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Joined: 10/28/2009
Posts: 17
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Hey all I have been doing some woodworking for a little while now mainly scroll saw work and furniture refinishing. I have been seriously considering expanding my woodworking tool and getting into working with a lathe, I hope thats the right spelling..lol, the one I am looking at is just a small one I figure I am new to it so I wont go spend a lot of money for a fancy one. I am thinking about buying the lathe from Grizzly that is more or less a table top model that has an expandable bed it will go from 15 1/2" to 38" with the bed extender. Do you thing this would be a good one to start out with? Does anyone out there have this one and if so how does it work? Anything Special I should look for before buying a Lathe since I will be new to working with one I dont know what to look for in one. I would also need to purchase chisels for it I need suggestions on them too, Please keep in mind I dont want to spend a lot of money to get started. Thanks for helping. I know I can always find someone in Forum that is willing to help with advise and suggestions.... Len Shreck
you can email me at lshreck@hotmail.com please make sure that you put Handyman in the subject line....Len
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Joined: 7/1/2007
Posts: 23
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Len, I can't tell you anything about that brand of lathe, but the chiseles that I have are just from Sears. Nothing fancy but they are adequete. You don't need more than a gouge, skew, round nose and parting tool to get started. Just enjoy. LM
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Joined: 5/15/2009
Posts: 664
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I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything Grizzly, they make good equipment. Best advice I can give is to think ahead to what you think you may want to turn in the near future, and if the lathe is capable of those dimentions. If so, go for it and enjoy. Lathe work is very rewarding, and a great way to calm down at the end of a busy day. One nice thing about lathe work is if you mess up a cut, you can quickly turn the project into something else, as opposed to most woodworking. Be sure to keep us updated.
Anything worth dewing is worth dewing well!
Dewing my time in southwest IN.
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Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 153
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Len, I've got the JET Mini and I love it. By far, the nicest tool in my shop. I can't speak to the grizzly lathe. As for chisels, I suggest an inexpensive set for starters. This is the one I have from HF: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47066 I've seen this set priced less, and I'd also look for the coupons they offer to save even more $$. These chisels have served me well as I practice turning and SHARPENING. I didn't want to spend a lot on chisels until I knew I could sharpen them without damaging them. BTW, I'm still learning  . Good luck.
Residence: Malvern, PA. HCOA Member since 08/01.
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Joined: 10/28/2009
Posts: 17
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That was another Question I had do I need something special to sharpen the Chisels? Can it be done right on a bench grinder? I know I may be asking stupid questions but if you dont ask you may never know...lol Thanks all for the advise. Oh by the way just in case anyone wants to know here is the features of the lathe I am thinking of buying: Len
- Motor: 1/2 HP, 110V, single-phase
- Amps: 6
- Swing over bed: 10"
- Distance between centers: 15-1/2", 38" w/ ext.
- Tailstock travel: 3-1/4"
- Swing over tool rest: 7-1/2"
- Speeds: 480, 1270, 1960, 2730, 3327, 4023 RPM
- 1" x 8 TPI right hand spindle
- Tool rest length: 6-1/4"
- MT #2 spindle taper and tailstock taper
- Includes tool rest, live rolling center, spur center and 3" face plate
- Overall dimensions: 34"L x 8-3/4"D x 15"H
- Approximate shipping weight: 102 lbs.
Please let me know what you think of this for a starter Lathe.
you can email me at lshreck@hotmail.com please make sure that you put Handyman in the subject line....Len
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Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 153
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I use my bench grinder and a home made jig. The bench grinder runs faster than suggested by many who say slower is better, but I don't want to spend the $$ on another grinder yet May I also suggest you look at this great forum for pen turners. There's lots of great info on there from folks who turn pens and other things - International Association of Penturners. Folks there would be happy to guide you on lathe purchase and other questions you may have. Take a look at the thread "shop, jigs, fixtures & tools": http://www.penturners.org/forum/index.php here's a topic specific to sharpening: http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50559
Residence: Malvern, PA. HCOA Member since 08/01.
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