LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Help Find a Lathe Review

2K views 24 replies 17 participants last post by  wormil 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I do not have a lathe but I am looking to purchase a Mini or Midi sized Lathe. I plan to use it for making small bowels and the occasional tool handle. I did a Google search for a review of Lathes and 98% of the "reviews" are worthless and I suspect sponsored / biased one way or another. Could someone point me in the direction of a decent group review of lathes. I come to this with the "buy once, cry once" philosophy , I want a unit that performs well and holds up over time. I have a serious limiter in my search in that it cannot draw over 20A on 110V as that is what I am limited to in my shop. Upgrading my service to my stand alone shop is price prohibitive. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Mini lathes are least expensive than midi but both have advantages. Mini lathe might work well with your budget but if intend to turn smaller spindles. Midi lathe will allow you to turn bigger bowls and longer spindles. Would definitely look at optional bed extensions too. Of course shop around for price & sales for these lathes. The most expensive option is the Nova 1624 but with optional bed extension will give you a full size lathe designed for small shops.

Delta:
https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Industrial-46-460-2-Inch-Variable-Speed/dp/B00309ZZRQ/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=77927941469510&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=delta+midi+lathe&qid=1571583053&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/NOVA-71118-Comet-Variable-Speed/dp/B07HFQRK6D/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=midi+lathe&qid=1571583518&sr=8-5

Jet:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGBVJCU?aaxitk=9cFKcireiV7L6SiasfSKsg&pd_rd_i=B00BGBVJCU&pf_rd_p=44fc3e0f-4b9e-4ed8-b33b-363a7257163d&hsa_cr_id=7411943950201&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=JET%20JWL-1221VS%2012-Inch%20by%2021-Inch%20Variable%20Speed%20Wood%20Lathe

Rikon:
https://www.amazon.com/RIKON-Power-Tools-70-220VSR-Lathe/dp/B00SOR476O/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TQDSY6JQU9UP&keywords=rikon+midi+lathe+model+70-220vsr&qid=1571583182&sprefix=rikon+midi+lathe%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-3

Nova 1624:
https://www.woodcraft.com/products/nova-1624-ii-lathe

Besides the lathe will need turning tools for both Bowls & spindles. A sharpening system to keep those tools sharp. For repeatability will need a jig whether home made or commercial.
 
#5 ·
Wildwood thanks for the info / links. I was hoping to find a side by side review if mini or midis. I have read through many of the individual reviews on LJ and find them very helpful but they rarely contrast the lathe in review with other lathe alternatives. As with many reviews most are based on short term use which can be useful but VFDs or switches and bearings that fail a year later don't enter the discussion. I said buy once cry once but that does not necessarily mean the most expensive as with most tools you hit a price point of diminishing returns. From what I have read so far the Robust Scout looks to be a great choice and if a lathe was going to be a primary tool in my shop I'd go that route but I cant believe that at some price point below that I can't get a great lathe that will hold up. The Jet JWL-1221VS looks nice but bearing and switch issues could be a problem?
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
In the case of lathes as with most tools you get what you pay for in quality and features but a lathe is so basic in it's operation that any of the name brands would serve your purpose for many years; even Grizzly whose over all quality has improved over the past 10+ years. It would be hard to compare Jet to Robust but PowerMatic would be comparable for quality and features. Also, I consider bearings to be a general service item for most power tools.

I would evaluate the features in making a choice such as; can you turn on the outboard side for larger diameter items, variable speed, in your case voltage requirements, cast iron beds and heads, sturdy stands, the quality of the motor, and do they require special (non standard) accessories. When turning a heavy blank is the tool stable enough to dampen out of balance vibrations. I once had to use sand bags to hold the rather light weight lathe steady.

My first lathe a Delta/Rockwell 3 speed lathe ran for 20 years without a problem (except a pulley broke once) and my current PowerMatic has been going 12 years (with heavy use) with no bearing problem.
 
#8 ·
OnhillWW, you stated "[t]he Jet JWL-1221VS looks nice but bearing and switch issues could be a problem?". I don't know where you saw that as an issue; but, I have never heard of it. I have had my 1221vs for about 1.5 years now with regular use, and it has no problems whatsoever. It also has a 5 year warranty. Great midi lathe in it's performance.

As for reviews and references, try the AAW Turning forum, as well as the You Tube videos available.
 
#10 ·
I'm not sure I have ever heard of a "group review"; almost by default it is one's own opinion.
I bought the Nova Comet for my daughter due to her limited space. It has worked well with no problems for about six years but it is tough to turn anything over 10" diameter.
I have the Nova 1624 (about 12 - 14 years) with no problems. JMHO but I would go for the size and power (1.5HP) over the smaller lathes. You do have to move the belt but that is about 1 minute. I never have needed to change the speed on spindle turning and usually only once for bowl, platter, vase, etc. turning. Once in a blue moon I change the speed twice on the latter.
It also allows you to turn much larger, like a platter, if you ever have the itch.
CPO has it for $1150 and free shipping.
https://www.cpooutlets.com/nova-24221-115v-1-5-hp-wood-lathe/nvan24221,default,pd.html
 
#11 ·
OnhillWW, you stated "[t]he Jet JWL-1221VS looks nice but bearing and switch issues could be a problem?". I don t know where you saw that as an issue; but, I have never heard of it. . . .

