new woodturner

[crispy13uk]

Hi to everyone on this site I am new to woodturning and looking to buy myself a lathe and anything else I might need to start with been looking at a range of usefull tools like bandsaws planners table saws as well as a lathe had a look in Axminster and they seem to have a good selection can anyone suggest a good start as I have seen the Axminster Hobby Series AWVSL1000 for a little over £300 nis this good to start with will I need anything else like bandsaw oir a planer
any advice much appreciated

 

[JustBen]

Hi, welcome to the site.

Have you done any woodturning before?
Is it just wood turning you are aiming to to or other woodworking too?

I personally wouldn't buy new machinery until I knew it was something I was 100% sure on.
It can be a slippery and expensive slope.

If it's just wood tuning you're looking to do, I would go for a cheap 2nd hand lathe to start with.
It will give you the basics and tell you if it's something you would like to continue.

If it's not for you, it's only a small loss.

If it is, you will quickly find the limitations of the machine for your needs and will be able to choose an machine to meet your exact needs when you come to buy a new one.

For instance....
If you only want to turn bowls, you don't need one with a large bed.
If you want to turn large bowls/plates, you will need one with enough bed clearance or one that has a rotating headstock.

12 months ago I had never used a lathe before so I bought a £50 a Record lathe.
I found the clearance to be too low for large turning so I raised the head and tailstock up 3 inches.
I find the bar rails to be a pain when moving the tailstock and tool rest.
I've also found I want to use the tailstock Morse Taper fitting but it's too small.

These are all things I have to consider when I buy my next lathe, things I knew nothing about until I'd owned and used the lathe.

What are you looking to turn? Green wood, seasoned blanks, segmented turnings, spindles etc?

Generally, a table saw is not necessary for your needs.
An electric planer is also not necessary for your needs.
A bandsaw may be useful depending on what you will be turning, but again, not essential.

I personally think it's better to experiment with cheap equipment before committing to an expensive purchase.

But then again, I'm a tight northerner.

Hope this helps.

 

[crispy13uk]

I have never woodturned before but if its what I end up enjoying I would like to make segmented bowls but have to learn to turn first was looking at an axminster 1000 as seemed a good start for £300

 

[JustBen]

Segmented bowls are fun.

I use a tablesaw to cut the segments but I know others use hand saw, compound mitre saws and bandsaws.

They are not the easiest things to do and require accuracy when making the segments.

I would recommend starting with pre made blanks or greenwood.
Greenwood tends to be softer and a bit more forgiving.
Blanks are normally round so less air cutting/vibration on starting.

I can't comment on the lathe as I've never used one of those.
You will also require a chuck which is £60+
It's not essential but will make life a lot easier.
Plus turning tools,
Plus a way of sharpening the tools
Plus sanding material, finishing oil/wax/lacquer etc
Plus face protection
Plus a few more bits........

It's already becoming expensive. Lol

Have you looked on eBay or the For Sale section here?
Quite often second hand lathes come with tools, a chuck and accessories.
Some even throw in some blanks.

 

[renderer01]

There is nothing but good advice given here, a small addition may be go and join a local club the one on one contact will enable you to learn the basics in safety and avoid the potentialy serious risks in going it alone.
You would also have a way better idea of what you want to do and what kit you need. That said its all about personal choice, clubs are not for everyone but it doesnt take long to become safe or safer and makes your progression quicker and more rewarding.
Enjoy the journey and welcome.

Regards Rend.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Join a club before you part with a penny.

 

[nev]

check out the for sale section - there may be something there that covers your needs....
for-sale-wanted.html

also if you havent already seen it this may be of interest to you and you can see what the master uses ... post807644.html?hilit=segmented#p807644

 

[Terry - Somerset]

I am fairly new to woodturning (18 months) and bought the AWVSL1000. It is a lot of lathe for the money and whilst I have no regrets over the purchase I now understand its limitations and am thinking of upgrading. In particular speed control is fairly crude and noisy, quality of finish reflects the price, minimum speed is too high for larger out of balance items, and maximum speed too low for small items. Nonetheless, very good value!

A couple of thoughts which pick up on those above:

1. I paid for a 2 day beginners course (there are several options all over the country). This was money very well spent particularly in learning tool sharpening and basic technique.
2. Even if you don't do a course you should join a local club. Other members and visiting demonstrators will be able to help with problems. Don't assume that they will be unwelcoming/unhelpful - the opposite is usually the case and realise that everyone has to start somewhere.
3. The lathe is probably only 30% of the set up cost if you buy new and want to have a reasonably equipped workshop = probably bandsaw, sharpening kit, chuck, chisels, dust extraction as a likely minimum. It's easy to keep on spending!!!
4. It is possible to buy second hand - I chose to buy new as I did not really understand what I was buying. With the experience I now have I would buy second hand to get better kit at a reasonable price.

Wishing you luck

 

[crispy13uk]

Thanks for all your advice in still browsing for a second hand lathe no luck as yet I know the axminster has its limitations so will put it on hold until after as and look what else is out there and see if there are any local clubs