Standard Lathe or Mini Lathe

[Pa-Paw]

What are the pro's and con's of each? Thanks.
http://www.picturetrail.com/pa-paw

[maxparot]

It all come down to space and capacity.
If your have the space for a full sized lathe there is no down side.
A mini won't have the capacity for larger projects.

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

What maxparot said. If cost is a consideration, get a HF 34706, which can be had for about the same or less than a mini/midi lathe.

[Pa-Paw]

quote:Originally posted by maxparot

It all come down to space and capacity.
If your have the space for a full sized lathe there is no down side.
A mini won't have the capacity for larger projects.

Ok, here's the deal. I was given an old Sprunger gap-bed, which is in good shape. It was sitting outside my shop due to lack of space. A fellow has offered to trade his Jet mini-lathe JML-1014 even up for the Sprunger. In the mean time I've made room in my shop for the Sprunger, so that problem is solved. I suppose that I'll begin turning now. I was just wondering whether or not to take the fellow up on the deal.
http://www.picturetrail.com/pa-paw

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

Why on earth would you trade a full sized lathe for a mini lathe? The larger lathe will always have more capability than the mini. The only reason to trade is if you want to have a smaller, less capable lathe. Sounds like you have some good quality old iron there. Were it me, I'd hang onto it.

[RayintheUK]

You don't say whether the Sprunger came with any accessories, John - chuck, faceplate, live center, etc. I also noted that you said "I suppose that I'll begin turning now" - does that mean that this is your first venture into turning?

If it is, then I'd want to know how easy/difficult it is to get accessories for the Sprunger, because once you start turning you will surely need some! This site shows an identical lathe (I think) and the poster said that he got parts from Rockwell Delta, so that might be worth researching. Also, the Sprunger has the capability to turn larger projects, both in length and diameter, than the Jet - if, at this stage, you're not sure what you want to turn, or may want to turn, then sticking with the Sprunger sounds like a plan.

But - and it's a big but - if accessories are a pain to get (assuming that you need to get some) and you're certain that the Jet will satisfy your future turning needs in terms of size of projects to be turned, you'll have no problems equipping the smaller lathe, both now and in the future. If the Jet comes fully equipped and will suit your future needs, it might be a more attractive deal than first thought.

I like old tools too, but I wouldn't keep one if it wasn't going to satisfy my current or future needs and justify the space it took up. I saw that a lathe didn't appear on your workshop layout plans on your site, but you say that you've "made room" for it. If that has involved other compromises on space, then that might be another consideration to trade. Larger projects can be turned on the outboard side of the Sprunger headstock - but only if there's room to do so.

So many factors, involving a number of personal choices - I just don't think it's as simple as "bigger is better" in this particular case. Good luck with your decision!

Ray.

[Pa-Paw]

Yep, I'm pretty much a rookie. I have a small (4") face plate, and I guess a live center. I really need a chuck, but that will have to wait. I've uploaded some new pictures into my "Shop" album. You can see the Sprunger there, as well as the new shop lay out. The face plate came from Sears, so I hopefully adding the accessories will not be too hard. Thanks for your help.
http://www.picturetrail.com/pa-paw

[Jim Boyd]

Looks like a very good piece of old iron in really good shape The spindle threads appear to be 1x8 and the taer looks like a #2. Accessories will be easy to find

[Pa-Paw]

quote:Originally posted by Jim Boyd

Looks like a very good piece of old iron in really good shape The spindle threads appear to be 1x8 and the taer looks like a #2. Accessories will be easy to find

I don't mind old, if it's good. I've turned a few dowels on it and everything seems to be working ok. I'm new to turning, so I really am not familiar with the modern lathes. I suppose the newer lathes would have a variable speed. It has four R.P.M. pulley settings and the motor, like my table saw motor, will allow for belt slip. It looks like it has never suffered from abuse.

[germdoc]

I have an old lathe myself, so I can relate, although mine uses a nonstandard spindle thread (5/8 "). You can get a Oneway chuck adapter for just about any spindle thread, I've found.

Personally I would recommend a mini-lathe for small turnings like pens. With a variable-speed mini you can easily adjust the speed to suit whatever you're doing. With a big turning a little runout doesn't mean much, but with a pen the effect is magnified, so another reason to go with a small, well-made lathe.

[Pa-Paw]

quote:Originally posted by germdoc

I have an old lathe myself, so I can relate, although mine uses a nonstandard spindle thread (5/8 "). You can get a Oneway chuck adapter for just about any spindle thread, I've found.

Personally I would recommend a mini-lathe for small turnings like pens. With a variable-speed mini you can easily adjust the speed to suit whatever you're doing. With a big turning a little runout doesn't mean much, but with a pen the effect is magnified, so another reason to go with a small, well-made lathe.

Well, like I said, someone wants to trade me straight up with a Jet mini-lathe JML-1014. Looking long term, I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad deal. I really don’t have an interest in the pens. It seems that I’m always trying to make something rather unique, for some reason.

[RayintheUK]

Looks like the decision is about made, John - if you're not interested in turning only small stuff, stick with the Sprunger - it looks in fine shape, so grow into it and enjoy!

Ray.