You've gotten tons of advice, just one more thing.

Leave enuf money in your budget to get a good scroll chuck. They
ought to sell lathes with those in place, they are so handy. I turned
for two year using faceplates and glue blocks, and when I finally got
a chuck, the light went on.

BTW, I'm using a Jet 1442 with the reeve's drive, and have made a LOT
of shavings with it. I'm happy with it, but will buy another one when
I win the lottery.

Old Guy


On Nov 4, 7:19 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 ...