Does anyone on the list successfully turn wood not just handles on the grizzly hobby lathe? I am looking to get a lathe set up but I would like to keep the cost reasonable. Jet Mini or Pennstate by the time I add chucks etc seems like a lot just to try it.
Thanks
john kepka

I don't have the grizzly hobby lathe. I don't think it would be a good choice to turn wood. I think an experieced turner coluld do good work on it, but I think the limitations of the tool would inhibit learning and fun for a beginner. To lean, you really need a machine that is easy to operate and has enough power to actually make the basic cuts, rather than just scraping a little off to get a shape.

I think you would be better oft to spend a little more money up front and get a basic midi lathe. You can turn between centers and bowls with just what comes with the lathe. you can add the chucks later as you need them. Worse comes to worse and you hate it, then just sell it.

John I have a jet mini, 6 speed , I love it, I can get the extension bed right here in my area from Acme electric, I can get all the repairs if needed here locally. It has very good name recognition and its reputation speaks for itself. I Got it from Penn State when they were selling them for 199.00 plus freight, I think that they sell for about 249.00 now and still a good bargain. I use mine for turning cork handles, hosels, trim rings, and just about anything. I also have a speedway metal lathe, 7x12 that I use for turning stabilized wood for the reel seat inserts, I can also work steel parts with it also, just a universal machine. I estimate that I have less than 600.00 in both machines and feel that they are well worth it. they always have resale value. also both of the lathes weight is less than 100 pounds, each so they are very mobile. Once you have the lathe you won't want to part with it. P.S Maybe you want to dabble with making ink pens. The lathe is a perfect match. Also the speedway and jet use morse # 2 taper arbors so you only need one set of live centers, and drill chucks. Go for it.

John,

You are going to have $80 tied up in the drill and lathe and you can get a pretty good Turncrafter Pro from Penn State for $159 (plus shipping) and the extension bed, if you want one is only $20) and have a pretty decent lathe. You can get buy without chucks to start, It comes with headstock and live center tail stock. All you need to get started is tools (which you have to buy for the Grizzley)
[www.pennstateind.com]

They also have a 3-jaw chuck for $39 and a drill chuck for $20 when you're ready.
The best investment that you can make would be Andy Dear's DVD on lathes/rodbuilding. Great!!
A lot of builders on this board use this lathe. I love mine (I;ll love it even more when I get past the sawdust/chip creating stage)!!

Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2005 01:32PM by Mike Barkley.

The lathe is currently out of stock according to the website. The chucks i saw there were $59 and $36 respectively for a 2Mt. I have Andy's DVD which I why I am investigating.

I did my first turnings with a homemade drill lathe. Just a drill held in my father’s bench vise, a homemade drive spur from a screwdriver and a nail in a board for a dead center. It wasn’t safe and it worked like carp but I did make wood chips and round stuff.

Buy a lathe. You won't be sorry and like the others have said you could always sell it if you don't like turning. I'd be willing to bet that you end up turning as an additional interest.

That’s just an opinion.

I have a Grizzly Lathe that served me well but now it is resting in a corner and a jet mini has taken it's place. If you intend to do much wood turning save the price of a Grizzly with an electric drill and get a good wood lathe. You can add a lot of good accessories to your wood lathe for the price of the Grizzly.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

John-

Would you please email me at Defjam@core.com. I need to ask you a question/favor.

Thanks,
Domenic