Last year I bought a mini woodworking lathe from Harborfreight on sale ...... I really haven't used it yet but I plan to use it for turning rod handles and for making saltwater striper lures. I'm wondering what kind of chucks I need for truning the handles and where I can get them.

THanks
Rick

I would suggest either of these 4 jaw from Penn State [www.pennstateind.com] or [www.pennstateind.com] depending on your budget. I would also get a drill chuck to bore your stock with [www.pennstateind.com]
Comparable chucks may be available elsewhere. A lot will depend on the model/features on your lathe. Is it an MT 2 or MT 1 Morse taper? How long is the bed? Is there a bed extension available for it? You will needs cutting tools and a system for sharpening them. I would also suggest a copy of Andy Dears video on lathes in Rodbuilding

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!!

What Mike said but also check the manual and make sure it has a MT taper some of the Harbor Freights don't
John

Not sure about the MT1 or MT2 taper ....... I do know that the chuck that is used on the head stock to hold a solid leg of wood is tapered. .....have to check when I get home.

THe tail stock post can be completely removed which should allow turning a seat that is on the rod with the proper rod supports



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/16/2008 01:34PM by Richard Hahn.

If you're going to try that, you might want to use an expendable blank. Some do it, but I wouldn't chance it. Besides risking a shattered blank, what do you do if you screw up while turning the seat ( split or gouge it, cut too deep, etc.)??

Your manual will tell you if it's MT1 or MT2. You will HAVE to know that before you buy anything

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!!

You're right ......... especially as a beginner ......... just heard of others talking about turning on a blank ........ but I will DEFINITELY turn mine before putting on a blank

Ok ......... it's an MT1 .......... I think it is a 4 x 12 ...... with a varible speed

What is the name of Andy Dear's video and where do you get it .......

Are there any used copies for sale?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/17/2008 02:21PM by Richard Hahn.

A variable speed has a speed dial. I don't think that yours has that. Do you have to shift belt position manually to change speeds. Most vendors carry Andy's DVD. I think that Fishsticks4U and Mudhole carry it! I really doubt that you will find a used copy.

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!!

Mike,

It is variable ........ it has a rheostat knob ........... I went to wood crafters today and bought a drill chuck and a MT1 for the headstock and I was trying to find a ball bearing MTi with a drill chuck for the tailstock but they say it doesn't exist. I was going to use threaded stock as a mandril to turn handles but I'm not sure what to use for the tailstock

Not sure what you mean by a "ball bearing" drill chuck. You need an MT1 drill chuck which will just slip into the tail stock after removing the live center. The drill chuck doesn't turn, it just holds/centers the bit. The stock is chucked into a 4 jaw chuck threaded on to the head stock. The stock turns and you feed the drill bit into it. I never had any success with using threaded rod on a lathe. It generally isn't straigt and doesn't run true. You need to machine a 60 degree cone in one end to fit the live center in the tail stock You're much better (and safer) with mandrels made from Drill stock. That's an area where I wouldn't try to cut corners

I'm sure you'll get other opinions.

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!!