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Woodturning (rec.crafts.woodturning) To discuss tools, techniques, styles, materials, shows and competitions, education and educational materials related to woodturning. All skill levels are welcome, from art turners to production turners, beginners to masters. |
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#1
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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 ... |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#3
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
On Nov 4, 5:39 pm, Ecnerwal
wrote: SNIP Thanks for the advice ... I never thought of used Any advice as to what to look for? |
#4
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#5
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
wrote in message oups.com... * My budget is about $1000 (for the lathe itself) A grand will get you (at least for a while) one of these. http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 Have to say, as others are bound to, that it's only the beginning. If you recal the definition of a boat as a hole in the water into which you pour money, you'll get some idea of what we mean. * 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? As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things. * Variable speed (how variable)? You want good low end to keep your options open on out-of-balance stock. How many speeds you want differs from how many you need. * Reversible turning direction? Why? Are you left-handed? Otherwise, you're into a lot of accomodation like locking faceplates and such for "benefits" best described as marginal. What is your advice as far as which tools to start out with? M2 is the common alloy. Lots of sources. You can get other, more exotic types for big bucks, but I'd rather have a wider assortment than a million-dollar baby. I looked at the Sorby tools at Woodcraft and liked the heft of the tool ... but the handles seem a bit cheap I like the Sorby handles all right, though the Crown/Hamlet/Taylor round end handles are my favorites. When I make handles for unhandled tools, they generally look like the Crown. Start with a set and learn enough to be able to make decisions as to which tool you need next. Even the same name won't get you the same contour between manufacturers. Use every tool you can beg or borrow from other turners to see what you think. Can't buy 'em all, and sometimes you end up jointing with a Jack and rabbeting with a shoulder plane, if you know what I mean. Thanks for your time ... sorry for all the questions from a newbie ... It's only the beginning. |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
Here are a couple of thoughts about lathes in general and mine in
particular. They may give you a few insights. http://www.aroundthewoods.com/woodtu...glathes01.html As for tools, I make a lot of mine. I have been making Shristmas ornaments lately and all the lathe tools I have used for those come from the shop. While other opinions vary, I suggest a beginner get a beginner's set and get used to the tools there. I still have tools from my first set, now over 10 years old, and use them. Some have different grinds now but they are still used. Make or buy a sharpening jig. Wood turning is the weirdo of crafts. In order to learn to turn you MUST learn to sharpen. The jig will give you a huge boost. Mine (not for sale, just to copy or remake) is over he http://aroundthewoods.com/sharpening01.html Hope it helps. -- God bless and safe turning Darrell Feltmate Truro, NS Canada http://aroundthewoods.com http://roundopinions.blogspot.com "George" wrote in message . net... wrote in message oups.com... * My budget is about $1000 (for the lathe itself) A grand will get you (at least for a while) one of these. http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 Have to say, as others are bound to, that it's only the beginning. If you recal the definition of a boat as a hole in the water into which you pour money, you'll get some idea of what we mean. * 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? As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things. * Variable speed (how variable)? You want good low end to keep your options open on out-of-balance stock. How many speeds you want differs from how many you need. * Reversible turning direction? Why? Are you left-handed? Otherwise, you're into a lot of accomodation like locking faceplates and such for "benefits" best described as marginal. What is your advice as far as which tools to start out with? M2 is the common alloy. Lots of sources. You can get other, more exotic types for big bucks, but I'd rather have a wider assortment than a million-dollar baby. I looked at the Sorby tools at Woodcraft and liked the heft of the tool ... but the handles seem a bit cheap I like the Sorby handles all right, though the Crown/Hamlet/Taylor round end handles are my favorites. When I make handles for unhandled tools, they generally look like the Crown. Start with a set and learn enough to be able to make decisions as to which tool you need next. Even the same name won't get you the same contour between manufacturers. Use every tool you can beg or borrow from other turners to see what you think. Can't buy 'em all, and sometimes you end up jointing with a Jack and rabbeting with a shoulder plane, if you know what I mean. Thanks for your time ... sorry for all the questions from a newbie ... It's only the beginning. |
#7
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
Just a couple tips on the used lathes.
