Any thoughts on Turncrafter brand?

[RonSchmitt]

My Delta midi is gone, time to get a new lathe QUICK!
Anyone use the Turncrafter brand from PSI?
Thoughts or comments, limited budget so $ is a consideration. $300 or less if possible, and all my accessories are MT2.

 

[altaciii]

I have used the turncrafter midi since I started. I got my wife a Ricon with adjustable speed and headstock lock, its nice but I always go back to my turncrafter. It's a great lathe and I recommend it.

 

[Russianwolf]

The turncrafter PRo is a decent little lathe. very similar to the delta and jet midis in nearly every respect. The castings are a bit rougher, andyou may find an place or two that you need to take some sandpaper/grinder to to prevent you from cutting yourself, but a great little lathe otherwise. I had one until I upgraded to my Griz G0462

 

[IPD_Mrs]

Here is another option to toss your way from Rockler. It is their Jet knock off.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?Offerings_ID=19446&TabSelect=Details

 

[spitfire]

I also have a Turncrafter mini and like it. It does have plastic hardware which I don't like. I actually broke the plastic handle on the tool rest and use a wrench to set it now. I would buy one again, you can't beat the price.

 

[rjwolfe3]

I have the Turncrafter ProVS and love it but I haven't used another lathe so I can't compare to anything else.

 

[oldcaptainrusty]

My Turcrafter has done me well, I've had it since the first of the year. Its been the only lathe that I've had so I can't compare it to any other. If you do decide on it be sure to check on Amazon.com, they had the best price when I was shopping and every time I've checked since.

 

[dgscott]

I have one, and think it's a terrific tool for the price. Couple of things to consider -- you can't check how true the centers are until you have it, and if they're a bit off, you have to go through the trouble of sending it back. The motor uses carbon brushes, and you'll have to clean the rotor from time to time. That having been said, it's a solid little tool, but it can't do everything -- it has an 8" swing, but you'd be hard pressed to turn anything that big for any period of time without the motor shutting down (overheating) from time to time. The company is great about addressing any problems, tho, and I wouldn't have any qualms about buying another one.
Doug