Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
new turner
Michael Pollina
>I'm looking to get into turning for the first time. My wife would like for me to make PepperMills. My question is should I look at a mini type lathe of go would a full size lathe. the longest I think I would turn would be 23ins. Any help here would be apprecated. Also any recommandation on grinding Mechanisum suppliers would help.
Thanks
Yep, start with a mini...
TDaniel
>and when you decide you need a bigger lathe you will still want to keep the mini for small projects such as finials, etc. Get a bed extension for the mini so you can use a chuck in the tailstock for boring. There are lots of fun projects that you can make on a mini; goblets, Christmas ornaments, pens, small boxes, and even 9" diameter segmented turnings a la Mark Kauder. Go for it!
TD
Re: new turner
RonZ
>I agree with Terry, go for the mini. Craft Supplies USA is having a sale on the Fisch mini and extension for only $250! Good luck and enjoy.
Re: new turner
Russ
>A personal opinion is that the Fisch is every bit as good as the Jet Mini and a whole lot easier to change the belts.
Re: new turner
Rich Polinski
>In the spirit of democracy I'll offer a different opinion... I think anything you can turn with a small lathe you can turn on a big one. Also, turning isn't any easier on a small lathe and having a heavier, more stable lathe can even be an advantage, especially when learning. Unless money is no object and you can afford a second lathe when you find yourself out of capacity (in less time than you may think) I think you'll get more advantages buying a full size lathe, and even more value buying one on the used market (Ebay, etc.). An old Delta or Walker-Turner or even a nice Powermatic 90 will provide you with a solid, quality lathe of at least 12" swing and 36" between centers at a much better value for the money. The upfront cost will be greater than a mini-lathe, but then you may never need another lathe, even for larger bowls since on these lathes you can turn outboard. There's nothing wrong with mini-lathes, but unless the money issue will keep you from turning altogether or space/portability is a real issue, I'd say the mini makes a better accessory lathe than one to start with.
Re: new turner
John Lucas
>I agree with Russ. I spent an entire day turning on a Fische and had just finished turning on a Jet. I think it is every bit as good as the Jet. I would look at both and pick the best price because they are both excellent lathes. Just remember. The bigger the pepper mill the worse the restaurant.
Re: new turner
Barry Turner
>The places I eat don't have pepper mills........they have those little paper thingys tht you rip open with your teeth...........