The best advice I would give to beginning turners is to buy a used lathe cheap to see if you want to continue turning or not. If you do then get the lathe you want and if not you don't have much invested.
Being brand new to the hobby, I'm edging towards used, purely down to budget. The only thing that worries me is I wouldn't know if I was being sold a lemon. Would you consider doing a video on what to look for when buying used? Or point me in the right direction. Cheers.
I'm 68 years old and retired. Thinking about buying a lathe for turning pots for turkey calls. Pretty overwhelmed on everything I need. The Grizzly T25920 looks like a good unit but tooling components has me confused on what all I need. Very good video, thankyou and I will keep being a sponge soaking up information.
well it's a lathe ruclips.net/user/postUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_B1gYdsfCu9k6z but it wasn't what i would have anticipated. Headstock, tailstock, carriage apron are manufactured from aluminum now not cast iron. The spindle diameter for the bearings is too small allowing for a few play in the spindle so I am using some blue Loctite to take out the play.
Super helpful! Thanks! Sorry to see you don’t do many new videos…I get it, they are a lot of work. Appreciate the ones you have and you are a super teacher🙌🏻
Some of the best things to know about wood turning lathes. I am looking at buying a lathe, and do not know a lot, this helped me understand what I need to look for, and how to shop for value. Thanks.
Excellent video! It has been a good help when deciding which lathe to buy. Would it be possible with a shopping guide for woodturning tools too? Perhaps showing the difference between cheap and expensive tools, the pros and cons of buying a set of tools, which ones to buy first if not buying a set? I think I wouldn't be alone wishing for such a guide without the sales pitch. 🙂 (I'm not sure I use the correct terminology, but with "woodturning tools" I mean the gouges, chisels, etc that are used when woodturning.)
Thanks so much! A guide to buying woodturning tools would be a great idea! Yes You are using the correct terminology. I call them turning tools but I have heard them called Chisels, gouges, and knives ext. Which tools to buy first is also a great video idea. I’ll get working on videos, but just as a thought my top three would be a spindle roughing gouge, a 3/8” spindle gouge, and a parting tool. If you plan on making bowls a 1/2” bowl gouge would be a great starter as well.
im from philippines and i really like this kind of work . hope someday i can buy that kind of lathe :( i have my own but improvise . just for ballesters only . i really love doing cups bowls etc. but for now , imagination :)
I have been woodworking forever and had never turned on a lathe. I was NOT going to drop upwards of $2000 on a lathe not having any idea if I would even like it. I opted for a Delta. I think it's called a "midi". Couldn't be happier. Under $1000, handles most everything I wanted to do to learn and fits in my tiny space available. It of course has its' limitations but the quality was very good for the price. Now, two years later I am ready for a full size lathe but have no plans of getting rid of my Delta. FYI, it is a new Delta, not an old school Delta which I would have preferred. Now I am ready to drop $2k, maybe even $3k on a decent full size lathe. I wish I had gotten into turning decades ago. Fun and practical.
The question is which bigger lathe!? Your video was a good one and showed every single available option out there for lathes in general but I don't think I saw a l preference towards one or the other. In my search I "think" Laguna offers the most bang for buck? I was looking at the 18/36. I have a few Powermatic tools and they have been great but not cheap. I may go that route if I am able. No one wants to make such a large investment and find out their 600 pound, $4k lathe is not up to the task. Rather than getting a lathe that already has everything on it it may be more prudent to buy one with upgradability and add things on as time goes on and the need arises for other features.@@Geiserwoodturner
@@johnbauby6612I think if I was to recommend something it would be Powermatic. It is a bit more $ though. My experience with my Laguna lathe is that it is adequate. I’ve had the chance to upgrade more than once and have not however. Over the years I’ve worked through most of the quirks and problems and I’m satisfied with my 18/36. It does what I need it to do and that is what counts. If I were to upgrade it would be to a Vicmarc or Robust lathe, but they are high end and pricey. So I guess in summary Laguna is adequate and a good value for the money but you may have tool rest banjo and possible electronics issues. I’ve heard good and bad about customer service. Powermatic is a great machine, more expensive. I’ve heard that they have less problems but can have some. I’ve heard they have great customer service. I hope this helps some. 😊
This is the best lathe buying video - I have seen! Do you have a pie in the sky best full size lathe you would recommend with all features excluding limitations of cost ….what is considered the best out there ?
Good question! I am torn between the Robust American Beauty or the Vicmarc VL300. Neither of which I can afford. I have demonstrated on an American beauty and it is a well thought out machine.
Here are some brands I’d recommend. After that you have to determine the size and features you need. I’ve never made pipes yet so I can’t tell you. If price is no issue I’d go with Robust, Oneway, or Powermatic. Otherwise jet, Nova, and Laguna make great lathes. I hope this helps.
Hi, Thank you very much for the quick reply and information. I have been researching the Laguna Series of Lathes and they look very good and have as well pretty good reviews everywhere.
It was very informative...but I'm still so confused. Money and space are not a issue but I will be a wet behind the war beginner...show I start with a midi...
If money and space aren’t an issue it doesn’t hurt to start with a midi lathe. If you want to you can always upgrade when you want to do bigger items. Especially if you have the money to upgrade. Thanks!
Unfortunately I’ve not yet made pool cues. I’m also not an expert on CNC machines or Metal lathes. I specialize in working wood with hand tools. While I am sure wood pool cues could be manufactured on a metal lathe or cnc I’m not the one to help you with that. I would suggest finding someone with experience making pool cues and see if you could talk to them or get them to mentor you.
OK here's my problem, I inherited a lathe from my father, its a chimerical lathe from the1920's the spindle is about 1 1/2 with a alum. face plate frozen on it! every of my turning friends tell to junk it and get a newer lathe! On the other hand I would like to fix and bring it back to life any suggestions?
