Anyone here have experience with Penn State Industries lathes?

I'm looking to replace a current mini with the Turncrafter Pro variable speed Midi lathe. What's your experience and opinions?

Absolutely!!! I highly recommend it, only one thing, while you're at it get the Variable speed model. I wish I had!!!

Bill in WV

Phil. Are you looking to sell the mini? If so, I might be interested.

My TCLPRO VS was delivered on the 8th. I'm just waiting on chucks, mandrells, tools etc.. before I can play!
I did a lot of midi-lathe research before I ordered this one. It's a good value.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Robert,

Yes I am. Your email is hidden so you will have to contact me


philerick@sbcglobal.net



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/13/2009 01:17AM by Phil Erickson.

I think I might have my email exposed now? I'll shoot you one, though.

I would recommend the PSI lathe. I assume you are aware that the mini lathes are 1 MT and the turncrafter pro is a 2 MT. The variable speed is the way to go although there a many who argue that you do not need it. VS is very useful when turning other wood items. Mine is set on the middle pulley and I just go from there.

I've had a TC Pro for about 4 years now. I love it and it's done everything I've needed. I opted for the midi because I often turn long grips and the bed length is enough without the extension for most everything I do. As John said, make sure you pay attention to the #2 morse taper size and the head stock size when buying chucks and other accessories.

I would definitely get the variable speed model. I'm putting the variable speed upgrade on my list for Santa this year. If you switch between cork and wood, or boring and sanding you will find it's much easier than changing belt positions.

The minimum set of accessories you will lneed for turning cork is a good 4-jaw self centering chuck and a set of mandrels. Turning tools can be as simple as a corse file/wood rasp, a bastard mill file and a selection of sandpaper. If you move to wood then you'll need a set of turning tools as well. Once you get turning tools, you'll need a sharpening system. It's a pretty fun offshoot for rod making and can really bring out the custom portion of your custom rods. I also started making wood knitting needles, crochet hooks and needle holders. The gals in my house are knitters and they think we should open a store called the "Knit /N Net".

Go buy it. It's a great tool.

Terry

I would definately recommend it but I would strongly suggest that you get the bed extension (it's cheaper to buy at the same time. I can't imaging not having it!! The VS definately makes life a lot easier also!!

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!!

Thanks for all your input and suggestions. I am aware and prepared for the MT size change and have all the tools as I have been turning cork, wood, acrylics, etc. for grips and reel seat for a while. As my current mini is VS I am aware of the advantages and really agree it is the only way to go!

I'm selling all my MT #1 with mini lathe and will restock with MT #2 accessories

Thanks again................ordering today.

phil, i haven't used one but i have heard good things about them. i have not been disappointed in any of the tools i have gotten from PSI. The JET is the standard that all the others seem to match. i have heard good things about the Rikon as well. i don't think you will go wrong with the turncrafter.

Mike - why do you say it's cheaper to buy them together? I just don't see that. Also - If I am not going to bore long wood stock do I need the extension? It's not so much a money issue as much as a space issue. How long a grip can I bore without it?

Thanks!

They list the distance between centers as 19" Figure at least 2 1/2" for the chuck in the head stock 3" for the drill chuck in the tailstock, say 10" for a drill bit and that leaves about 3: for the wood

When I got mine they thre in an extension bed for about $20 (That was a few years ago)

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!!

Hey Mike, somethings wrong with your calculations on drilling. On my current mini which is classified as 12" I am able to drill slightly over 5". I think it is your 10" drill figure.

However it is just that reason I'm going for the bigger lathe, I want to be able to drill and turn longer pieces.

Looking forward to seeing you at ICRBE.

Sorry Phil - Don't mean to hijack.

So even with a shorter bit I'd be limited to a fairly short piece of wood. I'll get the extension. Is the PSI CSC2000C Barracuda Chuck for $131 going to be adequate?

I know a lot of guys do it without extension bedsby switching the stock and drilling from both ends or using increasinly longer dits as they go. I'm just basicall lazy and my lathe is on an 8' bench so space isn't really a problem for me, I usually buy my wood and acrylics in 10 or 12" lengths and sometimes I bore the whole thing at once. Grab me and I buy you a beer (or coffee)

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!!

Barracuda is a nice chuck but I've been more than happy with the PSI 4 jaw Utility chuck for $89 comes with 2 sets of jaws and is a good chuck

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 also use the PSI 4 jaw utility and like it. Does everything I want.

Oh brother. I pulled the trigger on the PSI VS and all the fixins. I'll be calling you Mike!

Chuck WAIT to Feb. their new model the PSI Comander is coming out longer bed 1HP indexing head MT2 all for $400 and VS also
John