Thread: Lathe info/help

Good for you Scott! Are you set on only turning wood? That would obviously be a factor in choosing a lathe...

Shane

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Is nothing wrong with Babbit bearings and oil cups, my southbend made in 1938 has been rebuilt twice by me.
It will turn better than any lathe made today.

Agree, mine just has a lot of slop. I would like to restore it eventually

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Good for you Scott! Are you set on only turning wood? That would obviously be a factor in choosing a lathe...

Shane

Ya, wood is my only intention at this time. I've been considering it a while, now I have to fine the one that is "just right".

Is there anything to look out for? Pitfalls? Bonuses? I plan on buying used.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Ya, wood is my only intention at this time. I've been considering it a while, now I have to fine the one that is "just right".
Is there anything to look out for? Pitfalls? Bonuses? I plan on buying used.

Watch a lot of videos!!!
#1 wiggle the spindle back and forth. anything over a dime's thickness is requiring some work.

Wiggle the spindle up and down, anyting like a click is work to be done.

Plan to use face masks and respirators immediately. I am sensitized to most hardwoods and pine and cedar because my bosses didn't think such things as filters and dust collectors were necessary.

Starting with a cheap lathe and good tools is a good idea. Do not plan to make money with it!
A lot of guys are doing very nice work and selling it now.
But who knows, you may come up with a great idea using it and then.................
Above all, Have fun looking for and playing with it! Find a mentor and you can save time and accidents!
~Richard

Another key think to check is that the headstock Centre, and the tail stock Centre line up perfectly. Slide the tail stock up to the headstock and the two points should line up. If they don't, you can make adjustments to fix it, but I would move on.

I passed on a wood lathe over the weekend because I have an old Atlas metal cutting lathe I need to get from my mothers house & it will serve both purposes, metal & wood. I passed on the wood lathe because of space. Once I get my metal cutting lathe over here, I'll be having all sorts of fun like I used too.

I don't think I'd buy any major tools from Hazard Fraught, but I got a nice little trim router for $20-$30 that works just fine for what I needed.

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

Another key think to check is that the headstock Centre, and the tail stock Centre line up perfectly. Slide the tail stock up to the headstock and the two points should line up. If they don't, you can make adjustments to fix it, but I would move on.

I had a similar problem. My solution was to get a set of shims from McMaster Carr & put one under the tailstock. Voila! Problem solved.

Originally Posted by Trimmy72

Agree, mine just has a lot of slop. I would like to restore it eventually

Restore that baby & do something positive with it. I just need to get mine over here....................25 miles away. My Harley is my only transportation so I'll need a friend with a truck to help me get it here. I have some brush handles I want to make.

I picked up a Jet JWL-1236 with tools , a drill chuck and a Nova Chuck for $450 off of CraigsList. It has no reverse, but is variable speed and fun to work with. I've been messing around with different pieces of wood from work and the local Wood Workers Source. Bought a bunch of $3-$5 pieces of Maple and Oak.

I also found a nice Maple Burl bowl blank for $15. Haven't decided on using it for something large or cutting it into smaller pieces to turn. It's about 10" wide by 4" thick.

The tools I have now are part of a package deal that Jet had with the lathe, I am looking to buy some better tool eventually , just not sure when yet.

If you want a smaller lathe, there are some 1015's for sale here locally.