I’m not an expert on restoring lathes and without a lot of info I can only give some advice. Spray it with a good penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. If you can get wrenches on it great. I recommend tapping on the one on the faceplate with a mallet rather than a straight twisting motion. If you don’t mind destroying the faceplate a pipe wrench might work. A small amount of heat might help expand the metal. I’ve heard of people just cutting down till they almost reach the threads and splitting it off with a cold chisel. I hope some of this helps. Good luck with your project.
This was just what I was looking for, very informative thanks. A question tho. At 7:42 Spindle indexing, I get that you can lock the spindle in a certain position, but why? What are patterns and flutes? Thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks I’m glad the video was helpful. As for spindle indexing a lot of turners use it to drill holes in the rim of a bowl to space them evenly around the piece. Then they can inlay the holes with another material. With a jig you can use a router to make grooves, or coves (flutes) horizontally along a spindle that are evenly spaced around the piece. You’ve probably seen it on furniture or architectural work. You can also use indexing to mark lines with a pencil to burn in later for a basket illusion technique. Great question thanks for watching!
@@Geiserwoodturner Thanks so much for coming back here and explaining that. Ive looked at a bunch of other 'Which Lathe' videos and while they pointed out the indexing system I still had no idea what it meant. I am glad I am one of your subs.
Jason, I have the Laguna 18-36 which I purchased April 2017. I am wondering if you have had problems with the digital display or the reset. Thanks, Ed W
Only problem I have had is the start button sticking. Also an alignment problem with the tailstock. Works great ever since I worked out how to fix. I’ve had it for about 2 years now!
Try to physically look at the lathe before you buy, try to avoid lathes with threads straight into soft cast iron, soft metals on some lathes are a huge problem. My Nova comet tool rest snapped due to it being cast, also the tool rest tightening thread cammed out.
Most full size lathes would have the capacity for a baseball bat. The second number in the model number is usually the length capacity. You need anywhere from 36” to 42” for a bat. A mini lathe will do this with an extension.
hi there, i need help about choice for my first lathe . i want to work with resin and wood. i want to build or create resin nightlamp or resin&wood box and wood plate. but i dont have any friend or neighbour about this job. i dont have any people around my area for ask and learn something. i am watching all youtube channel about woodworking or resin handmade job. i learn one thing about this "I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS" i dont know how will i start to work with lathe. i dont know how will i choice my first lathe. i dont know how will i choice with other equipment for work with lathe. i dont know to choice correct wood for project. i need pressure pot and i will make it with pressure cooker an old one. but my biggest problem is i dont have any idea about choice my first lathe. i need help about this. if you have any idea about this can you help me...? thanks for all.
Same, except I'm working in a garden shed, so I have very limited space. I would like to work with wood/resin but don't know where to start, please help
@@giannimura8870 i write soo many youtuber about woodworking but all of them says find a mentor and ask them. i start to build a pressure pot now. after i will start to made night lamb and other wood resin pieces. if you want write me mail seroler@hotmail.com we can help us dont need other BIG youtuber
It sounds like you have a passion for learning this skill. That’s great! I hope this video can help you find a lathe. My best recommendation is to find one large enough for what you want to do and built very solid. Depending on where you are that can be more or less difficult. Some good brands in the USA are Jet, powermatic, nova, Laguna. Hopefully you can find something you can afford in your area. I had to order something online at first because I couldn’t find a supplier in my area. I started with a mini lathe and it worked until I wanted to make larger bowls. As for learning if you don’t have a mentor you can still learn! Focus on learning techniques on each tool that you have. There is much to learn but it can be done. Even if you are not in the USA you can Join or look at the website of the American Association of Woodturners if you would like. (Aaw). Their website has a lot of videos about technique that are checked for safety. RUclips is great but unfortunately you have to be careful because I see many unsafe practices being done. In fact if you see anything on my channel that is unsafe don’t do it! (I’m not perfect) Keep learning and you will be there before you know it! Best of luck! If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I’ll get to them as soon as I can.
That’s awesome! My first shop was an 8’ x 8’ garden shed. There was enough room for a small workbench, a bandsaw, a bench-top drill press, and a mini lathe. It was a great space to do pens and small projects. I would like to do more work with resin as well. Maybe I will get a pressure pot and we can learn together! (I’ll do a video about it when I can)
Thanks glad you found it informative! I’m still working on my Editing skills I’m still a RUclips Newbie..... Always glad to know how I can improve though!
Just looking into getting a lathe so I very much appreciate your advise, wisdom and experience on this topic. Straight forward, no non-sense, and informative. Thanks !!
This video is very informative and helped answer my many questions. I don’t like to ask in stores because I feel and I am just being sold to.... I watched your challenge video and found this afterwards! Great video!
Thanks John! I often feel the same way about being sold to. I like to make my own decisions about if I think a feature will be helpful or not. Thanks so much for watching!
I have been turning for a few years now and need to upgrade my 14" general lathe. I love the lathe but have outgrown it and I'm testing its limits. Mainly the weight of blanks at 13.5" by 6" that I'm turning. Your video is a good reminder of the elements involved in choosing a new lathe and it was was well worth watching. Thanks.Montana Wood Art Bozeman MT.
Thank you! It was hard to do this subject justice. As you know there is much more than I could ever include in a video. I’m always glad if this helps in your decisions! 😀
i am a teen That is into woodwork and i was thinking what lathe i should get i have £200 and i obnly need something small that can do small bowl a file handle or anything around that any recommendations?
It sounds like you may be from the UK. I’m not totally familiar with prices and brands in your area, I did a quick search and found a Record Power lathe for £239 from Yandles. I’ve heard they are a good brand. Other than that you may look for a used mini lathe. Search for some woodturning groups in your area and they might be able to help you locate a good lathe.