Grab the spindle and try to move it up and down and left and right. There should be zero play. If there is, bearings may be shot. Turn on the lathe and listen. Any odd sounds coming from the motor or the spindle? If it has a rotating head stock, rotate it 90 degrees and lock in place. Turn on the lathe and again listen. Rotate the lathe back. Put a drive spur in the headstock and a live center in the tailstock. Run the tailstock up to the headstock. Do the points of the spur drive and live center meet or are they off a bit? Run through all the available speeds with the lathe on (if possible.) Some lathes require that you move the belts with the lathe off. Does the lathe run smooth in all speeds? On Nov 4, 8:19 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 ... |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
I have had my Jet 1442 from Woodcraft for about 10 months and am very
satisfied with it. Cost a little less than $900. One very important recommendation---If you get the Jet make sure they furnish the nylon washer that goes between the shaft and a faceplate or chuck. If you use the lathe without it, you will have problems removing those items without damaging the internal pulley. Other than that it has served me well. As far as tools, I was pretty well equipped because I had been turning bowls for over 10 years on my Shopsmith. Just make certain that you get HSS tools. Mid-priced ones are fine for a starter (Crown or Pinnacle, etc.) Bob |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
ALL
Thanks much for the advice ... Hope you dont mind a few more questions / bits of info INFO * I did a good bit of turning back in the late 70-mid 80's ... so I am not a complete newbie ... but am just looking for what technology changes have occured that I can take advantage of ... now that I have a larger budget * I tried craigslist (use it all the time here in Colorado Springs) ... most of the stuff were shopsmith (which I tend to avoid) ... there was one really old (1950ish) Powermatic that looked in sad shape ... I even tried the want adds ... which had none for sale * Now that I am making enough to purchase decent quality tools ... I tend to purchase new (which isnt always better) ... but if used isnt available I have to resort to new QUESTIONS: * Why should I consider the Nova ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 ) over the Jet ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 ) ? * With regard to "As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things." can you elaborate on this? ... as it seems all units now have 360 ... personally I dont see much use for more than 90 ... or even 45 ... from my experience COMMENTS: Kevin (my name as well) ... thanks for the 'kick the tires' primer on lathes ... it is always good to know what to look for when buying used Ecnerwal - I live 1 block from a Harbor Freight ... and I use it often ... but never for power tools from past experiences with Chicago Machinery ... they just dont last ... wore out the bearings and fittings on my variable speed drill press ... replaced it with a Delta Industrial ... Wore out the slide mechanism on my 10 inch sliding chop saw ... replaced it with a Delta 12 inch ... I wont even mention 18V cordless drills Darrell - thanks much for the primer and sharpening tips ... I used to do my own sharpening ... but have lost the skills ... hopefully this will help bring them back I was going to pull out the 3 grades of Smiths stones I use for all my blades |
#10
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#11
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
QUESTIONS:
* Why should I consider the Nova ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 ) over the Jet ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 ) ? The Nova has a a lower min RPM and a larger swing over the bed. The Jet has a larger capacity between centers (you can get extension beds for both) and is quite a bit heavier if you get the cast iron legs. * With regard to "As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things." can you elaborate on this? ... as it seems all units now have 360 ... personally I dont see much use for more than 90 ... or even 45 ... from my experience I think headstocks either rotate or they don't. The 90 vs 45 vs 360 is a non-issue. I don't think I have ever been past 90 on my 1442 (with which, I have been very happy). I rotate the headstock often. It allows me to get a more comfortable stance. That said, most, if not all higher end (pro) lathes do not have a rotating headstock, and the pros get along just fine. I have never touched the Nova. Had it been available when I was buying, I would have looked seriously at that model. FWW liked it in a recent review. -Steve -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#12
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
On Nov 5, 10:08 am, mac davis wrote:
