After the mini purchase

[MikeMcCoy]

I've been browsing the turning threads but haven't run into what I'm looking for. It seems the first questions for new turners are what books/tool/accessories. I just did my first efforts in the last couple of days so I would assume based on that, that the next set of questions is what lathe to get next. There are some decent prices on the cheaper HF lathes right now. I wouldn't buy my table saw at HF so I'm wondering is this another case where low price doesn't mean good deal. I'm not in a rush and won't even move into my house where I'll have room for a couple more months but I want to have an idea what to look for since I know myself well enough to know there will be a bigger lathe.

[Tom Miller]

Beginner turning books: check Amazon for Keith Rowley or Richard Raffan. I have both, and prefer the Rowley.

Stuff to get: well, we could fill a page or two, but check out the Nova midi which, I believe, is still on sale at Woodcraft ($70, reg. price is $120).

Can't say about the HF lathes. I share your trepidation, but there are happy owners of HF lathes out there. Do get the HF HSS 8pc turning set for starters -- plenty good to learn grinding on, then you can grind special profiles in them after you get better tools.

Regards,
Tom

[onedash]

the rikon was just reviewed in fone WW so I bought it at woodcraft for $250. And a three piece pinnacle turning set....
we'll see on christmas how it is..its my first...

[gerti]

The Harbor Freight 34706 Lathe is one of their better offerings, and liked by many, including me.

[maxparot]

I also am happy with my HF 34706. I have added the Nova Midi chuck to it a perfect match with it's 1x8 thread. The lathe has a nice cast bed and pulley house. It comes with a cheap leg set which is probably the worst part of the deal but the least significant.