Newbie question

[jtrandolph]

I want to get started turning pens and am trying to figure out what type of lathe to buy.

I'm not looking to turn anything big so I don't need a full-size lathe.

Does anyone have any experience with the Jet Pen lathe? It looks like a good size to start on and would probably do what I'm looking for? Or should I look to something like the Shop Fox mini lathe?

What should I be looking for in a lathe? This is all new to me so I need an education to bring me up to speed.


Thanks

[Chuck C]

I vote for the JET MINI either VS or non VS about $100 difference. Its very popular. Delta has a midi also about the same size. You simply can't go wrong with either. I have the non VS version and like it but many here have the VS.

[Whaler]

I think the Jet pen lathe would be an excellent choise if the only thing you will ever turn is pens; But once you turn a couple pens you will be addicted and want turn something larger so my choice is the Jet Mini, I have the 1014. The VS feature might be nice convenience feature but adds $100.00 to the price of the lathe, I have no problem doing without it.

[kwgeorge]

The problem with buying something like a pen lathe is that is all it is basically going to ever do. I also have heard people say they are very underpowered and people have problems with the lathe stalling while rouging the blank. The Jet mini that the others have recommended is a fine little lathe and I have one myself. I find it to be a very nice piece of machinery and really have no complaints. I have the variable speed model as that’s what I wanted. The real nice thing about the Jet Mini is that it takes pretty much standard accessories so if you did get a larger lathe later chances are your accessories would be interchangeable. Also accessories that you will need are available from numerous sources and companies due to standard spindle taper, size and threads. Can’t hardly go wrong on this tool.

[leehljp]

I have a Taig lathe which is no bigger than just a pen lathe. It also has machining capabilities which I very much wanted.

Having said that, I agree with Ken above. I would have bought the Jet mini and looked at it, but being in Japan, I could not get it back here in my suitcase. So I settled on the Taig. I can do some small bowls and turnings.

Ken mentioned that the Mini took standard accessories, which is good. The Taig does not.

However, with the choice of getting a Taig back here or having nothing, I would choose the Taig again. Go with a Mini such as the Jet.

[jtrandolph]

Does anyone know anything about the Wilton lathe. It looks like it's made by the same people that make the Jet.

Also, how does the Shop Fox W1704 compare to the Jet mini?

[kwgeorge]

The Shop Fox W1704 is very much like my old Carbatec lathe. The problems that I see with it is that it has a #1 Taper with a 3/4"X16TPI spindle. Although you will be able to find accessories to fit it they will not upgrade to a larger lathe. Also at 1/3hp it is very week. Now you will be able to make pens, kits and other small projects on this lathe don’t get me wrong. I made a lot of stuff on my little carbatec.

[jtrandolph]

Any thoughts on the Wilton since it is made by the same people that make the Jet?

[jtrandolph]

Bump!

Does anyone know anything about the Wilton mini lathe?

[kwgeorge]

There are also many clones to that lathe. You are still dealing with a very underpowered tool. It also interest me that the WMH tool group or no one else lists any specifications other than speed and HP. Nothing on spindle size, swing or anything else. However it does look very much like this one;

http://www.pennstateind.com/Merchant...Category_Code=

Again you have a #1 taper and a ¾”X16tpi spindle.