Help: Lathe (What and Where to buy?)

[themoon]

I finally got "permission" to buy a lathe. I've been wanting one for years. I'm not looking for anything extravagant, just something that can turn spindles, table legs, knobs, small stuff like that. I don't have any tools that go along with it so that would have to factor in to the cost.

I'm hoping to keep this under $1500. (Total for everything)

Any ideas of what would be considered a good lathe? And what tools a beginner might use? I would prefer it to be a variable speed lathe and have the ability to reverse.
Also, I live in Houston so I know we have some Woodcraft stores here and I imagine there are some other stores that might sell lathes. (Lowe's or Home Depot are abundant here but I figure they probably don't sell quality lathes, unless I'm mistaken) So if you have any particular store (online too) I'm open to suggestions. I've read horror stories about delivery from online sources so would prefer a brick/mortal store, but I'm good either way.

Thank you for anyone that responds. I appreciate it.

[Turner52]

Go to your local woodworking store and ask. They sometimes have tools you can test or even classes to take. See if there are any woodturning groups in your area. Most woodturners would possibly let you try out their lathes. $1500 might be hard with all of the features you want. The tools add up very quick. A lot will depend on how big of things you want to turn. I would try to buy bigger than that. There are many of us that have gone down that slippery slope. Turning can be addicting

[Wildwood]

For less that or right at $1500 new you are talking midi lathe!

Delta 46-460 VS 12 ½” X21” with optional bed extension can run $600 for lath and $150 for bed extension.

Jet 1221 VS 12” x 21” lathe $850 with optional bed extension $220.

You could get by with out bed extension starting out.

An inexpensive spindle set from HF will get you started learning to turn & how to sharpen your tools. Don’t know your sharpen skills or how plan on resharpening your tools.
https://www.harborfreight.com/profession...61794.html

For just common knowledge & better tools, other turning accessories suggest requesting free catalogs:

https://www.packardwoodworks.com/

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/

Some folks might recommend buying used full size lathe, not sure would want or recommend any these listed:

https://houston.craigslist.org/search/tl...wood+lathe

If have turning club near by might attend free meeting or give them a call for some advice, or they might have good lead on a used lathe. Lone star Woodturners, Houston, (832)691-9200

They meet 4th Saturday 0900 at Woodcraft Store, Cypress Pkwy 60 FM 1960

[themoon]

For less that or right at $1500 new you are talking midi lathe!

Delta 46-460 VS 12 ½” X21” with optional bed extension can run $600 for lath and $150 for bed extension.

Wow! Thanks Wildwood! That was a plethora of information. Wasn't expecting that kind of reply. :-) Thanks so much!
I will for sure look in to what you suggested. I really appreciate all the information.

And thank you Turner52, I kind of figured the tools alone would start to add up in price. I was just hoping to keep it under that amount if possible.

[themoon]

An inexpensive spindle set from HF will get you started learning to turn & how to sharpen your tools.  Don’t know your sharpen skills or how plan on resharpening your tools.
https://www.harborfreight.com/profession...61794.html

My sharpening skills are kinda non-existent. Do you recommend any tool in particular for sharpening them?

[themoon]

For less that or right at $1500 new you are talking midi lathe!


An inexpensive spindle set from HF will get you started learning to turn & how to sharpen your tools.  Don’t know your sharpen skills or how plan on resharpening your tools.
https://www.harborfreight.com/profession...61794.html

Alrighty, this is what I am going to go with unless you think I could do better (in the same price range).
Am I missing anything? Should I remove anything?
[attachment=28304]

Thanks for looking!

[barryvabeach]

So I am a rank amateur with lathes,  I have a small Rikon, so take this with a lot of salt,  but I didn't see a bed extension in your list.  The largest length you will be able to turn is probably around 20 inches maybe a little less, so I don't think you will be able to do table legs without an extension.  Depending on what drive center you are using, the longest length is usually less than the listed length of the bed, at least for me. So if you are planing longer items, you would need to consider an extension.

  Also,  it is a small thing, but as a beginner,  I found this to be a useful item  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...UTF8&psc=1     It looks like it comes with a spur center, and a stub center is friendlier because if the chisel catches, usually the wood stops turning, with a spur center, you are more likely to gouge the wood. 

Many suggest not to buy a set of chisels, and instead buy the ones you need, but I bought a set an since I don't use it regularly, that has worked out for me.

[jcredding]

For sharpening, I'm a fan of the Oneway Woverine grinding jig. You'll want an 8" slow speed grinder if you don't already have one.

[themoon]

For sharpening, I'm a fan of the Oneway Woverine grinding jig.  You'll want an 8" slow speed grinder if you don't already have one.

I found the jig on Amazon. Looking for an 8" slow grinder now...
What is the point of the jig though? Just to make sure I hold the tool at the correct angle? Like... it's that important instead of just trying to manually hold it? (I'm a complete newb to sharpening)

[Cooler]

My local Craigs list has three woodworking lathes for sale.  

One is a Rockwell, and is offered for $100.00 with a 3/4 hp motor.

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/d/w...06591.html