IMHO, you should NEVER be sorry for asking questions... why re-invent the wheel? Amen, Mac. In just about any skill or craft, you will almost always find someone that is better at the whole craft than you are. But you will ALWAYS find people that know different aspects, details, and variations on the same craft than you do. Why should you spend valuable time trudging through frustrating procedures when you can politely ask and be helped though a problem that is a tough nut to crack? Besides, like me, many that do work craft type work professionally get charge out of the fact that someone is actually interested in this type of work anymore. And this is a very unique venue on the net, too. The folks here are more than ready to help with an immediate problem, more than ready to share their experiences. With little of the usual internet static that seems to clog these open forums, that make this an unusual venue indeed. It is important to remember than almost everyone has something of value to offer here, and almost everyone could use a little assitance on occasion. Ask away, I say! Or in some cases, muse away..... ;^) (right Big A?) Lots to be learned there, too. Robert |
#13
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
wrote in message ups.com... QUESTIONS: * Why should I consider the Nova ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 ) over the Jet ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 ) ? Note the 450 low speed on the JET. Can get a bit dicey if you've got an unbalanced design in mind or you've cut a piece of green wood that's been laying on the ground wrong, dividing it into two half-dry half-soaked pieces instead of one of each. At 180 rpm you can turn some strange stuff if you've the patience, and at 360 you're still well below the 450 on the JET. You also get the 2" extra swing with the possibility of tail support, a real boon. The cheaper versions of the Reeves drives have some problems you never encountered with the old-style monster Reeves types. Lot of possibilities for misalignment and oddball stresses. http://www.teknatool.com/products/La... pril%2007.pdf Is a pretty good writeup. * With regard to "As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things." can you elaborate on this? ... as it seems all units now have 360 ... personally I dont see much use for more than 90 ... or even 45 ... from my experience Anything more than 90 would be to avoid moving the lathe, as all quadrants are more or less equal. Turning without a tail support would allow you larger pieces, but you certainly want to look much harder at low speeds if you're planning 20" stuff. Faceplates, too! COMMENTS: I turned for years on a 46-204 Delta, a cast-iron monster with a low speed of ~600. It was a pucker factor eight or above on some pieces, I can tell you that. Especially outboard (180 degrees) with the left-hand threaded faceplates and chuck. Now I'm on my third year as second owner of a Nova 3000, the predecessor of the 1624 44. Several hundred pieces later, I'm happy to say he's doing just fine. I too lusted after "Big Arn," but decided to take a fling with this guy at an attractive price. Got it from a guy who wanted ALL the bells and whistles, who was replacing it with a Oneway. Not sure how he's doing with it, but I know the one I got from him turned a lot better after I aligned and snugged things in accordance with the directions. Bet he still thinks he sold me a dog! Paid off the purchase price at the first show where I was able to offer 15"+ salad bowls at premium prices. |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
You asked about the difference between the Jet and the Nova. As you
may be adding to your collection of tools (nay may but WILL be adding) it's a good idea to think about the spindle threads, at least for the moment. I have a Jet 12-36 and it has a 1 X 8 spindle thread. Inserts for my chucks are readily available in that size. I am uncertain of the easy availability of inserts in the 1.25 X 8 size on the Nova. Just another datum to add to your growing list. On Nov 5, 11:04 am, wrote: ALL Thanks much for the advice ... Hope you dont mind a few more questions / bits of info INFO * I did a good bit of turning back in the late 70-mid 80's ... so I am not a complete newbie ... but am just looking for what technology changes have occured that I can take advantage of ... now that I have a larger budget * I tried craigslist (use it all the time here in Colorado Springs) ... most of the stuff were shopsmith (which I tend to avoid) ... there was one really old (1950ish) Powermatic that looked in sad shape ... I even tried the want adds ... which had none for sale * Now that I am making enough to purchase decent quality tools ... I tend to purchase new (which isnt always better) ... but if used isnt available I have to resort to new QUESTIONS: * Why should I consider the Nova (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 ) over the Jet (http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 ) ? * With regard to "As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things." can you elaborate on this? ... as it seems all units now have 360 ... personally I dont see much use for more than 90 ... or even 45 ... from my experience COMMENTS: Kevin (my name as