Help! Looking to buy a lathe

[BWP1474]

Looking to buy a lathe for myself and seeking advice. This will be a first. Budget is around $500. There are a few options at this range:

Jet JWL 1015:Amazon.com: Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe: Home Improvement

Nova Comet II
Amazon.com: NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 2013 Edition, 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch, Silver: Home Improvement

Grizzly GO624
Amazon.com: Grizzly G0624 Cast Iron Bench Top Wood Lathe, 10-Inch: Home Improvement


Rikon 70-100 (currently out of stock)
Amazon.com: RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe: Home Improvement

Not planning to quit my day job but would like a unit to learn on, put out some small projects.
From the beautiful work I see on this sight I trust your expertise and opinions.
Thanks
B.

[Geezer]

Personally, get the midi lathe size from whatever vender. A lot more room to work and there have been some threads where the person added a shaft and made a sander buffer combination.
Maybe Randydancer will chime in.
~Richard

[pixelfixed]

For the hobby guys,the jets are nice little lathes,but consider the tooling you will need can be the same cost if not more than the lathe.
My tooling for both my lathes far exceeds what they are worth

[nicknbleeding]

I have a harbor freight lathe. Its basicaly a jet in green paint. With coupons and sales igot it for about . $200.

[PHANTZM]

I bought my Jet 1236 lathe for $500 off of CraigsList. I have spent about $1200 on turning tools, a grinder/sharpener, a miter saw and other necessities.

You will surely want a chuck too. Luckily the lathe I bought came with one that has several jaw sets with it.

I have a lot of fun making things. I made a lot of spinning tops to start with learning how to use the tools and other equipment properly. Little kids love them too. 8)

~Gary

[HARRYWALLY]

Like Pixel said, the tools and accessories you will need will cost just as much as the lathe. As for the lathe, as Geezer said. A Midi sized is all you need. I would also recommend your local classifieds. I got my midi lathe, full set of tools, face plate, drive spur, and bed extension for $250. Best thing I ever did! Here's my setup with some of my accessories.



Ya I didn't clean up from the last project.

[nicknbleeding]

I bought the carbide bits for turning and made my own turning tools for a fraction of the cost. Butyou willneed the chuck.

[pixelfixed]

I bought the carbide bits for turning and made my own turning tools for a fraction of the cost. Butyou willneed the chuck.

Can we see the tools you made? am thinking of making a couple customs myself.

[gooser]

funny this topic just came up as i was going to look at a lathe today b4 i ripped the passenger side mirrior of my truck .. eeerrr , now my lathe will have to wait ... !!
but from the research i did on mini lathe the grizzly is basically the harbor frieght lathe just re branded and hald the cost !!
ive checked out the jet b4 at woodcraft ( i think thats where i was ) and they are very nice !! there are a bunch on craigs by me but im super limited to size and space so when you do decide please lets us know and how you like it .. !!

[gooser]

i saw this one with a ctool kit for around the same price .. i saw through searches that it was a good starter lathe for limited space , but i havnt touched a wood lathe in 20 yrs in woodshop ..lol...
ive been trying to think what else i would use one for other then maybe a few shave bowls and brushes ...

http://www.penmakingsupplies.com/pro...ood-lathe.html