Thread: Lathe info/help

Ok guys, I'm considering getting into some turning and of course brushes would be one of the things I would be turning. I know absolutely nothing about them, so could you educate me? What do I look for? I want quality, but not necessarily top of the line as who knows if I will like it. I don't want to buy junk as I wouldn't be giving the craft a proper chance...get my drift? Your experiences are appreciated.

By no means do I qualify as "experienced".... But I'm Ok with my harbor freight special. Is cheap enough that if it breaks it's not heart breaking but IMO it's a good starter lathe.

I have an old craftsman that was my dads. I haven't used it enough to know anything but I do like it and will keep it until I feel I need an upgrade. My next step would be a Jet. A big upgrade for me right now would be turning tools. They can cost more than what makes the wood spin and from what I gather makes a huge difference. Or go all out and get a machine lathe. Don't forget to consider used. Well made used tools can be real gems for the price.

Oh and carbide tip chisels are a good idea too might have to modify your tool rest or have one made to properly use them though

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Ok guys, I'm considering getting into some turning and of course brushes would be one of the things I would be turning. I know absolutely nothing about them, so could you educate me? What do I look for? I want quality, but not necessarily top of the line as who knows if I will like it. I don't want to buy junk as I wouldn't be giving the craft a proper chance...get my drift? Your experiences are appreciated.

Peruse Craiglist, buy old amercan steel, rockwell, delta.even some of the old craftsmen stuff.
My old rockwell 450-50 runs like a clock, is 40 yrs old,just put new spindle bearings in it.40 bux, will run another 40 yrs.

If your doing small turnings, you should look for a mini lathe. I do all my brush turning on a Delta LA200 shopmaster Midi lathe. Most of the mini lathes have a 10" swing, meaning you can turn a maximum diameter size of 10". It's all you need and the spindle size is one of the most common on these, meaning chucks, face plates, drill chucks, Morris taper,you'll have no problem finding accessories that fit. It also has speed ranges from 500rpm-3700rpm. Other brands that are good, Jet, General, Rikon, Oneway, Grizzly, PSI, and all have lathes Identical to the lathe mentioned above.

For head stock spindle sizes I would look for something with a 1" x 8 tpi Right hand thread, Morse taper #2. Tailstock with a Morse taper #2 as well. This is the most common sizes and every company that makes accessories,makes them in these sizes.


Edit, as Pixel has said, local classifieds is a woodworkers best friend when it comes to tools. I got my Delta for $250 all most brand new cause the previous owner had no idea how to operate it.

I have an Atlas 6" lathe - turns every material you can think of. Late 1950 - early 1960's model, very strong and very well built. It can get pricey depending on your accessories. They are somewhat collector items and they are all around great machines. I have a new variable motor and speed dial for precision, a few tool rests including one for hand tools. I make my own tools on a grinder. I found mine for $100 at a garage sale - put maybe $100 into restoration. Now it runs daily without problem or fail.

I broke the first two Harbor Freight machines I got. The first one in two days. The head stock is softer steel and stripping the key holes are easy. Smaller model was too light to support the weight of larger blanks, causing it to rock a little. I wont buy tools there at all now.

Harbor fright anything is all crap.JMO

I have two old Craftsmen lathes from the 40's-50's - my main issue with the one is it uses oil cups nothing wrong with that but it means it's using brass bushing's, which makes it sloppy (back and forth movement) tried snugging it up but it still has slop. I found the second one with bearing's. whether someone installed them or it came with it, it makes for a more true turning so I have had less issues. Another thing with the old lathes you could be stuck with an MT-1 taper, limiting your options, like Andrew said MT-2 is more readily available.

Originally Posted by Trimmy72

I have two old Craftsmen lathes from the 40's-50's - my main issue with the one is it uses oil cups nothing wrong with that but it means it's using brass bushing's, which makes it sloppy (back and forth movement) tried snugging it up but it still has slop. I found the second one with bearing's. whether someone installed them or it came with it, it makes for a more true turning so I have had less issues. Another thing with the old lathes you could be stuck with an MT-1 taper, limiting your options, like Andrew said MT-2 is more readily available.

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.