Buying Your First Lathe 

Buy cheap you're gonna cry twice! LOL! I loved that and it's so true not only with lathes but with just about everything you buy. Thanks for all the great info.

Excellent video. I’m glad of the info about the 1” threading of the chuck and the 12” rather than 10” swing capacity

Another good video. I’m glad your providing tips so new turners have good information before making a purchase.

Great video Mike, thanks. I'm one of those guys who bought a Harbor Freight mini lathe to get started on. While it's fairly primitive, it gets the job done for pen turning and that's all I've done with it. I'm looking to upgrade to the Laguna you have or the Rikon 70-150vsr.

Thank you Mike. I am just looking at buying my first lathe, this was great.

Thanks for the great info your honest opinion. When I was a kid with no money I purchased a 12” Sears lathe. I’ve acquired a number of accessories for it over the years I’ve owned it and after 40 years of turning, on and off I looking for something with larger capacity and updated components. Finding suitable parts for an older lathe can be problematic so I can say if I had waited a while longer, I would have purchased something along the level of a Delta. I now live on a 2 acre wooded lot and have access to larger diameter turning stock.

Researching for my first lathe purchase and your video was very helpful......many thanks.

Very informative. I’ve subscribed and watched many of your videos. You are more helpful than sales staff at stores who are actually trying to sell things. Please keep the good work up.

Thanks for the recent Tips, Tricks, and Gadgets videos lately! They're a Great source of information for us hobbyists.

Thanks for another great review, Mike. My Jet 1221 is on its way! I might have purchased a lower quality lathe just to get into the hobby, but I'm glad I held off until I could afford a quality lathe.

Great video, I'm very pleased with my Laguna 1216.

Thanks glad I ran across this video! Great information Mike!

Really good advice for someone who is just getting into turning. Like you Mike, I started with a less expensive lathe, in my case one from Harbor Freight and then worked my way up from there. Thanks for all of your insight and helpful advice... always spot on!

thanks for the helpful video mike,

My house is full of items I have turned over the last twelve years on my Jet mini lathe. I sold it this weekend and will buy a Laguna 12-16 Friday. For the time being it will be mounted on the old workbench my mini was on. After using it for a while and deciding on the correct height I plan to build a stand like yours. I really appreciate your videos.

I loved the video! I've been looking to upgrade a bit from my HF lathe and you convinced me! I just ordered my Laguna 12 16! I can't wait for it to arrive!!!!!!!

I appreciate the good content

Hey. Thanks for posting. I'm just browsing but I feel a lot more informed than I did a few minutes ago. Who knows, you may be the reason I get into turning. All the best from Panama

Thanks for the valuable insight Mike ! I'm looking at buying my first lathe after I finish my workshop refit, one of the things I would suggest is to visit a tool centre and handle the lathe you are interested in. The one I fancied looked good on paper but ,on moving the bandjo and tail stock around, it felt flimsy and there were a few other things I didn't like about it. The motor protruded past the chuck on the headstock and it just didn't suit...very good points on the video and people forget the chucks are not cheap! Gouges are expensive and even though wood grows on trees that's an issue as well.

Great video, Mike.

i wish i see it two years a go it was great and open my eyes for the next one there will be another one thanks

Thank you for making this video, I'm interested in getting into wood turning and your video was helpful. It has given me some answers and some more things to think about. Best wishes and God's blessings to you.

I don’t have a lathe yet, but this video has given me some perspective on what to look for. Enjoyed it very much.

Great advise! A little late for me because I started a little over a year ago. I found a great starter set up from Penn State Industries. The lathe came with enough to get started. Then over time I have acquired additional tools and what not to make more diverse projects. I would definitely make sure to get a variable speed lathe.

Great info Mike. I have had my 3520B Powermatic for 5+ years. I started small then went to mid-size before I made the plunge to get the Powermatic. If I had to do again, I would have done the Powermatic after years on the benchtop lathe. I had the Jet 1641 in between the benchtop and the Powermatic, but it was not big enough to do large salad bowls which I produce close to 100 a year.

