Beginner advice sought.

[Bofh]

Hi folks, I've never used a lathe before so could use a little advice for my first purchase. I'm hoping to make jewelry, rings to be specific and also have a go at other small items possibly bowls at some point.

I've seen a Clarke mini lathe in machine mart and wondered what you guys thought about it. As I say I have zero lathe experience so I could use advice on any additional parts I might need for my purposes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[marcros]

By coincidence, I saw this on YouTube earlier whilst wasting time!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=LYM8VIpK ... YM8VIpK0_U

I am on my phone, so you may have to search for cocobola ring. He recommends getting a tapered steel dowel so you can make different sizes. You may get away with turning a timber one, which would be friendlier on tools.

In all probability the machine mart lathe is probably crap. I don't have a lathe. When I do get one for doing tool handles and small bits, I have my eye on a jet mini, based on the fact that it is a commonly used one by demonstrators at clubs and shows and is varispeed.

 

[keithkarl2007]

I'd opt for the Jet also. They are a very reliable lathe and if something did go wrong Axi and Brimarc have very good customer care. The machine mart lathe is probably a chinese lathe and parts wouldn't be as readily available.

 

[Bofh]

Many thanks guys, I also watched that video and it's convinced me to have a go. Only problem is Axminster are sold out and it's my Birthday this weekend!!

Bugger #-o

 

[cedarwood]

don't buy the clarke it's rubbish (hammer)

 

[EnErY]

don't buy Clark I made that mistake big time first lathe I ever bought its so outdated they invented the wheel before that you wont do much with it other than give it to the scrap man .
Regards
Bill

 

[deserter]

I have a jet mini for sale, with tools and other extras, take look in the market place.


~Nil carborundum illegitemi~

 

[speeder1987]

Yep I recommend the jet mini, I bought it last year and its been brilliant. I went down to a minster and had a look, it was a toss up between the small electronically controlled a minster and the jet mini, but the jet just seemed a better quality to me

John

 

[steadyeddie]

Steer clear of the Clarke lathe. It'll put you off turning before you start. :evil:

Dave

 

[marcros]

may be worth ringing axminster. They someimes have branch stock when they are out of sock at HQ. It just takes an extra day to get to you