Choosing a wood lathe when it counts: what to look for robust

While it is obvious that the wood lathes, spin around, wood is not always apparent to the buyer of time before spinning, if out of balance, vibra tremendously. In addition, wood lathes could pick up runs very heavy wood sections and should be able to withstand considerable strength. There are a few simple things to try to ensure that a lathe is robust enough for the job at hand.

If you have a small shop and the intention of turning small objects, it may seem as if robustness will not be a factor, but this is simply not so. Most small lathes to turn at high speeds and have an high minimum speed. Just as on a car, an unbalanced wheel doesn't seem a problem at low speeds but vibrates at those tall, the same thing happens on a wood lathe or unbalanced parts with lathe unbalanced. While a small piece on a small lathe can not try to walk through the floor, vibration encourages poor cuts and a good finish.

Lathes larger tend to have lower minimum speed, and then allow for less vibration pieces out of balance. However they are usually bought with the purpose of handling the largest pieces of wood and then more weight. An empty bowl of forty pounds is not unusual on a lathe with a swing of twelve to sixteen inches and can literally walk a lathe light through the floor of the store.

The solution to the problem is to have a robust enough to handle the lathe work. It starts with a good base as a stand that is well done and heavy enough not to move forces turning. The sand is a good vibration absorber and many Turners design their booth lathe to hold hundreds of pounds of sand.

The lathe itself should have a lot of pig iron and steel in its construction. Stamped metal parts tend to give little support. Good welds should be sought. Check with your friends by lathe and discover what lathes used for turning you intend to do and then find out if they are satisfied. Good bearings are a must and even more important are the bays. The bearings are easily replaced, but not where they live in the lathe.

One of the best test of robustness is good sense when looking at the lathe. If it seems solid is probably. This would not only be one aspect of the catalogue, but rather a chance to stare at it and see if the steel is substantial and iron castings are solid and well finished. Mechanisms to hold the rest, Headstock and tailstock tool should be strong and firmly lock. Speed controls should move easily and readily accessible.

The final test of the lathe will happen as you turn on it. Many Turners will push the envelope of size and speed and safety is the responsibility of every individual, but much of it can be ensured by good planning and foresight of a bit.

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