well) ... thanks for the 'kick the tires' primer on lathes ... it is always good to know what to look for when buying used Ecnerwal - I live 1 block from a Harbor Freight ... and I use it often ... but never for power tools from past experiences with Chicago Machinery ... they just dont last ... wore out the bearings and fittings on my variable speed drill press ... replaced it with a Delta Industrial ... Wore out the slide mechanism on my 10 inch sliding chop saw ... replaced it with a Delta 12 inch ... I wont even mention 18V cordless drills Darrell - thanks much for the primer and sharpening tips ... I used to do my own sharpening ... but have lost the skills ... hopefully this will help bring them back I was going to pull out the 3 grades of Smiths stones I use for all my blades |
#15
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#16
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
WOW ... what response ... this is a great set of group
So ... if purchasing new ... it seems to come down to a choice between Nova ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 And the Jet ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 Any other candidates? Regarding the Nova vs Jet From my experience ... heavier is more stable ... and as I have all of my tools (with the exceptions of a POS Craftsman radial saw) on wheels ... weight is not really a factor ... other than moving it from the curb I did notice the notice the difference between the 215/3630 rpm (Nova) ... vs the 450/3000 rpm of the Jet ... What about the HP difference ... 1.5 hp (Nova) vs 1 hp (Jet)? Has anyone heard of durability of Nova's? ... I know and trust Jet for sturdy durable tools At present I am leaning towards the Jet ... if for no other reason than the stability ... and known durability ... but that lower low and higher high of the Nova are quite attractive As for purchasing used ... I will have to see what comes along ... as this is a actually my Christmas present from my dad ... so this isnt an IF ... it is a WHEN |
#17
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#18
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
That's a huge factor if you're not turning square-dry blanks. Low speed
is good for dealing with rough blanks. Yea ... which I used to do a good bit ... start with a 4 X 4 (for legs etc) |
#19
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
wrote in message ups.com... Regarding the Nova vs Jet From my experience ... heavier is more stable ... and as I have all of my tools (with the exceptions of a POS Craftsman radial saw) on wheels ... weight is not really a factor ... other than moving it from the curb You probably noticed that each of the lathes in question is bolted to the stand. Makes it pretty much moot what the particular stand weighs, because you can bolt more weight to it, even up to the "big one" - mother earth. Some people even build their own stand to better fit their shop. Red herring. Rigidity is a virtue. Don't want that turning flopping around relative to the lathe, or the spindle of the lathe relative to the bed, or the toolrest relative to any.... The important thing. I did notice the notice the difference between the 215/3630 rpm (Nova) ... vs the 450/3000 rpm of the Jet ... What about the HP difference ... 1.5 hp (Nova) vs 1 hp (Jet)? The HP is nearly as red a herring as the weight. You only need enough to take off a shaving, right? And you, at much less than 1 HP can turn the piece on its bearings, so the rest is potential harm to you. Has anyone heard of durability of Nova's? ... I know and trust Jet for sturdy durable tools As I say, mine's got a bunch of hours on it, and I don't baby it. But I don't hack wood, either. Those who do will likely have different things to say about any two lathes. At present I am leaning towards the Jet ... if for no other reason than the stability ... and known durability ... but that lower low and higher high of the Nova are quite attractive As for purchasing used ... I will have to see what comes along ... as this is a actually my Christmas present from my dad ... so this isnt an IF ... it is a WHEN |
#20
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
"George" wrote in message . net... Just remembered another thing I've come to love about the Nova - the offset toolrest. That extra inch or so of leverage a centered post requires you give to a tool can be a real problem, especially if you're cutting at high speeds! |
#21
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
No, not really. You're comming at it from a spinde point of view. 450RPM is
plenty slow for a 4x4 between centers. It's the 10-14" diameter bowl blank of green wood that gets scary Yea ... which I used to do a good bit ... start with a 4 X 4 (for legs etc) -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#22
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
Thanks again George
Ok ... so weight and HP should really be out of the picture How do you feel about the belt changing vs the Reeves? Do you think the Nova can be put on wheels? (vs a mobile base) ... as the Jet can? |
