What wood lathe would you recommend for a beginner?

[BigFella1956]

Good afternoon Everyone, I am relatively new to wood working and am acquiring macjines and tools as I progress and 

I am at the stage now where I'd like to buy a wood lathe. As to application, I will be turning blanks into either bowls or into rounded pieces of timber that I can then carve into whatever takes my fancy at the time. I am not all that interested in maching longer pieces of timber, at least not right now. As for bowl diameter, I am looking at anywhere up to between 300 and 450 mm.

I don't want to start out cheap because that's wasting money in my opinion yet I can't afford the top of the line. My budget is around $1,000. If possible, I would prefer electronic controls.

If anyone has any recommendations, they would be much appreciated.

Regards, Chris

[MitchellMc]

Hi Chris (@BigFella1956),

As Bunnings doesn't currently sell lathes, you might like to check out this RIKON 315MM MIDI WOOD LATHE - 70-220VSR from our friends over at Tool Kit Depot. It has a 315mm turning diameter, 508mm between centres and electronic variable speeds 250-3850RPM. It's a little outside your budget, but certainly worth it for a quality piece of kit.

Let me also mention some of our woodworking enthusiasts, @r23on and @JoeAzza, to get their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[JoeAzza]

HI @BigFella1956 , Not sure if you have heard of Timbecon, they sell wood lathes plus all tools required for wood turning, they will assist you in selecting the right equipment for your needs. They are located in Melbourne and Perth, they deliver all over Australia.

https://www.timbecon.com.au/

[r23on]

Hi @BigFella1956 

I would look at the variable speed machines, as for what is the best "WELL" Look for the support factor in other words who will have replacement parts as some of these Chinese machine have big failure rates a good machine and has been around for some time is Nova  nova Comet I started with but out grew it 

Just don't buy cheap turning tool you will regret it. over all how much are you prepared to pay

[BigFella1956]

G'day @r23on, lovely to hear from you again. I disappeared from here for a while due to some personal issues but am now living the dream in north east Victoria. Your words resonate because I have found from experience that buying cheaper tools isn't cheap at all, it's bl**dy expensive and not much fun at all.

I have had a look at the Nova Neptune lathe as well as the associated videos - is this a brand you would recommend? Also, I will need tools such as a chuck and those used for cutting - does you also have a recommendation for these? In fact, what other tools do I need to get started? Thanks again for your feedback. Warm regards, Chris

[r23on · Accepted solution]

Hi Chris

I too disappeared for a while. Well living the dream in Vic, Sorry mate Vic a dream place???? I lived in Melb most of my life and woke up one morning sold the house and moved to the NT. Average temperature 32 and now its the dry and gets down to 20's to cold mate at 19 have to put a  woollen jumper until the sun comes out. The only thing to worry about are the crocs, snakes, spiders our should I say anything that wants to eat us and of course stupid polies. Just like Vic

Chucks - among the top of the line Vicmarc 120mm $330 30 x 3.5 only need if you are doing large type work other wise 100mm scroll check $200 / $250

this table will give you a good idea of Spindle thread https://www.beaufortink.co.uk/lathe-spindle-thread-look-up-table 

turning chisels I use Hamel and Robert Sorby- good steel HSS or M32 steel do not buy mini set of tool use full size if you go a bigger machine then you have them Roughing, spindle and bowel gouges and parting tools the number of tools will grow as you grow with knowledge

I also use carbon insert tools for rough work

Good to have tools - 0 - 16mm keyless chuck No2 morse shank

tail stock chuck insert adapter to suite chucks

A range of jaws to suite the chuck you have 

insert adapter to suite spindle thread and chuck - some chucks can screw directly onto the spindle no insert need

ER 32 collet set and holder to suite spindle thread 

for sharpening look at CBN wheels set up on a wet stone machine and I use the https://www.carbatec.com.au/tormek-woodturners-kit-2020-version 

most of all a  good range of glues and sanding materials 80 grit to 12000 grit 

This is just the start

good luck

[BigFella1956]

Thanks mate. Glad to hear you're enjoying NT. I lived in Melb for 45 years and wanted to get out for 44 years - like I said, now living the dream. Well, you've given me some homework to do which I will do diligently. I'll let you know what I decide. All the best.

[r23on]

Chris some suppliers of equipment 

https://popsshed.com.au 

https://www.cwsonline.com.au - very slow in delivery 

https://mcjing.com.au 

https://garypye.com 

and of course Timbebits Timbecon Carbetch and Hare and Forbs 

[BigFella1956]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the info very much. Regards.

[BigFella1956]

@r23on

Hi mate, sorry to bother you with this but I'm a novice at this and I'm probably only going to get this chance to buy me one lathe to last me for the rest of my life. What are your thoughts about this?

https://www.carbatec.com.au/carbatec-evs-midi-lathe-heavy-duty

Please be brutally honest with your opinion.

Chris