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AN IDEAL LATHE WILL TURN UP ONE DAY
Keep looking for the right equipment
As any woodworker will tell you, there is little more relaxing and absorbing than being at your lathe with the shavings flying and a pleasing shape emerging from the wood.
Woodturning presents a unique oppurtunity to be creative with timber of any shape or form. The timber can be purchased from the timber yard, converted from felled trees, or foraged from offcuts or firewood - just about any size or shape of timber can be turned. You will find it a very rewarding and satisfying pastime, but like many pursuits an important first step is deciding on the right equipment for you.
Purchasing Considerations
There is a large range of woodturning lathes available both new and secondhand. The first thing that comes to mind for any prospective buyer is price. Woodturning lathes vary from hundreds of dollars, up to many thousands of dollars. Do not assume that buying cheap you have a bargain (or when buying an expensive lathe that you have the best).
1. Try to match your lathe to your circumstances - a cheap lathe for a beginner, a student, or just someone who wants to test the waters can be a fair option with little outlay and you will find cheap lathes are usually sold in local newspapers if you want to update.
2. Take into account your woodturning ambitions will usually grow as your skills develop.
3. Don\'t frustrate yourself purchasing a lathe with limited application, or one with inferior features within it\'s price range.
4. Remember, if you choose carefully you will end up with a lathe that is both a good investment and that holds it\'s value.
Basic Measurements
Two of the basic measurements talked about when referring to woodlathes are the \'distance between centres\', and the \'swing\'.
The distance between centres (BC) is the maximum length of wood you can turn between the headstock and the tailstock.
Swing refers to the maximum diameter that can be swung over the lathe bed.
Furniture components are generally turned between centres - table legs, chair rails, spindles, etc. A BC distance of around 36 inches (900mm) is more than sufficient for these articles.
How Many Speeds?
Many manufacturers consider four or five speeds enough to cover the range required from large bowls to small spindles. Informed woodturners will tell you that speeds from a few hundred rpm, up to about 3000rpm are advisable for safe and efficient turning.
Holding Devices
You cannot use the lathe until you have various holding devices like centres and face plates to mount the wood to. Most lathes come with a spur (or drive/prong) centre for the headstock as well as a tailstock centre. But remember, some lathes don\'t include them as part of the basic package.
Safety
Safety is another very important area. One of the most obvious points is adequate guarding - and the pulleys and drive belt should be enclosed so fingers and hair can\'t get caught. Always wear eye protection and if you are producing turning dust or a chemical odour which may cause you discomfort, breathing protection should also be used. If the amount of dust is excessive, breathing apparatus with a forced air supply may be necessary, or a dust extractor may be installed.
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