Askland09 Posted July 23, 2020 Report Share Posted July 23, 2020 Hello Friends, Needing a little advise in regards to gifts for my groomsman. I'm in the process of making valet boxes, in variations of ash, walnut, and cherry (will show the whole builds later), but I also want to include something inside of them that I made as well. The issue comes with what else? I'm thinking of buying a mini lathe which would be perfect for making some bottle openers, pens, etc. What kinds of things have you all made? Looking for some ideas. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomy josif Posted July 23, 2020 Report Share Posted July 23, 2020 maybe pocket knife handles, drink stand, display cases for various items could be a hit too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted July 23, 2020 Report Share Posted July 23, 2020 Nova Commet II, Just bought one came with a good chuck and some marginal tools. Was very affordable, i bought some carbide tools to go with it as the included ones are just too small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barron Posted July 24, 2020 Report Share Posted July 24, 2020 I’d go with pens. A mini lathe and an easy wood tool, and a drill will get you going. You can cut the blanks with a handsaw, flatten the ends with sandpaper. A drill chuck that fits your lathe and pen chuck will make it even easier. However, depending on how complex your wedding is going to be, it’s best not to try to do too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 24, 2020 Report Share Posted July 24, 2020 Unless you just need an excuse to buy a lathe, and now would be an optimal time, build your boxes to accommodate some nice drink coasters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted July 24, 2020 Report Share Posted July 24, 2020 But now is the time to buy the lathe and any other tools because soon the little lady will need to grant permission... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barron Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 Although if you pick the right woman, that isn’t an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Askland09 Posted July 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 On 7/23/2020 at 6:42 PM, Chestnut said: Nova Commet II, Just bought one came with a good chuck and some marginal tools. Was very affordable, i bought some carbide tools to go with it as the included ones are just too small. One of the local tool suppliers here sells these guys. Do you think it'll be suitable for a beginner or should I get something that I could grow into in the future? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 9 hours ago, Askland09 said: One of the local tool suppliers here sells these guys. Do you think it'll be suitable for a beginner or should I get something that I could grow into in the future? It’s a nice lathe and is very capable for its size. I have the original comet and it’s still going strong. The Comet II has a slightly larger capacity and offers electronic speed control and is reversible. If I ever upgrade my lathe it will most likely be replaced with a Comet II. I personally have no desire to turn larger bowls or longer spindles than the Comet II can handle. (Well, I WISH I could turn bowls like @MarkJ but that’s another story) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 (John, you're makin' me laugh). The Comet II and similar small lathes are good choices for getting started. They are popular, and for a lot of people it's all the lathe they ever need, but there is a good resale market. The Comet II is a Nova lathe and I like that brand, but Jet and Rikon models are also popular. As John mentioned you want electronic variable speed and reversible. A high top speed is desirable for small items like pens, but a low bottom end (200 or less) is good for sanding. I don't remember the stats, but as I recall when Chestnut was shopping the Comet II ticked off a lot of boxes. How long do you have until the big day? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 250-4000rpm 12”x16.5” capacity, extension up to 42” between centers electronic variable speed, reversible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 11 hours ago, Askland09 said: One of the local tool suppliers here sells these guys. Do you think it'll be suitable for a beginner or should I get something that I could grow into in the future? What Mark j said above. He taught me what i know any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 1 hour ago, JohnG said: 250-4000rpm 12”x16.5” capacity, extension up to 42” between centers electronic variable speed, reversible Those are pretty good numbers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan McCully Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 6 hours ago, JohnG said: It’s a nice lathe and is very capable for its size. I have the original comet and it’s still going strong. The Comet II has a slightly larger capacity and offers electronic speed control and is reversible. If I ever upgrade my lathe it will most likely be replaced with a Comet II. I personally have no desire to turn larger bowls or longer spindles than the Comet II can handle. (Well, I WISH I could turn bowls like @MarkJ but that’s another story) May need to get one of these myself. Was talking about these with my wife and now she wants me to make her some candlesticks. Sounds like a good enough reason to buy a lathe and get turning 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 25, 2020 Report Share Posted July 25, 2020 4 minutes ago, Jonathan McCully said: Sounds like a good enough reason to buy a lathe and get turning Take every reason she gives you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Askland09 Posted July 29, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2020 Thanks for all the advise guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Askland09 Posted July 29, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2020 On 7/25/2020 at 7:30 AM, Mark J said: How long do you have until the big day? The big day will be November of 2021 so I should be able to get a few practice runs in before turning out some finals 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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