Noob from Northern Virginia

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rdaggett

Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Messages
4
Location
Haymarket, Va
Been wanting to start making pens for a while. Love a quality pen and have a number of them. Would anyone recommend a PSI starter lathe sets or is there other sites that have better deals? Happy New Year to you all, be safe & be well.
 
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@rdaggett
Hi Robert ! . . Warm welcome to IAP ! ! . . :D

On the subject of your question . . . a lot depends on you and your background with machine tools.

My background is more towards precision machining, so I have been using a metal-working lathe for 12 years to make pens in all materials including wood. . . In particular, my lathe is a Sieg which is made in China . . . of the type that Grizzly sells but there are other vendors of such "mini-metal" lathes. . . Feel free to ask me for further details if you have any interest in the approach that I have taken in my pen-making.
 
What is your budget? If you are only doing pens, that would mean a midi size. I have a Rikon 070-50VS that has been replaced with a new model. Looking at a number of smaller lathes, the only difference is the paint job. They are identical so the factor becomes price and warranty. Bear in mind the lathe is the cheapest part. Add a couple of tools, a chuck, live center, etc., and it can add up. AMHIK. Or ask my wife!
 
When I started I had used most types of wood working equipment, but I had never done anything with a lathe so I started out with something inexpensive just in case it was beyond my skill level or if I just didn't enjoy turning. So, I bought a 1/2 HP Central Machinery 10 x 18 benchtop lathe from Harbor Freight. Along with a 20% coupon, I think I only paid about $200. (It is very similar to the Excelsior Mini Lathe from Rockler -- manufactured by Burt Group I think).

It didn't take me long to decide to buy carbide tools after I priced a set of good tools and a sharpening system. Plus, I don't know where I would put a slow speed grinder and a Wolverine system for sharpening.

After about a year of moving the belt to change speeds between turning, sanding, and finishing, I upgraded it with a 3/4 HP Variable Speed Conversion kit from Penn State Industries (PSI). I think it cost about as much as the original lathe did. It was a significant improvement.

Then, after another couple of years I got a very nice birthday gift (and company bonus) which I used to get my current lathe, a 1 HP JET 1221 Variable Speed. It has served me very well and the only thing I sometimes wish I would have done was to buy include the extension bed to give me just a little more capacity - up to 43-inches. But I didn't (and still don't) have enough space in my workshop to accommodate it.

Of course, that is just my story, there are of course many good, quality lathes on the market such as Shop Fox (essentially the same as Grizzly), Rikon, Powermatic, Laguna, Delta, Nova, and PSI's Turn Crafter just to name a few. I am sure you will see these brands across the posts to your inquiry.

Best Regards, Dave
 
I would second this
RichAldrich said:
Welcome from Colorado!
A lesson will answer a lot of your questions. It is the cheapest tool you will ever purchase.
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If possible join a local wood turning or wood,working club and have a go first. there's nothing like hands on to tell,you how YOU feel about something. Which is what really counts.

Oh and Welcome along to the forum. It's quite addictive but harmless ( usually although some of the fellow inmates are a bit odd 🤪)
 
Woodchipper said:
What is your budget? If you are only doing pens, that would mean a midi size. I have a Rikon 070-50VS that has been replaced with a new model. Looking at a number of smaller lathes, the only difference is the paint job. They are identical so the factor becomes price and warranty. Bear in mind the lathe is the cheapest part. Add a couple of tools, a chuck, live center, etc., and it can add up. AMHIK. Or ask my wife!
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Was thinking about the PSI lathe starter package for $500.
 
rdaggett said:
Was thinking about the PSI lathe starter package for $500.
Click to expand...

As a new turner, I would suggest you also consider the $100 "Benjamin's Best Carbide Wizard 3 Piece Chisel Set" also from PSI. I started with inexpensive steel chisels but switched to a carbide set after only a few weeks. I didn't have a sharpening system for the chisels, and not being a seasoned turner, carbide seemed a good choice. - Dave
 
Woodchipper said:
What is your budget? If you are only doing pens, that would mean a midi size. I have a Rikon 070-50VS that has been replaced with a new model. Looking at a number of smaller lathes, the only difference is the paint job. They are identical so the factor becomes price and warranty. Bear in mind the lathe is the cheapest part. Add a couple of tools, a chuck, live center, etc., and it can add up. AMHIK. Or ask my wife!
Click to expand...
I was thinking about the $500 Turncrafter Commander 10 or 12 in. Variable Speed starter kit from PSI as the accountant (wife) approved that amount for the lathe. I would only be doing small things like pens. Dont know if it would be cheaper to bit and piece things together or get a starter kit. I am leaning towards piece things together at this poing. I have a bench top drill press and want to pick up a 10" tabletop bandsaw.
 
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