No! no nonononono nooooo... hard pass!

This design (The "1440", it's 14" swing, not 24") has reared its ugly head under countless different paint schemes and brands over the years and I can't for the life of me figure out why. It is like the hydra of wood lathes, discontinued by one vendor only to have it pop up two new places.

It's so bad that even Harbor Freight discontinued their version of it, and still offers two other lathes that are much better buys for around the same money.

Why is it bad? (copy from a few previous comments):

>Notable quirks about this lathe: The spindle is not hollow, drive center doesn't have a Morse taper but rather unscrews from the solid spindle (need two wrenches like undoing a router collet). Also the spindle threads are 3/4" × 10TPI, so you'll need this adaptor to use any standard faceplates and chucks.

>The 1440 currently sold as Harbor Freight is actually one of the most poorly designed lathes ever built and it baffles me that it keeps coming back again and again in different paint/brands. It features a solid spindle with a nonstandard thread to keep you from using commonly available lathe accessories like Morse taper drive centers and jacobs chucks, a tool rest base prone to snapping, flimsy sheet metal square tube ways, and a low speed of 930 RPM- waaaay too fast to turn anything approaching 14" diameter, especially as a beginner.

https://www.reddit.com/r/turning/comments/4chpyk/help_with_identifying_lathe_please_and_thank_you/

eta: one more:https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/43b0nl/request_can_anyone_identify_this_lathe_looks_like/

Don't buy crappy bits. I purchased this (what I thought at the time) beautiful Skil bit set and they were just all doo-doo. Nothing against Skil, but when you slap in a Freud or CMT you can really tell a difference. Also, the longevity of the more expensive bits more than pays for itself. I used the Skil bits once and they were noticeably dull. I've been using the same Freud chamfer bit for almost a year now and it still slices through all types of wood like gravy.

Also, the router is an awesome tool and even more versatile when you start incorporating jigs. A set of setup gauges is invaluable when setting the plunge depth.

I also thought this was a really cool video to get a set of shims (or whatever you want to call them) for perfectly setup dados and rabbets.

I have the round and the square from Rockler. Now that I have a decent set of bowl gouges (and I'm focusing mainly on bowls) I don't really use them much any more. I have found that I can get a much better (smoother) surface from a shearing cut. I very much prefer this to the surface you get with the scraping cut you must use with most carbide tools of this shape. That said, I'm keeping mine for the occasions that I need to do some spindle work.


In hindsight, I'm not sure I would have bought them if I had it to do over again. I started with a standard $70 amazon set of old school chisels (see below). I wish I had skipped straight from that to the good stuff (some examples listed below).



Apologies if this next section is a little pedantic. I was hoping to write something we could link from the sidebar.



So here's my recommendation:

Step | Description | URL
:------|:------|:------|
1 | Find some cheap (but not crappy) tools. | amazon link
1a | Figure out how to sharpen things. |
2 | Experiment, figure out what works, figure out what kind of turning you want to be doing. | Join the AAW, Find tutorials on youtube.com, take classes at your local woodworking store, etc.
3 | Find great tools. You don't want to spend a ton of time working with crappy tools. | when possible all my future tools will be from this guy: http://d-waytools.com/tools-gouges.html I also have tools from Sorby, Pinnacle, DWay, etc.

Cheap tools. Cheapest of the cheap. I don't even see them labeled as HSS. They're probably some really soft carbon steel.

See how straight and clean that snap line is? Almost perfectly perpendicular to the steel bar. I'd bet money that the break line is approximately even with where the steel stock was tempered to. My guess is when you got the tool far enough out over the tool rest, it snapped. Modest quality tools are tempered a few inches; good tools are usually tempered most of the usable length.

If you want a good set of HSS entry-level tools, check out this set which is well reviewed and commonly recommended.

Edit to add: I would toss those tools in the interest of safety. If one is willing to snap like that, others might be equally as brittle. Too much liability for my tastes.

Save it for later.

Gain proficiency on sacrificial pieces first.

I used this starting out:

https://www.amazon.com/Hurricane-Turning-Tools-Woodturning-Inches/dp/B008AVM7W0

For that depth you can likely use a 3/8" bowl gouge instead of 1/2".