Very well thought out and informative. I sure wish I would have seen your video before I bought my lathe. Your video hit many more points about needs and wants. As it turns out my choice of lathe was just right for me and your video would have saved me a lot of time. Following your points led me to the lathe I have and, for what it's worth, I suggest anyone watching this video to watch it a few more times and really concentrate on the questions and points brought out. You will save yourself time and possibly heartache if you follow Jason's advice and guidance. Sorry for the long comment. Thank you, Jason.
Thanks Scott! I’ve really been a tool junky for a long time. I love to understand why you need all these fancy features that manufacturers build in to their products. Great to hear the praise! Hope this video helps some woodturners!
I like the advice and/or question asking: Does it give you room to grow? I think all lathes can evenntually turn into a "growth mechanism" depending on where you want to grow to....if you want to become a pro at woodturning, you will start as a beginner and advance throughout time (hopefully saving money) until you have enough money for a bigger lathe. this will be your next one....and on and on....until you are woodturning full sized stair rails, circular tables, maybe pool tables, but that is a massive project for way later on...Mind you that's saying that you end up really liking woodtuning, if you don't or just see it as a hobby, beginner may always be a wonderful fit for you, because a beginner wood lathe and tools can make enough stuff for hobbyists that will allow you to enjoy the craft, but if you want to advance, that's gonna take more money, time, tools, etc. to succeed. The experience is nice, but it's all up to the person. So answering the 'room to grow' question....Solution to that is: It's all up to you. Plus, if you can sell your lathe work for cash to others, that always helps for further growth :)
I like the way you put this. It makes me think of a question I heard at a professional conference once. The question was “what are you doing to improve yourself?” We should always be improving ourselves and if we are not, something is wrong and we should examine ourselves. Maybe there is something new to try or learn. Great comment!
This had a ton of useful information. I'm building my shop without sparing expense, so the detailed explanation about options, and what makes the extras worth the higher cost was very helpful. Great video, keep em coming.!
Thanks. I'm new to the hobby. Started watching turning videos about 2 years ago to help with insomnia (not an insult)😂. I became obsessed and now want my own set up. I found this video after watching hundreds of adverts disguised as reviews. Yours was no nonsense and told me everything I needed to know. Cheers
Great video, want to start wood working, I would like to only buy a lathe once and would like to do big things, have a nice budget what would u recommend lathe, tools ect. Thank you
If you only want to buy once and large capacity is what you want. I would look into Robust, Vicmarc, or even Oneway or Powermatic lathes. I listed them in order of my preference but all are good trusted brands. If you go with a Powermatic on Amazon click on one of my links before you do. 😉😆😁 it won’t cost you anything and I’ll make a small commission. But seriously they make a 24” capacity lathe with a sliding headstock for outboard turning if you want to go larger. I’m really in love with the Robust American Beauty as well check it out. I wish you well!
The trick is in the little details. Thank you for an excellent breakdown! God Bless. I do wood cnc and hand engraving. And Tansu boxes from start to finish. If you need help or advice, let me know. Happy to pay forward! Thanks again.
Hi, great video, very well presented and informative. My question, I wish to purchase a lathe for turning my own topwater fishing lures but am unsure of the size (motor capacity) I will need to do this? Some of the topwater lures are for big fish so I would be starting with wood sized in diameter 100millimeters by 100millimeters. I also noticed that a manufactured lathe can bear many different brand names and it is a little confusing reading reviews. Could you please tell me what manufactures you would personally recommend? Thank you very much.
I’d be happy to recommend some brand names. I just didn’t in the video because I wanted to keep it unbiased. Most lathes should be able to handle the size you are talking about. You might want to think about if you want to expand to bigger items later. (I know I did). I’d probably recommend a lathe with a 12” swing or better. Usually a good brand with a bigger swing will have a motor to match. Some good brands include Jet, Laguna, Nova. I’ve heard good and bad about Grizzly full size lathes (but I know people that love them). If you can afford it the top of the line lathes would be Powermatic, Oneway, Vicmarc, and Robust. I own a Laguna Lathe and I like it. Jet, Nova, and Laguna all have 12” swing variable speed lathes now that are comparable in price. I hope this helps! Happy turning!
In woodturning you add skills upon skills. I will be learning for the rest of my life. However you can become reasonably proficient with basic skills in several weeks to several months depending on how much time you work on your skills. After that the frustration starts to smooth out and confidence sets in. Little by little it becomes more satisfying and rewarding as you go! I know It’s a long answer but I hope it helps!
After watching your video I've decided I'm going to buy the Record herald , was going to buy a smaller lathe for £150 for starting off but think I will just go with the larger herald think all in with chuck etc will be about £1000 , hopefully get a black friday deal tomorrow. 😀
Looking to buy my first lathe. This was a great video, I learned a lot. As far as brands and models are concerned, do you have any recommendations? Money is always a issue, but I know that good tools cost money. I think I would like a full size lathe. I have a few grizzly wood products, and have considered going that route. I do have a couple Laguna tools, and know they make a premium product. Other names I know are delta, and jet. Just not sure where my best bang for the buck is. I would like to be at or under the $2k mark. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
As far as brands go all the companies that you mentioned have lathes that I would recommend. I use a Laguna lathe and would recommend it but it’s a touch over your 2k limit. Delta is good. Jet is great. I’ve never turned on a grizzly but have owned other woodworking tools. I’ve heard from others they can be great. If I were to do it again I might go with a Grizzly just to save some money and get more chuck jaws and tools. I’ve been happy with my Laguna though. I haven’t been able to slow it down yet! I hope some of this helps. It sounds like you are on the right track!
