Buying a lathe - Page 2 - Woodworking Talk

jrflat · 11-06-2009, 01:52 PM

Jeff, those are some nice options, I will have to see if I can get myself to Madison or Milwaukee to take a look at them. The one is Madison seems like a pretty good deal, lots of extras. Is there something I should be looking for when assesing the condition of these used lathes?

Jeff4woodturning · 11-06-2009, 10:21 PM

things i would check
1st: insert drive spur in to the head and live center in to the tail stock. slide up the tail stock to the head. points on both drive and live center should meet point to point, then rotate head by hand and watch the points don't wonder, should stay true. (just remember rotating heads may have to be realigned. this is where the alignment tool comes in handy. also check lock down to hold head tight.)
2nd: remove drive spur and screw on the faceplate and try to move it up,down,in and out. no play.
3rd: check out the bed, no pits or gouges.
4th: check out tail stock, quill travel in and out, smooth travel on bed and lock down holds tail stock tight to bed.
5th: tool rest, banjo sides smooth on bed and locks tight. tool rest post locks and holds tight.
6th: run motor thought out all speeds if equipped with VS

hope this helps and maybe someone else might think of something i didn't

if you get the lathe with package deal, add sand box to bottom of lathe make it heavier. but didnt think it was bad for all you get tools, grinder, ect.

PatJewett · 11-10-2009, 11:18 PM

My son wants to make a baseball bat, hence we need to purchase a fairly large lathe. I have seen some at the local Harbor Freight that seemed reasonable. I have always wanted a lathe anyway, so this gives me my excuse. What features should I look for and avoid?

Jeff4woodturning · 11-11-2009, 12:04 PM

Personally I wouldn't buy Harbor Freight lathe. check out craigslist for use Delta, Rockwell, Jet, and Powermatic lathes in your area. Base ball bat blanks are 36 to 38 inches long, so you'll need a 40+ inch long lathe.

What to look for in a lathe?... cast iron bed, Variable Speeds, motor size (larger the better), turning diameter (larger the better).
Things to avoid?... non cast iron beds (pipe or tube beds), head spindles with no morse taper. lathes that speeds do not go down to 300 to 400 rpms.
Things to check in a used lathe..read my last post above.

good luck Pat, hope this helps and to see you turning soon.

jrflat · Yesterday, 03:18 PM

So I have been looking on Craigslist with very little luck and was back to considering the Grizzly G0462 lathe. My wife knew I was looking at the Grizzly and my birthday was Wednesday and to my surprise my in-laws decided to buy me a lathe and it was delivered yesterday! I have not had a chance to get it opened and set up yet but I do need to get some supplies. I was signed up for a intro turning class at our local Woodcraft last week but is got canceled due to the instructor getting the swine flu and I am still waiting for the class to be rescheduled. I was hoping to get some tips on what i need to get set up but now that i have the lathe I kind of want to get things together so I can get turning. Can anyone recommend a good starter Chisel Set? Is it better to buy them together as a set or separately? Any other things I should consider getting as a must have?