Selecting a Wood Lathe
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2024
- In this informal discussion, Sam Angelo covers some key factors in selecting a wood lathe for his shop. Lathe features and functions are important to consider before you make that final selection. This video is a "re-make" of the original.
A great continuation to our conversation. Added more to my notes. Thanks, Sam
Take care, Dave
Dave,
I just saw this. Is this before you bought your lathe? did this help?
Sam
It was before I bought the 1221 and it did help. I watched a few videos where lathes were reviewed and watched manufacture adds. The most informative were the user reviews and I recommend that process for anyone in the market for a new lathe. My new Jet does all the things you and others covered in the reviews and fits great with all I do. Thanks for the input!
Take care, Dave
Tieing an ant
Being a novice with a very small budget, I am always looking for advice on purchasing. I think it is important that people give truthful accounts of tools and equipment. I am currently on my third lathe since 2011.
My first was free, from Freecycle and was an old Myford ML8. I quickly outgrew this machine in my yearning to turn larger items.
My second was a Record Power DML36-SH which was bought following recommendations, or rather from anti-recommendations, from experienced turners.
I had narrowed my choice to 2 lathes, the Record one, and one from a UK based tool supplier who apparently re-badge Chinese-built machinery. I was advised not to go for the rebadge for various reasons.
I have since changed the Record lathe for the rebadge, and wish I had gone with gut instinct in the first place.
It all comes down to budget at the end of the day. I am tied to what I can afford, and this is what I base my purchasing on. As a hobbyist, I feel a more expensive machine would probably be wasted on my limited skills even if I could afford one.
Us beginners rely heavily on the experiences of other, more experienced, turners. Don't hold back on your thoughts Sam, even if your opinions are based on anecdotal evidence. I bought a cheaper, rebadged lathe and I am perfectly happy with it. Would I be offended if someone with far more turning experience than I have said something nasty about that? No. Varying opinions are important, otherwise more people would rush into bad decisions like I did.
I’m in the thought process of choosing a new lathe. Over the past year I’ve accumulated a large collection of bowl blanks, many in the 14-16 inch size. My question is what’s the largest bowl I could reasonably be able to turn on a 16” swing lathe.
Randy
Sam: Your thoughtfulness about what you say is commendable and above and beyond the call.
Anyway, I have the Delta you just sold and for me it works fine. I do mostly small stuff and I am currently learning to chase threads. The only thing about the Delta is that if I need to go from chasing speed to turning speed I have to change belts. I may look at the new Jet 1221 VS although changing belts is a 10 second process.
You got that straight....changing from chasing speed to turning speed-back and forth is a pain. I have done a few thread chasing demos with the Delta midi. It works good for chasing but for the back and forth is a pain in the backside. Changing belts in the Delta was quick and easy but just interrupted the flow.
Thanks Sam
Good stuff as always, Sam. I have a JET 1221vs which works quite well for my current needs, does have variable speed and a nice digital RPM display, and does do reverse. 3 belts, each which have a slightly over lapping speed range. Does have options for extending the ways, and extending the stand as well. The stand the JET sells is roughly half the price of the lathe itself, at ~$350, which is IMHO a bit much ( I bolted to 3/4' plywood, which is then bolted via 1/2" lags into my 3/4" benchtop (7'x2'x28" torsion box with 4x4" legs), which works fine. (I know you've already made up your mind and ordered, my commentary is mostly for anyone wanting another opinion on options). And if you _are_ new to turning, as I am, do yourself a favor and take an intro class, and _learn to sharpen your tools!_
Todd
Good (and important) advice on sharpening. If not sharpened properly, it can be a deal breaker. Too many folks quit or get hurt or just have a terrible experience.
There is nothing more fun than getting a new lathe. The Oneway is very expensive for the size. It does have a nice metal stand. The total weight is 300 lbs where my Delta midi weighed around 115 for the lathe excluding the stand.
