The average and medium priced lathe have the lowest speed at 300 rpm.

Yes, this is satisfactory for the average work.

However, when you are turning heavy blanks that are not always properly
balanced to start with, your lathe will vibrate more at 300 rpm than at 120
rpm.

Many people overcome that vibration problem by adding weight to their lathe.
Other do their very best to balance the blank by using a band saw to cut the
blank in a close to perfect circle. Many turners are very skilful with
their chainsaw to trim the blank and mounted on the lathe with surprising
result.

If you do not know if you are going to like turning yet why spend the extra
money for a high end lathe.

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"Marv" wrote in message
...
I am going to buy a new lathe. I am looking at one lathe which if variable
speed but the lowest speed is 300 rpm. Is that slow enough to be
satisfactory for turning and finishing on the lathe? I have some
experience with lathes but not much.

Thanks
Marv