Wood Lathes? - A Couple of Things to Think About When Buying a Used One

Wood lathes come on the used market in a fairly regular fashion and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of the used lathes are lemons. Here are a few suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all have some idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your present machine then you have some opinions as to what things are needed. The novice buyer has a harder road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, spindle and faceplate. Spindle turning includes such things and chair and table legs and is normal way to general woodworkers to enter the woodturning world. Making turned legs for a table eventually leads to making a table as an excuse for turning legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take up faceplate work desire to turn bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of working over the bed of the lathe for spindles and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and such. This required faceplates and other materials to have "left handed" threads. In effect, the bother of setting up for outboard turning meant that most woodturners could not be bothered and settled for making the largest bowl that would fit over the lathe bed. Today's manufacturers often compromise with a headstock that rotates and allows for bigger pieces using the same holding equipment as over the bed.

The problem that arises with this setup comes from lathe speeds. Generally spindles are turned much faster than faceplate work. Large bowl blanks, if unbalanced as most are, can at high speeds shake a lathe apart; cause the lathe to walk across the floor; or turn the wood into a projectile. At slow speeds none of these occur. Six hundred rpm is just slow enough for a twelve inch bowl, but slower is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your preferred style of turning. For spindles a solid set of ways making up the lathe bed are important. Faceplate lathes should be very sturdy at the headstock, handle a large piece of wood, and have a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is a basic power tool and look for the finish and quality you would normally desire in a good tool.

Wood lathes are a lot of fun in the woodworking shop. There are some great bargains on the used market and with a bit of insight, a used lathe is a wonderful way to get started in the woodturning craft.

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The Beginners Guide To Buying Used Woodworking Tools

Whether you're an experienced woodworking craftsman or a total rookie you can save money by purchasing used woodworking equipment instead of new tools. Used woodworking tools still have plenty of useful life left in them and usually are being sold by someone who is looking to find a good home for them.

Where to buy used tools

When looking for used woodworking tools, several sources come to mind.

The first is garage sales and estate sales. Many people buy tools with great intentions but after a few years of the tools collecting dust in the garage or cellar, the original owner is ready to part with them. That's good news for you because you just know that they have barely been used and the seller needs the cash. The next place I would look is in the local classified ads and the local thrift paper or penny saver newspaper. Weekend flea markets are another good place to find used tools, and lastly I would look on eBay.

When buying woodworking tools, be sure to inspect them closely before parting with your money. Yes, there will be some wear on them, but they should not be worn out. Hammer handles should be tight in the hammer-head. Saws should be still sharp, not bent or missing teeth. Hand planes should have blades without any nicks or gouges. Chisels should not have any deep gouges in the cutting edge (although chisels are fairly easy to get sharpened). Rulers should have legible markings. If you are buying power tools, be sure to ask the owner to plug them in and demonstrate that they actually work. Don't forget your most important tool and that is your Eye Safety Glasses or goggles!

When buying tools, be sure to buy the tools you need to complete your project. Your woodworking project plans should be telling you what tools and materials you need to complete the project. Be sure you have the right tools for the job. If you cannot find the tools you need used, then by all means, go to your local home improvement store and buy new. While you are there, ask the floor person if they have a bargain bin or a section where returned tools are on clearance. In this slow economy it's not unusual for people to by a tool for a home improvement job and then return it when they are done using it. You might pick up a good used power tool like a circular saw just because someone decided to return it to the store. By the way, if you have any doubts about what tools you need for your woodworking project, your local home improvement store is a great place to get advice from the pros who are happy to help you.

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Buying Horizontal Boring Machines Used Can Be a Smart Investment

The type of woodworking machinery that you need depends mainly on the type of woodwork that you plan on doing. For example, if you plan on producing simple furniture that has a rustic aesthetic, then you might not need a CNC router. But there are some woodworking machines that every aspiring furniture maker needs, and one of them is a boring machine. A wood boring-machine does exactly what it what sounds like it does; it bores holes in wood. In most cases, woodworkers that aspire to turn their home woodworking operation into a commercial woodworking business buy a wood boring machine for its ability to drill a high volume of holes in a small amount of time. But depending on the boring capacity that you need, you could be looking at spending anywhere between roughly $2,000 to well over $20,000 for a wood boring machine.

While this price range isn't unusual for industrial wood working equipment (some CNC routers cost over $250,000), it nonetheless places aspiring woodworkers in a financial position that threatens to kill their business dreams. When faced with the price of high capacity wood boring machines and woodworkers that don't have big start-up money, they usually choose one of two alternatives.

