I just bought a motor on @#$%& it is 1/2 hp variable speed reversable to build a little lathe for turning cork handles. What I need to know is where can I find accessories for it chucks on both ends,rod or mandrels,inletting tool for cut outs, ect. Don't want to spend a lot.

Robert,
If your motor has no threads on it, but is simply a simple keyed or unkeyed shaft, you are probably better to use this motor with a pulley and belt system to drive a chuck system.

On the other hand, if your motor is threaded on one or both ends of the motor, then you can obtain various types of chucks to screw directly onto the end of the motor.

The key thing about a "good" lathe is "chuck runout. i.e. If you put a dead straight 6 foot rod in the chuck, you would like to see essentially 0 run out - or wobble on the end of the rod as the lathe turns.

The problem about using various types of slip on, or clamp on manderals that fit on the end of a plain shafted motor is that it is difficult to get a low runout chuck.

The best way to go is to obtain a lathe head stock, or a set of properly aligned ball bearings and mount a dead straight shaft in the bearing or head stock. Then, use a pulley and belt from the variable speed motor to drive the shaft.

The ideal thing is to have a "genuine" lathe shaft that has a tapered fit on the end of the shaft to seat the chuck. Generally speaking, the tapered head stock shafts of good lathes will give a much better lower runout than any type of clamp on shaft or even threaded shaft.

One thing in your post. "I don't want to spend a lot!"
In this department, it is often much easier said than done. i.e. To get really excellent running chucks - you normally have to spend a bit more.
I recall that a few years ago, I purchased a decent quality commercial lathe. However, by the time that I finished getting all of the accessories that I wanted to do the jobs that I wanted to do on the lathe - I had nearly tripled the original price of the lathe.

However, if you buy these accessories over time, the cost is rationed out over time.

As you pointed out, your same source as you picked up your motor is a good starting point for the things that you are looking. Other than that, you can start with doing a good internet search with a good search engine to get a good idea for price and availability.

Many times, I think that you might be actually futher ahead and spend less total money if you pick up a relatively inexpensive commercial lathe that comes with a decent selection of accessories.
You con go to some of the big box home equipment supply houses and pick up adequate wood lathes for prices running from $99 on up to several thousand dollars - depending on features and accessories.

Things that are under consideration are things like lathe beds, tool rests, tail pieces etc.

For a home made lathe, one of the more difficult things to fabricate is either a lathe bed and tail piece. it is difficult, simply from the standpoint of getting things true, straight, and appropriate machining tolerances.

Again, you can do some searches, and get a decent sized "midi" lathe with an extension bed so that you can do work out to about 40 inches for prices under $500. If you search some of the local used tool shops, you may find lathes of this type for $100-$200.

Another good option is to find a decent used lathe with no motor. Then, simply take your motor and mount it on the lathe and you will be good to go.

Take care
Roger

Sir:
Here is an example of a nice 36 inch industrial lathe with no motor that would work very well with your motor:

[windsor.kijiji.ca]

This is just one of many examples that you can find by searching the internet and looking for used equipment.

@#$%& sites, Craigs list, used machinery in local papers, surplus stores, etc.

Take care
Roger

If you are going to be a serious builder you might as well just pick up a good one. Try a search on this site on mini lathes.

I really 2nd Bills comments on simply purchasing a good lathe, with accessories and don't look back.

Unless you really have the desire to build a lathe, you will often be money and many times time ahead by simply going out and getting a nice commercial lathe with its accessories.

So often, when doing a home built lathe - unless you have access to other machining equipment, you end up with a tool that really doesn't make you happy, doesn't run true, and you have still spent a lot of time building.

Take care
Roger

p.s.
Don't ask me how I know this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Been there done that - hay Roger. I hate to say though, the home made one I built using a drill that the speed can be locked in, and mandrills made from ( 2 ) sections of rod tubing , one glued into the other for stiffness, works very well. On cork. Tried it once on wood but I think I had the speed too slow. May try it again ?? Don't look like much: [www.rodbuilding.org]