You don't say where you are located and your $1,000 will not cover
this, but I just received an advertisement from a fellow in Bodega
Bay, California who is wanting to sell his entire shop for $3500. He
has two lathes (one a Nova) several Nova chucks, turning tools,
bandsaw, grinder, dust collector system, compressor, many calipers and
a heavy duty drill press all for the $3,500. Sounds lika a good buy
for someone wanting to get into turning. If you're interested, e-mail
me and I'll send you his contact information.

Fred Holder
htto://www.fholder.com/Woodturning/woodturn.htm

On Nov 4, 5:19 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 ...