Osage Roost

Callmakers Corner => Callmakers Workbench => Topic started by: mikey715 on March 15, 2011, 02:01:41 PM

Title: Best Lathe?
Post by: mikey715 on March 15, 2011, 02:01:41 PM

I want to purchase a lathe and start making calls. I am a complete ROOKIE at turning,I have bought the unfinished pots and finished them and put all kinds of combos of soundboards and playing surfaces. But I want to start turning them myself,maybe even try making some trumpets.Can you help me out here
                                                                                                                        Thanks
                                                                                                                                     Mike

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: Bulldogmikey on March 15, 2011, 03:49:18 PM

Look at the Delta that Mudpuppi just bought! They are very dependable lathes and well built!

Mike

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: B-Ready on March 16, 2011, 11:27:45 PM

Delta for sure... Vari-speed w/reverse .... It's a good one!

       Brent,

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: firedup on March 18, 2011, 07:35:54 AM

Rikon! *up*

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: mikey715 on March 18, 2011, 11:18:16 AM

Thanks guys !!
                        Mike

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: mmclain on March 24, 2011, 10:25:05 PM

Vicmarc...........use one and you'll get spoiled.......on Smooth and powerful DC current......
 

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: trumpetturner on March 25, 2011, 11:00:20 AM

Mike, I agree with Matt if I had it to do all over again, and some day I may upgrade anyway.

I've not turned on one of the new Deltas, but I've been turning a Jet mini for about 15 years.  I added my own variable speed and reverse before Jet was even thinking about it.  I put a 1 HP variable speed motor on mine 11 years ago.  I've had no problems with it, and like Matt I do a LOT of turning on it.

If you can't swing the price of the Vicmarc and you plan on turning other things besides turkey calls, I would suggest getting the Jet 1220 variable speed.  You will find that the extra size capacity will be beneficial if you don't have a bigger lathe.  Matt and I both have larger lathes as well.

I have a Jet air cleaner a problem with it recently.  One thing I can tell you about Jet is that their customer service is the excellent.  Their technicians are very helpful and service is fast.

Since you mentioned that you are a turning Rookie, the other thing I would suggest is that you get some lessons on proper turning techniques from someone.  It will shorten the learning curve considerably.  The American Association of Woodturners has chapters (clubs) all over the nation.  You can go to their website to see if there is a chapter close to you.  The chapter members are more than willing to help rookies.  In the meantime, if you have general turning questions, Matt and I will more than glad to help out.  Just PM one of us or both.

Hope this helps,
Danny

Title: Re: Best Lathe?
Post by: mmclain on March 25, 2011, 09:41:27 PM

I also suggest you purchase a set of wood turning books.....and read thoroughly!!!!

Read the books before you buy equipment

don't buy sets of tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  period.......

www.woodturnerscatalog.com stocks tooling from  long standing well known equipment suppliers.......