#23
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
On Nov 5, 11:35 am, "Stephen M"
wrote: No, not really. You're comming at it from a spinde point of view. 450RPM is plenty slow for a 4x4 between centers. It's the 10-14" diameter bowl blank of green wood that gets scary Yikes ... yea ... I can imagine that would be scary BTW ... I did find http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...Number=2812491 .... which discusses the 2 models in question ... and there are of course pro's and cons to each ... I was hoping for more choices within the price range ... but it seems there really arent any ... even Grizzly doenst have something comparable until about $1300 |
#24
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#25
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
reverse is good when sanding frazzy wood. I sand in one direction,
then sand reversed. This was my thinking as well I am now leaning towards the Nova ... the only negatives/questions I have at this point are * the wheel issue (do owners think it can take wheels without a mobile base) * How hard is belt changing? vs the downsides of the outdated Reeves system for speed control? |
#26
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
wrote in message oups.com... reverse is good when sanding frazzy wood. I sand in one direction, then sand reversed. This was my thinking as well I am now leaning towards the Nova ... the only negatives/questions I have at this point are * the wheel issue (do owners think it can take wheels without a mobile base) * How hard is belt changing? vs the downsides of the outdated Reeves system for speed control? You can put wheels on anything, but you sacrifice rigidity when you do. You are firm on the floor, the lathe not quite when on casters, and eighths count. You'd want to have fully retractable wheels so as not to introduce axle slop or partial rotation error. I did it on Ol' Blue by setting it up as a wheelbarrow of sorts, casters free of the floor when the opposite end was on the ground, contacting when the opposite end was lifted. Then I moved the thing perhaps twice in fifteen years. Belt changes are 20-second jobs. Since you're changing radial velocity all the time as you go from the outside of a large piece toward the axis of rotation, it really doesn't make a lot of difference. I sometimes change speed once on a bowl if I haven't rounded it well on the bandsaw. From the 360 to the 680 as it gets into balance. |
#27
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
Thanks again George ...
I came to the conclusion that really wont me moving it often as well ... So I am thinking of leaving against a wall ... with enough space to allow for 16 inch centers Has anyone every used the bed extension for the Nova? I read somewhere that bed extensions often cause the tail stock to become unstable and thus not quite centered on the head stock ... Thoughts? |
#28
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
space to allow for 16 inch centers
Correction ... 16 inch stock I am also considering throwing in funds of my own to take the total up to $1500-$1700 ... if that gives me some more options I know there are 2 more Jets in this range ... but I havent found another Nova ... or any other brand |
#29
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
I have used the bed extensions and it depends no HOW YOU mount the lathe and
no WHAT stand. If care is taken with the original setup there is no problems BUT a rough installation on an inadequate stand WILL cause problems, Support the bed and extension in such a way that they can not move in relation to each other. wrote in message oups.com... Thanks again George ... I came to the conclusion that really wont me moving it often as well ... So I am thinking of leaving against a wall ... with enough space to allow for 16 inch centers Has anyone every used the bed extension for the Nova? I read somewhere that bed extensions often cause the tail stock to become unstable and thus not quite centered on the head stock ... Thoughts? |
#30
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#31
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
You don't say where you are located and your $1,000 will not cover
this, but I just received an advertisement from a fellow in Bodega Bay, California who is wanting to sell his entire shop for $3500. He has two lathes (one a Nova) several Nova chucks, turning tools, bandsaw, grinder, dust collector system, compressor, many calipers and a heavy duty drill press all for the $3,500. Sounds lika a good buy for someone wanting to get into turning. If you're interested, e-mail me and I'll send you his contact information. Fred Holder htto://www.fholder.com/Woodturning/woodturn.htm On Nov 4, 5:19 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 ... |
#32
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
On Nov 5, 8:44 pm, Ecnerwal
