Replies

1. 
   wotnow | Feb 02, 2010 08:25am | #1

   Hi H

   This lathe is a standard out of China/Taiwan, sold by many retailers with their name on it. The lathe itself is a 'reasonable' one for the price (basically you get what you pay for) and ok to learn on and use until you decide if you want to carry on with turning. I have 4 lathes of various persuasions and price tags and have broken a couple of toolrests. They were the cast ones and seem to be the weak point, understandably, as there is a lot of stress focused here. and cast ain't too good for this sort of use. I make up my own toolrests out of steel round and flat bar and they work a treat and are custom to my needs.

   regards and good luck

   wot

2. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 02, 2010 02:25pm | #2

   I think I'd return the HF
   I think I'd return the HF lathe for a refund, not a replacement.

   Although you may not be totally committed to turning at this point, attempting to learn on a sub-standard machine may actually turn you off to turning entirely. (Pun intended, of course.)

   As an alternative to investing in a better lathe, you might consider taking a class where better machines are being used. That, in turn, should be sufficient to tell you whether you want to turn into a turner.

3. 
   Eef | Feb 02, 2010 03:47pm | #3

   henley,

   if nothing else, that lathe gave you a good laugh. fortunately you did not get hurt. last month i went into harbor freight to pick up some acid brushes. while there i had a look at their stationary power tools. the jointer had bits of slag fused to the in and out feed tables. one particularly large blob was welded down at the throat opening. this alone would render the machine useless. this was the floor model, mind you. i had a good laugh, payed for my brushes and went home.

   eef

4. 
   forestgirl | Feb 02, 2010 05:10pm | #4

   Juxtaposition of "Harbor Freight" and "beauty" gave me a chuckle. Well-needed chuckle, given that I'm hanging out at the hospital keeping hubby company.

   Best of luck with the next lathe, turning is a BLAST!

1. 
   jako17 | Feb 02, 2010 05:31pm | #5

   The oats that have been through the horse once are considerably cheaper!!!!!!!! Hope all is well with your hubby, just got back from the hospital myself and still rather stoned

1. 
   Henley | Feb 02, 2010 06:20pm | #6

   This new format is still confusing me...

   Anyhow, thanks for the feed back every one.

   Yeah, I knew it wasn't going to be much of a machine but

   I was naive enough to think I could turn a few bowls on it

   before it's demise!

   Well I guess I'll get while I still can, but I am really

   having a blast. Sure don't want to stop and save up a couple of grand.

   Any suggestions for a "decent" starter lathe?

   Something around $600.00 maybe?

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 03, 2010 12:17am | #7

   Look for a used lathe, or get a good midi. Even if you go to a big lathe later, to turn those B-I-G bowls, the midi's great to have around for smaller stuff.

   I paid just over $200 for my Jet 1236, older blue version, including a couple extra tool rests and a pretty good-sized face plate. Put a new spur on it, and it was good to go.

1. 
   Eef | Feb 03, 2010 01:47pm | #8

   fg,

   can you turn out-board with those midi lathes? if so, would you need to fashion a custom tool rest? my only experience with lathes is what i have in my classroom; big, old cast iron monsters dating back to the 50's. one can attach a faceplate to the spindle at the left, outside end of the headstock. the tool rest is a separate, 3-legged, cast iron affair. with this set up we have spun large tabletops for truing, flattening and detailing the edges. great fun can be had with out-board turning.

   eef

2. 
   forestgirl | Feb 03, 2010 03:52pm | #9

   I don't think the Jet
   I don't think the Jet midi-lathe headstock will swivel. My 1232 does, though. Here's a link to what I think was the jet model we used in class. It has a 10" swing, 14" bed length, with extension available, electronic variable speed. Cute little thing, wouldn't mind having one to go along with a nice, new Powermatic. ROFL!!

5. 
   forestgirl | Feb 03, 2010 03:55pm | #10

   Henley, I just noticed your question about "my fault?" with regard to the tool rest breaking. Can't say without more info, but I will suggest that you pick up a good turning DVD (if you don't already have one) so you can get the most important safety tips and guidance on technique. It could be that you had the tool rest too far away from the stock.

   Richard Raffan's Turning Wood is excellent. I borrowed from the local library before I bought a copy.

   Turning can be dangerous, so be careful!!