New Hobby

[rich1880]

Hi All

I have spent the last few days looking at some of he great items being produced. I am looking to try and learn how to do some wood turning and as a starting point am looking for a lathe, nothing too big or expensive, just something to get me started. Could anyone recommend anything that would get me started?

Rich

 

[eggflan]

Hi Rich ,

Try the same post on the wood turning / lathes board , a few of the gents there dont venture onto the general board

 

[joiner_sim]

I am not a wood turner myself, but have seen this product on sale before, and meets your requirements of nothing too big or expensive. You just need an electric drill, as that is how it's powered.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-drill-powered-woodturning-lathe-prod21279/

 

[Sportique]

I wouldn't touch the drill-based item (£35?) - for just a little more (£50?) you should find a second-hand Perform or similar - which IMHO is a good starting point - way better than the drill-based system - this is the bottom rung but at least it is a lathe. :lol:

Or you can double/treble that and find a second-hand Axminster? and so it goes on - you pays yer money and makes yer choice ....

The slope begins ......

Dave

 

[Woodchips2]

I wouldn't touch the drill-based item (£35?) - for just a little more (£50?) you should find a second-hand Perform or similar - which IMHO is a good starting point - way better than the drill-based system - this is the bottom rung but at least it is a lathe. :lol:

Or you can double/treble that and find a second-hand Axminster? and so it goes on - you pays yer money and makes yer choice ....

The slope begins ......

Dave

I agree with Dave about the drill-based lathe and some of the reviews on the Axminster website aren't very complimentary.

Another choice secondhand is a Record DML24 which is a good beginners lathe with lots of accessories if you get really interested in woodturning. Maybe before buying a lathe see if there is a woodturning club in your area and have a go on their equipment.

Regards Keith

 

[Carlow52]

I would also get access to some WT DVd's: they are excellent for learning techniques and u can bring them on the laptop to the workshop, or bring the lathe into the dining room :ho2

 

[bugbear]

Hi All

I have spent the last few days looking at some of he great items being produced. I am looking to try and learn how to do some wood turning and as a starting point am looking for a lathe, nothing too big or expensive, just something to get me started. Could anyone recommend anything that would get me started?

Rich

My general impression of wordturning is that it is initially very appealing, since high quality items (fruit bowls and candle sticks!) can be produced quite quickly, and with relatively little practice.

However, it appears that most people fairly rapidly get bored with this, and a trend appears of doing things for the sake of the technique, not the finished item. This often involves buying expensive, and very specialised accessories (like special chucks).

I have spoken to several experiences turners (members or a local club) on this and they all agree - a lot of beginners learn fast, then buy lots of special kit, then ... stop.

You may be one life's "life long" turners, in which case I wish you nothing but joy of your hobby. But be careful.

If you just "want a go" at turning, find a club, or a college, or an evening class, or a nearby friendly turner.

BugBear