I got a job that is giving me a good excuse to buy a lathe, so I need recommendations. I think I just need a basic one with around 36″ to 42″ center to center and want to spend $450 to $600. I have run a lathe plenty but know very little about what makes a good one. I live near a Grizzly showroom and was looking at the G1067Z a little bit. So… any help?
Thanks
Day
Replies
I would ask over in "knots"
I have a lathe---- glorified drill motor with guide---- nothing fancy but it spins the wood.
“When politicians and journalists declare that the science of global warming is settled, they show a regrettable ignorance about how science works.†Nigel Calder, editor of New Scientist
I'll post on knots and see what they say then I'll retreat back over here.
I bought a Jet from a customer for $100. I don't think they are very expensive new. It does 36" stock.
I use it quite often and it does a good job.
I have yet to be able to find a used lathe in decent shape and I need to be buying in the next few weeks. I went to the Grizzly showroom the other day and the salesman talked me into getting a G0462 which is only $395 which is even better for my pocketbook so I am going to wait till closer to the job and for a spot in my crowded shop to be cleared out before I pick it up.
Thanks
Day
For the price you want to spend you're better off looking for a used machine.
I bought a Jet 1642 with the 1-1/2hp motor a year or so ago, and love it. It replaces the old Delta I've turned on for 25 years. I also bought the 20" bed extension at the same time, so I can turn pieces up to 5' long.
I think the whole thing cost me about 2 grand.
Things to look for in a lathe- the more weight the better, cast iron is better than steel, check that the headstock bearings are solid, and that the headstock center and tail centers line up.
I have not found a decent used lathe for a price that I liked and I need one soon. Mostly I will use it to copy spindles once or twice off and make smaller custom details for my remodels. I figure I spent $700 to $800 dollars on custom turned pieces at my millwork shop last year. When I am remodeling an old house and have to match an odd baluster and just need two new ones it can get expensive. This is money I would like to keep myself or pass on to the customer. So a cheaper lathe seems like the ticket to me.
Tooling up,
Day
One machine you might consider is the Jet mini-lathe with a bed extension.
Its a nice, solid lathe, and I think it can handle 36" with the exension.
But whatever you decide, any lathe is better than none. <G>
Heard rumors about Griz quality.
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In my experience their quality is going up.
Yeah you have to pick and chose and not buy because of the brand name (I am not a brand name shopper) to find quality stuff from them. If I need parts from them I can go harass the guys at the showroom and not have to deal with them on the phone.
Edited 3/16/2007 12:16 am ET by restorationday
I went to the WM site, but it is smarter than I am. I am on dial-up. Is that the problem? When I go to a site, I do not want to go through a lot of BS to see what is there.
Broadband, baby, broadband. You'll never go back.
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