Thanks Sam
Sir, I would like to suggest you do another Choosing a Wood lathe as the market has introduced at least 3 to 5, which adds to the customers selection/confusion process.(PM2020, Rikon70-3040, etc)
Thank you for sharing. I want to or think I want to, get into turning bowls. I am not 100% sure on the size of bowls yet. That being said what should I look for in a lathe other than variable speed and reversible? Size of the unit? I would like to keep the foot print as small as I possible can but do not want to sacrifice quality. Sorry if this is vague but I am not still trying to figure this out.
Thank you in advance for any pointers.
I think you are asking the right questions. It is worth doing some research. One thing to do is find a club in your area or another woodturner who can show you a lathe or two. It also starts with how much $$$$$ you want to spend. To get the variable speed/reverse options you have to start at $600-800. I like my little Jet 12-21 lathe. It is fairly heavy for a small lathe I think it is 135 lbs. Jet has a nice selection of lathes. I have had a few Delta lathes and still own one BUT......Delta is not in the lathe business and has no or little customer service. If you tell me generally where you are located, I may be able to lead you to a club. You might also call Roger Durst at Craft Supply USA in Provo, Ut. He knows everything about lathes. Very helpful. Sam
Thank you for the comments. I am in Minot, ND. I know, for the most part $$ = quality and options. I will look at the specs for the Jet 12-21 before I ask more questions about it. If you do know of any clubs in my area, please let me know.
Thank you.
Hi, I very much appreciate your videos. I am curious. I watched the video and read the other comments. Could the powermatic lathe serve all your needs? Forgive my ignorance.
Very honest video Sam, I think you're right with your thoughts. Most people, including myself mistakenly start with "big and cheap", as we know no better. However I think it may be a good thing, as after all you may not want to continue, and then no great loss. The ethos of the best you can afford is a good one, then you only have to "cry" once :)
Looking forward to the Oneway un boxing.
Take care
Mike
Problem is, when the best you can afford is the cheap one. Do you take the risk and have some fun, or do you miss out because you can't afford the "good stuff?" I went with cheap and small, $500 Nova Comet 2 and other than some really crappy design flaws, I love it and without it,would not have returned to woodturning after using my dad's 50 year old lathe that could only turn spindles 29 years ago.
(Mike) Well when I did the first take on this video I really forgot where I started. A borrowed lathe that had seen better days, hand made tools from old files--and there is nothing more exciting than breaking one of those files. I actually tried "turning" something on my drill press. Yes and Josef makes a good point....Maybe the risk is worth what joy we all experience-providing we survive. Sam
How do u feel about the lungs lathe. From outdoor wood turner
Lungs lathe?
how important is having the headstock reversable(able to turn it 90 or 180 degrees?
+Seth Warner SETH,
To me it is not important. I think it can be handy to have but not essential. I know the Nova lathes do have this feature. Sam
Could I use a generator to run a 3 horse power 220v lathe I am talking about the new one Grizzly has out the G0766.
I would think if the generator is designed to handle the 3 horse and voltage. Don't rely on me. I am just guessing...
Ask a pro
Sam
You should be able to get a 20 amp 220 circuit out of about any decent residential electrical panel.
Mmmmmm....Oneway. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking forward to that video.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
Yes but it will be 2 months......
Hi sam
I have a reverse in my lathe and i never used it.
You say in the video that it's a must.
What do you do with it ?
Here an idea for you for a new video.
Best regard from the holy land
Shachar
I use it mostly for sanding. It is good to sand in both directions. The fibers in wood will lay in one direction, sometimes in several directions at once. Sanding only in forward will not adequately smooth out the surface . One some wood it is not an issue. But maybe on a burl or other woods it is an issue. I also have a coring tool which is used with the lathe going in reverse. That is not a big deal for most people. But maybe a good idea for a video. Thanks
I'm looking for something that can turn a walking stick about 57 inches long, what would you recommend...without breaking the bank
My old Delta goes to 42 inches. 57" would be a really long lathe. Maybe one with extensions. I have made canes in 2 pieces and connected them. Sam
Enjoyed the video keep up the good work Be Blessed
Hi Sam
A very fair overview and useful to those thinking of taking up turning.I would have added in the lathes from Teknatool, NOVA brand, because they are available around the world where your followers hide. Personally I own two lathes a NOVA DVR and a JET 1220 Variable speed old version. The NOVA DVR gets used most because whilst the JET1220 is variable speed the belts are quite fiddly to change. The JET is going to be changed out for the NOVA Comet II which looks to be better for my requirements when doing small stuff.
