Lathe for 34”-35” baseball bats

When talking about distance & turning between centers remember using a drive center or chuck in the headstock and live center in tailstock shortens that distance some.

Also you want a little extra wood just for a waste allowance to part off each end of that baseball bat.

Guess saying would opt for the Jet even thou might not always need the extra length!

-- Bill

Bill is right, a 36 in lathe will not turn 36 in because of mounting and cut off waste and you won’t have 18 in over the banjo for the length of the lathe. You can, however work to get as much as your machine can handle or purchase the bed extension available which is your best option. After much investigation, I chose the Laguna 1836 and have been delighted with it ever since. I have owned it for two years with absolutely no trouble. Off balance loads such as bowls are non issues. Speed control is excellent. As with any lathe, a steady rest will be needed while turning a 36 in project. As everyone on this site says, you can do small projects on a full size lathe, but you can;t do large projects on a small lathe.

-- Mike, Massachusetts

I have the Jet 1221 and it will only turn 18” between centers, less if I use a chuck.

How about this lathe. Its a Jet clone I believe. https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-16-x-42-variable-speed-wood-lathe/g0632z

-- Jeff,Tucson,Az.

Thanks guys. I forgot to mention budget — I’m trying to keep this under $1,000 for the lathe. And I missed an earlier thread from another member, not sure how to link, but it’s a guy who is turning out sick bats on a Delta 46-460 with an extension. If you google TNT Bats you will find him – high school kid, buy a bat and he donates a bat to a kid in need — good stuff.

I’m also checking out an old Powermatic PM-45. Biggest problem is getting that beast home. The Delta can be picked up curbside at THD for $658 + extension, and that store has been good about returning damaged goods in the past.

It looks comparable to the Jet 1221, I think. I know Delta isn’t what it used to be, but seems low risk.

Appreciate the help here.

Guess Delta 46-460 lathe with extension will get 42”’s between centers, which should work for you. In this link first late looks like Delta midi so think will have no problems. You can see what am talking about waste allowance in both pictures. Several turners here have or have had that lathe and enjoy it.

https://tnt-bats.myshopify.com

Good luck with it!

-- Bill

If you’re in the midwest, i’ve got a 46-460 with extension that i’d consider selling to help fund a 16-18” bowl lathe. Nice spindle lathe.
earl

Thanks gents. Bill, I actually messaged TNT/Theo yesterday, and he gave me some useful pointers. He had a thread here last year that I didn’t see until later. https://www.lumberjocks.com/topics/308979

Delta 46-460 with extension has been ordered. I added a steady rest, which looks like it will be very useful.

If anyone needs a PM-45 with an updated 1-phase motor and forward/reverse, there’s one on CL San Antonio waiting for you and your trailer.