Posted: 5/3/2025 1:37:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Utahshooting][Edited]
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Want to turn some small knobs and handles out of ebony, cherry, rosewood, etc. I've never turned before and considered just using my drill press. Problem is that's rotated 90 degrees and if I discover I like turning, I'd rather not have that muscle memory to overcome. Plus, a new tool is always welcome Any recommendations on a mini lathe? I saw the Wen for $169 on Amazon. It may actually be a bit large for what I need. Largest diameter of what I will turn is less than 3". 2.5" would even be fine. I have mid sized turning tools (skews, etc) that my wife got from her grandfather. Good quality and I'm very adept at sharpening (Tormek). I've seen some mini lathes that are literally $50 that are a powered chuck on a piece of aluminum extrusion with an adjustable end piece. We are moving in the next 12-18 months so I don't want anything heavy. In fact I'm selling off my large tools soon since we don't want to move them. $$$ Any recommendations on a very small lathe? |
Behave Yourself
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Don't start out with a tiny machine! You can make so much stuff with a good lathe you won't regret going bigger. My jet 1221 has been an awesome lathe. vibration is a killer on getting a smooth finish so you don't want to go with a to light weight of machine. I moved this around the shop a few times before finding a good level spot to turn. It is easily moved with two people! Making pens and ornaments was great on it. I've moved up to bigger things now so have a bigger machine. It is such a good little machine I'm still not sure if I will sell it or keep it. If you were closer I'd have you come and try it. |
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Thanks for the reply. My instincts always tell me to go big on tools, but I've never been interested in turning. I'm still not interested. I just want to turn some small handles for shop jigs. I also don't want to move anything heavy when we sell our house in 12-18 months. In fact, I'm selling my large tools for that very reason. Wanna buy a Felder saw/shaper with 8' sliding table and a Felder 16" jointer/planer? I just want something tiny and cheap as I will never get in to turning. I'm more a Mission/G&G style type person. |
Behave Yourself
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You wont go too wrong with any of these "Midi" lathes. Looks like the 1221 is high on that list https://www.lathematters.com/best-midi-lathes-review/ Its big enough you can still turn some small/medium sized bowls. Once you turn a bowl, you will want to do more of them. Years ago I checked out a Fisch midi lathe and it ran so so smooth. But they no longer make/sell them. |
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Attached File Very much appreciate all the advice. New to turning, so it is appreciated. I decided to use my drill press for now. I may eventually get in to turning, but as I said, we are moving in a year and I don't want another tool to move. About half way through my first knob. Its some extremely hard tropical wood scrap I had laying around. These are just knobs I'm making for a shop made magnetic fence for jack and jointer planes. Sorry for large pic. This is first time posting a Pic on ARF.com |
Behave Yourself