Axminster Precision Pro.

[Skin-Job]

My first post in anything other than the 'Hello' thread :)

I'm about to pull the trigger and buy a new Axminster Precision Pro lathe.
I'm only going to turn pens and small objects, in both wood and synthetics.

Can anyone think of a reason why I shouldn't?

Thanks,

Karl

 

[Dalboy]

Personally I would not as if you decide to turn other things other than pens then I believe that you can't fit chucks and the like unless someone can enlighten me on this.

 

[Bammer]

Walter Hall will be able to advise, he's done test and write ups on lathes.

Personally, I think it maybe too small.

 

[Penpal]

Wait for choices mate.

Peter.

 

[Skin-Job]

Fear not, I'm not doing anything until I hear the opinions of the turners here :)

 

[21William]

It's often said that you can make small stuff on a big machine but you can't make big stuff on a small machine. The Precision Pro is tiny but if you're sure that pens are all you're ever going to turn perhaps it's big enough. The inability to fit other chucks is likely to be a deal breaker for many though. It's a shame Axminster went that route with this machine. I reckon the 1016 is a better bet if you can afford it and have the space.

Axminster Trade Series AT1016VS Woodturning Lathe - Woodturning Lathes - Lathes - Machinery | Axminster Tools & Machinery

The quality of these Taiwanese machines is good, I have the 1416 model and it's very nice.

 

[Skin-Job]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I don't feel the need to be turning more than pens at the moment.. but, knowing me that may change.
I take your point about the chucks on the precision pro.

A new 1016 may be out of my grasp at the moment, it's a full £200 more than the p pro.

Unless there's a middle ground, I'll try and look for a 2nd hand one.

Many thanks again,

Karl

 

[rayf6604]

Have you looked at Record Power?

DML305-M33 Cast Iron 6 Speed Midi Lathe, M33x3.5mm thread, 2MT spindle

Or this one is good, I’ve been using an earlier version of this and it has served me well.

Jet JWL-1015 Woodturning Lathe - Woodturning Lathes - Lathes - Machinery | Axminster Tools & Machinery

 

[Skin-Job]

I like the look of the Jet. Seems to have everything I need.
Thank you very much for the suggestions.
It's out of stock at Axminster, so I'll look around see if I can get a deal.

K

 

[Dalboy]

Why not go for THIS one With the deal package you get a chuck as well

 

[Skin-Job]

Thanks very much for that. It does look like a good package.

Lots to think about....

 

[rayf6604]

I like the look of the Jet. Seems to have everything I need.
Thank you very much for the suggestions.
It's out of stock at Axminster, so I'll look around see if I can get a deal.

K

It appears to be in n stock here but low stock. Looks like it might be discontinued but a good bargain

Jet JWL-1015 Woodturning Lathe

 

[Phil Dart]

I think the crux of this lies in the future Karl. As others have quite rightly pointed out, if you can be certain that the Precision Pro will meet your needs in terms of capacity going forward, then my understanding is that it's a great little machine. As Brad mentioned, [MENTION=95]Walter[/MENTION] Hall reviewed it for Woodturning Magazine some time ago, and spoke very highly of it. I know that [MENTION=365]Neil Lawton[/MENTION] owns one and also speaks very highly of it, and I'm sure that many others here have one as well.

BUT, it's limitations are obvious, and for the sake of a couple of hundred quid (a fortune if you don't have it, I concede at the outset) you need to be certain that your wishes and dreams and aspirations are not going to outgrow the wee machine in the future.

Another consideration you may wish to take into account if looking at alternatives, is whether or not you feel that variable speed is desirable or not. For myself, I don't think I would ever buy a lathe without it, which would therefore preclude the Jet 1015 that you and others have mentioned. The 1015VS I notice is no longer available, which I suspect has a lot to do with the fact that although it sat nicely at a point that might have offered an alternative, it was fatally flawed to the point that many people, including me, sent ours back for a refund.

The Axminster 1416VS was the obvious alternative to the flawed Jet in my case, but I notice there is also a 1016VS, which in terms of price, is not too far removed from the Precision Pro. I don't believe that the quality of the Axi trade lathes is in doubt, so if the 1016VS has a capacity that you think might suit you going forward, that may be worth a look.

 

[21William]

It may be worth mentioning that Lathes are normally multi speed devices. This is done but moving a drive belt whilst the Lathe is stationary or it can be done electronically by simply turning a knob whilst the lathe is running. The latter method is very convenient and finding favour with many turners. Many lathes with this facility have VS (for variable speed) in the model number. Just something to consider.

 

[fingwe]

I have a Precision Pro lathe, and whilst it is ideal for pen turning, I haven't found a way to make it possible to drill out blanks on the lathe. That isn't a problem if you have another solution for drilling your blanks but, if you'd planned to drill on the lathe, then you'll need to find another option.

 

[Skin-Job]

Many thanks for the considered responses, I appreciate everyone taking the time.

William, I had decided when starting out that I would like the convenience of electronic speed control if possible. But thanks for mentioning it.

Phil, I think the 1016VS is a really good idea.

Fingwe, I have a sodding great pillar drill in my shop already, so I'm sorted. Good thought, though.

Still lots to think about :)

 

[wm460]

Check out Gumtree and fleapay

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...e.com/lathes&usg=AOvVaw29P8nlQ7n6mNhcQP1-E21f

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...rning-lathes&usg=AOvVaw0ZJJCsTy_-rvbsHUCQ82HY

 

[21William]

Many thanks for the considered responses, I appreciate everyone taking the time.

William, I had decided when starting out that I would like the convenience of electronic speed control if possible. But thanks for mentioning it.

Phil, I think the 1016VS is a really good idea.

Fingwe, I have a sodding great pillar drill in my shop already, so I'm sorted. Good thought, though.

Still lots to think about :)

I have a pillar drill as well but drill all my blanks on the Lathe.

 

[Phil Dart]

I have a pillar drill as well but drill all my blanks on the Lathe.

I have a lathe as well, but drill all my blanks on the pillar drill

 

[silver]

Some great responses and I'm sure that you will find a solution to your problem.

As others have said, I have a friend with the pro and all she does is turn pens. It's a great little tool and if that's all you want to do then that's the one simple lathe for the job.. however I think you have probably answered your own question in the fact that you may not just stop at pens..

My idea in buying tools has always been buy the

The biggest one you can afford
The best quality you can afford
largest one you can accommodate
largest you will need..

The only thing I would say is "the afford" part is the most difficult as your own personal circumstances will dictate how deep your pockets are..

I have seen so many people buy the "entry level" tool only to find they have outgrown it and wants to move up to a bigger and better unit.. or even found that the entry level is really not "man enough" for how long or what they want to use it for.

So by asking the experienced is the right way to go, however you will have the most difficult decision in taking care of the funding side that you and only you can control.

If you buy it once then you won't have to buy again, so you could invest in decent chucks, jaws and turning tools rather than looking for another lathe..

Good luck