WTB Beginner's Lathe

cuehobby

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am looking for an entry-level lathe that can do at least shaft cleaning, tips, and ferrules, maybe wraps and joints later down the road.
Any used ones out there or recommendations for what brand & model to look at?
My location is FL

TIA
 
I am looking for an entry-level lathe that can do at least shaft cleaning, tips, and ferrules, maybe wraps and joints later down the road.
Any used ones out there or recommendations for what brand & model to look at?
My location is FL

TIA
You might as well go a little bigger, the addiction grows! The smaller equipment is always out there and avaialble, because we all eventually out grow our toys and move on to bigger and better
 
You might as well go a little bigger, the addiction grows! The smaller equipment is always out there and avaialble, because we all eventually out grow our toys and move on to bigger and better
Makes sense. I recently retired from the military and I'm just at home for now. So what are in the "little bigger" category?
 
I am looking for an entry-level lathe that can do at least shaft cleaning, tips, and ferrules, maybe wraps and joints later down the road.
Any used ones out there or recommendations for what brand & model to look at?
My location is FL

TIA

Cue Smith and Mid America are the common starter cue lathes. But a nice metal lathe is often a better option.
 
Use the search function....this has been asked and answered 1000's of times. Trust me when I say, what you get in your post for answers is very small compared to all the answers that have been given over the last 20+ yrs on this forum. Please do not waste all that advice simply by not looking at it......
 
"Entry Level Lathe"
That would be ANY lathe used by a beginner.
Two choices are presented to you ...
You can either buy new or used.
Quality used equipment sells fast ... New equipment has a waiting period.
Chris Hightower (CueSmith Lathes) has been making lathes specificity for cue making for many years.
Unique Products inc has for years offered some very good cue repair and making equipment.
Look at the Cue Companion lathe made by Unique Products inc.
It is about as low cost as you will get for quality equipment that will do the job of
tips, ferrules, joint repair, wraps, and it comes with a CD.
Next step up would be a CueSmith lathe from Chris Hightower.
What you want is equipment that will not only do the job now but later on if you expand into cue making will
still be of use to you.
Keep in mind if you need to sell it later on the good stuff will sell very fast.
 
I would recommend Cris Hightower Mid Size for starters. It will do everything you listed and more.
Should you decide to upgrade at a later date, you would be able to recoup almost all of your investment, or more,
or find a specialized use for it. You can usually get one new for in the neighborhood of $2000, depending on the accessories you want with it.
 
I would recommend Cris Hightower Mid Size for starters. It will do everything you listed and more.
Should you decide to upgrade at a later date, you would be able to recoup almost all of your investment, or more,
or find a specialized use for it. You can usually get one new for in the neighborhood of $2000, depending on the accessories you want with it.
Definitely Hightower or MidAmerica. Talk to both builders. See what the delivery times are. Buy right the first time. Take your time to decide and Buy Once Cry Once
 
I’ve been an hobbyist woodworker for over 20 years. I was told to buy my last table saw first. Great advice. It’s the backbone of any woodworker’s shop. Buy a great quality lathe and if and when you need another one, you’ll find a home for your first lathe. Good luck in your search.
 
I’ve been an hobbyist woodworker for over 20 years. I was told to buy my last table saw first. Great advice. It’s the backbone of any woodworker’s shop. Buy a great quality lathe and if and when you need another one, you’ll find a home for your first lathe. Good luck in your search.
Nothing worse than buyers remorse.
 
I’ve been an hobbyist woodworker for over 20 years. I was told to buy my last table saw first. Great advice. It’s the backbone of any woodworker’s shop. Buy a great quality lathe and if and when you need another one, you’ll find a home for your first lathe. Good luck in your search.
I thought the same until I saw a saw stop. There may be more accurate saws but by golly I love my fingers!
 
I thought the same until I saw a saw stop. There may be more accurate saws but by golly I love my fingers!
+1 on the Saw Stop. Bought a Jet JPS before a Saw Stop was available and when money is available I’ll be upgrading. I think all TS should have the Saw Stop safety feature.
 
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