Lathe Purchase Advice

[ufg8r85]

I'm adding a third bay to my garage and as a "surprise" my Dad wants to get me a lathe. I used to love the one in high school woodshop! I don't want to take advantage of my Dad, but I do want something that I can grow into, not grow out of. Any reviews/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, what will I need after the lathe tools, chuck, grinder to sharpen chisels, etc.

As Always, Thanks in advance,
Steve

[RayintheUK]

I'd consider the following specification to be fairly "future-proof":

Variable-speed motor of at least 1HP
The variable speed is very useful for "tuning out" imbalance in a workpiece, as well as simply varying the rotational speed. I prefer the motor to drive the headstock via three pulleys - this tends to deliver more torque than a direct drive VS motor and has other advantages too.

Distance between headstock and tailstock of around 40"
This will allow you to cope with ballusters, etc. It's possible to get a shorter lathe that accepts bed extensions, so that you could literally "grow into" it if you felt that this was a bit on the large side to start with.

Swivelling headstock
This allows larger objects to be turned by moving the headstock perpendicular (or at the required angle) to the bed. You will otherwise be limited to the swing of the lathe (see below) for bowls, etc. Swivelling headstocks also allow for more comfortable turning, as you don't need to reach over the bed, but can have the piece facing you.

Swing (twice the distance of center of headstock to lathe bed) of at least 16"
This means that you can turn objects close to 16" diameter without swiveling the headstock, although a swiveling headstock is preferred (see above).

Lathe beds tend to be either cast or tubular - twin tubes are essential if that style is chosen. I could not recommend a single-tube lathe (from bitter experience!). If cast (my preference), ensure that the locking mechanism in both the headstock and tailstock are up to the job - vital for safe operation, but often where money is saved during construction.

There are many skillful and experienced turners on this Forum and they'll be along soon with their comments and recommendations . I cannot comment on your available brands (as I'm in the UK), but there are many other members who can offer personal experience of them. HTH

Ray.

[Popeye]

I'm not one the skilled and experience turners that Ray refers to But this is the lathe I bought last fall http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0462. One of the digs I've heard about it is the lowest speed it turns is 600 rpm. Hasn't been an issue for me. Maybe would be on very large out of balance bowls?? The Guild members down here that "ARE" skilled and experienced turners told me that if it looked to be an issue then to use the BS to make the thing round before I chucked the piece up. At any rate, their opinion was it looked to be a very good lathe for that price point. Good luck, Pat