Anyone know any local places I could buy one? Trying to avoid shipping. Can get free shipping through Amazon.com but would to get it in the mail and have something wrong with it, then have to go through the return BS.

but you'll miss the humor in watching the fedex people try to wrangle the 80lb box!

Is there a Harbor Freight store down that way? They have lathes, I've also personally seen the Jet at Rockler in Cambridge, I would be willing to bet that Woodcraft probably carries them too.

Beaver woodworking in Brockton has a jet mini lathe 508-583-4631

it's cheaper to search for one though

but you'll miss the humor in watching the fedex people try to wrangle the 80lb box!

Is there a Harbor Freight store down that way? They have lathes, I've also personally seen the Jet at Rockler in Cambridge, I would be willing to bet that Woodcraft probably carries them too.

HarborFrieght in Attleboro.

Woodcraft in Greenwich and Woburn

Not too keen on Harbor Freight.....but I may go see what they have. If it means spending a little extra for quality, I'd rather.

I sent Beaver woodworking an email asking for a quote.
Thanks for your help.

I did check WoodCraft as well. I would just rather inspect one in person and take it away rather than buy on-line.

I also did a search from this site and saw Jet's for $200!!! But I think they were OLD threads....

I think I know what I am going to do, but I figured I'd ask here with so many knowledgable people with the noses for a good deal/info.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19446

New guy here... There's a woodcraft in E. Greenwich RI with a Jet. Harbor Freight in Fall River MA and Warwick RI too. I'm looking into getting into turning wood too, started out very interested in turning pot calls for turkey hunting and found this site while looking into wood turning. I always wanted to get into molding my own jigs and building lures, now that I've got a place to do it, I think I'll hit Amazon for a turncrafter when I get a few $. Seems better than the Harbor Freight mini lathe and just as functional as the jet, even if the finish isn't as refined.

Paul

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPRO.html

That Turncrafter ,,, What are the speeds on that..or really interrested in Max. speed .. I can't find specs on that ..

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPRO.html

That Turncrafter ,,, What are the speeds on that..or really interrested in Max. speed .. I can't find specs on that ..

Here are the specs from the web site for the fixed speed one in your link. I'd go with the variable speed version myself. You can download the user manuals too.

Style: Midi Lathe

Horsepower: 1/2 HP

Brand: Turncrafter PRO

Volts: 110V

Footprint: 30" x 7.25

Pulley Steps: 5

Speed (RPM): 500-3200 Fixed

Headstock Thread: 1" x 8tpi

Headstock Taper: #2MT

Tailstock Taper: #2MT

Distance between Centers: 18"

Swing over Bed: 10"

Tool Post Diameter: 5/8"

Extension Bed Available: Y

Category: Mini Lathes

500-3200 RPM, 5 step pully. I'd go with the VS version myself, I think variable speed is a nice option even tho it cost a few bucks more.

500-3200 RPM, 5 step pully. I'd go with the VS version myself, I think variable speed is a nice option even tho it cost a few bucks more.


When I started out, not knowing anything but wanting to get started as soon as possible, I bought a craftsman pen lathe. It has treated me well but I realized I should have spent a few more $$ on something better. I realize that now.
My problem with the VS is that it is one more thing that can break. It's probably easier and cheaper to just replace the belt rather than the whole VS control. I have no problem changing pulleys manually. I do think I am going to go with the Turncrafter.
Thanks for the replies.

And as everyone mentioned before. I thought with a few tools I would be good to go......BS, I have spent a small fortune over the years on tools and supplies. It's addicting....and definately NOT a cheap hobby.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/Mugolator/jakeplug.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/Mugolator/PC191778.jpg

Freshwater with screw eyes......

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/Mugolator/PB051386.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f25/Mugolator/PA111198.jpg

Who changes speeds .. put on fastest possible and leave it there .. I have a VS Delta always stays pinned wide open .. Max speed only 2000 rpm. I learned about changing speeds in shop class ,but we were roughing out bowls,and lamps and stuff .. I noticed my buds get cleaner ,less tear out work on faster lathes . At plug fest PNG was getting clean work on that inexspensive Grizzly .. That little beast cranks 4750 rpm .. I know thats one of my top considerations next lathe I get .. just an opion .. I'm turning a plug ... not a baseball bat .. I have 2 ) 4' powerful lathes .. prefer speed ..

when I bought my turncrafter, the VG model wasnt available yet, latter I added the conversion kit, I never thought I'd use the VS as much as I do and highly recomend the VS model... Max speed with the coversion is 3800...

try Woodcraft. There is one near Providence

Tagger, I agree with you, I run mine wide open pretty much all of the time.

When through-drilling harder wood like birch or mahogany though (I through-drill on the lathe) its a lot easier at the slowest speed, the bits just get wayyyy too hot at wide open.

Also, when doing pen blanks, you have to slow down when sanding or it burns the wood, or melts the plastic if you are using one of those fancy plastic blanks.

It's important to remember the the variable speed lathes are only variable between the belt/pully settings.
My Jet has 4 belt/pully positions. I use 2. The slowest and the fastest.
When turning I am at WOT :biglaugh: When through drilling I am in the higher range of the slowest belt/pully seting. When cutting a popper cup I am at the slowest of that same range. It is simply a turn of the knob.
Some drills like the 5/16 or 3/8 used for tail weights don't like the faster speeds of the through drill or nose gromet drill. Simply slow it down.

The few extra $$ for a VS machine is well worth it in my book.

On the turncrafter vs, there are 3 pully positions. Looks like the slowest and the fastest will be the only ones I'd use. They go from 650-1430, 1240-2790, and 1600-3800. I can see my $ drifting away on chisels, air brushes, finishes, yada yada yada in the very near future.

western tools in Seekonk, MA they also have a shop in Newbedford.

Pioneer Maxum (http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=612071)

Check it out

Got my Turncrafter Pro VS last week......all I can say is WOW. Nice unit. Like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac for me. Bought it from Amazon....free shipping. Actually got it earlier than scheduled as well.
I have only turned a few plugs on it so far, but I am very happy with it.
Thanks for all who gave me advice. :cheers:

Good Luck with your New Unit