I'd like to get into wood turning, but how...

[mcdowch]

Guys, I'm embarrassed to put this message up. I am fasinated by wood turning and would like to try my hand at it. However, I'm not sure where to start. Should I look at one of the mini-lathes like Jet? What all could I turn on one of these lathes?

I get a sense of tools from the sight - but I'm a bit at a loss...

Any advice?

[Scottydont]

A Jet mini is an excellent choice. Keep in mind the lathe is minor compared to the expense of turning tools, chucks ect. you can turn pens, bottle stoppers, duck calls, boxes, small bowls etc. The good parts is if you decide to upgrade your mini the chucks will fit on larger lathes too in some cases. The Jet mini can also be fitted with an optional bed extension if you want to do longer work. The biggest limitation will be the maximum diameter of the item you want to turn. If that is a concern Harbor Freight makes a decent inexpensive full size lathe or take a look at the Grizzly G5979 which is almost identical. I would not rule out a used lathe either. You can usually pick one up including accesories for pretty cheap. Try www.craigslist.org

if you haven't already check out our own Kwgeorge's website for great info, reviews and tutorials. http://www.theturnersshop.com/

If you have a woodcraft near you you might concider taking a 101 class. You'll have a blast and get a better sense of wether you will get into it or not.

[germdoc]

First hit yourself in the forehead real hard, then get out your wallet, then kiss your free time and disposable income goodbye...

I recently got a second-hand lathe. It took some fiddling to get everything working properly, but now it seems to be running smoothly, and I have done a lot of practice turnings.

The Jet midi is a solid machine that I may get in the near future. It's not too expensive as these things go. The Delta is also in the ballpark. Both of these have bed extensions for turning long spindles. If you want to turn big things like bowls, you should look for a full-size lathe, and the HF lathe #34706 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34706) has been recommended by many people. It often goes on sale for <$200.

Tools get real expensive real quick, but I've read that the HF HSS turning chisel set is a good beginner set (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47066). I have a similar Craftsman set that I got second-hand. You'll also need a good sharpening setup.

Finally, get a good book. Taunton Press has a couple of good comprehensive books for woodturners. In fact, I'd get the books before I got the lathe, so you know what you're getting into and you're getting what you want. There's a pretty good turning forum you might want to visit--www.woodturner.org--not quite as good a forum as this one, of course, but pretty informational.

I will say that after you've turned your first woodpile castoff into a decorative goblet or candlestick holder you'll be hooked beyond help of any 12-step program.

[maxparot]

THe Harborfreight lathe and chisel set mentioned is a real good place to start if you have the room for a full sized lathe. It may turn out to be all the lathe you'll ever need(no pun intended) The chisels on the other hand are just a starter set. This is enough to get a taste before running out for new chisels,chucks and other accessories

[bmyers]

I was in the same boat a few years ago and asked the same questions. Here's what I found..

Midi/Mini lathe or 12x40 inch lathe:
Cost = Jet/Delta Midi = $250 (or more), HF 12x40 $180 (or less)

What you can make: You can make small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't make big stuff on a small lathe.

What I wanted to make: Big stuff and small stuff

Money Pit: Oh yeah! The only way that I know of to burn through money faster than buying chucks and chisels is to simply set the money on fire with some BBQ fluid.

You could build a more complex decision matrix but that was enough for me. If you think you might like it, you'll probably love it.



Bill

[gerti]

quote:Originally posted by bmyers

I was in the same boat a few years ago and asked the same questions. Here's what I found..

Midi/Mini lathe or 12x40 inch lathe:
Cost = Jet/Delta Midi = $250 (or more), HF 12x40 $180 (or less)

What you can make: You can make small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't make big stuff on a small lathe.

What I wanted to make: Big stuff and small stuff

Money Pit: Oh yeah! The only way that I know of to burn through money faster than buying chucks and chisels is to simply set the money on fire with some BBQ fluid.

You could build a more complex decision matrix but that was enough for me. If you think you might like it, you'll probably love it.

What Bill said...

