I know that the lathe questions have been beat to death but I have one that I havent seen asked yet. Dones anyone have any experience with the Ridgid wl1200? It looks like it would be very easy to change the belt positions and looks like a quality lathe. I have a friend who has one and is in a tight spot, the lathe is basically new and he wants 250 for it. I was told that they sale for around 450-500 new, just checking out everything. This would be my first lathe and would mainly be used to turn handles, or at least a crude attempt at turning handles:)

Chuck,
Here are the specs for this lathe:

[www.ridgid.com]

In principle, it is a fine lathe. Some folks will fault this lathe because it uses a rotary pipe base as opposed to a cast iron milled base. Generally speaking the cast iron milled base is stronger and more stable.
This lathe uses a 1/2 hp motor with a 12 inch turning circle. It also has a 37 inch distance between the turning centers. This length is longer than many of the common mini lathes on the market in stock form without a bed extension.

The head stock uses a 3/4 X 16 - and MT1 hardware which is standard for the smallest lathes.

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You can get one of the small lathes with similar power and fittings with less space between the turning centers for about $125 - $150.

For $250 - you can get a lathe with a variable speed, MT2 hardware and a bed extension. So, it is up to you.

No question about it, Rigid makes very high quality tools. I doubt that you would have any issues in using this lathe to make any sort of handle that you wanted. Plenty of power with the 1/2 hp, and easy speed changing.

Good luck
Roger

Thanks for the reply, I am new to lathe work and a lot of this information is greek to me, and I dont speak greek. I have also been considering a psi turncrafter pro 1/2 hp midi lathe. The price seems to be right and I have heard a lot of good comments about this lathe

It will be more than adequate for the simple tasks of turning handles and reel seats. Sounds like a good deal.

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Chuck the only problem you might have is getting attachments-chucks etc made for an MT1 taper, make a quick check to see what's available and cost for them
John

Most of the attachments I see catalogs come in either #1 or #2 morse taper. At least the stuff I needed for rod building.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

It won't be hard to find attachments for it - it's all standard sized stuff and Emerson made the same lathe for both Rigid and Craftsman.


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