Hey Jason, I am Lender and I’d like to start my own business here in the Cayman Islands and I’d like to start turning these wooden things to put flowers and also small bowls to use like sugar for the coffee and stuff, basically like to specify in a few things for decoration and also to give it some of use, so, what do you think it will be like a list to start…?????!!!
Hey Lender, this question has more answers than I can give in a short comment. For now the main thing you need is experience. Learn all you can and try it out! A basic list would include a wood lathe, turning tools, a chuck, drill bits, and the list goes on from there. You can go high tech or low tech (people have been woodturning for thousands of years). Find something you want to make and figure out what you need to make that project. Try to find experienced woodturners that can help you along the way. Hope that helps! Welcome!
Very informative, thank you. I do have a question. How long does it take the average person to become proficient at using a lathe? I’ve started my wood shop a little over a year ago and I understand you never stop learning. I’m just curious as to how long it would take someone to become confident and capable.
It depends on the person, but I would say it can take several weeks to several months to become reasonably proficient. It depends on how often you practice. Also, it is really helpful to have a more experienced mentor in your area to bounce ideas off of. “Confident and capable” takes more time and is added on to you with each successful piece you are able to complete. It means you also have a lot of failures and you’ve learned how to correct them. Really I’d say after a year if you have the practice and learning in, woodturning really begins to be less of a worry about doing something wrong, and more relaxing and enjoyable! Best wishes!
great video new wood turner myself so thanks and cant wait to watch your turning videos and i myself will be uploading some turning stuff on my channel
Thanks cool advice, i have just purchased (not got yet) a mid sized lathe Record DML320 (i am in the UK) I have just ordered a Record Power SC3 Geared Scroll Chuck Package. Your video has convinced me i have done right. I now need to educate myself before leaping into a buying a starter pen turning kit. Cheers Paul
This is great! I’m so glad this video helped. I tried to keep it generic enough that it would help wherever you are. Besides there aren’t any lathe manufacturers filling my pockets with money so......🙂 Enjoy the woodturning!
You will be happier with the results the more tackle woodturning one step at a time. Sounds like you are on the right track. Thanks for watching! I hope you are turning those logs and stumps soon.
I don’t have a video at this time on this subject. Interesting topic though. I’ve only ever used lathes with a sliding headstock. Both would make it possible to get the lathe bed out of the way for outboard turning. The only differences would be in the comfort of the user and price of attachments needed to outboard turn. There are some advantages to either one might make a great video! Thanks
This has been thus far the best and most detailed of any video I’ve watched explaining the in and outs of choosing a lathe. Thank you!
Thanks!
Had to break out the pen lol
No, thank you.
The best advice I would give to beginning turners is to buy a used lathe cheap to see if you want to continue turning or not. If you do then get the lathe you want and if not you don't have much invested.
Good advice
Being brand new to the hobby, I'm edging towards used, purely down to budget. The only thing that worries me is I wouldn't know if I was being sold a lemon.
Would you consider doing a video on what to look for when buying used?
Or point me in the right direction.
Cheers.
I'm 68 years old and retired. Thinking about buying a lathe for turning pots for turkey calls. Pretty overwhelmed on everything I need. The Grizzly T25920 looks like a good unit but tooling components has me confused on what all I need. Very good video, thankyou and I will keep being a sponge soaking up information.
well it's a lathe ruclips.net/user/postUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_B1gYdsfCu9k6z but it wasn't what i would have anticipated. Headstock, tailstock, carriage apron are manufactured from aluminum now not cast iron. The spindle diameter for the bearings is too small allowing for a few play in the spindle so I am using some blue Loctite to take out the play.
Super helpful! Thanks! Sorry to see you don’t do many new videos…I get it, they are a lot of work. Appreciate the ones you have and you are a super teacher🙌🏻
Excellent video and coverage.
This is a really good video. Lots of information; no too long.
Thanks so much!
Some of the best things to know about wood turning lathes. I am looking at buying a lathe, and do not know a lot, this helped me understand what I need to look for, and how to shop for value. Thanks.
So glad I could help!
Excellent video for a beginner looking for basic to look after and avoid mistakes on lathe purchasing. Thanks
well done; I've had my Laguna like yours now for several years. Solid lathe.
Laguna doesn’t do too bad for the price!
Great video. Kudos for the variety of shots and B Roll.
Thanks Mike! Great to hear! I’ve had many good ideas from your channel as well. Thank you 😁
Very helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to produce one that considers so many different points without promoting a specific brand.
Your welcome! I really tried to make it not brand specific. Besides I figured I don’t need to advertise a product unless they are paying me!
Nice job!!
Very good advice,
Thank you 😊
Detailed, yet succinct. Very nice video!
Thanks
I have a Harbor Fretght and I love it
I know lots that love harbor freight lathes! Great!
Excellent video! It has been a good help when deciding which lathe to buy. Would it be possible with a shopping guide for woodturning tools too? Perhaps showing the difference between cheap and expensive tools, the pros and cons of buying a set of tools, which ones to buy first if not buying a set? I think I wouldn't be alone wishing for such a guide without the sales pitch. 🙂
(I'm not sure I use the correct terminology, but with "woodturning tools" I mean the gouges, chisels, etc that are used when woodturning.)
Thanks so much! A guide to buying woodturning tools would be a great idea! Yes You are using the correct terminology. I call them turning tools but I have heard them called Chisels, gouges, and knives ext. Which tools to buy first is also a great video idea. I’ll get working on videos, but just as a thought my top three would be a spindle roughing gouge, a 3/8” spindle gouge, and a parting tool. If you plan on making bowls a 1/2” bowl gouge would be a great starter as well.
