Never touched a lathe in my life. But I've got the idea that I'd like to turn some small finial ornaments and pens as gifts this year for neighbors and teachers, etc for Christmas.
SHORT VERSION: Having the lathe and nothing else, approx how much money would I need to put into this project to make 25-30 gifts?
LONG VERSION: I've been offered a cheap wood lathe from Harbor Freight. Besides the pen kits, ornament kits, and wood, what else would I HAVE to purchase? What else would I WANT to purchase (and it's worth it to save time or make it easier for a newby)?
I know I need: CA glue Wood oil Rags, Sandpaper . . .
I think where I'm confused (the most) is what items I'll need to go on the lathe. All the videos I've watched have different folks using different things. Extra things. Like turning centers, real centers, chucks, special tool rests, mandrels in different sizes, adjustable mandrels, spacers, . . . What's absolutely necessary?!
I have a table saw. No intentions of buying a drill press (I'll eye it and let the lathe do the rest).
I'm not concerned about buying the best cutting tools so I'll still have them 20 years from now. Just need something to get me through 30 or so gifts. (If I like it, THEN I'll invest in good tools.)
On that note, I AM thinking carbide will be the way to go as I don't have a grinder to sharpen steel tools. Seems I should have the gouging tool and the parting tool. One other you'd suggest? Harbor Freight doesn't carry carbide. Any suggestions on where to purchase?
November 30, 2017 at 11:33AM
