I'm considering purchasing a mini lathe to help in my rod building. I've done enough things by hand and would prefer to move on to a more precise and efficient means to turn handles, make inserts, and possibly create some of my own components. Will $200 to $500 get me something decent with an extension bed? What brand/model have you found to be the most versatile, well built, and reasonably priced to get top notch results? Thanks!

I purchased a Rikon from Woodcraft and I am more than pleased. I paid $250.00 on sale and they paid the pstg. It has been a great machine. Sammy Mikel put me onto this as he has one as well. There are many more out there that are more expensive with more bells and whistles, but for turning cork on a steel mandrel it does an awsome job. Whatch the Woodcraft website, they put it on sale frequently.

Good Luck,

Pat

Excelsior mini is on sale at Rockler right now for $200. Bed extension available for another $80. It's the model I use and has suited me well.

I'm with Pat.

I own the Rikon and it's a GREAT machine. It's bed is LONGER than most mini lathes: you wont need a bed extension unless you turn really long grips. We have a local Woodcraft and I just drove over, bought it and took it home.

DR

You can buy a Jet 1220 for less than $400. IMO, that will actually offer you much more. Increased power, plenty of room between centers without an extension, integrated work light, etc. It is a very nice and reliable piece of equipment for the price.

the jet is the standard, but don't count out the rikon, delta, or PSI. they are all good and will serve you well in rodbuilding and other turning ventures. I would recommend a bed extension, even on the rikon to allow you to center bore on the lathe. you need to factor in the cost of tools, chuck, mandrels, something to sharpen tools,etc. the lathe is only part of the cost. you will spend atleast that much on the accessories needed tp turn. I would recommend taking a class and/or getting to know your local turners. their advice and experience will advance you tremendously in your learning curve. then it takes time on the lathe to learn. after you have turned for awhile you should develop a feel for the speed and tools that work best for you and the material you are working with

Almost all of the lathes are built in the same factory overseas, just marketed with a different name. My PSI Turncrafter Pro, looks just like the Harbor freight ,excelsior, and some other brands
Just make sure you get one with a longe enough distance between centers or get the extension. Mine is 14" between centers and does everything I need it to do. It does not take a whole lot of power to shape a cork grip, turn an insert or even turn a wooden handle.

Ron Weber

I'm with Dwayne and Pat. I bought the Rikon several years ago (on sale) at Woodcraft. I also bought the stand and put locking wheels underneath. I roll it out and lock down the wheels when I'm using it and then roll it out of the way when finished.

Sam

Another good source for good lathes:

[www.pennstateind.com]

REW

I got the PSI and wish I had the Jet.

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

Chuck Mills Wrote:
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> I got the PSI and wish I had the Jet.


Why's that Chuck? I have a brand new PSI and extension table sitting in my garage waiting for me to clear some space for it. Did I make a huge mistake?

Regards,

John