I received a sale flyer from Grizzly which included a mini lathe for something like $139. I do not turn, nor have I ever, but I would like to learn. I would like to start by making knobs and such. The price of this tool caught my eye, but I am suspicious that it might be frustrating to work with. I could not tell for sure, but it didn’t look like there is an extension available for it (which I may eventually want/need.) Is this tool a good buy for a new turner or should I stay away from it and save up for a Jet or something?
Thanks for your input.
Kyle
Replies
I have a small cheap lathe I picked up used and have had a ball with it. The nice thing about it was that it came with a bunch of accesories, some of which I've yet to use. Lately I've been turning metal with it by using the three jaw chuck and a dremel tool to grind the sizes I need. There is alot of things that are round on the tools and houses that a lathe helps out with.
a lathe is a simple tool.. it spins wood and allows you to carve it into something. As long as you realize the limits of what $140 bucks will buy you should be fine..
I own a bunch of Grizzley tools and am very happy with them.. excellant value for your money..
but!
the lathe is the cheap part. you need gouges and a way to sharpen them. dull tools are simply no fun and they get dull fast..
the wood is easy, start out turning green wood. it's easier on the tools, easier to do, not as dusty and available anyplace.. usually free..
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