nicguthrie
Established Member
Hi Folks.
I'm only a year or so into the woodwork scene, and have enjoyed every minute of it, especially that feeling of accomplishment when you can down-tools, check over your work and say... "I made that!" Having come from an IT background, where most folks can't see where all the hours of work go, and the majority of it disappears when the power is turned off, that's a very nice feeling.
I just talked myself into ordering a Lathe from Axminster, the 1416VS which was being discontinued, and got them to cut me a slight deal on an Axminster Evolution precision 4 jaw chuck to go with it. I intend to keep at turning until I count myself as having mastered it, hopefully that will be another 40 years or so from now. From what I've managed to dig out of reviews, forums et al, it seems like a very good lathe for small work, which is all I'm planning, though the jaws may be overkill for my requirements at least to start with.
I guess I've got 2 things to ask, one - I guess I'd like opinions on if this was a good choice!
It's £600 that I'd taken a long time to decide to part with, but seemed so little extra over the smaller Jet 1220VS that it seemed a good thing. I only want to turn small stuff, maybe up to small bowls, but mostly pens, chess sets, desk lamp parts and such. Two I'd like any tips anybody has on a good source for beginners learning material and turning ideas. I have very little experience on a Lathe and an awful lot to learn, and you guys having gone through this part yourselves could help me avoid buying books stuffed with page filler or spending hours trawling unhelpful websites.
I look forward to hearing what you guys think.
Nic.
I'm only a year or so into the woodwork scene, and have enjoyed every minute of it, especially that feeling of accomplishment when you can down-tools, check over your work and say... "I made that!" Having come from an IT background, where most folks can't see where all the hours of work go, and the majority of it disappears when the power is turned off, that's a very nice feeling.
I just talked myself into ordering a Lathe from Axminster, the 1416VS which was being discontinued, and got them to cut me a slight deal on an Axminster Evolution precision 4 jaw chuck to go with it. I intend to keep at turning until I count myself as having mastered it, hopefully that will be another 40 years or so from now. From what I've managed to dig out of reviews, forums et al, it seems like a very good lathe for small work, which is all I'm planning, though the jaws may be overkill for my requirements at least to start with.
I guess I've got 2 things to ask, one - I guess I'd like opinions on if this was a good choice!
It's £600 that I'd taken a long time to decide to part with, but seemed so little extra over the smaller Jet 1220VS that it seemed a good thing. I only want to turn small stuff, maybe up to small bowls, but mostly pens, chess sets, desk lamp parts and such. Two I'd like any tips anybody has on a good source for beginners learning material and turning ideas. I have very little experience on a Lathe and an awful lot to learn, and you guys having gone through this part yourselves could help me avoid buying books stuffed with page filler or spending hours trawling unhelpful websites.I look forward to hearing what you guys think.
Nic.
