Replies

1. 
   PeterDurand | Sep 27, 2009 09:38pm | #1

   I did some turning (not a lot) a while back and the one thing I really wished were available at the time is electronic speed control. You change the speed often on a lathe and that feature is quite desirable.

   My $0.02

   Cheers,

   Peter

    

   Better life through Zoodles and poutine...

2. 
   forestgirl | Sep 28, 2009 08:25am | #2

   For sure, get electronic variable speed.  The Jet's got a big vote of confidence at the turning class I took this weekend.  We had mini-lathes, as seen on this page.  Pretty darned handy, easy to put on a workbench and use, but I can see where a midi might be a better long-term choice.  I have a floor-model Jet, but unless I get into making good-sized bowls, it may end up being way underutilized.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
3. 
   maybaby | Oct 06, 2009 07:58am | #3

   One tip on the Grizzly. I've got the 1400 series because I wanted a good heavy lathe and it is but one thing I screwed up on. The headstock thread size is 1" x 12tpi. I can make it work and have been turning with it for 2 years but cannot find very many accessories that have that thread pattern. The most popular size is 1" x 8 tpi which will adapt to most chucks etc: Choose a #2 Morse taper also. A reversing varible speed headstock is also a very good idea for sanding and speed control. Electronic speed control best. Good turning and "ride the bevel" as we say. Also, learn how to properly sharpen tools as this discourages most woodturners at first as a dull turning tool is totally worthless. Recommend a good quality 2 speed grinder and an 80 grit and 40 grit wheel (craft supplies, Provo, Utah) Look for a good woodturning club in your area. The members are a wealth of knowledge they are more than happy to share. Good Luck...."Will Turn for Wood"

4. 
   mike4244 | Oct 07, 2009 03:30am | #4

   Any of those three lathes are fine. As far as speed control, I am of a different opinion,I do not need it. I use a slow speed to rough a blank, then a speed of about 1500 rpm for the majority of the work. No problem for me to switch belt to another diameter on the cone pulley. If a dealer is close by and the price of the lathe is no consequence, go for the lathe that the dealer sells.If all three are too far for personal customer service, toss a coin. I used to sell woodworking machines for the now defunct Woodworkers Warehouse, both Jet and Delta have good customer service.

   Grizzly has the best customer service in my experience because their tech staff is very knowledgeable. Too bad we could not handle the Grizzly line of tools,we would still be in business I think.

   mike