What kind of lathe do you use?

[KsRope]

Just wondering what kind of lathe you are using.I am thinking about buying one,and am looking for some input.Thanks.Rope. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif

 

[bearmanric]

I have two jet's reguler and a variable i like it better.i can slow it down for sanding. Rick

 

[TheHuntedOne]

I also have two Jet Mini Lathes. They are fine machines but they will not hold up to very heavy turning. I now need a new set of bearings for one of them. But then I turn every day, mostly anyways, and for three or more hours at a time. So my Jet probably gets used more than the average guy would use one.

The variable speed lathes are nice, but you have to keep in mind that you pay an extra 100 bucks for not having to move a belt, which takes all of 10 seconds, and that the belt on the lathe still has to be moved to obtain the highest speeds.

Don't forget to look at the Delta, almost a clone of the Jet but with a few more plastic parts on it. Then there is the Fische lathe, another mini like the Jet but with much easier belt changes. I think my next mini lathe will be a Fische.

Bottom line is the Jet, Delta, and Fische are all good machines and will serve you well if you treat them right and don't try turning on them every single day for hours on end. But then again, once you start, it is really hard to stop /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Dogwood Creek]

Howdy KsRope; I am currently using a Grizzly variable speed lathe, and have TCL Pro due to arrive today or tomorrow. The Grizzly has been a trouble free machine, with the exception of the belt. It didn't hold up well and the replacement cost was $25.00 delivered! Now bear in mind, I too turn EVERY day, for 2 to 3 hrs at a time. So it has been worked. The TCL Pro is a change belt machine from Penn State, the pen turning supply store. It isn't in shop yet but when it arrives I will shoot you a PM as to the quality of it. For casual turning most any lathe will serve you well,but turning in a daily basis will bring out the weak spots in a hurry. I have worked as a machinist for the last 25 yrs. and would really like to see someone produce a production quality lathe for wood turning. Keeping the hand tool rest, but putting some BEEF in the headstock. Hope this was a little help,R.J.

 

[Joe Bradshaw]

Jet mini here, as well as a 1930's vintage 42 inch lathe..I also have been known to spin for a few minutes.....the Jet in new, but the 1930's is definately not /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif So far, I love the little Jet, and can echo what has been said, moving the belt is no big deal...

Joe

 

[KeeKee]

Almost the same here! I run a Jet Mini and a Duracraft lathe. Both machines are very good. I havent had any trouble out of either one. Moving the belt is no big deal. I turn alot and I am not easy on the lathes. Some days they see 6-10 hrs of turning time.

I can here the Jet bearings starting to make a small noise but all seems well for now. But it also get heavy use!

Brent

 

[KsRope]

Thanks everyone.I value your opinion greatly.Looks like I better start clearing a spot in the shop.Think I'll wait to hear what R.J. has to say about his Grizzly,one the guys I work with thinks they might do the job also.Thanks again.Rope. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

 

[crapshoot]

I dont use these tools, but I do repair them for the 5th largest school district in the US. Havent had a lick of problems with the jet mini lathes. Grizzley makes a descent product , provided they dont discontinue that model and you cant get parts for it .