What wood lathe would you recommend for a beginner?

BigFella1956

Good afternoon Everyone, I am relatively new to wood working and am acquiring macjines and tools as I progress and

I am at the stage now where I'd like to buy a wood lathe. As to application, I will be turning blanks into either bowls or into rounded pieces of timber that I can then carve into whatever takes my fancy at the time. I am not all that interested in maching longer pieces of timber, at least not right now. As for bowl diameter, I am looking at anywhere up to between 300 and 450 mm.

I don't want to start out cheap because that's wasting money in my opinion yet I can't afford the top of the line. My budget is around $1,000. If possible, I would prefer electronic controls.

If anyone has any recommendations, they would be much appreciated.

Regards, Chris

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r23on

Hi Chris

I too disappeared for a while. Well living the dream in Vic, Sorry mate Vic a dream place???? I lived in Melb most of my life and woke up one morning sold the house and moved to the NT. Average temperature 32 and now its the dry and gets down to 20's to cold mate at 19 have to put a woollen jumper until the sun comes out. The only thing to worry about are the crocs, snakes, **** our should I say anything that wants to eat us and of course stupid polies. Just like Vic

Chucks - among the top of the line Vicmarc 120mm $330 30 x 3.5 only need if you are doing large type work other wise 100mm scroll check $200 / $250

this table will give you a good idea of Spindle thread https://www.beaufortink.co.uk/lathe-spindle-thread-look-up-table

turning chisels I use Hamel and Robert Sorby- good steel HSS or M32 steel do not buy mini set of tool use full size if you go a bigger machine then you have them Roughing, spindle and bowel gouges and parting tools the number of tools will grow as you grow with knowledge

I also use carbon insert tools for rough work

Good to have tools - 0 - 16mm keyless chuck No2 morse shank

tail stock chuck insert adapter to suite chucks

A range of jaws to suite the chuck you have

insert adapter to suite spindle thread and chuck - some chucks can screw directly onto the spindle no insert need

ER 32 collet set and holder to suite spindle thread

for sharpening look at CBN wheels set up on a wet stone machine and I use the https://www.carbatec.com.au/tormek-woodturners-kit-2020-version

most of all a good range of glues and sanding materials 80 grit to 12000 grit

This is just the start

good luck

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MitchellMc

Hi Chris (@BigFella1956),

As Bunnings doesn't currently sell lathes, you might like to check out this RIKON 315MM MIDI WOOD LATHE - 70-220VSR from our friends over at Tool Kit Depot. It has a 315mm turning diameter, 508mm between centres and electronic variable speeds 250-3850RPM. It's a little outside your budget, but certainly worth it for a quality piece of kit.

Let me also mention some of our woodworking enthusiasts, @r23on and @JoeAzza, to get their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

JoeAzza

HI @BigFella1956 , Not sure if you have heard of Timbecon, they sell wood lathes plus all tools required for wood turning, they will assist you in selecting the right equipment for your needs. They are located in Melbourne and Perth, they deliver all over Australia.

https://www.timbecon.com.au/

r23on

Hi @BigFella1956

I would look at the variable speed machines, as for what is the best "WELL" Look for the support factor in other words who will have replacement parts as some of these Chinese machine have big failure rates a good machine and has been around for some time is Nova nova Comet I started with but out grew it

Just don't buy cheap turning tool you will regret it. over all how much are you prepared to pay

BigFella1956

G'day @r23on, lovely to hear from you again. I disappeared from here for a while due to some personal issues but am now living the dream in north east Victoria. Your words resonate because I have found from experience that buying cheaper tools isn't cheap at all, it's bl**dy expensive and not much fun at all.

I have had a look at the Nova Neptune lathe as well as the associated videos - is this a brand you would recommend? Also, I will need tools such as a chuck and those used for cutting - does you also have a recommendation for these? In fact, what other tools do I need to get started? Thanks again for your feedback. Warm regards, Chris

r23on

Hi Chris

Chucks - among the top of the line Vicmarc 120mm $330 30 x 3.5 only need if you are doing large type work other wise 100mm scroll check $200 / $250

this table will give you a good idea of Spindle thread https://www.beaufortink.co.uk/lathe-spindle-thread-look-up-table

I also use carbon insert tools for rough work

Good to have tools - 0 - 16mm keyless chuck No2 morse shank

tail stock chuck insert adapter to suite chucks

A range of jaws to suite the chuck you have

insert adapter to suite spindle thread and chuck - some chucks can screw directly onto the spindle no insert need

ER 32 collet set and holder to suite spindle thread

for sharpening look at CBN wheels set up on a wet stone machine and I use the https://www.carbatec.com.au/tormek-woodturners-kit-2020-version

most of all a good range of glues and sanding materials 80 grit to 12000 grit

This is just the start

good luck

BigFella1956

Thanks mate. Glad to hear you're enjoying NT. I lived in Melb for 45 years and wanted to get out for 44 years - like I said, now living the dream. Well, you've given me some homework to do which I will do diligently. I'll let you know what I decide. All the best.

r23on

Chris some suppliers of equipment

https://popsshed.com.au

https://www.cwsonline.com.au - very slow in delivery

https://mcjing.com.au

https://garypye.com

and of course Timbebits Timbecon Carbetch and Hare and Forbs

BigFella1956

Thanks mate. Appreciate the info very much. Regards.

BigFella1956

@r23on

Hi mate, sorry to bother you with this but I'm a novice at this and I'm probably only going to get this chance to buy me one lathe to last me for the rest of my life. What are your thoughts about this?

https://www.carbatec.com.au/carbatec-evs-midi-lathe-heavy-duty

Please be brutally honest with your opinion.

Chris

r23on

Hi Chris

I am not a fan of Carbatec branded product this lathes looks to be a copy of what I have. I have just looked this one https://www.carbatec.com.au/laguna-revo-12-16-midi-lathe It gives better usability range a 30 x 3.5 spindle thread so most chucks will fit with out insert adapters and not much price difference. If you can get into Carbatec and have a look and hands on it would be better. Can I ask what part of Vic are you living in. We use a range of Laguna machines at the mens shed and they seem to be standing up to abuse quite well. to top it off Laguna have replacement parts when need.

Just looked at a video of the laguna I would look at it over the Carbatec brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRZUGREznws

Suggest you buy your turning tools from Timberbits better priced But if you have the funds consider Vicmarc VL 150 full support and back up.

Hope this helps

Noyade

Hi @BigFella1956

"I don't want to start out cheap because that's wasting money in my opinion"

My experience (early 90's) - was to buy a very cheap wood lathe - just to see if I liked wood-turning.

'Turns' out I didn't. Made a few toys then completely lost interest - but a minimal outlay.

Would if useful to try it out - at say a Men's Shed first - just to see if you like it before buying?

Just a thought.

Cheers.

Graeme.

r23on

Chris he does have a point and then on the other side of the coin if you buy cheap and decide it’s not for you and go to sell you have a boat anchor if no one buys it

i did go to the local wood turning group first and like you i asked questions first i did not hold back on the tools though as we were required to have our tooling

hence that’s why i bought a known brand and was able to sell when up graded

BigFella1956

Thank you. Sage advice!

BigFella1956

Yes, he does. I'm a member of Albury Wodonga Woodcrafters and have been making enquiries. I've had a look at the Laguna models on line and researching them and they seem pretty sturdy. Regards.

r23on

Hi Chris

Best of luck with your choice enjoy which ever way you go

Ron

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