Decent enough for a first timer?

[u/sleepyghost515]

I REALLY want a lathe and this one is super cheap compared to others. Is it good for a total starter to turning? I’ll be using it almost exclusively for one-like projects. At least to start….

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[u/bloodbath500]

Not a bad price at all I’d say. My first lathe was similar in price and size. If you love it, you’ll get another one. Then probably another one after that.

[u/sleepyghost515 → u/bloodbath500]

Ok thanks. I think that’s the validation I’m looking for lol!

[u/RegularJoe62]

A few things:

• It's an MT1 (Morse Taper). That means that a lot of accessories, chucks, etc., aren't going to be able to moved along when you eventually move to a bigger lathe (and you likely will).
• The short distance between centers means you won't be able to turn anything much bigger than a pen or short-ish tool handle.
• The swing, while small, is more than adequate for small spindle projects. If you want to start turning bowls, it's completely inadequate for anything but very small bowl blanks.
• That price is fantastic. It costs about three times that on Amazon.

If you just want to start out with stuff like pens or kitchen tools, I'd grab it. It's more than enough to pens and such, and for you to discover than turning things is seriously addictive. I started on a similar size Wen lathe. It was sufficient to fuel my addiction. Once addicted, you can kiss all your free time and money goodbye and go all in.

[u/microagressed]

I don't know anything about it but everything I own that is from shop Fox has been no frills but functioned well. It's one of the brands I compare first.

Keep in mind that if you add a chuck, chuck in a blank, and add a Jacobs chuck to the tailstock, there might not be enough room to fit a drill bit. You might have to drill on a drill press, or maybe they sell an extension?

[u/sleepyghost515 → u/microagressed]

I have a drill press so I’m good there. Thanks for the input on the brand. I’m hoping the get back to me.

[u/Glum_Meat2649]

What are you looking to make on it?

[u/sleepyghost515 → u/Glum_Meat2649]

Wow just noticed my bad typo. Pens and such to begin with.

[u/Glum_Meat2649 → u/sleepyghost515]

Should be no problem with pens. If you’re planning on upgrading later, keep this one and its accessories for pens and other small items.

[u/BangerBBQ]

Definitely a good starter! Just make sure the spindle thread is common before buying expensive chucks or buy a chuck with an insert so you can switch that and keep the chuck

[u/David1612509]

We all start somewhere.... I'd rather save that 125 and put it towards a bigger one... Say a Bauer from harbor freight cause once you start you'll want to go bigger...

[u/mspry10]

I started with this lathe. It's very functional. You will need an adapter for most 4-jaw chucks. I had no problem finding mt1 accessories for the tailstock. I turned rings, pens, small bowls, bottle stops, bottle openers. I'd get it again, especially at that price!

[u/egregiousC]

I'd say try it.

[u/mikerccie]

That was my first lathe. I still have it for when I have multiple people in the shop. Get some MT1 tools and a chuck adapter. It’s a great little pice. Bolt it to someone heavy.