My opinion , and it's just that, altho I own both types, is if you
already have a small metal lathe use it for small wood turnings, but
don't buy one for pens & peppermills. You will probably want to turn
bowls etc. soon. Someone will mention that many successful woodturners
use metal lathes, but IMO a small metal lathe compromises the easy
moving about of the banjo and tailstock with camlocks, so desirable in
the freehand techniques of woodturning. Usable wood lathes and turning
tools are available at much less cost than tooling up for even a small
engine lathe.

IOW, It's true that you can turn wood better on a metal lathe than metal
on a wood lathe... but if the majority of your intended work is on wood,
buy a wood lathe. You wont be sorry.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



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