GREAT JOB...THANKS...
im from philippines and i really like this kind of work . hope someday i can buy that kind of lathe :( i have my own but improvise . just for ballesters only . i really love doing cups bowls etc. but for now , imagination :)
Nice! Keep going, it was many small miracles that led to my lathe! I hope things work well for you.
@@Geiserwoodturner thankyou. done clicking the subscribe :) God bless sir.
lots of great information. thanks a lot
Dust collection is good to have when sanding.
I have been woodworking forever and had never turned on a lathe. I was NOT going to drop upwards of $2000 on a lathe not having any idea if I would even like it. I opted for a Delta. I think it's called a "midi". Couldn't be happier. Under $1000, handles most everything I wanted to do to learn and fits in my tiny space available. It of course has its' limitations but the quality was very good for the price. Now, two years later I am ready for a full size lathe but have no plans of getting rid of my Delta. FYI, it is a new Delta, not an old school Delta which I would have preferred. Now I am ready to drop $2k, maybe even $3k on a decent full size lathe. I wish I had gotten into turning decades ago. Fun and practical.
Great! Woodturning hooks ya! I wish you well in your search for a bigger lathe! 😀
The question is which bigger lathe!? Your video was a good one and showed every single available option out there for lathes in general but I don't think I saw a l preference towards one or the other. In my search I "think" Laguna offers the most bang for buck? I was looking at the 18/36. I have a few Powermatic tools and they have been great but not cheap. I may go that route if I am able. No one wants to make such a large investment and find out their 600 pound, $4k lathe is not up to the task. Rather than getting a lathe that already has everything on it it may be more prudent to buy one with upgradability and add things on as time goes on and the need arises for other features.@@Geiserwoodturner
@@johnbauby6612I think if I was to recommend something it would be Powermatic. It is a bit more $ though. My experience with my Laguna lathe is that it is adequate. I’ve had the chance to upgrade more than once and have not however. Over the years I’ve worked through most of the quirks and problems and I’m satisfied with my 18/36. It does what I need it to do and that is what counts. If I were to upgrade it would be to a Vicmarc or Robust lathe, but they are high end and pricey. So I guess in summary Laguna is adequate and a good value for the money but you may have tool rest banjo and possible electronics issues. I’ve heard good and bad about customer service. Powermatic is a great machine, more expensive. I’ve heard that they have less problems but can have some. I’ve heard they have great customer service.
I hope this helps some. 😊
I’d love to own that Laguna!
It’s a good lathe! I recommend one!
Thanks for your time to make a great video, learning here.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking the time for this. Much appreciated.
Bought a powermatic lathe in February, still waiting for the bed extension. Now they are saying July
Oh man hope you get it soon and can turn longer stuff soon.
This is the best lathe buying video - I have seen! Do you have a pie in the sky best full size lathe you would recommend with all features excluding limitations of cost ….what is considered the best out there ?
Good question! I am torn between the Robust American Beauty or the Vicmarc VL300. Neither of which I can afford. I have demonstrated on an American beauty and it is a well thought out machine.
THANKS FOR THE EXPLANATION
Just great! Thank you very much!
Very helpful ty
I am a smoking pipe mater what lathe would you recomend. Price is not an issue, thank you for the great video.
Here are some brands I’d recommend. After that you have to determine the size and features you need. I’ve never made pipes yet so I can’t tell you. If price is no issue I’d go with Robust, Oneway, or Powermatic. Otherwise jet, Nova, and Laguna make great lathes. I hope this helps.
Hi, Thank you very much for the quick reply and information. I have been researching the Laguna Series of Lathes and they look very good and have as well pretty good reviews everywhere.
It was very informative...but I'm still so confused. Money and space are not a issue but I will be a wet behind the war beginner...show I start with a midi...
If money and space aren’t an issue it doesn’t hurt to start with a midi lathe. If you want to you can always upgrade when you want to do bigger items. Especially if you have the money to upgrade. Thanks!
I want to make pool cues, please help me can i buy cnc metal lathe? 🙏🏻
Unfortunately I’ve not yet made pool cues. I’m also not an expert on CNC machines or Metal lathes. I specialize in working wood with hand tools. While I am sure wood pool cues could be manufactured on a metal lathe or cnc I’m not the one to help you with that. I would suggest finding someone with experience making pool cues and see if you could talk to them or get them to mentor you.
OK here's my problem, I inherited a lathe from my father, its a chimerical lathe from the1920's
the spindle is about 1 1/2 with a alum. face plate frozen on it!
every of my turning friends tell to junk it and get a newer lathe!
On the other hand I would like to fix and bring it back to life any suggestions?
sorry about missed words im writing this at 3:00 am
I’m not an expert on restoring lathes and without a lot of info I can only give some advice. Spray it with a good penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. If you can get wrenches on it great. I recommend tapping on the one on the faceplate with a mallet rather than a straight twisting motion. If you don’t mind destroying the faceplate a pipe wrench might work. A small amount of heat might help expand the metal. I’ve heard of people just cutting down till they almost reach the threads and splitting it off with a cold chisel. I hope some of this helps. Good luck with your project.
This was just what I was looking for, very informative thanks. A question tho. At 7:42 Spindle indexing, I get that you can lock the spindle in a certain position, but why? What are patterns and flutes? Thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks I’m glad the video was helpful. As for spindle indexing a lot of turners use it to drill holes in the rim of a bowl to space them evenly around the piece. Then they can inlay the holes with another material. With a jig you can use a router to make grooves, or coves (flutes) horizontally along a spindle that are evenly spaced around the piece. You’ve probably seen it on furniture or architectural work. You can also use indexing to mark lines with a pencil to burn in later for a basket illusion technique. Great question thanks for watching!
@@Geiserwoodturner Thanks so much for coming back here and explaining that. Ive looked at a bunch of other 'Which Lathe' videos and while they pointed out the indexing system I still had no idea what it meant. I am glad I am one of your subs.
