What Lathe

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onewaywood

onewaywood

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Aug 28, 2004
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Location
Madison, WI, USA.
Now that warmer weather is coming what inexpensive lathe
would anyone recomend that I can pick up and carry out to the garage or
backyard ???? For turning small items such as Pens and bottle stoppers.
 
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Jet mini...VS if you can afford it.

BTW, not sure how strong (and young) you are but those little babies are heavy for their size (I think around 80 lbs).
 
I too, would get a jet mini lathe, it depends on how much you are going to do it if you are going to get the VS or a jet for that matter, if you want one that is going to last you a very long time but mildly expensive but less than VS, get the sixspeed, although the new model is not as small. If you just want one that is way more inexpensive, lighter (??) and VS, get the Carba-tec from Penn State industries
Dillon
 
Jet mini. I bought a non VS, but if the VS will allow the lathe to go down under 100 rpm, then it would be worth it just for finishing.
 
BTW, when choosing VS or non-VS, this survey/poll might help you

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22261
 
Thanks for the reply's, and yes the Jet would be the way to go
but thats more than I can spend.I was considering the proformax on amazon its 103.00 and free shipping
but the 3/4 x 16 and number 1 morse taper makes me a little leary.
 
Budget is a real thing and you have to get what you can afford...but let me tell you this, if you cannot afford a Jet mini...you can't afford the proformax either.

As Curtis/Mesquiteman says...only rich people can afford cheap tools. Ironic but very true.
 
Check at Woodcraft this weekend. I believe they are having a 10% off sale on Jet tools and accessories, plus the six speed Jet is only $199 normal price, you could get it for $180. I bought a Jet in January and love it. It was an upgrade from the Craftsman pen lathe and oh what a difference.
Andy
 
I'm not sure of the Proformax? But a lot of the small lathes like the mini Grizzly, the mini Shop Fox have the 3/4 X 16 threads, and number one morse taper. In fact my old Sears had the same dimensions. I have both the Grizzly and Shop Fox, and they've been good machines but the Grizzly doesn't have a through head or tailstock which I do think is important to have. I've turned a whole lot of pens on these little guys and they've worked well for the task.
 
I too was on a budget. I learned that cheap usually comes out expensive. I was looking on Ebay also. I waited and saved up and bought the Jet VS. But I was lucky it went on sale right when I went to buy it. I got it for under $300.00. I am so glad I did. I can't imagine making pens on a none VS...
 
This was the first question and first post I had on this site.
The jet Mini is VS is the most popular choice by far.
I chose a Vickmark LV100 and just love it.
My decision is reinforced every day when I walk up to it to turn a pen or somthing.
Just my thoughts.
 
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