1. They buy a machine that offers less capacity than they require. (or)

2. They shop for used horizontal boring machines.

While buying a lower capacity boring machine might get you a new machine at a price you can afford, it won't offer you the performance that you want in a high efficiency production line, and it will eventually wear out from overuse. But when you buy a high capacity boring machine used, you can often get a machine that performs like new at a used machine price.

One of the biggest concerns with used machinery in any industry is that it will soon start showing its age and spend more time in the repair shop than on the production line. Certainly, there are numerous instances where both individuals and companies buy used wood working equipment that quickly fails. But the reasons behind these occurrences are generally three: the buyer didn't ask to see an official copy of the machine's maintenance record; the buyer didn't research the seller's business reputation; and the buyer didn't inspect or have the machine inspected for wear.

When it comes an industrial boring machine or other industrial woodworking machines, buying a machine that has an excellent maintenance record and less than substantial wear form a reputable seller almost always results in an economical purchase that pays dividends for your production line. Before you decide that commercial woodworking is off limits due to the price of the machinery that it requires, talk with a reputable reseller of industrial woodworking machines about level of quality you can expect from a well-maintained woodworking machine.

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Which is better-purchase of a woodworking machine combination or machines?

If you are starting a new business of woodworking or taking your existing business to the next level, providing the machinery needed for wood can be of major concern. Like other vocations that require specialized equipment, the prospect of leaving or updating a woodworking business can be an expensive one; so, in fact, that some carpenters to a new or existing business without fully investigating their ability to buy equipment at lower than expected prices. To get the best prices on woodworking machinery trade, carpenters have two options: you can buy used machinery for wood or you can buy a woodworking machine combination that has two or more attachments in a single unit. Below, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Buying a woodworking machine combination

Advantages: a woodworking machine combination is that of wood as a Swiss army knife is to outdoorsmen. Instead of weighted with as many machines as you have needs for woodworking, machinery space-saving combination of woodworking and the overall price of your equipment. As you might expect, the cost of combined machines based on their number of functions, with those that offer the most that cost more. A combined machine quality offering less functionality can cost you as little as $ 5,000, whereas one that offers the highest range of features can cost around $ 30,000.

Disadvantages: Although typically combination machines are designed to provide commercial-grade reliability, rarely offer the durability required by industrial woodworking, where the cars are mostly in use, rather than primarily at rest. Furthermore, the combination machines have little hope of meeting the production rate of a woodworking really high demand, which explains why usually are purchased by smaller woodshops.

Purchase of wood processing machines

Advantages: the benefits of buying used woodworking machinery dependent with industrial machinery quality that offers the best value due to their long useful life. When the potential reliability of a woodworking machine used is accurately assessed, its price significantly lower than a new car (a discount of 40% is not uncommon) is extremely interesting. Thus, the primary advantage of woodworking machines used properly assessed is the delivery of new machine quality at a price of used machine.

Disadvantages: If you plan to purchase individual machines, you will need the space to accommodate them, which can mean moving out of your joinery and plumbing warehouse style workspace, which might be your plan in the first place. Other concerns of spacing, the biggest drawback of purchase of machinery used for wood lies with their customers and not the machine itself: the potential to properly evaluate the reliability of a car. A correct evaluation of the reliability of a used car follows three phases: seller's reputation assessment to Better Business Bureau (BBB); by requesting a copy of the official maintenance records of a machine; and conducting a first-hand inspection of the car or have a third-party experts conducted the inspection.

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Buying a Machine for Woodworking - What Are My Options?

There are two criteria that determine whether a machine for woodworking is a sound purchase: whether or not its function(s) adequately meets the needs of its buyer, and whether or not it was purchased at a reasonable price. Regarding the first criterion, a machine's functionality has more than to do with its intended use; it also concerns the level of dependability a machine maintains over the course of its useful life span. Regarding the second criterion, a reasonable purchase price can result in more than a little money saved; in the case of industrial woodworking equipment, it can result in saving that significantly impact a company's bottom line. With these two criteria in mind, we evaluate the four commonest buying options for woodworking machines.

Buying from a Local Hardware Store

Before the Internet, buying woodworking machines consisted of either catalogue ordering or visiting a local hardware store. Today, however, various websites offer a range of products at a range of prices that Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, etc. can only dream of. More often than not, those who prefer the first person buying experience of a local hardware store value its psychological comfort, despite the price hikes that result from overhead. If you need everyday tools or supplies, buying from a hardware store is sensible. But for industrial woodworking machines, shopping online offers more advantages.