Jason,
I have the Laguna 18-36 which I purchased April 2017. I am wondering if you have had problems with the digital display or the reset.
Thanks,
Ed W
Only problem I have had is the start button sticking. Also an alignment problem with the tailstock. Works great ever since I worked out how to fix. I’ve had it for about 2 years now!
I've been beating my 18-36 with no issues
I have not had any. I'll let you know if I do.
Try to physically look at the lathe before you buy, try to avoid lathes with threads straight into soft cast iron, soft metals on some lathes are a huge problem. My Nova comet tool rest snapped due to it being cast, also the tool rest tightening thread cammed out.
Also think about an aftermarket tool rest. Most of them are not great. That is unless you buy a Robust lathe!
What size lathe do I need to make a baseball bat?
Most full size lathes would have the capacity for a baseball bat. The second number in the model number is usually the length capacity. You need anywhere from 36” to 42” for a bat. A mini lathe will do this with an extension.
hi there,
i need help about choice for my first lathe .
i want to work with resin and wood.
i want to build or create resin nightlamp or resin&wood box and wood plate.
but i dont have any friend or neighbour about this job. i dont have any people around my area for ask and learn something.
i am watching all youtube channel about woodworking or resin handmade job.
i learn one thing about this "I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS"
i dont know how will i start to work with lathe.
i dont know how will i choice my first lathe.
i dont know how will i choice with other equipment for work with lathe.
i dont know to choice correct wood for project.
i need pressure pot and i will make it with pressure cooker an old one.
but my biggest problem is i dont have any idea about choice my first lathe.
i need help about this.
if you have any idea about this can you help me...?
thanks for all.
Same, except I'm working in a garden shed, so I have very limited space. I would like to work with wood/resin but don't know where to start, please help
@@giannimura8870 i write soo many youtuber about woodworking but all of them says find a mentor and ask them.
i start to build a pressure pot now. after i will start to made night lamb and other wood resin pieces.
if you want write me mail seroler@hotmail.com we can help us dont need other BIG youtuber
It sounds like you have a passion for learning this skill. That’s great! I hope this video can help you find a lathe. My best recommendation is to find one large enough for what you want to do and built very solid. Depending on where you are that can be more or less difficult. Some good brands in the USA are Jet, powermatic, nova, Laguna. Hopefully you can find something you can afford in your area. I had to order something online at first because I couldn’t find a supplier in my area. I started with a mini lathe and it worked until I wanted to make larger bowls.
As for learning if you don’t have a mentor you can still learn! Focus on learning techniques on each tool that you have. There is much to learn but it can be done. Even if you are not in the USA you can Join or look at the website of the American Association of Woodturners if you would like. (Aaw). Their website has a lot of videos about technique that are checked for safety. RUclips is great but unfortunately you have to be careful because I see many unsafe practices being done. In fact if you see anything on my channel that is unsafe don’t do it! (I’m not perfect)
Keep learning and you will be there before you know it! Best of luck! If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I’ll get to them as soon as I can.
That’s awesome! My first shop was an 8’ x 8’ garden shed. There was enough room for a small workbench, a bandsaw, a bench-top drill press, and a mini lathe. It was a great space to do pens and small projects. I would like to do more work with resin as well. Maybe I will get a pressure pot and we can learn together! (I’ll do a video about it when I can)
@@giannimura8870 Have you seen Andy Phillips Chanel. He is a turner and works with epoxy and works out of a shed.
If you buy a smaller lathe, do not get variable speed. The slower you go, the less power you have. Opposite of what you need.
Good advice! I’ve noticed this on many smaller lathes. If you want low speed torque you’d better go with 220V with a VFD.
u7
Better if you synchronise your speech to the video please, otherwise very informative, thanks.
Thanks glad you found it informative! I’m still working on my Editing skills I’m still a RUclips Newbie..... Always glad to know how I can improve though!
Just took a wood turning class yesterday. Now I'm looking for my first lathe. Thanks for pointing out the things to look for and some specifications.
Just looking into getting a lathe so I very much appreciate your advise, wisdom and experience on this topic. Straight forward, no non-sense, and informative. Thanks !!
Thank you! That is exactly what this video was intended for. I’m glad to hear it was helpful.
This video is very informative and helped answer my many questions. I don’t like to ask in stores because I feel and I am just being sold to.... I watched your challenge video and found this afterwards! Great video!
Thanks John! I often feel the same way about being sold to. I like to make my own decisions about if I think a feature will be helpful or not. Thanks so much for watching!
choose a lathe depending on what you’ll use it for and how often.
Excellent informative video in a week where I'm shopping for my first wood lathe.
get a HF 10/18 mini lathe and you will not be sorry
By far the most informative video I have watched so far.
Thanks I wanted it to be packed with information! Thanks for watching!
Nice. From India
I have been turning for a few years now and need to upgrade my 14" general lathe. I love the lathe but have outgrown it and I'm testing its limits. Mainly the weight of blanks at 13.5" by 6" that I'm turning. Your video is a good reminder of the elements involved in choosing a new lathe and it was was well worth watching. Thanks.Montana Wood Art Bozeman MT.
Thank you! It was hard to do this subject justice. As you know there is much more than I could ever include in a video. I’m always glad if this helps in your decisions! 😀
Excellent and informative video. Thank you. I subscribed.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for subscribing!
i am a teen That is into woodwork and i was thinking what lathe i should get i have £200 and i obnly need something small that can do small bowl a file handle or anything around that any recommendations?
It sounds like you may be from the UK. I’m not totally familiar with prices and brands in your area, I did a quick search and found a Record Power lathe for £239 from Yandles. I’ve heard they are a good brand. Other than that you may look for a used mini lathe. Search for some woodturning groups in your area and they might be able to help you locate a good lathe.
