A new lathe?

[Goulss]

Using the Hegner to turn pens seems a bit like a sledge hammer to crack a nut, so I am thinking of getting a small pen lathe, do any of you guys have any recommendations or more importantly ones to avoid?:idontknow:

Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[bellringer]

I have a little Axminster and that as good as any


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[Woody]

It all depends on your budget I had the small record made by woodfast it is a great little lathe DML305-VS Cast Iron Electronic Variable Speed Midi Lathe
I also got a small axminster lathe for the wife and it was a good little lathe silver now has it I think this is the new equivalent Axminster Hobby Series AH-1218VS Woodturning Lathe - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning - Crafts & Hobbies | Axminster.co.uk

 

[chas_41_uk]

I have an Axminster AH-1218VS and I find it very good and really quite. I can turn anything (that my ability will allow) from a pen up to a 10 inch bowl

 

[Grump]

It all depends on your budget I had the small record made by woodfast it is a great little lathe DML305-VS Cast Iron Electronic Variable Speed Midi Lathe
I also got a small axminster lathe for the wife and it was a good little lathe silver now has it I think this is the new equivalent Axminster Hobby Series AH-1218VS Woodturning Lathe - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning - Crafts & Hobbies | Axminster.co.uk

Blimey dad they have gone up in price I was gonna buy one of those for £180 when I saw them at the southern meet, till I realised I already a better one the same size init?

 

[mattyts]

Axminster AWSL with variable electronic speed,a nice little lathe with plenty of power.

 

[Neil]

If it's just for pens, then the Axminster mini lathe takes some beating, but I would suggest you opt for the variable speed. Only issues I have had with this lathe is the build quality, ok but not brilliant. Jet, better build quality if you decide it's necessary. Record 305 good lathe, ax 1416 is the lathe I use to turn pens and other stuff in the workshop, the avwsl at shows.

One to avoid is the Clarke range of low quality scrap. The build quality is that achieved from a dismally low standard which they consistently fail to achieve.

 

[paulm]

My only requirement when I buy a new penturning lathe would be that it stops quick. I have a fox that I use at the moment and an axminster that has variable speed. The fox stops when I press the red button but the Axminster stops eventually. For bowls the Axminster is good but gets on my nerves with pens so the Fox which is actually a delta is just what I want.

 

[silver]

I also got a small axminster lathe for the wife and it was a good little lathe silver has it now

I do, my grandson used it last when I was teaching him to turn a few things, it's a shame really, sits there doing not allot most of the time but when he gets workshop time it's really worth having in the cave.

Brilliant little lathe and worth giving it the spading workshop.. Variable speed is a must for beginners tho.. It helps build confidence.

I can recommend the 1628vs, superb machine..

 

[Jimjam66]

Only issues I have had with this lathe is the build quality, ok but not brilliant.

Agreed. I have/had (it's going to a new owner this weekend) the AWSL (non variable speed) and it turns a good pen although you don't have to look too closely to see where they have cut corners in build quality.

 

[Walter]

Jet, Record and Axminster would be my shortlist, probably in that order. Charnwood and Clarke probably best avoided. Don't go anywhere near Warco unless you have a boat that needs an anchor.

 

[PhillH]

I have the 12-18 non VS and for pens I think it's great.

I was going to sell it now the 900 is here but to be honest I think its staying as a pen lathe.

 

[billyb_imp]

I ended up getting the SIP Variable Speed Midi Wood Lathe - Model 01936 (Is variable speed) and from a very unlikely source CostcoUK, compared well with the Axminster (in my opinion) and a better quality finish than the charnwoods. Is a great price from CostCo £240

You are welcome to call round Stewart and have a look / have a go

 

[Goulss]

Many thanks to you all for the responses, certainly some food for thought

 

[nimrod]

It all depends on your budget I had the small record made by woodfast it is a great little lathe DML305-VS Cast Iron Electronic Variable Speed Midi Lathe
I also got a small axminster lathe for the wife and it was a good little lathe silver now has it I think this is the new equivalent Axminster Hobby Series AH-1218VS Woodturning Lathe - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning Lathes - Woodturning - Crafts & Hobbies | Axminster.co.uk

That seems a good deal Woody I wouldn't mind swapping mine for a lathe.
Robin