rdspivey wrote:
I'm new to this news group and turning. My problem is my bottom of the line
lathe. It has no morse taper in the head stock and the threads are 3/4" X 8
or 10 TPI (only have a half inch of threads to measure). Can I find a drill
type chuck and self centering chuck that will fit this lathe? Should I just
chalk it up as lesson learned and buy a "real lathe"? Any comments
appreciated.

Your threads are 3/4" X 10tpi. HF sells a 4 jaw chuck for that lathe.
Low speed is about 1000 rpm. I have the feeling that who condemn the
lathe have ever owned it. It doesn't bend or twist, and it's only real
problems are the speed, could go lower and the non-standard thread.
I've kept that lathe out in the backyard for the last 6 or 7 years under
a tarp, year-round, and have non problems with it. I turn everything
from mushrooms to 13 1/2" bowls. If you're just starting, I'd stay with
smaller diameter bowls.

It is an inexpensive lathe, use it to learn on and then spen a lot more
money when you know what you want and have outgrown. You are going to
hear a lot of snobbery about low end lathes, but the reality is that if
you are a good turner, you can use nearly anything. Expensive lathes
are very nice and allow much more range in what can be done, but to say
that they are the only thing that can be used is ridiculous and a waste
of money in a beginner.

Enjoy youself and good luck,
Dave in Fairfax
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daveldr at att dot net