[Hoover]

The lathe is probably the cheapest outlay of cash in woodturning. The
chisels, sharpening equipment, and chucks quickly turn this hobby into a neverending spending spree. There is no end to spending $$$$$$$$$$$. Have fun while you are doing it!!

[JTimmons]

I have found this isn't forum for being embarrassed, the embarrassment comes from not asking and doing stupid things, anyone here is willing to help. If someone has a problem with it, tough, they were once where you are now.
The only way to learn is to jump in feet first.
I just jumped into this new realm Friday morning. I have watched it done and seen many different results and like you I find it fascinating.
I went w/ the Jet mini too, it seems to be well liked by many here.

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

What Bill said. The HF 34706 is the way to go if you're just learning. IF you find you really like turning, you'll move up anyways and not be out much money. IF you are a more geneal woodworker like myself, the HF lathe is big enough to supplement your other tools real well. Here's a link to the website. I think it's on sale in their stores right now and they have a 20% discount coupon going as well.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34706

I would advise replacing the belt with a Gates or other top notch belt from a local auto parts store. I would also take the time after cleaning the lathe to go through it with a file and knock off any roughness under the casting. I don't know if this is also true of the Jet 1236 and the new Grizzly models, but the lathe benefits from a smoothing of rough edges underneath, as it helps the lock up of the tool rest and tailstock as you move it along the bed.

I think kwgeorge has this information on his website along with other very interesting information about woodturning.

Grizzly also has a nice clone of a Vicmark chuck for $89.00 that fits this lathe.

[Jim Boyd]

quote:Originally posted by bmyers

I was in the same boat a few years ago and asked the same questions. Here's what I found..

Midi/Mini lathe or 12x40 inch lathe:
Cost = Jet/Delta Midi = $250 (or more), HF 12x40 $180 (or less)

What you can make: You can make small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't make big stuff on a small lathe.

What I wanted to make: Big stuff and small stuff

Money Pit: Oh yeah! The only way that I know of to burn through money faster than buying chucks and chisels is to simply set the money on fire with some BBQ fluid.

You could build a more complex decision matrix but that was enough for me. If you think you might like it, you'll probably love it.

Bill

quote:Originally posted by germdoc

First hit yourself in the forehead real hard, then get out your wallet, then kiss your free time and disposable income goodbye...

What both of them said!

[mater]

Take Scott's advice if there is a Woodcraft near you and take a class. You will learn a lot and also enjoy it. Then you can start spending all your extra dollars because you will need something new every week.

[Chuck C]

I also suggest going to Penn State Industries and look around there catalog.
http://www.pennstateind.com/

Notice on the first page that they will send you a Free DVD on Pen turning which is very informative and of course I said FREE. Its an expensive hobby but is rewarding in that you can make many things from kits sold at penn state and other places. I give a lot away to friends or Doctors, etc. It is a very relaxing hobby.

[germdoc]

A lathe book I got recently interviews Rude Osolnik, one of the "grandfathers" of artistic turning. He only uses 5 chisels and an old, well-used lathe. It's amazing the quality of the work he does--goes to show that in skilled hands even the most basic instruments can do great work.

[JTimmons]

quote:Originally posted by Chuck C


Notice on the first page that they will send you a Free DVD on Pen turning which is very informative and of course I said FREE. Its an expensive hobby but is rewarding in that you can make many things from kits sold at penn state and other places. I give a lot away to friends or Doctors, etc. It is a very relaxing hobby.

The set of Sorbies I bought this weekend had a how to CD in it. Makes sense get you hooked on it like crack so you'll keep coming back and buying more.

There's also a free duplicator DVD on Penn State's site.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/_free-dvd.html

[Bob G.]

MCDOWCH ------ look at Amazon.com for the Wilton variable speed Mini lathe $89.00 free shipping Pretty hard to beat. It's a good beginner lathe and if you decide turnings not for you, you should be able to get some of your money back without a great lose. I have one that travels with me in the 5th wheel and at home I have a Record Midi that is rock solid. I would not trade either of these lathes all I need to do now is find a variable speed motor for the Record and it will get updated too. Good luck and I hope you have deep pockets because turning IS expensive and addictive.

Bob G.