When I got more serious with woodworking, a fellow who did videos for woodcraft was one of my favorites. You sound like him and have great knowledge as well. He is in heaven now. Thank you for all the videos you have provided.

This video helped me make my decision, thanks

Thank you!!

Another great video Mike. I bought a used Rockwell from the 60s for $160 at auction about a year ago. It came with 4 face plates, buffing system, 3 tool rests(6", 12" & offset 6"), 2 spur centers and 2 live centers. It has been a lot of fun to watch your videos and hit the shop to try it myself.

thanks mike for all your help

Just upgraded to my Jet vs12-21 last month and am very happy with it! My older lathe was 1/2 hp - the Jet is 1 hp..... the older one was 5 fixed speeds starting at 500 rpm and the jet has three pulleys that are variable speeds and much easier to switch than the old one, plus the lowest pulley’s range is 60 rpm to 900! It’s wonderful for roughing and turning bowls!!! I highly recommend it!

Thanks for your invaluable advice..Greetings from the U.K.

A very balanced comparison of different lathe types which is very useful for those thinking of buying a lathe Why you are getting thumbs down is beyond me, I suggest you ignore them. Thanks James

Thanks for sharing,,👍

Hey Mike, very thoughtful and informative video. I am on my 5th lathe. There is no such thing as over buying. Purchase the quality your budget will allow. If you buy cheap,you buy twice. Thanks again for sharing.

Nice video on your new 1216 series. Been waiting for the full review vid !! Great series so far. Got permission today to buy one myself - a lathe I ... fell ... in ... love ... with😍. Did the same shopping as you did. Great minds think alike, so they say!! Thumb downs? I'm guessing they wanted more of a comparison or "Best Lathe for the Novice" video. Can't please everyone.

Helpful video…. Thank you

Great video Mike! I too started out with a 'mini', a Rikon 1221 but quickly changed to a Variable Speed Reversing Jet 1221 which I loved and still wish I had kept as my second lathe if not my primary! I sold the Jet 1221VSR and purchased it's larger and heavier brother the Jet 1640VSR with rotable Headstock. I really like my new 1640VSR but due to my shops size, I wish sometimes that I had still had my little 1221VSR which was plenty large (as you mentioned!!!) to do 95% of the turnings I most often do. Something to take into consideration for certain, is you shop size and how much more room a full size lathe and it's accessories take up compared to a midi lathe! Again, THANKS for the great video and SAFE turning to you and yours ALWAYS!!!

Mike, I’m 66 y.o. & fairly new to wood lathes. I found one thing that I think would be useful to viewers: dust collection *at the lathe*. Ther’s lots about dust collection (motors, bags, piping, etc.), but I think you should do one on YOUR system - at the lathe! I notice that you use the Woodstock dust hood clamped to your lathe ways. Perhaps go into detail about how effective it is, mounting system , usefulness, etc. Thanks Mike! 👍

Good video, Mike!

Mike I liked your presentation enough to subscribe. I've had the delta model for a couple of years and I do like it. My one gripe is the reversible switch is wired backwards. That's a common issue with this lathe. I like to go backwards and forwards to do my sanding. I only work with carbide tools as I dont have to learn the grinding skill as well it gives me more lathe time. Cheers and thanks.

Great video. I have a Lugana 1216. I got the bed extension and I am a happy camper. No trouble with the lathe. I had a hard time with the stand and later learned it is because the instructions are WRONG regarding the casters. The lathe performs really well and is very versatile. I don’t do a lot of bigger items 11” bowls and plates. Lots of smaller bowls, boxes, etc. Ton of fun and I must say I am really pleased. If I were going for it today I would likely go for the new 1524 (I think that is the number) not for size but for motor and some tail stock features. But my 1216 is running every day and spins like a champ. Mike great video and helpful with good advice.

I am looking into buying a lathe. Of course I was looking at HarborFreight but after watching this I am gonna spend the extra money and get something better. This is a great video for someone looking to get started in it.

Nice video thank you

I bought an old Woodfast 908. It's an affordable upgrade from my china bench top lathe. 20 inch swing is more than enough for me. I wish I had a digital display but I just go by feel.

best of the best infos.