wrote: In article .com, Unstable? Ludicrous - that's hyperbole written by someone in the pay of a lathe company that makes longer-bedded lathes. Slightly off center, perhaps, but it matters not a whit if you are turning anything long enough to be using the extension bed, if it's even true, which it's probably not with most decent quality (either of the units you are looking at) extensions. It's not a machine lathe with a rigidly mounted cutter traveling along the ways Here, here! I absolutely couldn't agree more. Yet... try as I might I cannot get other to understand that. If the center is off by 1/8th of an inch and you're turning work between centers at 8 inches, that's a problem. The drive center walks, you can't center on a faceplate-mounted bowl blank while roughing, etc. Move the centers out to 40 inches and you'll never know if one is out by 1/8 inch when doing normal woodturning, freehand. Well said! But a point lost on many I am afraid. I have given up this whole line of discussion as I cannot seem to get that point across. I was even in Woodcraft (got a buddy that works there) about a year ago, and someone had brought back FIVE, yes five, Jet mini lathes because of "alignment problems". So how did they check alignment? They put their spur center in the headstock and their live center in their tailstock and moved them together to see if the points lined up PERFECTLY. Not just touching, mind you.. but perfect point to point contact. And the guy there was really ****ed off at Woodcraft because he said they were selling "seconds" and inferior merchandise! They told me they had another fellow bring back his PM 3520 because he used one of those double headed morse tapers to line up the tailstock, and it wasn't perfect when he shoved the tailstock up the the headstock with the double taper in it. It was honestly less than 1/16" off... Woodcraft took back the lathe, and refused to sell him another one. He as ****ed off too, because he felt like he had found an honest to Pete fault with the machine. Some people just don't understand and cannot comprehend the mechanics of the lathe at all. Nicely said, Ecnerwal. Robert |
#33
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
True for most turnings BUT if you want to accurately drill through the
centre of a long spindle the centres MUST line up ACCURATELY or you end up going through the side and your hole is a much larger diameter than your drill. wrote in message ps.com... On Nov 5, 8:44 pm, Ecnerwal wrote: In article .com, Unstable? Ludicrous - that's hyperbole written by someone in the pay of a lathe company that makes longer-bedded lathes. Slightly off center, perhaps, but it matters not a whit if you are turning anything long enough to be using the extension bed, if it's even true, which it's probably not with most decent quality (either of the units you are looking at) extensions. It's not a machine lathe with a rigidly mounted cutter traveling along the ways Here, here! I absolutely couldn't agree more. Yet... try as I might I cannot get other to understand that. If the center is off by 1/8th of an inch and you're turning work between centers at 8 inches, that's a problem. The drive center walks, you can't center on a faceplate-mounted bowl blank while roughing, etc. Move the centers out to 40 inches and you'll never know if one is out by 1/8 inch when doing normal woodturning, freehand. Well said! But a point lost on many I am afraid. I have given up this whole line of discussion as I cannot seem to get that point across. I was even in Woodcraft (got a buddy that works there) about a year ago, and someone had brought back FIVE, yes five, Jet mini lathes because of "alignment problems". So how did they check alignment? They put their spur center in the headstock and their live center in their tailstock and moved them together to see if the points lined up PERFECTLY. Not just touching, mind you.. but perfect point to point contact. And the guy there was really ****ed off at Woodcraft because he said they were selling "seconds" and inferior merchandise! They told me they had another fellow bring back his PM 3520 because he used one of those double headed morse tapers to line up the tailstock, and it wasn't perfect when he shoved the tailstock up the the headstock with the double taper in it. It was honestly less than 1/16" off... Woodcraft took back the lathe, and refused to sell him another one. He as ****ed off too, because he felt like he had found an honest to Pete fault with the machine. Some people just don't understand and cannot comprehend the mechanics of the lathe at all. Nicely said, Ecnerwal. Robert |
#34
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
In article .com,
wrote: That's a huge factor if you're not turning square-dry blanks. Low speed is good for dealing with rough blanks. Yea ... which I used to do a good bit ... start with a 4 X 4 (for legs etc) In that case, the Nova wins. As you can keep extending the length. I've see a 5 ft bed on a Nova 3000 (basicly the earlier version of the one you are considering) -- -------------------------------------------------------- Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read RV and Camping FAQ can be found at http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv |
