Shop notes lathe
Dwight
>I recently ran across plans to make a small workable lathe, 1/2-3/4 hp. Main ingredent 3/4 baltic birch. Will this thing work if built right? Knobs, small spindels, etc. TIA
Shop notes lathe
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Re: Shop notes lathe
#2Re: Shop notes lathe
John Lucas
>Sure will. My first, no actually my second lathe was not far off that one and I turned a lot of smaller things. It doesn't work that well and I think you would be much happier with one of the Jet mini lathes. If you get the non variable speed version you can pick one up for $200. Make a few things and sell them and it will pay for itself.
If you build the one from Shopnotes you'll just get hooked on turning and have to buy a real lathe anyway. Oh by the way. My first lathe was a hadn drill mounted on my workbench. I turned knobs and tool handles on it.
Re: Shop notes lathe
#3Re: Shop notes lathe
Dwight
>Thanks for the response John. The reason I ask about that lathe, I have most of the componets already but do not want to put a lot of time in something that wouldnt function. I have a VS 3/4? hp mtr. and drive assembly off an old tread mill, may try for a wide belt sander (12"or so) I dont think I`ll get hooked on turning, Much to shakey for it.
Re: Shop notes lathe
#4That's what they all say.
John Crissman
>You will get hooked. It is fascinating, this woodturning addiction.
I will agree with John Lucas. Get Jet Mini and turn until you get bitten for a bigger one.
Pretty soon you will be looking for that VB to turn a 36" salad bowl. :)
Best advice is to stop by your local AAW club and get some tricks and best practices.
Be safe,
John
Re: Shop notes lathe
#5Re: Shop notes lathe
John Lucas
>It will function. Any spinning thing will make a lathe of sorts. I demonstrate once a year on a spring pole lathe and have built a lathe not terribly different than the one in shopnotes to show how easy it is to have a lathe in your shop. I gave it away a few years ago. I guess someone is still using it.