Talk to me about wo...
 

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[Closed] Talk to me about wood turning lathes

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Would quite like to give this a go. I have a bit of space in the garage where I could make a small bench maybe 150cm wide.

Are there any good kits out there to get started? Ibe seen a few for under £150.


 
Posted : 23/11/2020 1:18 pm
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The only things worth having at that price are second hand , unfortunately there are still things sold that will not really work except for maybe turning a pen . they will also have tools that need sharpening and no way to do it.
Suggest look out for a used setup with all the bits - very expensive to buy everything new.
look for Jet or Axminster , possibly contact local turning club in case somebody is upgrading or selling up.
lots of Youtube stuff out there also there are safety things you need like face shield and some basic instruction because the wrong angle/approach can cause nasty kickback etc.


 
Posted : 23/11/2020 1:47 pm
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Agree with all that.

Pole lathes are fun too for green wood, less risky for a novice and cheap to put one together. A bungee cord works well instead of a traditional pole. I was given a course for it and turned the legs for this:

Some secondhand tools (eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pole-lathe-tool-set-including-chisels-and-gouges/264944504813?hash=item3dafec4fed:g:rs4AAOSwePdftoj5 ), sharpening stuff, and other bits and bobs ( https://www.woodsmithexperience.co.uk/shop/product/pole-lathe-crank-set/ ) plus the wood would be easily doable for £150.


 
Posted : 23/11/2020 2:01 pm
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some basic instruction because the wrong angle/approach can cause nasty kickback etc.

They scared the crap out of me at school,no end of kids sending the cutting tools cartwheeling across the workshop.I wooden go near one 😉


 
Posted : 23/11/2020 2:09 pm
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I bought one of the £35 little ones from AliExpress. Truly terrifying but made some nice candle sticks.


 
Posted : 23/11/2020 3:30 pm

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