Thinking about a lathe

[yost69]

I have finally saved up some cash. I read claytons posts and have never heard of PSI. I looked at their site and found a lathe I am interested in.

 

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

 

This is the one I am looking at ordering. The reasons are I was told earlier that the mini lathe will do fine for pens and bowls. The other reason is because this one has the variable speed which I like and it has the option to add an extension bed later down the road incase I want to do larger spindles or something.

 

I can get a grinder from lowes or somewhere cheaper than buying one online so sharpening wont be an issue except for the jig to use. Does anyone know where I can purchase one?

 

Also does anyone have the lathe I am looking at and can give any issues with it? Any other suggestions for lathes? I have about $450 to spend on one.

 

Thanks

Ben

[Dan]

Ben, I think that lathe and accessories is a good price for the money. I was looking at it also, but think I will go for one with more horsepower. The only reason, is that for bowls, I think a motor with more hp will perform better and last longer. I only do pens right now, but I would like to make the leap to bowls some day. I have heard from some of the folks at the IAP site that the PSI mini and midi lathes are pretty good. Everyone always say, get the variable speed. I don't see myself needing it, but as with other tools I've bought, I usually get good advice from the folks that use the tools I'm looking at. My thoughts on the lathe you're looking at, if you don't plan to do large bowls, go for it.

 

Now lets hear some others chime in. I will be looking for a new lathe in a few months and am always open to feedback.

 

Dan

[Clayton717]

As you know I bought their mini lathe and so far I love it. No problems what so ever. The one I bought is only a 1/4 horsepower but seems to plenty powerful for what I am doing.I would definetly buy the variable speed model. I use the higher speed for polishing the pens, but its nice to change speeds without moving belts. Which is pens and some small turnings for other projects I am working on. Ben PSI has a jig for sharpening your tools, not sure if its what you had in mind but heres a link http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LSCENTER.html.

[yost69]

I must have looked right over that jig. Will add that to my list. Thanks for the input guys. I think I am going to place my order tommorow.

 

I don't plan on doing any bowls at all but you never know what will happen down the road. My dad wants to do old style turkey calls whatever that is but he said he doesn't need much as of hp so for the money I think this one will do.

 

Ben

[dankc908]

I have that lathe and I LOVE it! Works great. I also have the 4 pc. sharpening system from PSI which is at http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCGRIND4.html. It really works well. Make sure your grinder will go 1750 rpm. The faster grinders go over 3000 rpm and can burn tools.

 

Dan