Hi, I have NEVER turned a bowl in my life. For some reason i am really drawn to turning bowls, and have been obsessed in finding a good cheap lathe, and turning some bowls. I own a reproduction country furniture company, Primitiques, Ltd., and have been buying my bowls from the Holland Bowl Mill for years now, beating the bowls up and painting them. I am just tired of paying $30 for a 17" beech bowl, so decided to just turn my own bowls. I can't wait to pick up some dead, fallen trees, but em' up, and turn them. I need advice. What kind of lathe should I buy, I only want to spend about $350 tops, then upgrade once I get better. I've tried Craigslist, ebay, etc. After reading a ton of stuff, it seems like a Jet mini VS is the way to go, and not that $200 mini lathe, people complain about the resting tool thing and it's poor power. I'm in Philadelphia area, so if anyone can point me in the right direction, or to the right website I would appreciate it. I read the article on here for newbies, and it was great. Anyone here ever join a woodturners club, is it helpful, or is taking a class helpful. One of my woodworkers turns expensive woods, and said, don't take a class, just "turn" and you'll find your way.
Thanks for any advice, and I look forward to learning from this website, today is my first day. Thanks, Bill
Thanks for any advice, and I look forward to learning from this website, today is my first day. Thanks, Bill