Regards
Roger
I have a friend who just got a Nova---don't know which model but he is very happy with it.
Sam
I have a less expensive lathe and at the time it has done me well. I'm leaning towards a grizzly right now I think it's a16 inch swing over42-44 long, I think for the money and what I turn it will be well worth the money.
Good luck. I know nothing about the Griz' lathes. I have never used one.
Sam
I have that same jet 1014 mini and like you said it's very basic but it's actually a very good little machine.
Sam - I have a Oneway 1224.. it's a great lathe.... You'll love it. Doug.
Doug
I think it will be great, I can't wait
Sam
Hi again Sam. Oneway is a good choice and you won't regret it. I gess there is no need now for me to do a video on my 1224. Enjoy and see you soon
I honestly would love to see a video on the 1224. Don't wait for me.
Sam
Cindy Drozda has her vicmark for sale in Loveland. You might want to check with her as to what she's selling and what she's buying. (She has a couple lathes for sale so don't know if she is consolidating or going for something bigger or better.)
Jim
Thanks for the heads-up. I just don't need another big lathe. But I am more interested in chasing threads on this kettle Oneway.....Sam
I love the patina on the crusty Delta 1642
I have been turning for 2 months now. And I have an old craftsmen lathe. 15 inch bowls. And 38 inch spindle turning. It is 2 hp and variable speed from 400-2000. I'm thinking of selling it and getting a nova comet 2. Do you have any opinions on it?
+Todd Halleman I really don't have any first hand knowledge of the Nova lathes. I have a friend who has a Nova lathe (not sure even which one)---he seems to like it well enough. Other than that I can't tell you much.
Sam
+WYOMINGWOODTURNER ok thanks. I've been debating it, but I really want a reverse.
Thanks for your comments. I'm looking to get my first lathe and have been debating between getting a cheaper one (aka Harbor Freight) or saving for a Jet, Delta, Nova, etc. The old adage "you get what you pay for" ALMOST ALWAYS applies. Don't be afraid to give your honest opinion. As long as you're not rude while doing so, I think its ok.
I would not be rude, obnoxious maybe.......OK. You do get what you pay for. But you buy what you can afford. I have always made a bit of money from woodworking/woodturning. So I have been able to afford the machines I wanted to get. (But I have also worked hard and spent way too many hours in my shop. A matter of my priorities a little out of balance). I have the Jet Midi. It is around $850. Link
www.toolnut.com/jet-719200-jwl-1221vs-12-x-21-variable-speed-wood-lathe.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA-9rTBRBNEiwAt0Znw1W1xMrouywZwu3aArHvauPGs-NiEpB6ZJWeLEt3ASlFD9mBp_yEuhoCpdQQAvD_BwE
I think it is a great lathe to start with or for anyone. I have a Oneway 1224 that cost $2500. The jet does every thing the Oneway will do. I have never used a harbor freight lathe but lots of folks do and are happy with them.
Sam
Go zips! Thanks for the video and review of the types of lathes. I'm just starting out and it really helps.
Yes, I am an Akron native.
Be safe
Sam
WYOMINGWOODTURNER
My wife graduated from Akron and I grew up in Canton!
I have re posted this from the original video. I made some comments about less expensive lathes that I regret and I have taken them out of the video: all content is basically the same. But I did order the Oneway 1224!!!!! Now I have to wait
Thought I was going loopy, glad to know it was a re-up and I've not lost my marbles yet! I bought the Vicmarc because it was a lot closer to me here in Australia than Oneway. Probably the same reason the Oneway got tipped in your favour!
Pete G Pete
I just had to fix the first vid. Hope you didn't see it. Not that bad----foot in mouth thing: haha
I did order the Oneway but have to wait 2 months-yikes. I have a friend who has a big Vicmarc. Wow, what a machine. I would have been happy with the small vic. But the oneway does have a really nice stand included and is very heavy.
