Thanks for reading. I’ve finally had an idea good enough to sell that I’m in the market for my first lathe. I’ve got about $600 in store credit at both HD and Lowe’s so for now I’m gonna settle for something that’ll get the job done and then upgrade later.
Any opinions about this WEN lathe from HD? …
https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-6-Amp-14-in-x-20-in-Variable-Speed-Benchtop-Wood-Lathe-34034/306031795
Replies
It's not Lowes or HD but if you can swing it this is a great deal, and it is variable speed.
https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/rikon-12-inch-vs-midi-lathe-70-1218vs.aspx
If you are locked in to HD then the Nova Comet 2 is a better quality machine, it's still in your budget and the variable speed alone is a huge plus and well worth the extra cost.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/NOVA-12-in-x-16-1-2-in-Comet-II-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe-46300/204488330
I would stay away from the Wen.
Thanks for the leads 27B_6. I've since been steered away from WEN by others as well so I think that's what I'll do. The Rikon seems like a good deal but I see it's described as a pen lathe. Would it have enough umpf to turn a well balanced resin stabilized/impregnated piece of wood that was say 8" diameter and 16" long? I know that's got to be heavy and that's close to what I'll be dealing with.
What does anyone think about the Delta 46-460 midi-lathe? It's 1 HP and with the extension will have a 42" bed.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DELTA-21-5-in-x-34-5-in-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe/4743323
I wouldn't count on Delta quality these days.
If the piece is balanced, probably. Vibration will be an issue for a small lathe like that. That is where variable speed is so important. Bolting on a heavy stand and sand bagging it can help a bit.
All these lathes are about the same mass. There is a woodcraft in Lexington, they deal in Rikon and Nova. They may have one set up and running.
HD has a nice Nova 12x16 lathe that would fit the bill. There is a Jet 12x21 lathe for a little more. I would stick with those brands if you're limited to HD and Lowes.
Hate to say it, but I’m with John. Years ago, Delta was at the top of the heap, at least for serious hobby workers. So much so I jumped in with both feet about 20 years ago. Now... forget about replacement parts, customer service is atrocious and on and on and on. Don’t get me wrong, my Delta stationary tools are great... til something breaks or needs replaced. And most of the aftermarket substitutes are just plain junk if you can even find them. Anyone in the market for a Delta jointer? Lathe? Planer? Bandsaw? No. I’ll will not part with my Unisaw tho.
Thanks for all the direction. Well I eventually talked myself into the Jet 1221VS but then I discovered these duplicator systems. Since that's exactly what I need for my production I figure I might as well figure one of these in the deal too. Only problem with the Jet now is that all the duplicator systems I've seen mount on the bottom of the track, and require the lathe motor to be behind or to the left. The Jet's is underneath so that would seem to rule out these add ons.
Any suggestion for a lathe / duplicator system that's not the $370 one at Rockler?
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