@@Geiserwoodturner would parkside be a good one?
@@lucaskeys6092 no idea never heard of it.
Harbor Freight best buy for the money
AWESOME ADVICE!!!! THANKS!!!
Glad you liked it! I’m open to suggestions for other videos on what you think would be helpful.
Very well thought out and informative. I sure wish I would have seen your video before I bought my lathe. Your video hit many more points about needs and wants. As it turns out my choice of lathe was just right for me and your video would have saved me a lot of time. Following your points led me to the lathe I have and, for what it's worth, I suggest anyone watching this video to watch it a few more times and really concentrate on the questions and points brought out. You will save yourself time and possibly heartache if you follow Jason's advice and guidance. Sorry for the long comment. Thank you, Jason.
Thanks Scott! I’ve really been a tool junky for a long time. I love to understand why you need all these fancy features that manufacturers build in to their products. Great to hear the praise! Hope this video helps some woodturners!
I like the advice and/or question asking: Does it give you room to grow? I think all lathes can evenntually turn into a "growth mechanism" depending on where you want to grow to....if you want to become a pro at woodturning, you will start as a beginner and advance throughout time (hopefully saving money) until you have enough money for a bigger lathe. this will be your next one....and on and on....until you are woodturning full sized stair rails, circular tables, maybe pool tables, but that is a massive project for way later on...Mind you that's saying that you end up really liking woodtuning, if you don't or just see it as a hobby, beginner may always be a wonderful fit for you, because a beginner wood lathe and tools can make enough stuff for hobbyists that will allow you to enjoy the craft, but if you want to advance, that's gonna take more money, time, tools, etc. to succeed. The experience is nice, but it's all up to the person. So answering the 'room to grow' question....Solution to that is: It's all up to you. Plus, if you can sell your lathe work for cash to others, that always helps for further growth :)
I like the way you put this. It makes me think of a question I heard at a professional conference once. The question was “what are you doing to improve yourself?” We should always be improving ourselves and if we are not, something is wrong and we should examine ourselves. Maybe there is something new to try or learn. Great comment!
@@Geiserwoodturner Thank you, thank you :)
This had a ton of useful information. I'm building my shop without sparing expense, so the detailed explanation about options, and what makes the extras worth the higher cost was very helpful. Great video, keep em coming.!
Thanks I’m glad to know this was helpful! More videos on the way soon!
Just the video I was looking for before buying a lathe. Perfect amount of detail.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck
Very helpful information. Thank you!
Nice video, very very informative ! Thank you
Very nicely done, sir. The information you said you would provide, plus some. No BS. Nice video!
variable speed is vital, do not buy something else
It is if you need to go seamlessly between speeds. If you can afford it, get it!
What lathe should i buy WELL I AM WAITING
Ha ha. I’m going to have to tell you a Robust American beauty then. 🤣
Thanks. I'm new to the hobby. Started watching turning videos about 2 years ago to help with insomnia (not an insult)😂.
I became obsessed and now want my own set up.
I found this video after watching hundreds of adverts disguised as reviews.
Yours was no nonsense and told me everything I needed to know.
Cheers
Great video, want to start wood working, I would like to only buy a lathe once and would like to do big things, have a nice budget what would u recommend lathe, tools ect. Thank you
If you only want to buy once and large capacity is what you want. I would look into Robust, Vicmarc, or even Oneway or Powermatic lathes. I listed them in order of my preference but all are good trusted brands. If you go with a Powermatic on Amazon click on one of my links before you do. 😉😆😁 it won’t cost you anything and I’ll make a small commission. But seriously they make a 24” capacity lathe with a sliding headstock for outboard turning if you want to go larger. I’m really in love with the Robust American Beauty as well check it out. I wish you well!
The trick is in the little details. Thank you for an excellent breakdown! God Bless. I do wood cnc and hand engraving. And Tansu boxes from start to finish. If you need help or advice, let me know. Happy to pay forward! Thanks again.
Very informative thank you for this it's what I needed to see for helping me determine my next lathe purchase.
Thanks for watching. I’m very glad I could help!
Great information. Thanks.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
How much price l can get
I am thinking about buying a wood lathe. Thanks so much for your time explaining the options. Happy turning.
Hi, great video, very well presented and informative. My question, I wish to purchase a lathe for turning my own topwater fishing lures but am unsure of the size (motor capacity) I will need to do this? Some of the topwater lures are for big fish so I would be starting with wood sized in diameter 100millimeters by 100millimeters. I also noticed that a manufactured lathe can bear many different brand names and it is a little confusing reading reviews. Could you please tell me what manufactures you would personally recommend? Thank you very much.
I’d be happy to recommend some brand names. I just didn’t in the video because I wanted to keep it unbiased. Most lathes should be able to handle the size you are talking about. You might want to think about if you want to expand to bigger items later. (I know I did). I’d probably recommend a lathe with a 12” swing or better. Usually a good brand with a bigger swing will have a motor to match. Some good brands include Jet, Laguna, Nova. I’ve heard good and bad about Grizzly full size lathes (but I know people that love them). If you can afford it the top of the line lathes would be Powermatic, Oneway, Vicmarc, and Robust. I own a Laguna Lathe and I like it. Jet, Nova, and Laguna all have 12” swing variable speed lathes now that are comparable in price. I hope this helps! Happy turning!
@@Geiserwoodturner Thank you for the advice, it is very much appreciated.
Very clear simple advice. Thanks
Thanks, wonderfully informative and loved the woodchuck!
Thanks! I spent hours learning how to put the woodchuck photo together. Now I’ve forgotten everything! Pretty normal I guess.
Thanks! Great video.