I’ve been using the Harbor Freight mini lathe for several years and have turned several hundred pens never missed a beat.only real gripe is to change the speed change the belt position. FYI the HF late is the same as several other budget lathes.

Thanks Mike, I'm looking at midi's right now and leaning towards the Laguna. Handles are important to me as you know we are always moving the banjo and tool rest around. I am using an old Carbatec mini it has served me well for 20 years, but I'll make a jump to something g with more HP. Looking forward to you review of the Revo 12/16.

Mike, thanks for the very insightful information. I have had a small Ricon lathe a couple of years ago and turned some projects but life got busy and I ended up selling it due to lack of use and a very small workshop. I am now retired and am looking for another lathe and I am doing a lot of research prior to making a purchase. I had been considering a full size but at the price I want to pay it seems like there are some problems with quality and function. I had narrowed my choice down to the midi Laguna Revo 12/16 you used here because of the capacity, speed control, ability to add on for extra length and quality. Thanks for the video, I am joining a local wood turning club and will wait to make the purchase until I have attended several meetings.

your lathe stand turned out great mike i use a tool box on casters it had a wood top on it already but i had to screw a longer top onto it to hold my little cheap harbor freight lathe . i know at some point i will want a bigger one but for right now its great works great . now i wanted to mention that you can get a speed controller from harbor freight for your lathe i thing its for a router but it is a plug and go system . you plug the speed controller and the lathe into the speed controller and your all set . you might have to adjust the belt on your lathe to get a speed from high to low you like not sure i haven't tried it yet . but it was worth mentioning to you . i really love your power matic its awesome . right now all i can do is envy you lol . the 220 would be a issue for me i dont have a 220 hookup . but its more lathe then i will ever need . not to say if i could get one cheap enough i wouldn't jump on it lol . ok brother ill end with your looking great in them dew rags brother . and always great advice from a true master of turning .

Great video! I would have love this info when I first started, but there wasn’t many videos then and RU-vid wasn’t very big. Lol

Great video with great details. I have the 460 and love it. Have been thinking about getting a larger one. Have you done one on criteria for the larger ones? Again thank you for educating us on woodturning.

Great video! Liked and subscribed!

I just bought a used Jet 14/42. Can’t wait to get started!

GOOD INFO!!

Thanks Mike. I’d love a video some time comparing the most popular full size lathes. I’m one of the guys who went cheap when I began seriously turning. Got a Grizzly, but have been missing a bunch of the features of a better lathe and thinking about upgrading. Love to hear comparisons between Powermatic, Nova, Jet, etc.

Nice overview of the considerations. I would have liked more comments of a comparison of the 4 lathes you mentioned since they do seem to vary in how they do things like locking the spindle. I would find holding a button down to be cumbersome. I've had my Delta 46-460 for about 5 years and love it. The only downside is it doesn't have a digital readout.

Finally someone mentions the ergonomics of a lathe. I've been comparing lathes in this size range and that was the one area nobody mentioned in any of the reviews I've read yet. That will help me decide if I need to spend the extra outlay of cash for a stand or if one of my existing benches will suffice. That comment alone made the 20 minutes spent watching this video worthwhile.

Thanks for the great video and information. I've been turning about 6 months, and purchased an "inexpensive" lathe to see if I wanted to turn. I'm hooked, and have spent much more on chucks, tools, grinder/wheels, and other attachments and such than I spent on the lathe. My lathe turns the wood. Now I'm saving for one that has the features I want. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience - it's priceless.

Was strongly considering that Laguna because I saw Tommy using that one in an Ask This Old House episode. But I ended up recently getting the Jet 12/21 VS for a few reasons. Reading Laguna owner's reviews anyone that had a problem had nothing good to say about their customer service. Did call Jet once with a question and got right through to someone in the US and they were very helpful. Laguna has a 2 year warranty and a 16" bed. For almost the exact same money the Jet has a 5 year warranty and anybody that dealt with them had nothing but praise. Also the bed is 5"s longer and you can also get a bed extension if needed and has the same dial-in variable speed feature and a reverse switch. Belt position changing is equally easy on both machines and most every site I checked had the Jet reviews average with more star than the Laguna. I also own a Jet table saw, long bed joiner and dust collection system and never had the slightest problem with any of them.

