Lathe for a Beginner?

Looking into getting my first lathe soon, but not quite sure were to start. I have done a little searching and am looking at a jet mini lathe. Also I can anyone recommend a good set of turning tools or books about how to use them?

best thing to do is meet up with a building and see how they do it and what they use/do. You can find lathes all over the place new and used. Mine is an old tank and i would not trade it for a new one. if you spend money on anything get a good respirator and eye protection....not the paper mouth guards either!

The best value on the market is the Turncrafter Pro. Its just over 200 bucks, and is nearly the same thing as the jet at half the cost. Ive been using it for years trouble free. I also recommend the variable speed option, comes in handy when using the lathe for thru-drilling. As stated by rebelmusicnp, get a respirator, and a full face shield. The cedar commonly used for lures puts a hurtin on your lungs and wood blocks do shoot out of the lathe centers on occasion. Upgraded steb centers are a good investment too. As far as tools go, i started off with a real cheap set from amazon, they worked fine. You can have them professionally sharpened for a few bucks. I learned how to use the chisels on youtube actually, cheaper then buying a book. good luck!

Buddah look into the lathe at harbor freight, it is reasonably priced and runs well. There really is no reason to by a $300 lathe to turn plugs for yourself. I bought mine off Craigslist for $60, I have an older Craftsman. As for the tools I got mine off Ebay...I would suggest going to your local Wood Craft store and just look around and ask loads of questions. For the plugs I make and use I only have a gouge,skew, and parting tool...I think at harbor freight you can get a whole set for less than $20...

I just bought a small lathe from pennstateindustries.com. I have started turning plugs on it, and it is great. Im pretty sure it ran me around $150 brand new.

, I do not know where sunrise is, anywhere near the st lucie inlet?

I'm in broward county, the St.Lucie inlet is up north of me.

buddah wrote:I'm in broward county, the St.Lucie inlet is up north of me.

well that is where you lathe lessons are

Unfortunately with work and classes, I would not be able to make it up that way for a long time.
Most likely I'm going to buy the basics and just take it slow, untill I get the hang of it.

wtf is a lathe???? :,,,,,,,,,,,: :,,,,,,,,,,,: :,,,,,,,,,,,:

Etch

etch wrote:wtf is a lathe???? :,,,,,,,,,,,: :,,,,,,,,,,,: :,,,,,,,,,,,:

Etch

LOOK EVERYBODY etch IS BEIN FUNNY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta Love It!!!!!!!!!!!!


FC