A guide for selecting the right lathe for beginners

[samthedog]

I have been working on a blog article on and off for about 6 months now. It covers useful features and things to consider when buying a lathe.

I would have written it in this forum however the editing is not as good as what is available on blogger and given the time needed to compile everything, a save function was necessary. Anyway, I hope newer members get some food for thought from it:

http://wanderingaxeman.blogspot.no/2014/09/selecting-and-buying-metal-lathe.html

None of this is gospel but is rather a combination of things I considered when purchasing my lathe. Enjoy and feel free to comment or poo-poo it if you're so inclined.

Paul.

 

[12bolts]

Very nicely done Paul,
It all looks very good, I didnt read the entire thing yet, but it certainly got some good pertinent info in there

Cheers Phil

 

[samthedog]

Thanks Phil. I don't know how often questions get asked around lathe selection but I figured this is info I would have found helpful myself.

I want to do a similar article on selecting a mill as well.

Paul.

 

[12bolts]

Thanks Phil. I don't know how often questions get asked around lathe selection.....

Often enough that your blog is worthwhile :thumbzup:

I want to do a similar article on selecting a mill as well.

Please do, they come up for idea/suggestions too

cheers Phil

 

[hman]

Thanks Phil. I don't know how often questions get asked around lathe selection but I figured this is info I would have found helpful myself.

I want to do a similar article on selecting a mill as well.

Paul.

GREAT write-up! I couldn't find a thing wrong (or even iffy) about it. About the only thing I can think of to add would be a discussion of 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks, faceplates, and the use of collets for workholding.

As for "I don't know how often questions get asked around lathe selection," I'd say the question seems to come up about every 3 to 6 months. I'd also say your information is valuable enough that the moderators should consider making it (or a maybe a link to it, so you retain control) some kind of "sticky" or otherwise permanent reference.

I'll definitely be looking forward to your "selecting a mill" article.

 

[HMF]

I have been working on a blog article on and off for about 6 months now. It covers useful features and things to consider when buying a lathe.

I would have written it in this forum however the editing is not as good as what is available on blogger and given the time needed to compile everything, a save function was necessary. Anyway, I hope newer members get some food for thought from it:

http://wanderingaxeman.blogspot.no/2014/09/selecting-and-buying-metal-lathe.html

None of this is gospel but is rather a combination of things I considered when purchasing my lathe. Enjoy and feel free to comment or poo-poo it if you're so inclined.

Paul.

Sam,

That is very helpful.

Can we repost it here as a sticky?

Thanks,

Nelson

 

[samthedog]

Nels; sure. Did you need me to format it first?

I will make an update regarding accessories as suggested.

Paul.

 

[ortho]

Paul, very nice website. ) Thanks for sharing. You've put in many hours. Take care.
---Joe

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Paul,

Your blog was very well written for the begin we. I enjoyed the read.

 

[Hardly]

Very helpful. I may have missed it, but when buying a lathe, one needs to consider what the intended use will be. I would also be interested in seeing a similiar article on a mill. Thanks for all your hard work.