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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
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New lathe choices....help.....
Good news, the wife says I can buy tools.....BAD news, not enough money for
everything I want (imagine that) I want a new lathe. Here are some of the choices I am looking at and I need some real world help. Harbor freight (don't laugh, I have a small one now and it has been great for what I have asked it to do) Harbor Freight 34706 (12", varible speed) on sale $180 Harbor Freight 90265 (15", variable speed, looks like a knockoff of the Craftsman 15") $399 Craftsman 15" VS lathe $449 Delta 14" $550 I know the Delta is good. But does anyone have experience with the other tools? All advise is welcome and appreciated. |
#2
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Assuming that what you have still works, I suggest that you save for a while more and use
what you have for now. Every machine on that list will limit you severely. Can you quit smoking and put the money in a lathe pot? That way you could kill two birds with one stone. Bill In article outcrafting.com, says... Good news, the wife says I can buy tools.....BAD news, not enough money for everything I want (imagine that) I want a new lathe. Here are some of the choices I am looking at and I need some real world help. Harbor freight (don't laugh, I have a small one now and it has been great for what I have asked it to do) Harbor Freight 34706 (12", varible speed) on sale $180 Harbor Freight 90265 (15", variable speed, looks like a knockoff of the Craftsman 15") $399 Craftsman 15" VS lathe $449 Delta 14" $550 I know the Delta is good. But does anyone have experience with the other tools? All advise is welcome and appreciated. |
#3
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I agree on everything EXCEPT the Delta. If you had the money to
splurge, a Nova 3K (about $1000) would be some better. Otherwise the Delta is at least an order of magnitude better than the others you listed. It's also a good deal better than the Jet 14". Quite honestly, there's nothing wrong with the Delta. It just doesn't have snob appeal. |
#5
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I agree EXCEPT for the Delta. If you can save up $1000 get a Nova 3K,
but if you can't (or don't want to spend that much) the Delta is a "best 2nd choice". There's nothing wrong with it. It just doesn't have snob appeal. |
#6
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It's not just snob appeal. The bearings are only about 3" apart on the
Delta, and will wear out and induce a lot of vibration if you give it heavy use. Also, It gets very exciting to turn natural edge pieces of 14" diameter on the Delta at 450 rpms. I have a new headstock I built with a variable speed motor purchased from Vega. Much better. The camshafts on both the Delta tailstock and toolrest holder bend permanently if locked down hard. The toolrest holder shaft may have bent partly due to a catch. Derek "Larry" wrote in message om... I agree EXCEPT for the Delta. If you can save up $1000 get a Nova 3K, but if you can't (or don't want to spend that much) the Delta is a "best 2nd choice". There's nothing wrong with it. It just doesn't have snob appeal. |
#7
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I have a 14 40 Delta. Will take half of Woodcraft listed price. It's in
Kentucky. e-mail me if interested. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.783 / Virus Database: 529 - Release Date: 10/25/2004 |
#8
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Good news, the wife says I can buy tools.....BAD news, not enough money for everything I want (imagine that) I want a new lathe. Here are some of the choices I am looking at and I need some real world help. Harbor freight (don't laugh, I have a small one now and it has been great for what I have asked it to do) Harbor Freight 34706 (12", varible speed) on sale $180 Harbor Freight 90265 (15", variable speed, looks like a knockoff of the Craftsman 15") $399 Craftsman 15" VS lathe $449 Delta 14" $550 I know the Delta is good. But does anyone have experience with the other tools? All advise is welcome and appreciated. Harbor Freight has Woodfast heavy machines, and I have searched but cannot find a source for parts for their particular model. Nor any reference to this model, anywhere. seems to be a good price. Free shipping too. Alex |
#9
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Thanks for all of the advice. My replies are as follows...
1) I don't smoke...I am a neurology resident and see too many strokes to even contemplate the habit so no money from there. 2) I would love the NOVA but the timing is not right for that big of a purchase. I will be moving to a new house in 2 years and then I will have a real shop built that can house a proper lathe. 3) I went ahead a purchased the HF lathe and will use the extra money for better gouges, grinder, and chucks.... 4) I will try to post some pics of my future works.... Thanks for the advice...... |
#10
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3) I went ahead a purchased the HF lathe and will use the extra money for better gouges, grinder, and chucks.... 4) I will try to post some pics of my future works.... Whoa there... which HF lathe??? Alex |
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