Miroku_Dave Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 So, i'm looking at buying my first lathe, I want it to turn pens, make ferro rod handles, maybe a priest or two and to turn both wood and acrylics. Thus far in my research i know i want variable power but that's as far as i've got! I have a budget of about £300 for the actual lathe, are there any experts out there in PW land who can advise me please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnphilip Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 1 hour ago, Miroku_Dave said: So, i'm looking at buying my first lathe, I want it to turn pens, make ferro rod handles, maybe a priest or two and to turn both wood and acrylics. Thus far in my research i know i want variable power but that's as far as i've got! I have a budget of about £300 for the actual lathe, are there any experts out there in PW land who can advise me please? You should pick up a nice lathe secondhand for that money . For pen making you need a kit . To allow you to turn pen blanks . Lathe wise . One of the Axminster or record power . The carbine tipped chisels are handy for a newbee . If you use Facebook there is a great group on there called " Wood chuckers " a good dust mask and safety glasses or a shield area must . Lots of exotic woods the dust is bad for your lungs . Thats just a start . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnphilip Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 If you see something secondhand give me a shout . The reason I say secondhand is the extras you have to buy realy add up . Good chisels a good chuck, the blank kit . Exotic wood Blanks . Etc . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 think you need to make a list of what you want to make now and in the future, also materials you are likely to turn, like steel, etc, will you need to do accurate parallel turning, thread cutting? Or is it the case that all you will ever do is free hand turning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vmaxphil Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 Shame your not closer as I have an axminster lathe going for £100 spares or repairs, as the speed controller has blown up for the third time ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miroku_Dave Posted September 30, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 Cheers for the replies gents, I've actually taken the hit and bought a Draper WTL457 550W Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe 230V from Machine mart. Its a very small lathe but I am restricted on space with all my knife making tools but it'll do for a starter i'm sure. I'm going to be ordering some pen turning stuff and some chisels today, its all very exciting however the Amy has stamped on my plans and are sending me away for a month. I suppose thats a month of watching you tube videos in preparation though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatchap Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 I have a wood lathe small one and I improvised due to lack of space with a flip over workbench. Got the idea off you tube. Lathe sits underneath till you need it, then you just flip the workbench over and lathe is now on top. Makes very good use of lack of space if you want all the toys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnphilip Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 9 hours ago, Miroku_Dave said: Cheers for the replies gents, I've actually taken the hit and bought a Draper WTL457 550W Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe 230V from Machine mart. Its a very small lathe but I am restricted on space with all my knife making tools but it'll do for a starter i'm sure. I'm going to be ordering some pen turning stuff and some chisels today, its all very exciting however the Amy has stamped on my plans and are sending me away for a month. I suppose thats a month of watching you tube videos in preparation though! That is ideal as a starter lathe very much like the Axminster . Reminds me of my first one made loads on it . The var speed is great low speed on square wood . Get it rounded , up the speed . The faster the speed and sharp chisel , less sanding . Dont skimp on mask and eye protection . Look forward to seeing some of your work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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