Any woodworkers out there that can provide input to a decent mini lathe? I want something just to turn small things like pens, lures, game calls, pepper mills and such. I’m a complete novice at this so I’m not sure what to look for. Reviews for such equipment is all over the place.

I have a Jet 1221VS, and I believe it fits the bill perfectly for what you are wanting to do.

Woodcraft has a 10% sale a few times a year, I would wait for sale price.

I will say, the lathe was just the beginning... All the "stuff" that goes along with it really adds up. :-)

I have not used the Rikon, but if you truly stay small, it may be a good initial fit. Cost is less, but it lacks power.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...bench+top+wood+lathe

Don't know if you have access to a harbor freight, or not, but the link above shows 2 of their lathes that sound just like what you described. Inexpensive but according to my experience, their stuff works pretty well.

Grizzly also has some decent lathes in many configurations sizes and prices.

I have been turning for quite a while and suggest you try a less expensive lathe as a start. If you like doing it, you will progress to larger and better lathes.

I just listed a full size Grizzly on Craigslist yesterday and a guy is driving 3 hours to look at it today. Not what you are looking for, but an example of the demand for lathes.

I also have a Jet 1221VS that I sue for turning pens and smaller items. Works well for what I do.

Could you use a 53 inch Vega duplicating lathe? It might be a little overkill for pens. I don't have room for it. You'd have to pay for shipping, 500 lbs.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
Could you use a 53 inch Vega duplicating lathe? It might be a little overkill for pens. I don't have room for it. You'd have to pay for shipping, 500 lbs.

Oh my! Probably a little big for my use but thanks.

Contact Jim - sig229-SAS
He is an "artisan" with wood turning.... many of the SF members know of his talents. He has a great skill set of turning. Check out his website http://bark2art.com

quote:

Originally posted by 2022:
Contact Jim - sig229-SAS
He is an "artisan" with wood turning.... many of the SF members know of his talents. He has a great skill set of turning. Check out his website http://bark2art.com

He does some really, really beautiful work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish I was that good!

The most common one around here is the Jet 1015. One member of a local turning club was selling one (though a 1014, the predecessor of the 1015) for $150 and it was in excellent shape. If you're patient, you can pick up up a used lathe for a much more reasonable price than new. Good luck, it's a great pastime.

quote:

Originally posted by PPinesRon:
The most common one around here is the Jet 1015. One member of a local turning club was selling one (though a 1014, the predecessor of the 1015) for $150 and it was in excellent shape. If you're patient, you can pick up up a used lathe for a much more reasonable price than new. Good luck, it's a great pastime.

I was looking at the Jet 1015 earlier today. I like it but it is pricey.

I used a cue smith turning lathe for turning wood, and it would turn pens, but it is overkill for your purposes (and is about $1200).

https://www.cuesmith.com/cue-lathes-cue-smith.html

I have a Nova Comet II and it’s a great little machine. 3 pulley settings with electronic speed control. Great for everything from pens to small bowls about 10” in diameter.

I got it over the Jet 1221 as it was a bit cheaper, on sale with a 4 jaw chuck and accepted extendable beds. But really both are great little lathes that will serve you well.

I have a Jet 1221 and a Rikon 70-100.

I purchased the Rikon first and then realized I needed the slower adjustable RPM that the Jet gives me. I need the slow RPM because I make screw tip and applied tip powder horns and I turn the horn at 60 RPM. The Rikon would only drop to 420 RPM and that's just to darn fast.

Both work fine and I had no problems with either.

I forgot to mention that there's a Facebook page called 'Woodturning Tool Exchange' that has a good deal from time to time. Also, you might want to contact your local woodturning club, as members upgrade, move, etc. Not sure where you are in W.KY, but here's a map that may help you:
http://www.woodturner.org/?page=AAWConnectsMap