Buying from Company Auctions

As companies close their doors during the current recession, buying their used machinery at fantastic prices presents a golden opportunity; if you get fantastic machinery, that is. The problem with company auctions is that you rarely receive enough information on machine to be sure of its future dependability, such as whether its bid range is accurately predicated its state of wear and maintenance history. Company auctions are a great place to buy machinery, enhance its condition, and sell it for a profit. But if you're looking for machinery that you can immediately add to your production line, the risk for failure is too high.

Buying from Online Auctions

The risk of buying a machine for woodworking from an online auction is similar to the risk of buying it from a physical auction, but with a major exception: the identity of the seller is more obscure. Are you buying from someone who possesses the ability to assess a machine's dependability, or are you buying from a seller who wants to flip a machine that they bought at auction? Is the risk really worth it?

Buying from Professional Sellers of Used Woodworking Machinery

Buying industrial woodworking machinery from a professional seller offers several advantages. For one, the seller can provide a copy of a machine's official maintenance record, which should help to clarify its reliability. For another, a professional seller should be registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which allows you to determine its devotion to customer satisfaction by reviewing its record. When you shop a used machinery seller that has a solid record at the BBB; offers copies of maintenance records; and allows you to inspect a machine first hand if you wish, your chances of receiving new machine quality at a used machine price are as high as possible.

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CNC Equipment Buying Guide

CNC machines have revolutionized the entire manufacturing industry, no longer do you have to spend ages setting up a machine. A computer is able to control it for you. These CNC machines are often too expensive for private use, however it is possible to buy smaller machines at a fraction of the cost.

How do CNC Machines Work

CNC machines are used in a number of industrial applications, from metal fabrication businesses to woodwork workshops. CNC routers can be used in order to drill accurate holes. Some CNC machines are capable of a number of different tasks as they can use different tools. These save a lot of time and are also very accurate.

CNC actually means Computer Numerated Control. This was developed in the 70's. Before use the machines must be programmed, however once it's set up it can continue doing the same job all day long. The back stops and guides will continually adjust themselves to each operation, this means you do not need to continually adjust the machine for each stage.

CNC routers can be programmed using a computer program to drill holes in specific locations without anybody having to do anything other than supervise the machine. You need someone to set up the machine, however after that you only need someone to push buttons! These machines are great for jobs that are normally labor intensive or require accuracy.

Types of CNC Machines

CNC is a type of technology which is available in a number of different machines. It is for example available in a lathe. This is very useful when cutting wood. Most of these lathes will be able to operate in a number of different modes, from manual to CNC. This allows you to use the one machine in different ways.

The best mills are thought to be Bridgeport machines. Many industries require mills, from small shops to large businesses. Bridgeport mills are very reliable and should last for a very long time. These mills are however very expensive, and are out of most people's reach!

CNC mills are specialist equipment, they use robotics alongside computer programming in order to get accurate results. These are more accurate than a mere mortal could ever hope to achieve! Bridgeport mills are commonly used to manufacture parts for the airline industry as they are so accurate. The machines can change tools themselves so that they can do a number of different processes without having to move to different machines.

You can also purchase CNC engravers which can engrave a number of different materials such as stone, glass wood, metal and composites.

Buying Used CNC Machines

CNC machines are extremely expensive, especially if you buy brand new ones. This makes it impossible for many people to afford them, however you could consider buying used CNC equipment. By buying these machines you can normally save 50% or more on the price of a new machine. You must to be careful when you are buying used machines, otherwise you could be buying into trouble.

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Buying a Used Wood Lathe - Do You Want Accessories With That?

When buying a wood lathe it should be remembered that there is a lot that is seldom included with the purchase. The lathe will generally be accompanied with one or two face plates for faceplate turning along with a spur center and tail stock center for spindle turning. Other tools and accessories are most often not included but are necessary to turn wood. The buyer of a used lathe is often able to get some good bargains at the same time as the lathe is purchased.

Sellers of wood lathes are usually doing so because they are quitting turning for some reason or they are upgrading to a larger lathe. In the first case they have not further use for the woodturning tools and may be convinced to sell them at the same time. Those upgrading to a larger lathe may be finding that their collection of faceplates, centers, and tool rests will not fit the new lathe they have in mind or for that matter have on hand. It is not likely they will want to part with their turning tools themselves, but after the purchase of a new and larger lathe, they may consider a need for some ready cash.

When buying used lathe tools, be choosy about what you purchase. While brand names will give you an idea of quality, most manufacturers have ranges of tools from cheap to expensive and quality will most often vary with the price. Also many turners will put their own handles on tools from many sellers and it will be hard to find a brand name in the first place.