Sam
I hope it wasn't my comment about cheap lathes that made you re upload, I didn't think it was that serious of a point... :) But to be totally honest, if I didn't find that cheap and terrible lathe in 90 Euros in my hardware store, I probably would never have made this hobby into reality.
yuval lahav Yuval
No it was not your comment. It started with a personal e-mail from another person PLUS all the other very nice comments mentioning what I had said. It was a stupid thing to say and you and all the rest were right in bringing it to my attention. I started in similar circumstances: a used lathe and hand made tools. Please hold my feet to the fire, anytime I need it. Thanks for your support. Sam
oh well, no harm done, as long as you repent your sins and promise to sin no more ;)
why do the grizzly lathes cost so much less than some of the other brands? comparing size and power etc.. the grizzly might cost $1800 and the other guy might cost twice that. just looking at the spec sheet, the grizzly is a no brainer... but is it? is it not a good tool? or is it just a good deal?
Brian
I have never used a Grizzly lathe. I do have an 8" Grizzly jointer. It is an excellent tool. Heavy and works great.My only comment about the Grizzly lathes is this. I have only heard from folks who have owned one. I have never heard much that is positive. I went to demonstrate at Casper College in central Wyoming a few years ago and the shop teacher said he doesn't even turn with it because of problems with it. (He had other lathes he and students could use). I hope this helps. Sam
WYOMINGWOODTURNER Ugh... you're probably right. Probably not the lathe to buy. I was just taken in by the numbers.. really good specs for not a lot of money. But, I've decided to go with the Laguna Revo 1836.. which is a great lathe and has a lot of cool add-on accessories that add a lot of value. thanks for the input and keep up the good work!
I think that is a very good decision.
Sam
My first lathe was the mini from Harbor Freight so I'm used to what the "cheap tool haters" say about things. It got me hooked on woodturning. Now I have a Rikon 70-150vsr which works a lot better for me.
Sorry but I had to laugh when you said what lathe do I NEED--Right after you had admitted that you already had two lathes! Sounds like the difference between a want or desire and a need that I am always emphasizing to my kids. Having said that I need some bowl gouges as I don't have any!! :) Very good video
+Terry Ellis
Not entirely sure what you are getting at. By NEED I am sure I am referring to---"Do I need a variable speed or do I need a 20 inch swing" I am in my shop every day trying to make a buck. I just bought a fourth lathe. I sure didn't need it but I earned the money through very hard work. I wanted a small lathe I could take around the community for demo's. Woodturning is a very expensive hobby. This is not my hobby. For nearly 30 years I have found a way to make something and sell it. This gives me the luxury of buying a tool when I want it. Sorry if I came on too strong here. Sam
No offense here! I really enjoyed your content.
Thanks for sharing.
Just don't but a harbour freight. Yes it will turn wood and it is very inexpensive. Save your money and buy a lathe that reverses and is capable of going slower than 600 rpm.
This video is clearly not directed at new wood turners. Must have features like reverse turning and on the fly variable speed are useful for seasoned wood turners, not necessarily so for beginners. You didn’t really even explain why you were leaning to Oneway. Jet I have heard of. Delta I know about, Grizzly seems good and Rikon is recommended by many; but what I have NEVER heard of Oneway. As a wannabe wood turner I learned nothing from this video.
This vid was published in 2015. Since then I did receive the Oneway and have since sold it. I have owned at least 10+ lathes in the past 30 years. I now have four in my shop. I strongly disagree that features like reverse and variable speed are not necessary for beginners. Once you have turned on a lathe where you must change the belt position to change the speed you may change your mind about variable speed.
It really comes down to price. Woodturning is a really expensive "hobby." What I do is NOT a hobby. You or other new turners often find a lathe at Harbor freight or other suppliers where you can find an inexpensive lathe. This may be a good place to start. I am a Robust lathe dealer. Robust sells 3 lathes, priced from $7,000-10,000. I also don't recommend buying something like this. These are high powered machines and can be dangerous for a new turner. Do more research. Ask questions. Try to connect with a woodturning club near you or another woodturner who will be glad to help.
Be safe
Sam
👍
Go Zips!
your Delta is dirty dooooood. Why be a scurve, clean it!