Discussion
twiglove said:
We have a very good lathe and tools, Not sure of the make but I can find out for you and let you know.
We were going to sell it, I believe it will hold a length about 3 foot long..
Also would need to tell him the height from the lathe centre to the bed, double this figure and it will tell you the swing. In other words how larger diameter you can turn. We were going to sell it, I believe it will hold a length about 3 foot long..

HTH.
Skyedriver said:
Anyone here into wood turning, wheres a good place to buy a beginners set of gear and possibly a second hand lathe?
Could it be turned into a profitable sideline?
Cheers
Never turned wood, but I served my time as a fitter turner, steel and other metals. I'd really like my own lathe at home, but they are pretty big, if you get one that is big enough to turn a brake drum, disc, flywheel etc. Not much point having one really, if you can't do that sort of job.Could it be turned into a profitable sideline?
Cheers
Big Al. said:
thanks Big Al, looked at that site last night and full of stuff.Liked the Round Tuit they are selling.....
I have a lathe at home. My parents got it for me quite a few years ago. It looks identical to one of these:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...
but I think it was quite a bit cheaper.
With regards to tools, there are loads of places online, but it pays to get ones made out of decent metal (basic machine mart ones are made out of butter, or so it seems). But also remember that decent second hand tools can be great value. I have a woodworking shop by me that has lots of old second hand tools including turning tools. A quick sharpen and they are as good as new.
other things you will want:
a chuck (for holding the wood or making bowls). or more cheaply a faceplate will work.
a bench-top grinder for sharpening the tools
wood (pre-cut "blanks" are expensive, but most are nice and dry so will turn easily and wont crack)
lots of sandpaper
wax or varnish or sanding sealant
a big hammer (for hammering the wood onto the lathe)
an old lamp to make sure you have decent light
safety gear (i wear a dust mask, a cheaper visor and a welders apron)
lots and lots of tea!
I havent had the time to do any turning for about a year, but i really enjoy it. It is very therapeutic and can be great for making cheap presents (bowls are easy, as are pens if you buy the kits. Personally i like making bird feeders by turning a dumbell like shape and covering it in fine mesh, then filling with peanuts).
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/...
but I think it was quite a bit cheaper.
With regards to tools, there are loads of places online, but it pays to get ones made out of decent metal (basic machine mart ones are made out of butter, or so it seems). But also remember that decent second hand tools can be great value. I have a woodworking shop by me that has lots of old second hand tools including turning tools. A quick sharpen and they are as good as new.
other things you will want:
a chuck (for holding the wood or making bowls). or more cheaply a faceplate will work.
a bench-top grinder for sharpening the tools
wood (pre-cut "blanks" are expensive, but most are nice and dry so will turn easily and wont crack)
lots of sandpaper
wax or varnish or sanding sealant
a big hammer (for hammering the wood onto the lathe)
an old lamp to make sure you have decent light
safety gear (i wear a dust mask, a cheaper visor and a welders apron)
lots and lots of tea!
I havent had the time to do any turning for about a year, but i really enjoy it. It is very therapeutic and can be great for making cheap presents (bowls are easy, as are pens if you buy the kits. Personally i like making bird feeders by turning a dumbell like shape and covering it in fine mesh, then filling with peanuts).
Here ya go Skyedriver - http://www.axminster.co.uk/ - brilliant aftersales and a good sale at the moment. I've got one of their "cheapo" benchtop lathes and it's a little peach! 

Edited by woodnut67 on Friday 5th December 18:04
wiz 1 said:
Skyedriver said:
Anyone here into wood turning, wheres a good place to buy a beginners set of gear and possibly a second hand lathe?
Could it be turned into a profitable sideline?
Cheers
Can't belive no one else noticed. Could it be turned into a profitable sideline?
Cheers

but then again I wood say that, otherwise it wood go against the grain and I wood look a right plank. ok, deal!
woodnut67 said:
Here ya go Skyedriver - http://www.axminster.co.uk/ - brilliant aftersales and a good sale at the moment. I've got one of their "cheapo" benchtop lathes and it's a little peach! 
thanks woodnut (appropriate name) plenty to choose from, delivery to here (Isle of Skye) a bit more expense.
Edited by woodnut67 on Friday 5th December 18:04
which lathe have you got?
W.Cumbria - nice area, cycled to and from Whitehaven on the C2C a few times.
Like the pot on your profile.
Tony H
I've bought lots of stuff from axminster, I can't recommend them highly enough. Just get one of their catalogues, lots of useful info on there.
Fixed machine tools tend to be better the more mass they have, modern tools are often lighter to save money. A good old one may be a good buy, eBay perhaps?
Fixed machine tools tend to be better the more mass they have, modern tools are often lighter to save money. A good old one may be a good buy, eBay perhaps?
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