I'm new to the forum and have been here for a few weeks. I have been reading posts back for almost 10 years regarding lathes for rod building.

It seems like there are a lot of different approaches for using different types and sizes of lathes for rod building work. One approach I've been reading about is using a metal lathe only for turning grips, reel seat inserts ferrules etc depending on if you are building bamboo or graphite rods. This one lathe is being used for wood, cork,eva,metals etc.

For those that use older American made lathes, which brand and size of "old iron" metal lathes do you use for your rod work and are you pleased with it? Did you make or buy a special tool rest for working with special shaping on grips?

I'm needing help in determining what brands and models to consider and watch for on the used market.

Thank You!

As long as the head and tailstocks are fitted with Morse Tapers, you'll be fine with any heavy cast iron wood or machine lathe. They're quite good in many cases. Sometimes exceptional. Most do not feature variable speed but that's something that while nice isn't absolutely necessary.

...........

Dan,
Tom is right on -
1. Good headstock and bearings
2. Good tail stock that exactly lines up with the headstock and has a good method to advance the tail stock receiver.
3. Flat and true bed.
4. Power of at least 1/2 hp - preferably larger - multiple speed, preferably variable speed.
5. Good Morse taper head and tail stock - preferably an MT2.

I do thing that you will find that some of the new more compact lathes work very very well, take up less room and are actually quite reasonable in price.

Often, the big issue with older "old iron" lathes, is the lack of a good Morse taper head and tail stock. As a result, you get limited on the work that you can do with the lathe.

Be safe
Roger

I have a large Smithy 3 in one that is used when i was in the Sporting goods to build smal parts with. I have been using it for a year to shape handles with. I works ok but this past Christmas my wife bought me a wood lathe for Chirstmas one of the Steel City midi lathes. I must say that it is so much easier to use and work with, i only whish that i had the varible speed. there is only one problem it is so much fun to work with wood on the lathe that it takes a lot of my time but my kids have plenty of bowls and duck calls now. lol

Bobby Stout
Bloomburg, TX

"Iron Lathes" IMO don't turn fast enough for sanding wood, cork or EVA.

Don

There are many old brands of engine lathes (metal lathes) - Warner Swasey, Victor, just to name a couple. You wont really need one unless you are planning on making aluminum reel seats or hosels. You should find a good used one for cheap as those old machines last forever and CNC's have pretty much taken a lot of their work.

I used one to turn grips with before I got a mini wood lathe, which I like better for the job.