Please help me pick out the right wood lathe

[COYOTE INC]

Hello Everyone, I was hoping that you could point me in the right direction when it comes to choosing the right wood lathe.  My Dad has a big industrial metal lathe that I could do some work on but it is not what I want.  I think that particular lathe may be too much for the detailed wood work I plan on doing but I don't know, if you think I will be fine working on it please let me know as that would be great!
This is what I believe I want in a wood lathe.  Please tell me what I really need and any companies and models that you recommend.
1. Mini Wood Lathe- the smaller size suits my area better but if it affects quality I will compromise.
2. Variable Speed that goes up to 4,000+ RPM
3. Tool rest
4. Face Shield- I guess I could just get an actual face shield if it is needed at all- probably much cheaper!

As you can see, I don't really know much about wood lathes and that is why it is hard for me to pick out one that will fit my needs.  I will be working on all kinds of wood, from wood that I have been collecting and still collecting (now drying) to exotic blanks that I will be buying in the future once I get the hang of the Lathe.  I would like to be able to work with harder materials as well on the lathe and I do not know if that makes a difference when choosing a lathe or if it is the tools that I work with that make the difference when working with harder materials.

[malblackbelt05]

The Psi Turncrafter is one that a lot of guys on here use.  I looked into it myself but came across a deal I just couldn't pass up on Craiglist.  Its got all of the
features that you wanted and if you find it on Amazon you can usually get free shipping which is great for freight items. It is also a lot less than a comparable Jet lathe.  As for a faceshield I really can't say much I'm using an old chainsaw helmet/faceshield combo. 

[dogcatcher]

My advice is find a local woodturner and ask for a lesson or 2, most will jump at the chance to help a new woodturner.  The Woodcraft stores even have lessons available.  Using a lathe is not rocket science but having someone show you the basics will shorten the learning curve, especially the sharpening of the chisels. 

The lathe is only part of the cost, when you add up safety equipment, chucks, mandrels, jigs, saws and a number of other items the total cost will easily exceed a $1000, and soon exceed $2000.  It is better to know what you need than be out there buying because you think you need something, best way to have an idea of what you need is to know how to use the tools you need to buy them.

Marvin

[MUTT]

Great wisdom Marvin!  Yote, you will not go wrong with a Jet of Delta. 

Mutt

[DEER TAG]

I am new at this and got the jet VS 1410 429.00 from amozon free shipping i like it 5 year waranty.
And there right cost of the lathe is nothing compared to the other things i been picking up to make it easyer .

[HaMeR]

My lathe experience is -ZERO- outside of the Jet mini I have. But in my web travels just now I came upon what looks to be a nice lathe with a bed extension & a 1/2HP motor. You have to move the belts to change speeds but after you've done this a few times it's 2nd nature. When I bought mine I was told I would lose a little bit of power with the electronic speed control. And I saved almost $100 by changing belt settings which at the time was a big concern for me.  Heckuva sale price right now at Rockler on this. $245 shipped with the bed extension.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19446&filter=mini%20lathe


I would look around for a Rikon too or maybe a Turncrafter Pro if the above lathe isn't what you would like.

[jcz]

That looks like a pretty good lathe and a heck of a deal.

[COYOTE INC]

Thank you everyone for the great advice!
I have a good family friend that turns wood who is going to show me what he turns out, so I am excited to learn about that!  I just want to get a lathe for radial symmetry, up to this point I have been hand carving and finishing wood by hand and I would like to take it to the next level with my wood fun!
Thanks Again!

Tyson

[talltimbers]

Just some food for thought.  You can turn tiny things on a big lathe, easy.  But you can not turn big things on a tiny lathe at all.   Carl

[deadlead07]

You can pick up a Shop Fox 1752 mini on Amazon for $246 with free shipping.They have discontinued the Turncrafter VSPRO.The Shop Fox looks very similar to the Turncrafter and has got very good reveiws.It has got 10'' swing over the bed and 15'' between centers.MT2 head and tail stock tapers with 1x8 threaded head stock.3 1/4'' tailstock travel and 6 speed settings.Includes 6'' tool rest, live rolling center, spur center and 3-Inch face plate.It seems to be a pretty good lathe for the money.
I havent got my lathe yet but when I do I will most likely be getting the Shop Fox.