Look for tools with plenty of steel left on them. Sharpening gradually shortens woodturning tools and will eventually make them difficult to use as well as give very little life for the money. Many tools will start with seven inches of shaft. Less that five inches make them a chancy buy and anything from four on down should be free. I think bowl gouges need at least ten inches of shaft and twelve of handle but longer is better.

Examine the steel. Carbon steel is easier to sharpen to a good edge but will not stand the test of time in turning in the fashion of high speed steel. Most turners prefer high speed steel but many have a few tools of high carbon steel because they are a lot cheaper and in days gone by were all that turners could find. In general, high speed steel will be shinier than high carbon and is much less prone to rust. Look for shiny shafts with no rust. Sometimes the shaft will have HSS or M2 or M4 on high speed steel shafts.

It is good to have some idea of what tools are worth when looking at used ones and starting a barter session. Accessories that will not fit the new lathe are usually available at a good price of thirty to fifty percent of new. Turners that are dropping out of the craft will likely throw in their stash for a few dollars more. Always remember that good beginner's sets of tools are often available for less than a hundred dollars before the barter rush hits you.

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Wood lathes? -A couple of things to think about when you buy a used one

Wooden Lathes are on the market used in fairly regular and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of lathes used are lemons. Here are some suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all get an idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your machine this then you have some opinions about what things are necessary. The novice buyer has a tougher road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, Chuck and front. Turning spindle includes such things and the Chair and table legs and is the normal way of carpenters General to enter the world of the lathe. Manufacture turned legs to a table at the end to make a table as an excuse to turn her legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take different types work the desire to transform the bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of work above the bed of lathe chucks and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and the like. This required forms and other materials to have discussions "Lefty". In fact, the hassle of setting for outboard turning the meaning that most of the Turners could not be bothered and settled to make it the biggest Bowl that would fit over the bed of lathe. The producers of today often compromise with a blade that rotates and allows larger pieces using the same equipment company as above the bed.

The problem that arises with this setting is from tornio speed. Generally chucks are made much faster working different types. Blanks large bowl, if unbalanced as most are high-speed, shake a lathe part; cause the lathe on foot through the floor; or transform the wood into a bullet. Low-speed, none of these occur. 600 rpm is just slow enough for a twelve-inch Bowl, but more slowly, is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your favorite style of turning. For chucks a solid set of ways that make up the bed lathe are important. Lathe faceplate should be very robust blade, handle a large piece of wood and has a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is an instrument of power base and look for the finish and quality that normally would have desired a good tool.

Wooden Lathes are a lot of fun in store. There are some great deals on the second-hand market and with a little understanding, a lathe used is a wonderful way to start in craft lathe.

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Wood Lathes? - A Couple of Things to Think About When Buying a Used One

Wood lathes come on the used market in a fairly regular fashion and can be a great way to get a good wood lathe for the money. On the other hand some of the used lathes are lemons. Here are a few suggestions for the shopping trip.

First of all have some idea of what you want to do with a wood lathe in your shop. If you are upgrading from your present machine then you have some opinions as to what things are needed. The novice buyer has a harder road to follow.

There are two main ways to turn wood, spindle and faceplate. Spindle turning includes such things and chair and table legs and is normal way to general woodworkers to enter the woodturning world. Making turned legs for a table eventually leads to making a table as an excuse for turning legs. Faceplate work includes pieces such as round table tops, bowls and vases. Most people who take up faceplate work desire to turn bowls and go from there.

Most beginner lathes will be suitable for spindles and bowls. Older wood lathes used a system of working over the bed of the lathe for spindles and at the other end of the headstock worked "offside" for bowls and such. This required faceplates and other materials to have "left handed" threads. In effect, the bother of setting up for outboard turning meant that most woodturners could not be bothered and settled for making the largest bowl that would fit over the lathe bed. Today's manufacturers often compromise with a headstock that rotates and allows for bigger pieces using the same holding equipment as over the bed.

The problem that arises with this setup comes from lathe speeds. Generally spindles are turned much faster than faceplate work. Large bowl blanks, if unbalanced as most are, can at high speeds shake a lathe apart; cause the lathe to walk across the floor; or turn the wood into a projectile. At slow speeds none of these occur. Six hundred rpm is just slow enough for a twelve inch bowl, but slower is better.

So when looking for a lathe, get one that fits your preferred style of turning. For spindles a solid set of ways making up the lathe bed are important. Faceplate lathes should be very sturdy at the headstock, handle a large piece of wood, and have a low speed. Remember that a wood lathe is a basic power tool and look for the finish and quality you would normally desire in a good tool.

Wood lathes are a lot of fun in the woodworking shop. There are some great bargains on the used market and with a bit of insight, a used lathe is a wonderful way to get started in the woodturning craft.

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