Ok, I'm about to order my lathe. Going to do the Turncrafter Pro from PSI. Amazon.com has it at a discount and free shipping.

All I'm going to be doing is turning cork and foam. Is there really a need to pay $60 more to step up to the variable speed?

YES ... buy a variable speed lathe, you will appreciate the investment.

Alex,

I got the TurnCrafter Pro when I bought one 2 years ago. Do yourself a favor, get the variable speed and the base extension while you're getting it. I wish I had, now I've got to spend another $100 to get the conversion kit.

Bill in WV

Alex,

I'm NOT trying to change your mind.....but the Rikon I have does not need the bed extension because it's longer already...and it comes with variable speeds that is REAL easy to adjust. Just a thought.......compare the costs and features and see what you get. The Rikon has some GREAT little bells and whistles that make things nice and easy. I'm sure the turncrafter pro is a great little machine as well.

DR

Alex,
I bought the PSI Turncrafter Pro. I decided on the bed extension as well--a great decision. The bed extension gives me a nominal 40 inches between head and tail stock. I also bought the variable speed model. I knew going in that I was going to make wood grips and wanted the extra distance between head and tail stock. I also felt I would find the variable speed useful. The way mine works is there are three sets of pulleys with varying gear ratios. With each pulley gear ratio I can alter the speed with a simple turn of the variable speed control knob.

If you could be sure that you will never make wood grips, reel seat inserts or longer grips, then you could go ahead and not get the VS capability or the bed extension. However, none of know what we will be led to use our lathe for as we become proficient. A rod builder in my area is now making bowls and mechanical pencils on his lathe. Good luck to you.

Mike Blomme

Alex,
I bought the Jet with bed extension and have been very happy with it. I did not get the variable speed, I have only changed my speed once and then only because of my chuck speed rating.
Definitely been very glad I did. So far I have only done handles and turned down swelled buts. Good luck with whichever you decide.

Mike
Mikes Custom Fly Rods

There is a lot to recommend the Rikon at this moment in time. But if the price on the Turncrafter Pro is extremely attractive, and the addition of a bed extension won't put you past that of the Rikon, then move ahead.

Variable speed is the worth the lousy $60. Seriously, get it and don't look back. You don't absolutely need it, as others here have noted, but you'll enjoy it down the road.

..................

Alex,

I have a Turncrafter pro and love it! I would definately go for the Variable speed AND the bed extension. MO ONE can just turn cork and foam LOL!!. I want to hear you say that 6 months from now! Lathes are almost as addictive as rod building.

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!!

I bought one of the brands mentioned above. Do yourself a favor and get the VS now. You will want it later, when you DO decide that you want to try a little woodturning(and you will).

You make turning sound as addictive as rod building... thanks for the input!

Alex,

It is!!!!

Bill in WV

Oh it is absolutely addictive
It becomes an adjunct to your expression of skills and artistry in guide wraps & butt wraps & moves it into grip artistry and inserts for reelseats................... even parting-off reelseats where skeleton seats are not commercially available in a size you want to use .

DenisB

I tried several different lathes and settled on the Rikon. I love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a lathe.