- Hockey
I had a Central Machinery lathe from HF. It had a toggle switch on the headstock that quickly got filled with sawdust and quit working. I solved the problem by installing a plastic flap over the switch (after cleaning it out.)
 
#12 ·
I think you are overthinking lathe selection. All of the major names will serve most users well. I am on my third lathe only because I wanted features that I didn't have. None of them used more than 20A. Do not buy one because you only want to things you are interested in at present. You will find new interests. The reviews found on LJ's are very useful and helpful. My advice would be to select one that is standard. Such as spindle size, tool rest size, etc. Variable speed is very important and should not be avoided at any price.
 
#13 ·
OnhillWW, you stated "[t]he Jet JWL-1221VS looks nice but bearing and switch issues could be a problem?". I don t know where you saw that as an issue; but, I have never heard of it. I have had my 1221vs for about 1.5 years now with regular use, and it has no problems whatsoever. It also has a 5 year warranty. Great midi lathe in it s performance.

As for reviews and references, try the AAW Turning forum, as well as the You Tube videos available.

- Hockey
I have the same lathe, no issues here either. Solid machine.
 
#14 ·
Don't skip old American iron. I bought a 1973 powermatic 90 several years back for $450. Large, heavy cast iron. You mentioned power requirements, but not your available real estate in the shop for a full size machine. If you have the floorspace, a 90 is a great, almost in breakable machine. The weight helps to dampen vibration. I recently added a digital speed display to mine.
 
#15 ·
Already mentioned stick with major brands from known tool vendors (manufacturers) and sellers. Today's manufacturers are tool importers that buy by container full. You hope never to have to use their warranties. Sending a lathe back to their repair facilities at your expense hoping you get it back in a short time or new lathe not what you want. Also have to pay attention to stores return, restocking fees & refund policy today.

None of the brands mentioned did not come with some minor cosmetic or serious defects upon launch. Most issues but not all have been taken care of. Majority of brand named lathes come without problems today. Minor problems normally resolved by getting right customer service rep and explaining problem(s) calmly.

I agree with what you said about online reviews from vendor. There are also many good & bad posts on different message boards on all brands from folks that bought these lathes and customer service and own them for awhile. Only honest answer is scouring different boards search feature for honest answers.

Have had good luck with Jet mini & 1642 with both quality and service. Mini bought on sale & sold for half of what it cost after several years. 1642 required new on/off switch once out of warranty. Paid $55 and no shipping. If were going to down size would buy the Jet midi!
 
#16 ·
I assume you have never turned. IMO its impossible to really know what features of a lathe you will end up valuing based on how you like to turn, not on how someone else prefers to do it. Various steps in projects can be accomplished several ways, all acceptable, but different people develop different preferences. An example: I prefer a rotating headstock so I can hollow bowls without extending over the bed rails. Another way to do this is remove the tailstock and slide the headstock to the other end. Some of these tailstocks are pretty hefty. This method also requires outboard tool rest support which can be a challenge.

My point is re-evaluate your buy once cry once approach. You have no idea what you dont know about turning. You can spend a bunch and find you want different features and need to spend a bunch again, or decide turning isnt that great and have a lot of $ tied up in something you dont use much. If $ is of any concern, dont start with a $4000 robust scout. Start with ~$500-$800 new or used, learn to turn, decide what features you want or need, then start looking for the buy once lathe. You may decide a 20" or bigger lathe is what you want.
 
#17 ·
This is what I love and value about LJ - the advice and experience we have access to via the site. Thanks to every one who responded.

OSU55 - I appreciate your POV and recognized the fact that I might grow into turning or decide its not for me. The buy once… tact isn't a literal practice per say but an opinion which has always served me well. If you purchase a low to mid quality item it will have very little resale value and may be hard to find a buyer should you want to move on, add to the mix that better quality items are more reliable and a pleasure to use. Also top of the line items nearly always retain more of their value and sell easily despite a smaller group of interested buyers.

Old Iron is always my 1st choice but in my neck of the woods I don't run into too many choices when shopping for tools.

I am a big Jet fan so they are at the top of my list and I know all manufacturers will have units that need service. I guess that as the son of a design engineer I get annoyed that things like bearings and switches ever fail. Both of these components exist in a form that should last virtually for ever in a home shop or commercial for that matter and the cost difference between those that fail and those that will not as a percent of the units total is miniscule yet that extra $7.00 savings on a $1200.00 tool is the route too many manufacturers choose. I appreciate long warranties but the best warranty is the one you never need / use.

Again - Thanks for your input. I'll post a review of the lathe I pull the trigger on with a follow up review a year or so post purchase.
 
