jasper-brick red black jade-grey green jade-green olive jade-light green sodalight-blue and white mix black slate-dark grey almost black green slate-forest gree tan slate-earth brown saw dust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calblacksmith Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 I am new to turning and wood working all together but I have had good luck with my HF variable speed lathe. Yes you need a solid stand to put it on the one it comes with is junk but the spindle bearings are tight and mine has good alignment between the head stock and the tail stock. The one I have is the 12" with the rotating head stock to allow you to turn larger items off the side of the lathe. To my way of thinking the clamp mech is a bit weak to allow you to turn it sideways but when well tightened in the normal position, it is solid enough to be OK and not move. The motor is rated at 1hp and I am not so sure how true that is, I have managed to stall the motor turning if I get a jam (hey I am just starting here, I make lots of mistakes) For a FIRST lathe to get your feet wet, to see if you like it, it may be a good way to go. I picked mine up from a pawn shop for $125. It has a #2MT spindle and tail stock as well as the threads on the spindle. I since have bought a SN2 chuck and several jaws, so I have more money in the chuck than the lathe. If I feel the need in the future to upgrade to a better lathe, and yes there are much better built lathes out there, the chuck can travel with me but as an inexpensive way to get turning, it worked for me. YMMV! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlAndre Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Does anyone know anything about the Nove Comet II? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted June 26, 2013 Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 he are are a couple reviews frankly I want a tool I know will one job fantastically that's why I want a bench grinder for grinding and lathe for turning so the attachments hold little appeal. with that being said you can put a paper wheel on your lathe for honing your tools without needing a special attachment, plus you can get grinders dirt cheap at auctions and garage sales. I have a link above on how to make your own honing wheel out of mdf. I have a nova chuck and it is a great chuck real quality so I assume there lathes are decent. http://www.penturners.org/forum/f30/nova-comet-ii-initial-review-104951/ http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f6/nova-46000-comet-ii-midi-wood-lathe-42371/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlAndre Posted June 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 I agree with you there i would rather have a lathe from a brand i know and trust. So the Jet 708376 JWL-1220 12-Inch X 20-Inch Wood Lathe or the JET JML 1014VSI 10-Inch-by-14-Inch Variable Speed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 have you ever done any turning before you might want to find a club or a local who will let you try it. but if you want to do bowls get the bigger, heaver more powerful lathe. that's why I like the delta 46-460. any lathe will turn but the higher hp will allow you to turn with less stalling that's why full size lathes are around 3 hp. either way if you get the 10 inch you cant make a 12 inch platter but with 12 inch you can make a 10 inch platter. in lathes what your shopping for is basically hp: for torc and speed size: length and swing for what you can make (bigger the hp usually the larger or longer you can make) weight: at some point you will put a block of uneven centered wood on your lathe and you lathe and the table its on will start rocking and walk on you.(I have mine on a dresser bottom two drawers are full of sand and every once in a while it will rock) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgewaterWW Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 I do agree with most of Duck's reply. +1 find a club, check out American Association of Woodturners (AAW) to find a club (most clubs have a mentoring person(s) they will help You get your hands on a lathe (test drive), go to a local woodworking/wood turning store (Rockler,Woodcraft, etc) most stores have a shop for classes, they will let You see/play with a lathe or take a class. Even if the Lathe is XYZ brand and you're set on ABC brand, check out the lathe size and features, mainly 5 speed Vs. VS, try changing a belt (speed) the only thing I don't like about My lathe is changing the belt, I wish it was a VS. I often not change speeds when I should be. The first thing You said is "Bowls", You can turn anything on a full size lathe, but You can't turn large Bowls on a mini lathe. With that said I would change Duck's list to 1. size, look at swing (because You said bowls), length can be changed with Bed extension. 2, HP 3. weight (but weight can be helped by lathe bed extension + about 30lb) or bolting down to heavy bench. All in all You have to pick Your the Man with the $$$. P.S. If You need help finding a Club or Store, I can help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarlAndre Posted July 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 i talked to a family friend yesterday and he agreed to let me try my hand on his lathe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckkisser Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 good let us know what you think and decide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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