iTopSpin

Current Posts => Collecting, Modding, Turning and Spin Science => Topic started by: poptop on September 04, 2009, 03:40:19 PM

Title: wood turning
Post by: poptop on September 04, 2009, 03:40:19 PM
If a fella' (or a spinqueen) wanted to start turning wood tops, what would be a good lathe to pine for? (get it, pine...) 

Any reccomendations on where to find a good one? New or used?
Title: Re: wood turning
Post by: johnm on September 05, 2009, 09:46:16 PM
I've experienced only one wood lathe which has been fine for me, but then I may just not know what I'm missing by not having a different one.  It's a Jet JML-1014I without the variable speed option.  It came from Amazon.com for $250 and free shipping early in 2008.  There are a bunch of look-a-like models that are cheaper, but when I was looking, the product reviews from people who bought the cheaper ones complained about the plastic handles on the lock downs breaking, so I went with the metal handles on the Jet.  The problem with the Jet that I had is that the threaded rods for locking down the tool rest and tailstock to the bed were very weak and the threads stripped quickly.  I have access to metal working tools so the repair was quick and simple for me but could be a problem for others--I've not had to deal with their customer service. 

I think this is the same model SpinQueen already has but has found that its not shinny enough ;)
perhaps she needs some cash for a guitar.