Just a couple tips on the used lathes.

Grab the spindle and try to move it up and down and left and right.
There should be zero play. If there is, bearings may be shot.

Turn on the lathe and listen. Any odd sounds coming from the motor or
the spindle?

If it has a rotating head stock, rotate it 90 degrees and lock in
place. Turn on the lathe and again listen.

Rotate the lathe back. Put a drive spur in the headstock and a live
center in the tailstock. Run the tailstock up to the headstock. Do
the points of the spur drive and live center meet or are they off a
bit?

Run through all the available speeds with the lathe on (if possible.)
Some lathes require that you move the belts with the lathe off. Does
the lathe run smooth in all speeds?


On Nov 4, 8:19 pm, wrote:
Hello all ...

I am new to this group(s) but have been woodworking for over 30 years
and am seeking advice about purchasing a new wood lathe

I used to work with old single speed ... stationary head ... 1.5 hp
Rockwell 12 inch lathe I realize how much I miss it

Info that may help with your advice

* My budget is about $1000 (for the lathe itself)

* I have searched Usenet looking for recent similar postings

* I have been to woodcraft and they advise the Jet VS Pro
(JWL-1442VSK)

* I have compared features ... but it has been so long since I have
worked with a wood lathe ... I really feel I need the
advice of professionals

* At present I have no particular project in mind ... but in the past
I have done things such as bowls ... pedestals ... table legs ... and
stair rails ... so I am looking for something sturdy and versatile

What features should I look for?

* 360 degree swivel headstock?

* Variable speed (how variable)?

* Reversible turning direction?

As to Lathe tools ... Like any cutting tool ... the better the
quality ... the longer the edge will hold ...

Any advice as to brand would also help here ... I personally use CASE
or Miller Falls wood chisels and find them both to be excellent

What is your advice as far as which tools to start out with?

I looked at the Sorby tools at Woodcraft and liked the heft of the
tool ... but the handles seem a bit cheap

Thanks for your time ... sorry for all the questions from a newbie ...