How much does turning REALLY cost?

[Brian Kent]

OK, Brian, so it is a simple formula - 100%. That is always the easiest.

Actually, isn't that the same price as a boat?

[Steve Mawson]

I would add in a Trend or 3M Dust Helmet. Other ways to go that are cheaper as well. If you want to keep turning you need clean air!!

[John Fabre]

Well, I have made more selling turnings that I have spent on my lathe and tools, so my opinion is that turning is FREE. Since it is FREE, I would get it now instead of waiting. YMMV

(You are welcome to use this aurguement with your wife also.)

Same here, but if you ask my wife how much, she says too much, I say not enough.

[Richard Jones]

You can spend everything you have and then some, for sure. Shop slowly and wisely.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a camera (Jamie, finger pointed at YOU.......)

If you stop to add it all up, well, it takes too long and you could be turning something........

Please don't let my wife see this thread.

Rich

[curtis rosche]

if we arent counting traded wood as a cost,
lathe, $125
motor $5
gear box and parts $40
vacuum pump and set up $100
grinder $75


everything else i have was either a gift, or in the case of chainsaw and fuel, was payed for due to me being at home and needing it for other things

[Eugene Malone]

As was pointed out to me when I started, you can turn small pieces on a big lathe, but not big pieces on a small lathe. Boysie

[Bill Bolen]

Oh heck....Counting the lathe just plan for for $15K. That will get you a Robust plus most of the other things you just might want. Kinda makes pottery sound better huh?

[Curt Fuller]

$Infinity.00

[Joe Watson]

Obviously there are alot of variables to this question; buying new, used, stolen, sales, close-outs, high quality, cheapo's, local, internet, etc., what common tools you have now - your access to wood (wood for turning is much easier "find" in your back yard (nabors or on the side of the road) then flat woodworking) weather you can make your own jigs and all the rest of the things people has listed here.

Heres a thread on some tools to give you some ideas (if you havnt already thought about it) what people use.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...ols-do-you-use

not sure if it has been brought up, but:
- face plates
- different size and shaped tool rests
- different size and type of jaws or holding fixtures

Personaly, when i bought my lathe (a year ago-ish - 12" swing, 1/2HP, 42" between centers (bed-extension)) i thought it would last me for a few years - depending on what i get back income tax time, im probly buying a new one. I planed on table legs, dowels, knobs and small stuff - cups, pencil holders, etc.. For bigger bowls 1/2HP is not enough for me, when i want to hog some 'green' wood, i stall it eazy - taking light cuts works fine, also i want to do "off-center" work and the 12" swing is not enough and the current lathe i have (rikon) is not a varibule speed, which was a mistake on my part, i should have known better (will not make that mistake twice).
So, if i had to do it over again i would get a lathe that i can turn 'out-board' or that has a larger swing but also alteast 36" between centers to i can make table legs and fancy "corners" on dressers.




_

[Ken Hill]

I thought you guys were really smart on here.......













My wife pays for all my junk

[Scott Hackler]

You guys are forgetting the "wife tax" of 100% equal spending on things for them. I find that "shuts them up" pretty easy. Just cost more!

[Mike Peace]

Not sure if I am typical but I bought a used mini lathe with lots of turning accessories my first year for $1000. After realizing I was definitely hooked for the long term, I bought a new Powermatic 3520. So half of what I spent on woodturning in the past five years was spent the first year. I spend more on education (club dues, magazines, books, videos, symposia, woodturning workshops, etc.) than I do on equipment. I don't work at making money from turning but occasionally do with the sale of a few small items or a small turning project or commission. I give most of my stuff to friends and family. Now my hobby almost pays for itself. It is a retirement hobby that I do not want to become a job.

[Russell Eaton]

Lets just talk about the last 60 days.
1- 3520B
1-Monster Hollowing rig (captive and articulated)
1-Stihl 391 chain saw
The 3520 was paid for in sales. But the rest was all out of pocket. Don't tell the little woman.

[Roger Wilson]

You are limiting yourself to a false choice; either the cheapest or most expensive.

Look at the Nova 1624 at around $1200 normally and $900 on sale. It is a full size lathe and is well thought of.

Neal Addy has a comprehensive list of lathes that should open up some possibilities.

http://www.nealaddy.org/pub/Lathe_List.html

[robert baccus]

Run for your life!! it's more habitual than drugs and more expensive.------old forester