jj240
New member
just started w/t at a local club. the only space i have spare for a shed is 4x4 what size lathe would fit easily and best type
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What do you want to turn and what is the budget?
If the shed is empty and you want to turn it into a turning workshop (only), you should have plenty of space for a big lathe, sharpening station and a decent sized bandsaw.
If the shed is empty and you want to turn it into a turning workshop (only), you should have plenty of space for a big lathe, sharpening station and a decent sized bandsaw.
jj240
New member
empty
Dalboy
Established Member
I hope you mean 4mtr X 4mtr and not 4ft X 4ft. If the first then the sky is the limit to size. As said above what do you want to turn, most people will say they want to turn small items but in no time they want to turn larger. Go to the club have a chat try the club lathes and also see what the members have.
jj240
New member
dalboy i have 4ft x4ft thanks for any info
Random Orbital Bob
Established Member
?? I read it the same way as Dalboy and also assumed you meant 4m x 4m
You want to put a lathe in a shed that's 4ft x 4ft?? Are you planning on turning dolls furniture?
Seriously though....a small lathe will be what you want! Go to the club and talk to the folks there, they will let you come round their houses and see a mini lathe from which you can measure dimensions and make a decision but that's a very small space to work in. You're going to need to think very seriously about dust extraction in a space like that.
You want to put a lathe in a shed that's 4ft x 4ft?? Are you planning on turning dolls furniture?
Seriously though....a small lathe will be what you want! Go to the club and talk to the folks there, they will let you come round their houses and see a mini lathe from which you can measure dimensions and make a decision but that's a very small space to work in. You're going to need to think very seriously about dust extraction in a space like that.
Tazmaniandevil
Established Member
Check out Larry's Tiny Trailer Workshop. It's amazing how much you can fit into a small space.
My shed is 20'x9' and is far too small for my needs.
I'm a compulsive hoarder, and collect odds & ends of wood whenever/wherever possible. If I got rid of all the clutter I could work in a wheelbarrow.
I currently have an Axminster AWVSL1000, which would fit in your shed nicely. You might struggle to get anything else in, mind you.
I resisted going for a smaller lathe because you can turn small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't turn bigger stuff on a small lathe. I would echo the advice though to try a club's lathes before making any decision. I was advised to avoid the Axi lathes because, "they are made in China and the castings are very poor quality." I plumped instead for a Record Power lathe with the twin bar bed system. This lasted less than a year before I became frustrated by the lack of power, vibration in the bars making the headstock wander, the awkwardness of the wheel on the tailstock, and the apparent inability to keep headstock and tailstock in alignment.
Please bear in mind this is a completely personal opinion based on my own experience of different lathe types and is not a definitive guide. I have been told many times my opinion is wrong. No reason why this time should be any different.
Either way, good luck with the hunt, and remember:- No pictures means it didn't happen.
My shed is 20'x9' and is far too small for my needs.
I'm a compulsive hoarder, and collect odds & ends of wood whenever/wherever possible. If I got rid of all the clutter I could work in a wheelbarrow.
I currently have an Axminster AWVSL1000, which would fit in your shed nicely. You might struggle to get anything else in, mind you.
I resisted going for a smaller lathe because you can turn small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't turn bigger stuff on a small lathe. I would echo the advice though to try a club's lathes before making any decision. I was advised to avoid the Axi lathes because, "they are made in China and the castings are very poor quality." I plumped instead for a Record Power lathe with the twin bar bed system. This lasted less than a year before I became frustrated by the lack of power, vibration in the bars making the headstock wander, the awkwardness of the wheel on the tailstock, and the apparent inability to keep headstock and tailstock in alignment.
Please bear in mind this is a completely personal opinion based on my own experience of different lathe types and is not a definitive guide. I have been told many times my opinion is wrong. No reason why this time should be any different.
Either way, good luck with the hunt, and remember:- No pictures means it didn't happen.
Silverbirch
Established Member
Remember you`ll also need some space for storing all your bits and pieces, spare timber and a sharpening system of some kind- probably a bench grinder to start with. It really needs to be kept set up, ready to go, as you`ll be using it frequently during each turning session.
I would think hard before buying anything if you only have 4ft x 4ft. My little jet is about as small as you can get and it is 2ft long or so. You need access to the headstock end and tailstock end, and that is your 4ft taken up. As stated above, you will need something to sharpen on set up and to hand. It is surprising how much space tools in use, chucks, drive centres, finishes, calipers, bits and bobs etc take up.
I don't want to rain on your parade but I think you need to find more space somehow.
I don't want to rain on your parade but I think you need to find more space somehow.
Random Orbital Bob
Established Member
I actually just measured 4ft x 4ft in my kitchen, marked it up and "stepped inside" it. It would be possible to build a very small bench to put a mini lathe on but on a practical level, I think you'd be tearing your hair out within a month because you would be so restricted. If it were me, I wouldn't do it until you have access to a larger space.
Random Orbital Bob
Established Member
by about lunchtime on the day you start using it in fact!