#36
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
Yea ... which I used to do a good bit ... start with a 4 X 4 (for legs
etc) In that case, the Nova wins. As you can keep extending the length. I've see a 5 ft bed on a Nova 3000 (basicly the earlier version of the one you are considering) Extension beds are available for the Jet. I don't know if you can add multiples theough :-) From: http://www.southern-tool.com/store/j...442_lathe.html WMH708347 $493.12 "BE-57L, Full 57"" Bed Extension with Leg ---- -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#37
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning,rec.woodworking
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
ALL
Thanks much for the advice ... Hope you dont mind a few more questions / bits of info INFO * I did a good bit of turning back in the late 70-mid 80's ... so I am not a complete newbie ... but am just looking for what technology changes have occured that I can take advantage of ... now that I have a larger budget * I tried craigslist (use it all the time here in Colorado Springs) ... most of the stuff were shopsmith (which I tend to avoid) ... there was one really old (1950ish) Powermatic that looked in sad shape ... I even tried the want adds ... which had none for sale * Now that I am making enough to purchase decent quality tools ... I tend to purchase new (which isnt always better) ... but if used isnt available I have to resort to new QUESTIONS: * Why should I consider the Nova ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20011 ) over the Jet ( http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5225 ) ? * With regard to "As mentioned, 90 is plenty. Anything else complicates things." can you elaborate on this? ... as it seems all units now have 360 ... personally I dont see much use for more than 90 ... or even 45 ... from my experience COMMENTS: Kevin (my name as well) ... thanks for the 'kick the tires' primer on lathes ... it is always good to know what to look for when buying used Ecnerwal - I live 1 block from a Harbor Freight ... and I use it often ... but never for power tools from past experiences with Chicago Machinery ... they just dont last ... wore out the bearings and fittings on my variable speed drill press ... replaced it with a Delta Industrial ... Wore out the slide mechanism on my 10 inch sliding chop saw ... replaced it with a Delta 12 inch ... I wont even mention 18V cordless drills Darrell - thanks much for the primer and sharpening tips ... I used to do my own sharpening ... but have lost the skills ... hopefully this will help bring them back I was going to pull out the 3 grades of Smiths stones I use for all my blades |
#38
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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#39
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
On Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:44:40 -0000, wrote:
snip Regarding the Nova vs Jet From my experience ... heavier is more stable ... and as I have all of my tools (with the exceptions of a POS Craftsman radial saw) on wheels ... weight is not really a factor ... other than moving it from the curb I did notice the notice the difference between the 215/3630 rpm I would LOVE to have a speed lower than 450.. thinking of going with the Nova xp but that's a about $2,500 if you want the stand and stuff.. (Nova) ... vs the 450/3000 rpm of the Jet ... What about the HP difference ... 1.5 hp (Nova) vs 1 hp (Jet)? I've always thought that you want all the power you can get, but I've never had a power problem on the 1442 and I admit to abusing it frequently.. the extra 50% hp, assuming that they're both real figures and arrived at with the same math, sure can't hurt, except maybe on the electric bill.. Has anyone heard of durability of Nova's? ... I know and trust Jet for sturdy durable tools At present I am leaning towards the Jet ... if for no other reason than the stability ... and known durability ... but that lower low and higher high of the Nova are quite attractive Can't speak for Nova, though a lot of folks here like them.. besides the Shopsmith, both of my lathes are Jet.. I was so impressed with the Jet mini that it really swayed me towards the Jet brand on the next lathe.. As for purchasing used ... I will have to see what comes along ... as this is a actually my Christmas present from my dad ... so this isnt an IF ... it is a WHEN IMHO, buying used is good because you usually save money and in some cases tools, jigs, etc. are included.. IMHO, buying used is bad because you might be buying someone else's problem, as in used cars.. In new and used, you have to kick the tires.. If you have a turners group in your area, attend a meeting or 3.. it's good experience and you might get some turning time on a few different lathes.. http://www.woodturner.org/community/...t=Chapter+List mac Please remove splinters before emailing |
#40
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Looking for advice for purchasing a wood lathe and tools
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