Replies

1. 
   BG | Oct 21, 2005 05:28pm | #1

   smbevma,
   From everthing I read before I got my lathe it would seem the 1/2 hp on the Griz is too small. To keep costs down and yet give myself a tool that met most of my needs I went with Sears.
   http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=00921715000

   It pretty good, motor is a bit loud...everything comes out well...
   I built my own workbench for this with drawers underneath for storage, space on the end for grinder and a cabinet overhead for storage of turning tools, chucks, etc.

   
   

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   Edited 10/21/2005 10:32 am ET by BG

2. 
   Pippins | Oct 21, 2005 09:05pm | #2

   Shawn, my first reaction is that 1/2 HP is too small. You should consider what you eventually want to turn. Will you stick with pens and spindles? Or, do you eventually want to turn large bowls?

   Before spending any money, please seek advice from some local experienced turners. As a way of meeting local turners,  you should consider attending the meetings of one of the local chapters of the AAW:

   http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/

   You do not have your location listed in your profile but you should be able to find a chapter that is close to you.    

   You will find the turners a generous group and they will give you plenty of good advice. In addition, it seems that someone always has a lathe available for sale. You can get a good deal on a used lathe. Turners are constantly upgrading.

   Keep in mind that the lathe is only the initial expense. You will also have to buy face plates, gouges, chucks, etc.

   Steve Pippins   

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 21, 2005 09:22pm | #3

   Just my opinion.. I turn some on large metal lathes... OLd stuff..On a whim I got a Big Box $100 something Mini wood lathe.. I still have it.. Yes.. I had to push the wood to get it started but worked OK with sharp gouges.. If you are just 'wordering' about doing it.. OK by me! Why spent 1200 or more on something you will never use?

   Edited 10/21/2005 2:23 pm by WillGeorge

3. 
   charlesstanford | Oct 21, 2005 09:28pm | #4

   One obvious difference is the HP of the motor..

   Well, yes you're right.  But since a lathe is almost nothing but a motor you might want to reconsider brushing off this crucial aspect of your purchase.

1. 
   MichaelPB | Oct 22, 2005 12:19am | #5

   Charles,

   I would say on a lathe, the HP of the motor is one of the LESS significant issues.  Rigidity would be first and foremost.  Then ease of use, speed changes etc. with HP a distant issue.   Heck, the old Craftsman cast iron lathes like mine with 12" swing, they recomended a 1/3 to 1/2 HP motor, of course those were REAL HP ratings back then...

1. 
   charlesstanford | Oct 22, 2005 03:43am | #6

   I'm going to print your post and pin it to my Oneway.