First lathe

[Rodney Walker]

36" is in the range of canes too. It's possible to join the pieces after they've been turned separately. I did it once. I used a piece of all thread on the inside and a copper collar on the outside to reinforce the joint. There are also screw together kits you can buy. I haven't tried those yet.
A lot depends on the accuracy of the lathe (and the turner) for good results.
If you're making canes on a regular basis I'd recommend getting a lathe that is at least 36" between centers.
Some will argue differently but I don't believe any spindle with a joint in it will be as strong as a solid one-piece spindle.
Rodney

[Clint Bach]

I just don't get those short bed lathes. The tailstock is almost guaranteed to be in the way. They don't really save much space. I don't want to take the tailstock off and put it back on. I consider that a total waste of time. And of course there is the dreaded poke your elbow with the live center. If I need a two piece spindle I would much rather put it together before turning it.

i think a short bed lathe with an extension costs more than a lathe with a long bed all things being equal. A sliding headstock can make a short bed lathe out of a long bed lathe. And where are you going to put your optional tool tray that usually lives on the lathe bed?

Its probably just me... And a sore elbow.

Clint

[John K Jordan]

I wouldn't want a short bed lathe either. I've never hit my elbow even with the tailstock close, but I want the length. I use a PM3520 with an 18" bed extension. Still, it was barely long enough to make a new handle for my favorite shuffle hoe:

handle_shuffle_hoe_comp.jpg

Even with short work the extra length is so helpful. I use several trays that slide on the lathe bed - I make them for each lathe. I can slide the tailstock down giving me room to put the trays nearer. Here's the first one I made years ago, for a Jet 1642. A little indoor/outdoor carpet makes a nice surface.

tool_tray.jpg

JKJ

I just don't get those short bed lathes. The tailstock is almost guaranteed to be in the way. They don't really save much space. I don't want to take the tailstock off and put it back on. I consider that a total waste of time. And of course there is the dreaded poke your elbow with the live center. If I need a two piece spindle I would much rather put it together before turning it.

i think a short bed lathe with an extension costs more than a lathe with a long bed all things being equal. A sliding headstock can make a short bed lathe out of a long bed lathe. And where are you going to put your optional tool tray that usually lives on the lathe bed?

Its probably just me... And a sore elbow.

Clint

[Bill Jobe]

Great idea, JKJ.

I agree with others on the bed. It's so nice to be able to position myself. Just a simple lever to unlock the tailstock or head (G0766).
Basically it seems to me a bed extension is like paying extra for a luxury you would already have on a full length bed.
I had a lathe for a short while with a bed extension. Didn't really seem to take up that much less room.

It's too bad the tariffs hit woodworkers. I bought my G0766 prior to the tariffs and paid under $1700.
Not trying to sway you that way, just can't help but feel bad for those buying a Chinese built lathe.

[Justin Rapp]

I would also looked used. Many good makes out there.

Where do I go to find used. I am also thinking about a lathe and would buy a good used one. I scrub craigs list often and find junk most of the time.

[tom lucas]

expand your search range on CL. You may have to drive a few extra miles. Also, try facebook market place. Most forums have a classifieds section. Look there and post a WTB on each for a lathe. If you aren't in a populous area, it may be slim pickens. Ask at your local clubs too and not just turning clubs. Also inquire at WW clubs.

[Justin Rapp]

expand your search range on CL. You may have to drive a few extra miles. Also, try facebook market place. Most forums have a classifieds section. Look there and post a WTB on each for a lathe. If you aren't in a populous area, it may be slim pickens. Ask at your local clubs too and not just turning clubs. Also inquire at WW clubs.

I am in New Jersey, 1/2 way between Philly and New York and search CL with a decent radius. What I find with CL and FB Marketplace is either the owner wants pretty much what it cost for a new one or it's a rust bucket. Not sure about others, but I tend to sell off an old tool for a good value to the new owner as it's is 'used' even if it's like new with some sawdust on it. I will keep looking.

The WW clubs is a great idea - I am about to join a local one if I can open my schedule for the meetings....

[tom lucas]

Don't be afraid to make an offer that you think is fair, even if it is significantly less than what they are asking. A lot of people do try to get too much for their used machine. Often because they overpaid to start with. My rule of thumb is 50% of new cost unless it's a cherry that is practically new with low usage. In that case, no more than 70% of new. Even at that, I won't drive far to save only 30% when I can get new delivered to my door with warranty. I also try to provide the seller with a link to the new cost and explain why my offer is what it is. Some are reasonable. Others get mad. But who cares, it's a business transaction.

I see all kinds of good buys in your general area (100 mile circle). I would expect you could find something that fits your needs.

[tom lucas]

This looks like a good deal.
https://southjersey.craigslist.org/t...832606009.html

[Justin Rapp]

This looks like a good deal.
https://southjersey.craigslist.org/t...832606009.html

haha ya - great deal for a monster lathe. I am going for mini or midi size so my 12 and 14 year olds to make some bowls and such.

[tom lucas]

If I had seen this 3 weeks ago it would be in my shop already. It's way under priced. I must've missed the part where you said you only wanted a mini/midi. Big lathes turn small things just as well. You want a good lathe, this is it at a great price. And you'll never need another. Otherwise, plenty of small lathes new from $300 to $600 of many brands. Those type used for cheap are more rare.... an occasional HF or a Penn State pen lathe. Perhaps you are best to buy a small new one. There is nothing wrong with them. They work for small projects.

[Justin Rapp]

If I had seen this 3 weeks ago it would be in my shop already. It's way under priced. I must've missed the part where you said you only wanted a mini/midi. Big lathes turn small things just as well. You want a good lathe, this is it at a great price. And you'll never need another. Otherwise, plenty of small lathes new from $300 to $600 of many brands. Those type used for cheap are more rare.... an occasional HF or a Penn State pen lathe. Perhaps you are best to buy a small new one. There is nothing wrong with them. They work for small projects.

I saw a Rikon 70-100 at a woodworking show this past weekend but price was a few bucks short of the online price and wanted more time to research so I didn't pull the trigger on it. Plus I am not a fan of Rikon. For the money, a few hundred more and I have a JET 1221VS or Laguna Revo 12|16 However, grabbing one used for 400-500 instead of 800 would be great.