Okay, I'm at that point in my rodbuilding journey that it's time for a lathe, but which one? I'd love to have a Jet, but that's a bit on the high end of what I want to spend on just a machine. I've been looking at a Grizzly or a Central Machinery (Harbor Freight). The machines look identical, as if they were made in the same factory under different brands. Has anyone had any experience with these machines? Is there something else that you would recommend? I'd like to have a few bucks in the budget for chisels, a 4 jaw chuck and a drill chuck to round out the unit. I've turned a couple of bowls and that was 20 years ago, so I'm pretty much in the beginner category.

Some times you'll save money by spending a little bit more. The trouble with machines that aren't very good is that very soon you'll figure out that you need to upgrade, and the initial money spent has now been wasted.

Grizzly has some good machines. If you're planning to do more than just turn cork, I would go with no less than their model H8259. That's a pretty decent model - in fact it's the same casting and machine as the original Jet and Delta Mini-lathes that appeared on the scene around 10 years ago.

.............

That's exactly one of the lathes I was looking at.

Hi Wade
When buying machines always buy the best you can afford. Sometimes its best to wait until you can afford, I bought a saw for 150$ it @#$%& from now on I wait a little longer to get the better tool. Its worth the wait.

Mike
Mikes Custom Fly Rods

Just a thought for you since this is your first lathe. I have a Turncrafter VS with the bed extention. I used it for 1 1/2 years. I wanted a bigger lathe to use for some bigger projects. All works well and is a good entry level lathe. If you were anywhere near me it's yours for $100 bucks. It's in my shed taking up room. Problem is I'm sure you live nowhere near me. I don't remember what I paid, somewhere around $250 to $300 for the whole thing. Shipping would be the cost problem. Just something for you to consider. Others can comment on what they think of this lathe or the price.

Doug,

Are you going to High Point? A connection could be made there.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

That's a good price for that lathe, plus the variable speed. Good option to have.

.............

Hey, Tom let's up the stakes for this gentelman. I have seen others help others who are new or moving into a new level of building. Life has been good to me and mine for the most part. The price is now $50 bucks, that should off set the shipping to a large degree, unless your in Montana, then you can take me fishing. Doug



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2012 05:48PM by Douglas Webb.

WOW!!!! Doug I don't know what to say, other than check your email.

Wow! Class act Mr. Webb!!!

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

I will be the first to admit I was nervous when I wrote my post and tryed to be careful as to what I said. I only did this as I learned from those who proceded me and some recently, one who gave a young man a power wrapper. The single thing I most admire about the rod building community is their willingness to give and help others. I have received plenty of help on this site and others. That is all I am trying to do to encourage a young rodbuilder to persue this addiction and maybe I can cause him a little trouble with his significant other!!!!!!!! Heck, in a couple of months I most likly would have sold it at a garage sale as we are moving soon. And by charging a little I can answer my wife honestly when she asks did I sell it lol. As my youngest daughter who is now 21 has often said to me 'Dad your never going to make any money at this". I am the one to thank all of you for the comradery and the long distance relationships we form. Forgive some of my spelling!!

Chuck you are absoulutely correct. I had a wonderful conversation with Doug this afternoon and he truly is a class act.

And Doug, I will be in trouble with my wife as I won't want to stop turning.