Hobby Lathes

[Rick Deckard]

Hi Everyone!

Just wondering if someone could recommend me a good lathe for hobby use.

Thanks, Adolfo

 

[Forestmoonstudio]

I have a Jet midi lathe that I love. :loveCheck out woodcraft.com for different lathes, or Grizzly.com. It all depends on how big the material you will use to determine the size lathe that you need. For smaller stuff a midi is all you need. You can turn stuff about 6 inches in diameter and about 14 inches long. They have extensions for them to do longer stuff.
You might want to check into getting a Nova chuck and midi turning tools also.
I used to make game calls deer,duck,goose and turkey, but I got the prop bug and use it more for that now.
I know price could be a factor, so remember cheaper is'nt always better.
I hope this helps.
PARK

 

[Rick Deckard]

Thanks Park Vader!

 

[Mach5]

So what does something like that midi run?
I NEVER see these kind of things for sale used, but have started looking. I want something small but still useable. Just for hobby type stuff. Wood, plastics, aluminum, brass.
Glad the question came up (Thanks Deckard!)

 

[Forestmoonstudio]

I think mine was around $300. I have tried aluminum, but it did'nt work to well. You would need a metal lathe for that. Make sure to get one that you can adjust the speed on, to fast and the plastic will melt. Hutproducts.com they have acrylic rod in a ton of colors. They have lathes also. Check them out.

 

[Max Zephyr]

If you like something with a smaller foot print you might look at the Shop Fox bench top. I have two of these and it works great with wood, acrylic, and resin turning. Repair and maintenance cost are better than Jet or Delta lathes. I have one that was used 30 plus hours a week for 2 years without a problem. It handles up to 8" diameter with normal work and with extremely hard woods up to 4" diameter without putting too much of a load on the motor.

https://toolsandmore.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1408

 

[rjmarthaller]

For small benchtop turning you can't beat a variable speed Jet lathe. They work great and have amazing customer service if something would go wrong. The only problem I have had with mine after 4 years is I had to replace the on/off switch from over use. they overnighted me a new one at no charge when I called.

remember though that good tools, sharpening system, and nice chuck will cost a bit as well.

Ryan