Ok, My old cam lathe that I set up for turning my handles has finnaly said it's time to retire. I need some guidance on what and where to purchase a real rod lathe. I find turning my own grips is the way to go. Any help would be great.
Tom, what a great magazine and web site. To all who post their experiences on the site and in the magazine thanks.

Dave,
If I were going to buy a dedicated rod lathe/wrapper, I would go with either the Renzetti or the Anglers Workshop custom power wrapper (I believe thats its name). Both look to be serious machines that can do a lot.

If you are just looking for a lathe to mill cork, eva, or reel seat inserts, Woodcraft has a special on a Jet mini lathe that includes a very nice 4 jaw nova chuck for $269.99. Great deal as the chuck alone is $120.00 and the $269.99 is $10.00 less than the lathe sells for by itself. Couple it with some of Lamar's mandrels, and I think you would have a great set up.

If you are looking for an excellent all around small lathe, look at the Taig. You can outfit it with about anything and it is very accurate. And the price is very inexpensive for the quality you get. I bought one years ago for turning pens and since have fitted it with a variable speed motor. Even though I have a larger 6" Atlas lathe for most metalworking projects I do, I find myself using the Taig way more often. The only thing you are limited by the Taig is size and that it can't cut threads without an add on system not made by Taig. Go to www.taigtools.com for the mfg site or www.cartertools.com for one of the best distributors around. Lots of good info and links on both sites.

Roger Petrella
Franktown, CO

I would go with a Penn State Turncrafter Pro, Jet or Ricoh. Gives you the versatility and ability to turn full handles, seats, wood, acrylics, antler and just about anything else.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!