Looking at different options for a lathe to turn cork. Have an opportunity to buy a used Shopsmith for pretty cheap. It is an older model--I believe a 10ER. It is a cool machine and always get a kick out of working with vintage tools. But, that doesn't tell me if it will turn cork worth its salt. Anyone used a Shopsmith? Any limitations to using it for cork?

My other alternative is to probably buy a PSI. It would be new and slightly more expensive--just not quite as exciting as an old machine that is still in good working order. I know the setups for the PSI - just would like to think I could make the Shopsmith work without too much modification.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. I am new to the game so don't really know what the buying points are other than a lathe with no wobble and preferably VS. I know I will want a 4 jaw chuck and probably a 1/2" drill chuck.

Travis

Ok. Think cooler heads have prevailed. I am going to pass on the antique and go with something new that I can get parts for. It would be fun to take on a restoration project but one new addiction, err, I mean hobby is enough for right now!!! Still would welcome any suggestions as to a good starter lathe in the <$250 range.

I just ordered a Pioneer from Acid Rod. You might want to check them out. They have a package deal for getting started.
Steve

Or, you might check this out. They were at High Point and I just pulled the trigger on it with all the bells and whistles. Its sitting in my garage now and waiting to be set up in my basement!!!

[www.woodworkingshop.com]

The Shopsmiths were very good machines. It takes time to set up for each new operation since it's several machines in one. But again, they were good machines. It would easily turn any type of cork grip you would ever want, but it might be overkill if that's all you're going to do with it.

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Travis ....... shopsmith and cheap are 2 words you usually don't see together ........... they are very well built and do a ton of stuff ......... I'd go with the shopsmith if you have the space etc ......... where is it ...... if you don't want it I'm interested

Good lathe for a decent price....delta midi. 250-300 brand new with warranty, turn anything from cork to 14" bowls. Also has extension ($70) so you can turn stock up to 36" or 41"(can't remember exact length)

A shopsmith can be set up as a lathe and left that way if you want.

I use a drill press to turn my cork. I put the cork on a length of threaded rod and clamp it between two thumb screws with washers directly against the cork. I then chuck one end of the threaded rod in the drill press and run the other end into a piece of wood that has a hole just big enough to accept the threaded rod. This piece of wood is clamped to the drill press's table and supports the rod while the cork is being worked.

John,
That is the exact same setup I used until I got an actual real lathe last month...worked for me for years.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

The Rikon lathe is a great piece for the money.

I have a call into the guy about the Shopsmith. For the price, it is worth the try it sounds like--it is old and used but in 'good' condition and price is less than the PSI lathes so we'll see--my luck I am too late to the dance though. I also may try the idea to use a drill press--I already have one of those! Really appreciate all the feedback. You all are the best! Happy St. Patricks Day!

By the way, thanks for the referral to Acid Rod. Looks like a heck of a deal on the Pioneer. Let me know how you like it, Steve!

I turn my cork on a drill press as well. I will usually chuck up the appropriate sized drill bit snugly fit into the cork. I'll use a little tape to arbor up anything larger that 1/2 ". My grips are short so that works well and I'm usually just reshaping premade cork or EVA grips. I have thought about using a flange bearing in the spot that John uses a piece of wood to run the other end of my "mandrel" through. It would be nice to work on a grip that is horizontal and not vertical-have thought about turning it on its side and constructing some sort of support for it. I think about doing lots of stuff. I need to get a round tuit.

My Pioneer lathe was delivered by semi truck last evening. I set it up so I could run it and make sure everything works and it seems ok. Its nice and quiet and the variable speed worked well. I still need to build a bench to mount it on and receive some lessons from a friend before I really get into using it. I am new to rodbuilding and now turning. The few grips I turned were from a drill press and my grips never turned out perfectly round. They were conical or flat on one side. I am not sure what was going on, but I said to heck with it and opted for a lathe. Good luck with the Shopsmith if you are still able to get it. I have dreamed of owning one for years.

Steve