Good info on buying a lathe...I could have used this video about 1 1/2 years ago!

Well Mike I bought two lathes and your right. I first bought a harbor freight bench top no frills. Used it to break a few tools got the faceplate stuck on it and then decided to buy another one. I bought a turncraft commander and it has done me ok. I got talked into turning pens by my girlfriend. But at least it has been more user friendly. Variable speed which makes a world of difference. But love the run down on your ideas and I'm sure there will be a third purchase of a bigger lathe at some point. Thanks for the info.

Really great video Mike, thankyou. I'm considering a wood lathe, never tried turning before, but have a workshop with jointer, bandsaw, drill press etc. I was thinking second hand, but you helped put me off that idea, especially re belt changes. My drill press has belts, and it's amazing how you manage to make do with everything at whatever belt speed it's already on 😂. Laguna 1216 I'm thinking 👍

This video is getting more thumbs downs than usual. I would appreciate any comments on why if you did not like this video.

Mike, many larger lathes today have a variable frequency drive (VFD) speed control electronics. A major issue that is not being discussed much is that VFD will not operate w GFI circuits. For home garages where electrical codes require GFI, both 110 and 220, such lathes will not run.

Really great and informative video as I try to determine which lathe to jump in with. Trying to avoid my usual temptation of “going cheap and good enough”. Looks like I’m trying to just “cry once”! Thanks. Do you have a video on how to sharpen turning tools?

I'm just over a year in with my Jet 1221. I'd say that the lathe and stand is maybe a third of my investment, so my advice to new turners is to not try to "save money" on the lathe. Unless you are certain that you'll only want to turn pens, ornaments, bottle stoppers, and such, definitely go for the midi size lathe. And definitely go for variable speed. The speed control is critical when you are dealing with unbalanced wood. I'm mostly turning bowls, and it can be a challenge to find wood to "max out" my lathe capacity. I think my max so far is about 10 inches.

Great video, Mike. I just passed this to a colleague that asked about lathes a day or two ago. You provided much better info than I could. About the thumbs down ... I'm guessing your comment about walking away from lathes with a non-standard #2 Morse taper around 2:25 would be the reason. My PSI TurnCrafter 12" is a #2, but the moment I heard you say that, I thought, "Well, that'll piss someone off." I'm not disagreeing, just guessing where that's coming from.

Just picked up one for forty that will be pretty good 😌 smaller bowls and boxes plus baseball bats

4 Popular Midi lathes mentioned at timestamp 9:40 here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s0YDgte_C7Q.html

after a lot of research I picked the Harbor Freight 12×33 I've used a lot of different lathes and for the price I'm happier with it then a pig in mud. in the first month its paid for itself 3 times and its easy to move which is a very BIG consideration for me

Mike, I am really enjoying your videos. As a relatively new turner, wands, boxes, bowls etc. I am looking to upgrade my lathe. I looking at the Laguna 12/16 and the smallest Powermatic. Any advice?

Buying the Grizzly GO462. I just retired so I can afford it and I like that the head stock can also swivel up to 360 degrees and it's `16 by 46 with 2 horsepower with spindle tach and digital readout. It should more than handle my bigger turnings.and will also turn a pen blank with no problem.

I bought my first (and probably last as it seems to meet all the requirements I can envisage) lathe in July this year so I'm about as 'newbie' as it gets. It's a Record Power DML305, which does not have variable speed. Actually, the manual pulley system is one of the reasons for choosing this lathe. As Mike pointed out, lathes are basically simple machines... and I like to keep it that way. I have no knowledge of electronics so, in the event of a failure in the speed control (usually manifest as 'idling' or erratic speed variations when running), I'd be screwed. At 71, I'm hardly contemplating a career in woodturning so a lathe that is pretty much guaranteed to last the rest of my lifetime and probably the lifetime of whoever inherits when I shuffle off my mortal coils is a big plus. My only grouch relating to changing the speed is that the belt cover requires an allen wrench to open it. Opening and closing it in this way takes far more time than changing the pulleys. This is easily remedied by securing a knob to the head of the captive allen bolt so it is operating by hand without the use of a wrench. I would imagine that this is the first 'hack' that owners of this lathe do. I agree wholeheartedly that this is a lot more hassle than simply adjusting the speed with a knob and certainly not ideal for anyone who plans to earn a living with their lathe (time being money and all that). But, for a hobbyist like myself, this is no real hassle. Also, I would imagine it would be more of an issue to someone used to using a variable speed. But this is a factor worth considering. I'm not an engineer or an electronics expert yet my lathe is fully user-serviceable. One day, no doubt, the belt will need replacing... but that's it. I just felt this factor was worth pointing out.

