Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Tom Mullane

>Your asking a tough question .... you will probably get about 20 different recommendations from the people here... this is mine just my 2 cents for what it is worth...

In the max price range you are looking to spend, my personal recommendation would be the Jet 1442 instead of the Grizzly... it is a real workhorse and if you should decide that you don't really like turning it has a better resale value...

Again just my 2 cents..

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Fog Tanner

>For what you are wanting, which is to see if you like the addiction, you would be better off with either the Vicmarc mini or the Jet copy. You can get a bed extension to allow you to do chair legs. And both can turn a 9"-10" bowl. For their size, they are beefier than any of the other smaller lathes. The cost is also very decent and should you get the addiction and get a larger lathe, you can keep the mini for smaller projects like pens, boxes, small bowls. Plus you can take it on vacation or club retreats. Most of our club members have a mini, some have two, along with their full size lathe. My mini is now a 16" Delta, having got the addiction pretty bad and bought a 24" Vicmarc. So you can go as far as your want and/or pocket book will take you.. good luck with you quest.

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Spence in Rhode Island

>Hi Ray

I've been running the Griz G1495 for about 15 years now and can't complain. A heck of alot of wood has turned on that lathe. I also have a Jet mini that a friend is "storing" here so I've been able to do a close comparison. If the Jet had been available 15 years ago I would have spent the money on that rather than the Griz, With the money saved you'll be able to get a good chuck and some nice tools. Just my two cents.

Regards

Spence

Thanks Tom, Spence, & Fog

Ray Carson

>The Jet is nice, so is the Vicmarc and both are probably at the top end of my purchasing funds. The Grizzly 1495 would also be at the top end of my buying funds.

I hate buying tools and then finding out I should have bought something bigger and with better quality.

This isn't going to be easy.

Thanks again,

Ray

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Steve Lewis

>Ray, If you become addicted to turning wood as all of us here have, you will find yourself wishing that you had bought a bigger lathe. I agree with Tom, the Jet 1442 is the best midsize lathe for the money. I've seen them sell on the internet (Amazon)for less than $800.00. You can get a HSS 8 piece lathe tool set from Harbor Freight for about $40.00. They are more than enough to start with. You can buy the more expensive tools later, a little at a time. If you can find a wood show near you, you can save at least 10% off the normal selling price. Good Luck and happy turning. Steve Lewis

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Russell J. Cataldo Sr.

>Don't buy the grizzly as you will be disappointed even if it is in the $700 range. Maybe 15 years ago they were good but not anymore. Trouble with the variable feed mech. and tailstock and it's not like I have overused it either. I think you'd do better with the Jet. Speaking from experience!

Thanks Steve.

Ray Carson

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Re: Grizzly Lathe

Ray Carson

>Yeah that's kinda what I thought Russ. Like I said earlier I hate buying junk and then have to replace it later. I like my Grizzly table saw and other tools but........I've seen other brands and there is a difference.

The Jet is approachable as far as price. The Vicmarc is out of the question. Nice lathe though.

Thanks Russ,

Ray

Re: Purchasing a lathe - which one?

Lou Krupnick

>I've only been turning since Nov., but the 15" Craftsman I bought for about $400-500. seems to be a pretty decent machine. The adjustable speed works smoothly & has a good low end 400 rpm, tool rests & headstock are pretty good also. Only complaint is that the stand is 20 ga. sheet steel- better off pay someone to weld one up. I've turned several blanks that started off around 4-6"tk x 12-14" dia., no problem. My advice, skip the HF tools & buy a decent bowl gouge.