how much does a lathe really cost?

[onedash]

I was just wondering how much you need besides the lathe?
I see you can replace all sorts of pieces and parts plus the chisels?
I made a bat in high school but I dont remember what I actually did to make it.
I would like to make some bowls. They cost a fortune in the store and look like they are probably made from scraps since it seems like there are a nuch of small pieces. I got plenty of those laying around. If I could turn them into something that would be pretty sweet.

[kwgeorge]

Boy, now that’s a subjective question. Ever hear the saying about a boat? “A boat is a hole in the water to which you dump money”. The lathe is just a small portion of the expense to turning wood. If you wish to get into bowl turning you will at minimum need a bowl gouge and a way to sharpen it. I would suggest a traditional ground bowl gouge at it is easier to learn with and you need no jigs to sharpen it. You will also need a grinder for the sharpening of the tools. Another subjective subject riddled with debate. You can turn bowls with just the face plate that comes with the lathe until you feel the need to invest in a chuck.

[Doug Jones]

quote:Originally posted by onedash

I was just wondering how much you need besides the lathe?

You talking money? The lathe is the easy part. The following things are not really necessary but you will end up wanting them or even owning them. Good luck,,,,,

Bill Grumbine's DVD
Grinder (slow, variable tormek)
Wolverine system (or similar)
Gouges (minimum of 2)
Parting tool
Scrapers (3 or 4 varieties)
Various other turning tools
4 Jaw chuck (Oneway, Vicmarc, Nova)
Trend air shield (or equivalent)
Angle grinder
Sandpaper (minimum 8 different grits)
Different tool rest
Bandsaw
Chainsaw (with extra chains and bars)
Truck (optional but will find it most beneficial)

Then there is the lathe, first you start out small mini. Then get a bigger one Jet, Delta, HF. Then you get yet another bigger one, Powermatic, Vega.

[Pappy]

You got a couple of good answers already.

On a Marine's pay, you might want to look for another source of income.[B)] Maybe use your training to moonlight as a hitman? I hear the market is pretty good on kids if you have any extras around![:0]

[Ken Massingale]

Randy, I don't think anyone knows the answer. No one has reached the end yet!

[dedaddy]

If you have to ask how much, you can't afford it.

[BobSch]

150% of your wildest estimate.

[germdoc]

Check out the classifieds and craigslist in your area. You may be able to get a real bargain. I got a full-sized (semiantique) lathe for $80 through the classifieds.

Re' chisels--I would make a strong rec. to try out PSI's Benjamin's Best chisels--great for the money. Then you can move up to more expensive chisels piecemeal. You might also want to look at their chuck system.

[Flyingscooter]

To doug's list, I'd add:
A dust collection system.
Large Coffee maker (in shop). Black and Decker fit well in shop.
A dog to keep you company for those long hours that go by quickly.
Several differant kinds of clear stain.
Eye protection.
Truck: just buy big. An F350 duelly should be fine for a while. (I'm barely scraping by with a Pont Grand Am. I'm amazed i can fit 84" boards in there without fold down rear seat.)

[onedash]

Well I already got a truck. A silverado work truck with extended bed.
It holds a 4X8 sheet flat between the wheel wells and the tail gate closes. As many times that I have saved on delivery charges I sure am glad I got it. But then they dont send anyone to help unload or carry stuff.

[RainShadow]

It is not really the LATHE -- it is everything else afterwards.

Chuck, grinder, cutting tools, misc.

Good luck, Randy from Oceanside, CA

[Wilbur4321]

quote:Originally posted by onedash
How much does a lathe really cost?

Put it this way.

How much does fishing cost?
How much does golf cost?

There, have your answer? :-)

--randy

[Jim Boyd]

Easy answer. $1,000,000.00

[RodKirby]

How much did your marriage cost [?]

[Doug Jones]

quote:Originally posted by RodKirby

How much did your marriage cost [?]

That is an unfair comparison, ,,,,,,

turning is fun.