Look at the picture. The nine inches is from center to the way.
Many lathes are stating 2x and this isn't a 4.5" wood cutting lathe.
The Bowl blank on the lathe and on the floor are much larger.
If you make pens, one doesn't need 12".
If you make salt/pepper / cups / small 8" bowls you don't need a 16.
Only if you run large hundred pound logs do you need something like that.


Martin

On 7/26/2015 7:25 PM, wrote:
Slightly undecided. 9 inch swing is less than the mini lathes. Mini lathes from Jet or Delta are 12 inch swing. 16 inch between center I think. Maybe 24 inches, not sure. This lathe is longer between center. But, almost no one turns more than about 12 inches between centers. People just do not turn spindles. The Steelex tools are maybe high speed steel. But Harbor Freight sells the same set in HSS for about $40. I bought the Harbor Freight set. The mini turning tools aren't really useful. As already mentioned, it includes the Wolverine vari grind jig, but not the Wolverine system that goes under the grinder. The jig is $50 or so, but the whole Wolverine system is $150 or so. It looks like you are just getting the cheap part. I don't think you would be harmed if you passed on this. Just look for some sales and buy a mini lathe and the extension bed. Get a set of HSS tools from Harbor Freight. Grinder and the Wolverine system too if you want a jig for sharpening th
e tools. More expensive, but I think higher quality when you are done.




On Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 1:51:34 PM UTC-5, sawdustmaker wrote:
I've been wanting a lathe for some time. the price "seems" right. Opinions
( on the lathe )?
http://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/5105117643.html
Thanks,