You actually responded to another video I watched, Thank you, I am considering the Jet 12 21 vs. Any concerns or issues with this lathe you are aware of ?

I have the Jet 12/21 and I love it. I also have the Jet 18/40 both are smooth running high quality lathes. Jet is an American company, but both of my lathes are made in Taiwan. I wish they were made in the USA, but they would cost considerably more. At least Taiwan makes equality products like the Japanese. I recommend the 12/21 for it's quality and ease of use. It costs between $750.00 to $850.00 but I used my accumulated Amazon points and I caught it on sale. I paid $650.00 so watch for sales. I bought the Rikon he mentioned for my grandson. I didn't care for it, the Jet is better and easier to use. Saying that, the Rikon is still a good quality mini lathe and it is more affordable.

I have a 14 - 42 Jet that I have had for 15 plus years. I wanted a larger lathe, but at my age I felt I couldn't justify the investment. I made 2" riser blocks and an intermediate shaft that I mounted in my motor position. I moved my motor down on the frame. I was never happy with low end speed (my lathe has a Reeves drive) so I used step pulleys, I now can get down to 201 RPM's. This worked for me and I now have an 18" lathe with a small investment.

Nice video Mike, thanks. When you were researching the purchase and the Rikon 220VSR, did you also look at the smaller center-to-center capacity Rikon 70-150VSR? It's a 12/16 like your Laguna, with available extensions for both sides, and seems to have the same 1 HP motor as the 220VSR. How important in the left side extension?

Thanks for your advice. I'm trying to get myself to the point of starting woodturning and all the extra things needed besides the lathe is a lot. Can you comment on your approach to sharpening for woodturning?

Thanks Mike!! Wish I knew some of this before I bought my first lathe.

Great advice Mike! I have the Jet 1221 and really like it. One factor I had to consider was shop space. I'm a furniture/cabinetmaker also doing restoration. My shop is fairly small, plus the midi fits my turning needs.

Some time give a rundown on the coasts of the lathes, hardware, cutting tools, sharpening grinder, grinding wheels......

Hi Mike, thanks for the advice. You've played with the Record Power Herald, but didn't consider it on your list of 4. Here's my conundrum. I really liked the look of the Herald until I saw the build quality of the Laguna. I specifically want a small lathe with outboard turning for bowls. The Herald would slot straight into my workshop where my current lathe is. But the Laguna effectively needs access from front, back and end for bowl turning. So, I would need some pretty major reorganising to make it work. Having played with both, would you say the Herald is a good build quality? Has it stood the test of time in your club? (I appreciate with the lockdown it probably hasn't actually been used as much). Looking at the Laguna it looks like a small industrial lathe, whereas by comparison, the Herald doesn't. Would you suggest get the laguna and refit the workshop, of it doesn't really matter which, they're both good? I have seen someone do a spindle runout test on the Laguna and it was less than 1 thou out. Someone else did a spindle runout test on the Herald but using a brand new live centre, and it was 4 thou out. I don't know whether that is still counted as good, or whether the live centre caused some error. Certainly, the Laguna looks to be made to a higher standard both in terms of precision and robustness. But I haven't touched either.

