So It has been on my wish list to try my hand at wood turning but it hasn’t been a priority on my hobby budget list. A while back I created a saved search on Craig’s List for wood lathes just for the hell of it. Then today this harbor freight mini wood lathe popped up in my email notifications for $60 with a basic set of tools. Decided it was too good of a deal to pass up. Runs fine, just needs some TCL to remove the surface rust. The tools aren’t HSS but they will do to start out with. Just have to learn to sharpen them.
As a bonus, when I was going to pick it up, I found this dolly/hand truck curbside that someone was throwing out. Front tries were dry rotted but harbor freight was actually on the way so I picked a new set for $10 and had something to haul the lathe back to the workshop
Really sweet! I too have been wanting a lathe. I have a friend who makes some amazing pens. He bought my K40’s when I upgraded and uses it on them now too.
First priority is going to have to be working out how to sharpen the tools. Have a bench grinder so leaning toward a wolverine style sharpening jig. Seems that 120 grit grinding stones are what most people use.
The main idea that was pushing me toward turning is making presentation gavels for my Masonic lodge. Some one gave me this beautiful gavel when I was Master of my lodge many years ago. I’ll start with simple solid wood before getting into any fancy glue ups.
I sharpen my tools with a worksharp 2000. Low rpm and easy to use.
I made a gavel for my father in law at the end of his term as DDGM. He passed away prior to me becoming master of my lodge. The gavel and presentation case I made was presented back to me by the family at my installation. (Wasn’t a dry eye around).
Turning is addictive, cathartic and fun. Great way to turn nice logs into saw dust.
I don’t know how I found this thread other than Ned Hill is part of the K40 group. I just picked up a new/old lathe today for $250. I also included some of the tools I made last summer. The grinding jig and the tool rests were made using a CNC plasma cutter and welder. Then the 4 lathe tools were made from old planer blades and 5/8" round stock for the insert tools.
Nice find! I’m DIYing a wolverine style sharpening jig myself and waiting on delivery of a 120 grit stone for my bench grinder. Hope to do my first turning this weekend.
@SquareD
Nicely made tools, I especially like the tool rests.
I wish I could weld like that!
That sharpening system is hard to tell apart from a factory wolverine!
