[BigCountry79]

I have an old craftsman lathe that I got from fb marketplace for $110. I did not expect to enjoy turning, but I do.

I am getting some vibration on it towards the tail stock. Plus its loud. Plus it is not easy to adjust the rests, tailstocks or speed.

I was considering a new midi or mini lathe that would be kinda small. The woodcraft folks recommended a laguna for $999 and a jet for half that. Any thoughts?

 

[BigCountry79]

Is the Laguna heavy enough you wouldn't want to lift it?

 

[BigCountry79]

YES it is.
Temporarily, I had it siting on my router table and just moving it over and lifting it a few inches onto the lathe stand I built was a task. It's heavy but do-able.

The craftsman I have takes up almost 30x60" footprint because of the way the motor cantilevers off the back. It is also hard to move around because it is awkward. Even if the new one is heavier, at least it will be smaller.

 

[BigCountry79]

Variable speed is great also. I bought an extra chuck from Woodcraft and mounted a 12" plywood disc on it. Had to use the lathe itself to 'flatten' and balance the disk and it makes a great 12" disk sander. I used contact cement to mount the 12" sanding disks.

I also saw some of the buffing wheels you can get...

What do you use as a table for your 12" disc sander?

 

[BigCountry79]

I've seen one at the local store. No need for photos unless you want

 

[BigCountry79]

Well, I bought a lathe today..the woodcraft store said the jet was on black friday closeout for $600 ending today so I ran over to get it. Then I realized it was the 10-15 lathe and not the bigger 12-21 lathe, which was $900 (normally $1000, same as the laguna midi)

I looked at both the jet 1221 and the laguna and I thought the banjo on the jet was nicer. It was also $100 off, so I got it. I used both of them in their shop and I really didn't see much difference. I sort of like the control panel near the tail stock.

 

[BigCountry79]

@BigCountry79
Congrats on the new lathe.

Thanks!
It should come in a week or so.

 

[BigCountry79]

I will need to measure my current setup. I am 6"6" and I'm pretty sure mine is about a foot low.

My kids do like to turn so that also makes height difficult. I typically drag an old footlocker for them to stand on.