I use a power wrapper (Renzetti I believe?) as a dedicated lathe. It works great for turning cork, but I was wondering if anyone has turned hard wood with a setup like this? Is the extra time it takes to shape the wood not worth it?

I'm looking into purchasing a proper wood lathe, but if I can make this power wrapper work that would be ideal since funds and space are pretty limited for me right now.

Thank you!

The Renzetti, like all rod wrapping machines, isn't a dedicated wood lathe. It's built very light and isn't substantial enough for most wood turning tasks outside very small pieces and then of mostly very soft wood. For wood turning, you need a bit of "heft" and attachments that are designed for those type forces.

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I can't see that happening but I am not real familiar with the Renzetti , You're not going to have enough power. Others will chime in, You could try one of these [www.grizzly.com] If money is tight, But I would just save my money and buy a harbour freight wood lathe, Or somthing off amazon. Or check Craigslist in your area. I have seen many great buys on used wood lathes their, And you may find a complete package deal with chucks and chisels that someone is done using and is just collecting dust, For less than what you would think. Tight Lines, Jaa

I use a harbor freight lathe and it was cheap if you can find the 30% off coupon. The grizzly is nice as well.

IMO - the answer is no. Especially if you are intending to turn stabilized wood.

I use an inexpensive Flexcoat cork lathe to turn both cork and very dense stabilized wood integrated into fly rod grips. You have to supply the power in the form of a corded drill. The trick there is to use a drill hat can turn 2500 rpm.
I have been using that setup for past 10-12 yrs.
Herb

You might check out penn state industries:

[www.pennstateind.com]

i am on my 4th wood lathe, having downsized from a full size to a midi over the years. i also have a renzetti. there is no way a renzetti can be used as a wood turning lathe, unless you only use it for sanding small light pieces. i just finished two grips, a 10" and a 12" in from wood, both in a tri color indian blanket design. i'm certainly no expert, but having turned pens, bowels, pepper mills etc etc for the past 15 years or so, i can again assure you that you need a wood lathe to turn wood. and.....as in all tools its better to cry once.

Got it. Thanks for the input guys.

I'll bite the bullet and get a wood lathe then.

Thank you.

[www.harborfreight.com]

Very good value for the price.

But, as is commonly the case, you will likely need to spend that much more to get appropriate head chuck, tail stock chucks, turning tools.

God luck

I have the nova comet 2 lathe and absolutely love it. Best money spent.

I use my 30 year old Dale Clemens (Renzetti) lathe to turn everything, including stabilized wood. A larger motor would be preferable, but if your lathe tools are sharp you can turn the small items we use like reel seats, trim rings, hosels, etc. I recently posted some photos on the "handle and reel seat," sub category. See "The Emerald", "Musky Stick" and "9' 6wt Pac Bay." All the stabilized wood and various types of rosewoods on these rods were turned on my Renzetti.

On my drill lath I have used one of these from home depot It has very sharp teeth and if done a little easy on the pressor you can get it done

[www.amazon.com]

Bill - willierods.com