Wood lathe

[super99]

For my Christmas/birthday present, my wife and daughter got me a Harbor Freight 18 wood lathe. I've never used one and always thought I'd like to have one. This one needs a bench or stand to set on. I can't decide whether to keep it or return it and get the next size bigger, it's about $150 more for the bigger one. I'm not sure how much I'll use it but at 70, I doubt I'll be buying another in a couple of years. I should probably keep it and learn how to use it before worrying about getting a bigger one, but for the last 10 yeas or so, everything I have bought I figured would be the last one I buy so I should get what I want instead of what will get me by. Decisions, decisions!!

 

[Steve@Advance]

Nothing as frustrating as a lathe that's just not quite big enough!

 

[TimV]

Yup--lathes are like tractors, motorcycles, garages, and other things--they all seem to come in one size--too small! Other problem with wood lathes (and even worse with metal lathes!) is there's always ONE more accessory that you can't do without!

 

[TractormanNC]

Friend of mine who is an ace machinest says that when you buy a metal lathe you have just made the DOWN PAYMENT.

 

[47fivewindow]

Get the bigger one. When you start watching the You Tubes you will become inspired to try larger projects. BTDT

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My lathe is a wood/metal combo lathe.

I like making knobs or special wood things used metal bit on wood.

 

[teddy52food]

What is the swing on it? My metal lathe can swing a 12 inch bowl.

 

[Pete in Holland MI]

See if there is a turning club in your area to learn from. Wood turning is an art form that needs to be developed, though, you can force it to work. Sharp tools are a must. Kinda-sharp is just frustrating. Sharpening systems are out there that allow easy sharpening with very little steel removal. Lots of videos on wood turning on Youtube to watch too.

Often, a table saws is the heart of a wood shop, with the other tools refining what the table saw does. A wood lathe can be it's own center of focus in a shop, with the other tools refining what IT does.

You can have a lot of fun with your little lathe. All depends on what you start to gravitate to whether you need a lathe with a larger swing (bowls), or larger between centers (legs & bats), or both. My lathe is my 3rd one. 16x60 Jet with 2hp freq drive head & does all I need.

Caution.........wood turning is sometimes a place where all your spare time....and cash.....can disappear into.

Most books will tell you NOT to try to make a project first time out. Make fancy fire wood first to develop some skills, THEN target a project.

Have fun !

 

[Stephen Newell]

If you think you might like to make small things like pens you might as well keep it and get used to running a lathe before you get a bigger one. The smaller lathes are better for pens.

If you make a bench for it make it heavy. A heavy bench will reduce vibration and will cut smoother and easier.

 

[Tony in SD]

Get the bigger one. You wont be sorry.

 

[Loosehandle]

Look for some decent old lathe tools on the internet auction site also.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

That's what I've always said about machine shop equipment. The machine is just a start. Best to buy a used one from someone who has already got the accessories.

 

[Kansas4010]

I bought this one from a school sale. It's sat in the corner of the garage since. I keep telling myself I'm going to use it sometime. Just as soon as I also get a decent shop to put it in. From the looks of things that won't be for a long time.

 

[rlp in Co.]

Be sure and show us the bench to set the lathe on. Maybe it will inspire me to make one for my lathe!