#18 ·
I hate to disagree with you, but you are wrong in thinking that bearings, switches, and some other components should last forever. The bearings are under terrific stress while turning. Out of balance loads, dusty atmosphere, constant changes in pressure are the norm for lathe bearings. Switches, during a normal turning session, are exercised many times and are also exposed to dusty air . Belts also take a beating. All popular lathe makers have taken this into consideration and have lessened the failures but they are things you have to live with. Choose one that has the features you want and eliminate those with features you will never use but can fail and knock you out of the game.
 
#19 ·
I found this review but I don't know how useful it is, except that it does give some of the specs. I think that any of the lathes on that list will work for basic turning, especially spindle turning. Personally, there are a couple of things that I would look for.
1) Variable speed. While not a necessity, if you vary the types of things you turn so that you need to change the speed fairly often, you find this a nice feature. After the umpteenth belt change, you will wish you had gotten a VS model. Even the variable speed lathes use belt changes to get their full range, but it is really nice to be able to adjust the speed quickly as you progress through a turning.
2) Low end speed of 250 RPM or less. While this not a huge requirement for spindle turning, for bowls and off balance turning, you really want to be able to turn down the speed. Sanding is generally better at lower speeds as well to avoid overheating your sandpaper. Personally, I want the low end to be 100 RPM or lower but if you look at the lathes on the list in the link many of the cheaper ones have a low end speed around 700-800 RPM. That is often just too fast for anything but plain spindle turning or turning a already balanced bowl blank.

My 2 cents.
 
#20 ·
While not a mini or midi lathe by any means, the Nova Galaxi DVR has an electronically variable speed range from 100 to 5000 rpm, with no belt changes.

DVR lathes generally have better torque at lower speeds than less expensive, 3-phase motors with VFD drive electronics, which are commonly found on VS mini/midi lathes.

The Galaxi DVR is a heavy lathe, with cast iron bed and stand, and performs very well (much better than I am yet capable of getting out of it.)

Andy
 
#21 ·
I'm on my 3rd Mini-Midi Lathe. My first one was a Delta LA-200. It lasted for 10 years of occasional use when the capacitor caught fire one day; I couldn't find a replacement one that fit so I had to rig one to work. I then purchased an Excaliber from Rockler to finish a project while I was looking for parts. I used it for a couple months then sold it for half what I paid. Both lathes were okay but i didn't get excited about using them. Two years ago I purchased a Delta 46-460 and I love it. It has capacity to use most chucks, it has indexing, and best of all it has electronic variable speed AND reverse (for sanding). If you stick with a Jet, Delta or Nova most accessories should fit them. Parts will wear out, things will break, get a brand that you can get parts for down the road. If I get 10 years out of it I'll be happy but I'm guessing I'll get over 20-30 years out of it.
 
#22 · (Edited by Moderator)
Lathes are not complex when compared to other shop tools. They spin. Craigslist is your friend. Anything that has electronic speed control (not by changing pulleys) is going to work. Wouldn't even worry about reverse. Most times the seller is getting rid of some or all of the tools and chucks along with the lathe. That's what gets spendy. My friend has a very nice new Jet and I have a vintage 1943 lathe that I paid $25 bucks for and added a treadmill motor. They both just spin. It's the operator that makes the difference.

EDIT…Although, looking at Syracuse CL there aren't really any available.
 
#23 ·
Thanks again guys, useful advice and much appreciated. Andybb - My thoughts exactly. When it comes to stationary tools I opt for a nice vintage tool but as you can see although this area isn't the sticks the pickins are usually thin.
northwoodsman - Thanks for your first hand experience, the Delta is on my list.
 
#24 ·
I would add that if you get a chance try to turn like items on the bench top vs the Nova 1624. It does take a few minutes to move the belt on the 1624 but it is more than made up for with the ease of turning on a larger and heavier lathe.
Some bench top like the Delta are 8 amp but some are 6 amp. By the definition of HP you can not produce 1 HP with a 6 amp motor on 120; I assume they are closer to 3/4 HP as the Comet states (5.7amp?). The 1.5 hp on the 1624 will power through larger cuts which would stop a smaller lathe.
Some smaller lathes has optional bases which you can buy. At WC the Jet 1221 is 850 and base 230 or 1080. The 1624 comes with legs and is 1150.
Add in almost 200 lbs heavier, swivel headstock, larger throw, and other +_'s. Nova also offers an upgrade DVR for about $600 if you decide to step up later.
I did get the Nova Comet for my daughter because she has to be able to move it around. It works fine but would drive me crazy now with the lower power.
 
#25 ·
I agree with the guys, the Delta 46-460 is a great lathe. I've had it and a Comet II (and a few vintage lathes) and while the Comet was okay the Delta is beefier, better designed, and has a much stronger motor. I could stall the Comet, but not the Delta. (well I probably could but it would be reckless) According to one of the magazines that measured the output on midi lathes, and to no one's surprise, the Rikon/Chinese clones produced less power than the label claims.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top