Here are five steps to follow when shopping for a wood lathe
. This will keep you focused on what's important and assure you get a good deal and a quality tool.
1. Decide on the size of lathe you want
There are a wide range of available sizes for wood lathes, from mini lathes that are under two feet long and half a foot deep, to full size models that are five feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. The size of lathe you want will depend on the sorts of pieces you want to turn. If you're interested in pen turning or lure making a mini lathe will suit your needs well, but if you plan on making furniture or other large projects it probably won't be up to the task.
2. Make a list of the most important features
Depending on what you're doing there are some features that you might find more or less useful. Make a list and rate each feature based on how important it is to you. For example if you are interested in bowl turning a nice feature to have would be a pivoting headstock for outboard turning, likewise variable speed control can be very handy in many cases. Decide what features are must haves, which ones are nice but unnecessary and which ones are completely useless to you. This will help you decide where to best invest your money.
3. Do some brand research
Do your own research on the various brands and models available. There is a lot of variability in terms of price, quality and features from different companies. Start by looking for the right size of lathe that has all your must have features. There might be several to choose from that meet your requirements, or you might find that you have to compromise on some features. If there are lots of models that fit the bill you'll have to drill down even further.
4. Read the reviews
Lots of people have taken the time to provide their thoughts and experiences with all sorts of wood lathes. Reading reviews can help you get a good idea which wood lathes are a good value and which ones are duds. Just because a lathe has all the right features and comes cheaply doesn't mean it's worth buying. There can be a big difference in terms of finish and machining between cheaper models and more expensive ones. A quality lathe will last you for years and is a good investment.
5. Compare stores
Take a look around and try to find the best price. If you're looking online be sure to factor in shipping. Some retailers provide it free while others might tack on hundreds of dollars in shipping fees for heavier items. It's also worth looking for a used lathe, if you find one in good working order you can save a lot of money.