Yes a lathe will send shavings and dust everyware within the airspace that
you are working. If the garage is to cold you can turn in the basement. I
can send shavings 20 feet with my lathe, on a good day. What I do is to
build an enclosure around the lathe with plastic. On the jet mini a 4 by 4
enclosure floor to ceiling will work. Make an overlaping flap to enter and
exit, and fit a box fan with filter into one side for ventilation. Keep a
rain poncho close at hand for use inside of the enclosure and clean often.
This also works to help keep the shop cleaner.

Henry Doolittle


"robdingnagian1" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello,

I am new to turning. I got a Jet Mini Lathe (JML-1014) for my birthday
along with the bed extension. I purchased a few tools from Lee Valley
and am very gung ho to start turning and learning. However, its damn
cold out in the garage (shop). All of my other tools and dust
collection system are out there.

My question is: (keep in mind I have never used a lathe) What type of
mess does a lathe make? If it is pretty much all shavings that can
easily swept up, I would be inclined to use it in my basement. However,
if there is a large quantity of airborne dust (small micron stuff) that
will infiltrate every crevice, duct, and eventually my family's lungs,
(Not to mention get tracked all about the house) then I will have to
hold off until spring.

Also, would experienced turners recommend that I learn to use the mini
without the extension and then put it on after gaining familiarity? Or,
is that pretty much irrelevant?
Thanks for feedback.

Eric (in getting cold Minnesota)