Replies

1. 
   jagwah | Jul 18, 2008 07:34am | #1

   View Image this by Delta can be found for about $250.00

   I know it's higher but sometimes a bargain that doesn't work well gives false witness against your true talents. Out of frustration with a poor tool you might give up and never know just how good you might be.

   I have this lathe with a bed extension that I bought later and it has held up well. my talents have improved and at some point,when I got money, I hope to buy a bigger one. I turned these legs, one of my first projects for  this 30's replica radio for a play.

   If you do get th Harbor Frieght lathe just keep your tools sharp and seek out any local turning clubs the guys there will help you a lot.

   Have fun

    

   
   

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   Edited 7/18/2008 12:35 am by jagwah

   
1. 
   andyfew322 | Jul 18, 2008 08:16am | #2

   great job! I'll mull it over this weekend and see if i do get it when I get back from camping with my dad 

   I heart Festool

1. 
   pm22 | Jul 18, 2008 11:50pm | #7

   A wood lathe is very simple and hard for even the Harbor Freight craftsmen to get wrong. Make sure it uses pulleys. This way you can always get a better motor.

   As for the tool set, you may be better off with a single good gouge than a highly modified set of gutter spikes. But for the lathe itself, not much can go wrong.

   ~Peter

1. 
   Sasquatch | Jul 19, 2008 12:08am | #8

   I would also add that he should check how the spindles in the head head and tail line up.  If they don't meet point-to-point, I would look for another model.

1. 
   andyfew322 | Jul 22, 2008 10:14pm | #9

   how do I check if they line up? 

   I heart Festool

2. 
   Sasquatch | Jul 22, 2008 11:53pm | #11

   With the drive center in the headstock and the live center in the tailstock, move them together until the points touch.  If they are off, you don't want that lathe.

   
3. 
   andyfew322 | Jul 23, 2008 03:34am | #14

   wow, I could of thought of that.... or not 

   I heart Festool

2. 
   andyfew322 | Jul 22, 2008 10:29pm | #10

   If it has a V-belt, that means it has pullies right? 

   I heart Festool

1. 
   pm22 | Jul 23, 2008 02:05am | #12

   Unless the V belt is holding its pants up, it probably has pulleys.

   A lot of stationary tools have adjustments so you can tweak them to line up.

   ~Peter

2. 
   andyfew322 | Jul 23, 2008 03:33am | #13

   haha lol 

   I heart Festool

2. 
   JulianTracy | Jul 18, 2008 04:25pm | #3

   Andy,

   Go to Woodnet forums - there's a turning forum there where folks will give you the definite scoop on which Harbor Freight models are gems and which are dogs.

   Plus - good advice given there about starter lathes and tools.

   Good luck.

   JT

3. 
   CAGIV | Jul 18, 2008 04:40pm | #4

   Andy,

      Also, don't forget to check your local craigslist for deals, look under tools, I usually see at least a few lathes for sale.  You may be able to find a better quality used lathe.

   I had an older craftsman from the 70's a number of years ago and turning was a lot of fun but I never really stuck with it.

     For tools I'll defer to others with more experience but I'd suggest spending more on the tools up-front.  I'd be worried the HF tools would not be made of high quality steel and would loose there edge which will make turning more difficult and more important more dangerous.

   Good luck.

   Neil

   

4. 
   Sasquatch | Jul 18, 2008 06:56pm | #5

   I looked several years for a good, inexpensive lathe.  I finally found the one I wanted on Craig's list and picked it up just three miles from where I live.  It is about an $800.00 Delta 12", in mint condition.  I got it for $240, along with some good tips from the previous owner who upgraded to a new JET.

   Now, after a month, I have spent about $600 on attachments, books, and turning tools, which one needs for any lathe.  Of course, these can be retained when I sell the Delta in a few years.

   BTW, turning is the most fun I have had in woodworking in years!

5. 
   carlmccarty | Jul 18, 2008 10:37pm | #6

   Hi Andy,

   I've been turning for a few years now and I find it to be the most fun part of woodworking. As far as the cheap lathe at H.F., you usually get what you pay for. Some one else posted a pic. of the Delta Midi-Lathe. For about the same money, the Jet Mini (same size) will be a much better tool.For a little more Jet makes another size up http://www.amazon.com/Jet-708376-JWL-1220-12-inch-2-inch/dp/B0011TEG7C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1216409548&sr=8-4

   You could also check around for used lathes. Avoid the ones with the Monotube construction. I would also post over at the Knots forum and check in at the news group rec.crafts.woodtuning.

   Be carefull, woodturning is addicting!