Woodturning Lathes

Martynt74 · 9 Jun 2014 at 13:19

I fancy buying my dad one for fathers day. He had one many years ago when he lived in India and Zambia and made quite a few items such as bowls and lamps.

He's pretty much at retirement age now and spends quite a lot of time in Spain so thought it might be good to get him something to keep himself busy while my mum sunbathes!

Is there anything particular to look for or avoid?

rpstewart · 9 Jun 2014 at 13:50

Can't comment on the actual tools themselves but my father's just got himself a lathe for doing the sorts of things you're talking about. What I have noticed is it's not cheap! He's spent about twice as much on turning tools and sharpening kit than he did on the lathe itself...

NickK · 9 Jun 2014 at 21:43

I know it's probably expensive but axminster tools just to give you an idea.. they have lathes and lots of expensive bits..

http://www.axminster.co.uk/wood-working/woodturning

Bickaxe · 9 Jun 2014 at 22:51

More here (used to work there a few years ago, the guy that owns it designed his own chuck and knows his stuff, international shipping too)

http://www.toolpost.co.uk

Martynt74 · 10 Jun 2014 at 16:41

Cheers guys

I had been looking on ebay and gumtree for something used as new ones are more than i'd be willing to spend.

They're driving to spain over the weekend but turns out he's taking a pile of archery stuff with him so wont have any room in the car. I've ordered him a set of chisels as he needed some for something else anyway and am just going to suggest he looks for something once over there.