Thanks for the video dude! I'm looking into buying a lathe and I have no idea what im doing. This video was incredibly helpful.
Glad I could help!
Very helpful. 🙂
Thank you. Very informative
Thanks so much!
How long will it takes to learn the skill for a beginner
In woodturning you add skills upon skills. I will be learning for the rest of my life. However you can become reasonably proficient with basic skills in several weeks to several months depending on how much time you work on your skills. After that the frustration starts to smooth out and confidence sets in. Little by little it becomes more satisfying and rewarding as you go! I know It’s a long answer but I hope it helps!
@@Geiserwoodturner thank you so much
Some great and helpful advice, thank you 😊
I’m glad it helped! 😀
Is for U.K. or USA
My experience with lathes is in the USA. Many of the same principles are on lathes in the Uk. I’m not that familiar with brands sold in UK though.
Thank you very informative
I've scribed
Nice! Thanks
Best review i have ever seen, grazie mille for that
This is a great video for learning the basic, need-to-know parts of a lathe. Thanks!
Thanks, I’m kind of a tool geek! 😆
Price
Has a lot to do with what you end up buying 😂
Very much good info. Thanks
After watching your video I've decided I'm going to buy the Record herald , was going to buy a smaller lathe for £150 for starting off but think I will just go with the larger herald think all in with chuck etc will be about £1000 , hopefully get a black friday deal tomorrow. 😀
Nice! Good luck with finding a deal!
Looking to buy my first lathe. This was a great video, I learned a lot. As far as brands and models are concerned, do you have any recommendations? Money is always a issue, but I know that good tools cost money. I think I would like a full size lathe. I have a few grizzly wood products, and have considered going that route. I do have a couple Laguna tools, and know they make a premium product. Other names I know are delta, and jet. Just not sure where my best bang for the buck is. I would like to be at or under the $2k mark. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
As far as brands go all the companies that you mentioned have lathes that I would recommend. I use a Laguna lathe and would recommend it but it’s a touch over your 2k limit. Delta is good. Jet is great. I’ve never turned on a grizzly but have owned other woodworking tools. I’ve heard from others they can be great. If I were to do it again I might go with a Grizzly just to save some money and get more chuck jaws and tools. I’ve been happy with my Laguna though. I haven’t been able to slow it down yet! I hope some of this helps. It sounds like you are on the right track!
Hey Jason, I am Lender and I’d like to start my own business here in the Cayman Islands and I’d like to start turning these wooden things to put flowers and also small bowls to use like sugar for the coffee and stuff, basically like to specify in a few things for decoration and also to give it some of use, so, what do you think it will be like a list to start…?????!!!
Hey Lender, this question has more answers than I can give in a short comment. For now the main thing you need is experience. Learn all you can and try it out! A basic list would include a wood lathe, turning tools, a chuck, drill bits, and the list goes on from there. You can go high tech or low tech (people have been woodturning for thousands of years). Find something you want to make and figure out what you need to make that project. Try to find experienced woodturners that can help you along the way. Hope that helps! Welcome!
Thanks, I sure learned a lot.
I’m glad it was educational! Keep on learning and let it become an obsession. Just kidding..... but seriously though.
Very informative, thank you. I do have a question. How long does it take the average person to become proficient at using a lathe? I’ve started my wood shop a little over a year ago and I understand you never stop learning. I’m just curious as to how long it would take someone to become confident and capable.
It depends on the person, but I would say it can take several weeks to several months to become reasonably proficient. It depends on how often you practice. Also, it is really helpful to have a more experienced mentor in your area to bounce ideas off of. “Confident and capable” takes more time and is added on to you with each successful piece you are able to complete. It means you also have a lot of failures and you’ve learned how to correct them. Really I’d say after a year if you have the practice and learning in, woodturning really begins to be less of a worry about doing something wrong, and more relaxing and enjoyable! Best wishes!
Great video, loaded with a lot of good information, but those of us wearing hearing aids wish you wouldn't use the irritating background sounds.
Thanks for watching! Even though the irritating sounds. I’m working on it thanks! ☺️
I got a 1948 delta homecraft 3ft lathe with a motor and chisels for 120$. I consider myself very lucky to snag that one
Nice! Now on to an obsession you will cherish!
Helpful advice. Thanx
great video new wood turner myself so thanks and cant wait to watch your turning videos and i myself will be uploading some turning stuff on my channel
Thanks for watching! I’m a big fan of woodturning vids on RUclips so let me know when you upload I’ll go check it out!
Thanks cool advice, i have just purchased (not got yet) a mid sized lathe Record DML320 (i am in the UK) I have just ordered a Record Power SC3 Geared Scroll Chuck Package. Your video has convinced me i have done right. I now need to educate myself before leaping into a buying a starter pen turning kit. Cheers Paul
This is great! I’m so glad this video helped. I tried to keep it generic enough that it would help wherever you are. Besides there aren’t any lathe manufacturers filling my pockets with money so......🙂
Enjoy the woodturning!
Woah this is a little overwhelming.
Id love to get into woodturning logs and stumps, but i guess id better slow down and look at what i need.
Ty
You will be happier with the results the more tackle woodturning one step at a time. Sounds like you are on the right track. Thanks for watching! I hope you are turning those logs and stumps soon.
Very interesting and informative. I'm new to wood turning. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Wishing you the best as you get into woodturning.
Do you have a video showing the advantages/ disadvantages of a sliding headstock vs. a swivel headstock?
I don’t have a video at this time on this subject. Interesting topic though. I’ve only ever used lathes with a sliding headstock. Both would make it possible to get the lathe bed out of the way for outboard turning. The only differences would be in the comfort of the user and price of attachments needed to outboard turn. There are some advantages to either one might make a great video! Thanks