I started turning a year ago and acquired a used delta midi, no variable speed. I quickly outgrew it because the constant speed changing drives me nuts. The problem is that most midis I’ve looked at still require belt changes to go from cutting to sanding which, in my opinion, negates the reason for the variable speed feature. The one that seemed to have the best speed bundling was the Jet. Not sure I’ve looked at a Laguna yet, though. What speed range do you recommend for cutting spindle stock and for sanding? Since I can’t afford a new lathe right now, I’m going to get a variable speed kit from Penn State. I’m not fond of the speed bundles, but I did used to cut at 2800 and sand at 1250, which is what their middle belt is, and it worked ok. I melt sandpaper quicker on that speed, though. I recently switched to cutting at 3700 and sanding at 800, but I won’t get anything like that on one belt until I upgrade to a new lathe. Also, what brand of chuck do you recommend for midis? I have the SuperNova2, I think, and I’m not fond of them. There seems to be wiggle room in the pin jaws I usually use, which knocks my piece of out round when I take the tail stock off. The tail stock, itself, also has wiggle room and I have to be careful of how I set it into the piece or it won’t match up again if I move it out of the way briefly.

Great stuff Mike! I am thinking of a new hobby and have always been fascinated with wood turning! Can I ever contact you with questions?

My dad bought me a lathe for $20 when I was 12 years old. That included a set of seven lathe chisels. I am now 70 years old and have long since got rid if the lathe and replaced it with a Rockwell Beaver in the 80’s. I still have the chisels and the lathe but am looking to replace it with possibly the Laguna. Since I have retired I have gotten into segmented bowl turning and my old lathe just doesn’t meet my needs even though it has served me well for many years. Just wondering if you have any recommendations on a good quality chuck?

You mentioned horse power , I bought a 1 hp vs lathe and was eagerly anticipating a great increase over my old 1/4 hp . It is better but imagine my surprise when I found out I could stall it with my hand on the spindle, I know other 1 hp motors I have develop much more torque. Are lathes measured differently, or vs motors a lower torque motor, what the heck is up?

Maybe you have guidance on a chuck for laguna 1216??

Mike what do you think of the Nova Orion 18/44 ? I like the swivel head as left handed may be better choice

Video is great but why chose the laguna revo 1216 over the jet 1221vs I’m asking because I’m stuck with liking both of those but don’t want to buy either one without fully thinking it threw lol I like the jet because of the little larger bed I also like the warranty I like the Laguna because of the outboard even though I’d probably never use it I also like how it looks and feels but wished the bed was 20in between centers even tho I only turn pens and small bowls and little stuff so 16 would probably be ok I don’t own my own lathe yet I turn on a friend’s hf lathe mostly

mike since you brought laguna lathe what do you think about it before i get one

I love the timing of this I'm about to buy a grizzly g0766 it is about $500 cheaper than the laguana and 3 horsepower vs 2 horsepower but you did not mention grizzly? Is it worth buying the smaller more expensive lathes are are they comparable? I meant to say Grizzly versus Lagana

One other question, where do you source your hard wood for turning?

I’m watching the video now. But as someone who’s interested in Lathes my interest is in making legs in size for tables down to bedside tables. What lathe might you suggest? My interest was sparked when I stopped by Harbor Freight. But I know their items run bottom of the barrel

Please tell me where you got your light on the lathe.

Where would you place the Delta 3400 in the lathe lineup?

I know I said one other ? but this is the last till I think of another, What are some good brands in turning tools?

I'm looking at a 1981 rockwell delta 46-450 vs the 3 you have links to.Any thoughts would be helpful.

mike i started out with a rikon 70-100 mini lathe and jumped to the jet 1642,,now im looking to sell the rikon and get a new mini lathe,,i guess the reverse feature on the jet spoiled me,,,what do you think a good mini lathe with reverse on it would be

I have two lathes now. Both have the same issue with the tail stock quill which I find interesting. The Rikon VSR 220 and a fox 1447 each one after using it to drill even though I am not applying much pressure to turn in the drill start having issues retracting the quill. I’ve already replaced the 220 quill twice for the same issue. I’m not a young man and I don’t have a lot of strength so to me I should note able to cause a piece of steel to expand or whatever is happening to the quill. I can’t see anything wrong with them but neither of them will slide easily back into the tail stock without a lot of stress on my wrists. I wonder how big a lathe I need to buy to get away from that issue.