GruntHead Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 I have lurked for months learning about as much as I can on this great site,so I'm ready for the next step.Which lathe to buy?Sears has one for 399.00,it's a Craftsman 15-inch variable speed lathe.It's a 2 hp.They have the duplicater for another150.00 or so.Is this a quality lathe or can someone recomend something else better for the money?Also what tools do I need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheesehead Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Grunthead Wood magazine has done some testing on wood lathes you can getthe information Here. http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/woodmall/templates/woodMallReviewPage.jhtml?tool=woodmall/toolreview/147midsizelathes They also have a wood working forum someone there should be able to help you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Grunt, Welcome to the site...I own a couple craftsman lathes,and have been pleased with them.The directions for the use of the duplicator aren't the best,but you can figure it out my messing around with it..Nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mylures Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Hey Grunt, I too own a craftsman lathe for many many years and have not had any problems. One of the biggest things is some people go out and buy a complete set of turning tools and basically you only use one or two. I have a eight piece set of turning tools that I hardly ever use. For poppers and other baits I use a tool that I made from an old flat file that I ground down. Once you play around with a lathe its like everything else, it just takes practice and of course caution. Always make sure to keep your tool support as close to the work as possible. As the piece gets smaller when turning, always move the support and keep it as close as possible to the work piece to avoid the tool breaking off or getting caught in the work piece. Good luck and you will enjoy the lathe. Ken Schmitz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GruntHead Posted November 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Thank you for the input.Hope to put a new one in the shop this week or next.It's going to be great to be able to start cranking out some baits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boatnik13 Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 I bought a used GRIZZLY mini lathe for $50. Cost me $40 more for missing parts and now that I have one I know what to shop for next time. Just wanted to say > I was shocked that grizzly products like a lathe > used plastic parts. The prior person mod. this unit and made the parts of wood and replaced them . its a great lathe and better than the original(built tough).Matter of fact . I bought my stock and tapper parts from sears craftsman store. Good quality parts.The others came from grizzly 's subcontractor parts in Wa. State. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnytheboy Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 i've got one of those lathes that use a hand drill to power it, basically its three brackets one at each end to hold the wood and the guide for the tools, nothing overly fancy or expensive but it does work, and has produced some good lure blanks already, maybe worth a look?? tightlines john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boatnik13 Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Jonnnytheboy! The problem with that set-up is> It better be a top of the line drill for one! Drills were not intended to take that kind of long term punishment. It can't replace the smooth running lathe thow it is a cheap way out. RPM are diffrent and so is the motion in all. Drills are better for drilling and lathes are better at turning. I almost did that! but bought a used one just to test the air and I'm glad I did get the lathe. If you ever turn a block of hard wood > your going to shorten the life of a drill chuck quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volp1 Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 I would recommend a JET Mini-Lathe. I bought mine on e-bay for $200 (new, but in a damaged box) Its a great set up. What I like most about it is that it is a mini lathe for lure making so you can just put on your work bench, but you can buy an extemtion to it and turn a table leg on it. As one of the previous posters said, get the best one you can afford. Good Luck. Volp1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boatnik13 Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 I AGREE! If you get one that is recomended for PEN making > That would be right on the money. I make lures not table legs so the mini lathe fits the bill! A mini lathe will cut many zara spook type lures in a hour. Once you make a template >Its easy. Making a template takes a little time thow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrydabassman Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I also have a JET MINI lathe and love it. I've made some nice Muskie lures with it. You get what you pay for...remember that. I don't think you can go wrong with a JET mini lathe though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celticav Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I got a sweet deal on a Clarke lathe from my neighbor, he bought it at Tractor Supply for $450 I think, had it a year and used it once so now it is mine. I am usually using it for metal but it handles anything I throw at it, JIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnytheboy Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 boatnik, the wee lathe seems to be fine, i've done a few blanks and they have been ok, the lathe was free and the drill was free, i could never afford to buy a real lathe and this thing is doing fine for me at the moment, honetly its getting me by with minimal hastle and faily good results tightlines john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boatnik13 Posted November 18, 2004 Report Share Posted November 18, 2004 I felt the same way about buying a new lathe and so I shoped the adds till I found one and it took some time finding one for $50 or less. Someone is always gettin rid of a power tool someplace in the area > the condition of the tool is what gets me. Never know how it was treated befor they desided to get rid off it. At times I wonder why I bought something that I don't use enough, nice to have for rainy days. Its ART I think> you create shapes. Good luck with the drill lathe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GruntHead Posted November 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2004 Went ahead and spent the money on a craftsman(399.00) 15'' and purchased the duplicater(159.00) with it. Tools(60.00)Now Ill have something to paint with my 19.99 airbrush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...