General Category > General Discussion
Advice needed please :)
Katchin:
Thanks for all the advice. As I live in Lancaster, I will be attending the red rose woodturning club from this month onwards, they also hold monthly workshop mornings which will be very useful.
I do have a dust question though, as I am wondering where I would setup in my house, I do have a solid out house in my yard, but thats a little narrow but well ventilated/cold. My other option would be a large, but badly ventilated cellar. So I guess i'm wondering which to go for?
Philip Greenwood:
What area you use you will still need to consider your health, dust is the number one problem with turning.
You have a choice
1 dust mask
2 Respirator
3 Drum extractor, bag one are useless as a rule
4 Air filter
I use 2 3 and 4 how much you turn will deepen on your choice, but you cant go out and buy new Lungs.
Respirator offer full protection providing you don't take it off until you leave the workshop, many remove the respirator after there stop turning and sanding, but the dust will still be in the air for hours.
Here is a link to help you with which wood to be carefully with.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis30.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis1.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis14.pdf
Don't be put off turning if you look at the links, but to often people don't bother until there health becomes a problem.
Phil
Katchin:
Ok, so after my first workshop with Red Rose Woodturning Group, I was very impressed, and will be going ahead and getting some gear.
What do you all think of these lathes?
Axminster AWVSL 1000 http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-awvsl1000-woodturning-lathe-prod780615/
and
Record CL3-CAM http://www.recordpower.co.uk/index.php?section=product&seq=318&cat=147&sef=CL3%20LATHE,%205%20SPEED%20WITH%20CAM%20LOCK%20TOOLREST%20AND%20TAILSTOCK"
Obviously i'm hoping to get them second hand and cheaper, with a few tools throw in hopefully.
Andy Coates:
If it were me buying one of those two now, knowing what I now know, I'd buy Axminster. Flat cast beds are better than twin bars. I have nothing against Record, and my Father In Law has used the CL4 for many, many years without a problem, but for me the Axmminster wins hands down.
There are older versions of this lathe which are essentially the same machine, but you might have more luck finding one of these second hand thank the newer version.
I'm glad you're bitten by the bug that we all suffer from!
As for siting your workshop...
the cellar would be fine, but consider walking up and down with heavy logs and equipment. There's also the question of noise. Would your neighbours appreciate the rattle of hours of lathe use through the floor?
whatever you decide, turn safely and take a good look at the advice above.
Andy
greg miller:
Hello, Katchin.
Let me throw in my thoughts, which support Andy's position.
I had a CL2 which became upgraded to a CL4 spec Record lathe for 10 years or more. Essentially there was no problem with it, provided that I recognised it's limitations.
Because of it's modular construction, it must be bolted down well in order for it to be sufficiently rigid and vibration free. It either needs a very heavy duty bench, or the Record stand made for the CL series can be used, but it must be bolted to the floor.
Spindle turning of any type that can be fitted between centres is within it's capabilities, providing that it is bolted down. Faceplate turning, bowls, platters etc. is ok up to a point, but as you tackle bigger diameter work, or hollow forms and vases which overhang the headstock somewhat, you need to be aware of the relatively small size of the 3/4 x 16 spindle thread. This is especially so if you try turning offcentre or out of balance pieces. One very well known Pro turner once told me how he managed to destroy the thread by turning too big a piece of wood on his, necessitating the purchase of a replacement spindle at @ £80.00 (then). You can turn such objects, but you have to work with a gentle touch to have a successful outcome.
I eventually gave up the struggle & upgraded to a lathe with more power and a solid lathe bed (Wivamac). The more power bit is optional, but it does speed things up by allowing you to take more aggressive cuts when you want. The weighty lathe with a solid bed is the real improvement.
In the Record range, look at the Maxi lathes, these are pretty solid & are good value.
In my view, you can't beat a relatively heavy and solidly built lathe, it works with you, & doesn't fight against you.
I hope this helps you in your decision,
Best wishes
Greg
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