View Full Version : Opinions on this lathe for turning plugs


ScottC
05-01-2006, 07:06 PM
I found this lathe on ebay really cheap, has anyone bought this model, if so please give your impressions of its quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/40-Inch-4-Speed-Power-Wood-Turning-Lathe-14-x-40-inch_W0QQitemZ6054909397QQcategoryZ42282QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

MAC
05-01-2006, 07:19 PM
Save your money and buy a delta or jet. That lathe with shipping (64.00) is over 130 bux. You can find the 2 I mentioned onsale at times for less than 200 shipped to your door.

Goz1
05-01-2006, 07:20 PM
i just bought the same lathe from a cummins truck load sale for $99.99 so far its been ok its not real solid it bends up a little when you put any presure on the tailstock. i'm just a rookie plug builder so its ok

ScottC
05-01-2006, 07:33 PM
Save your money and buy a delta or jet. That lathe with shipping (64.00) is over 130 bux. You can find the 2 I mentioned onsale at times for less than 200 shipped to your door.


Have you ever used this lathe? I am just wondering if it is built well enough to turn plugs. I can get this lathe locally. I can get this one dirt cheap and really do not care to spend more if I do not have to.

Diamond Tackle
05-01-2006, 08:12 PM
Sorry guys, but dont do it. Way too flimsy.
VIBRATION is BAD. You need a cast Iron base like the JET, Delta or the new BLUE ones that PENN industries sells,which are really affordable.

justplugit
05-01-2006, 08:23 PM
Like Mac and Tinman said. Don't skimp on your main squeeze and you'll be very happy.:hihi:

Backbeach Jake
05-01-2006, 08:46 PM
Like Mac and Tinman said. Don't skimp on your main squeeze and you'll be very happy.:hihi:
Sums it right up!:hee:

ScottC
05-01-2006, 09:21 PM
Great! Thanks. I appreciate it.

This is why i really like this site, :D

Slipknot
05-01-2006, 10:03 PM
chinese junk
don't waste your money
it will not hold up at all.
I know from my neighbors experience

crash
05-02-2006, 05:26 AM
I was in a similar postion, not wanting to spend much money. I ended up with an old 1948 craftsman. Nice and heavy, the cheapo chinese ones are just not going to hold up, even just building plugs. Look for an old lathe if you are looking to save $$, but I would still go with a jet or delta if you can swing it.

ScottC
05-02-2006, 08:33 AM
Ok guys, I guess I will go get my old cast iron craftsman from my grandads old shop then. Big heavy sucker it is:D I turned my first table leg on it when I was a wee little one haha. thing weighs about 200 pounds easy.

Charleston
05-02-2006, 08:37 AM
Looks like angle iron ways!!!NFG!!
Get the turncrafter pro at PennState Undustries for about $175

crash
05-02-2006, 09:50 AM
You'll love the old one, I have a thing for old tools:humpty:

ScottC
05-02-2006, 09:58 AM
You'll love the old one, I have a thing for old tools:humpty:


I do, I have used this old lathe for over 20 years, I just wanted to avoid pulling it out and dragging it home

ProfessorM
05-02-2006, 10:27 AM
With any machinery it is all in the casting. IMO it can't weigh too much. Heavier is better. P.

ScottC
05-02-2006, 10:30 AM
With any machinery it is all in the casting. IMO it can't weigh too much. Heavier is better. P.


this thing is a tank! When I get it home I will take pictures of it.

Pete F.
05-02-2006, 11:06 AM
I do, I have used this old lathe for over 20 years, I just wanted to avoid pulling it out and dragging it home
If i lived closer I'd give ya one of those chinese lathes and drag the old one to my shop to save ya the trouble in a heartbeat.

ScottC
05-02-2006, 11:11 AM
If i lived closer I'd give ya one of those chinese lathes and drag the old one to my shop to save ya the trouble in a heartbeat.


:bl: I bet you would! I bet you would be sooooo helpful!

THis thing hase a 5hp capacitor start motor on it:D I can turn up to 6 feet long pieces on it too. Imagine the plug I could make hahaha

Charleston
05-02-2006, 12:45 PM
That old lathe will put alot of grampa's juju on your work as well!

gldnbear93
05-02-2006, 12:53 PM
THis thing hase a 5hp capacitor start motor on it I can turn up to 6 feet long pieces on it too. Imagine the plug I could make hahaha






That could be one heck of a needlefish

Tagger
05-02-2006, 04:08 PM
i use 30 yr. old sears,, had it since it was new,, works great ,,,dipressing to think about..:spin:

ScottC
05-02-2006, 04:18 PM
That old lathe will put alot of grampa's juju on your work as well!


Dude, he used to spin copper pots with it!, has anyone ever seen that before? He starts out with sheet stock cut in a circle, and aneals it, then manipulates it around a four piece vase plug. it was amazing to see him work.