Hey /u/whatsreal I agree with jclark, This is a metal lathe chuck. the name of the product is misleading. the jaws you see here are for biting down on metal. Here's a video on centering it.

Look at the jaws on This Nova Chuck. This is what a woodturning chuck's jaws should look like. Notice the broad surface area meant to grip wood. This difference is largely that if you try to grip wood with metal jaws the small surface area means the jaws dig deep into the wood, and wood is inconsistant in it's organic fibers and some will compress more than others throwing your piece off center. Metal is much more dense so it does not suffer this issue. The wide surface area of a wood jaw means that the pressure is spread over a greater area.

One of the great things about Nova chucks are that you can change jaws to many, many different styles. I'm not familiar with the grizzly chuck but you may be able to get wood jaws for it, though from the picture it does not look promising.

Personally I'd return the chuck and spend more on a Nova G3, which is what I have. The thing about buying a chuck is you only have to buy once and it'll last you a lifetime. If you plan on turning a lot using a chuck the hours of frustration and micro adjustments you'll have to make with a poor quality chuck really start to add up. After a while you'll go buy the more expensive chuck anyway.

Everything you do with a chuck can be done without one, albeit with a little more creativity and effort. A chuck should be something that makes things easier. Don't buy a cheap chuck for the sake of having a chuck. Think about what you're going to use it for and if it's really going to be a QOL change.

The expert advice is to not buy a set but to instead only buy chisels for what you'll be doing. However if you're exploring turning you really don't know the exact kinds of turning you'll be doing, and you'll always be reading about oddball tools/techniques that you'll want to try.

So I'd advise a starter set that has at least one of each major tool type. This one fits that bill pretty well, I started out with it an still use everything but the "continental gouge".

here is a set that i use, i also have a 1-2-3 block - http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-9810-Brass-Gauges-Piece/dp/B0012JGAC0

they are used for quick measurement. setting distance between blade and fence on many tools is a common use. it just simply gives you a known size to measure from.

Pen turning is an excellent hobby! For making pens, some things you'll need might include:

• pen blanks, a pen kit, and bushings for that specific kit
  
  
• a way to drill the blank to glue in the inserts. If you don't have a drill press, then you can drill on your lathe with a chuck, a face plate, and a way to hold the blanks like some pen jaws. If you do have a drill press, then to ensure that you're drilling vertically, some people use a pen vice
  
  
• Once the blank is drilled and the insert is glued in, you need to to trim it with a barrel trimmer
  
  
• then you put it on your lathe by putting the bushings on either side of the blanks, and sliding the whole thing on a mandrel
  
  
• Then you turn it, finish it, and assemble it. Some people use a pen press
  
  Note: Of course there are a million ways to do everything. I don't promote any of the links, they're just examples to show what the tools look like.

This one: https://www.amazon.com/48202-WOODLATHE-CHUCK-WOODWORM-INSERT/dp/B003CECDZG

First off, pick up a inexpensive roughing gouge. Very easy to use, and it's the right tool for turning square things round. Once you've done that, then you can use your micro set to shape. Here's the one I use. That brand is sold on Amazon and is quite the bargain for what you get in a tool.

A 1/2" gouge is generally (not always) going to be a bowl gouge. While a usable tool that will expand your abilities on the lathe, it's a bit of overkill for the task you're after. I'd use a spindle gouge or a detail gouge. (Pretty much the same tool but sharpened differently for different effect.) I'd go with a spindle gouge now since they are a bit more forgiving than a detail gouge while learning, and you can always sharpen it to a more dramatic angle later on. Again, check amazon for their Hurricane line and see if they have one as it's likely the best bang for your buck and will save you some cash. 3/8" is a good size, but you could go smaller for your work as well if you were so inclined.

That said, it sounds like you shouldn't put too much money into tools until you go down the rabbit hole of sharpening. You could spend a few bucks on some diamond cards and do it by hand, but that will take forever and you'll be less inclined to keep your tools sharp. The generally agreed upon system is the Wolverine system with the varigrind jig paired with a bench grinder. (Ideally a slow speed grinder, but if you're careful you don't need that. Mine is a $15 clearance ryobi that I upgraded the wheels on.) This complete system can run $150 (used, if you're lucky) to $300+ depending on how crazy you want to go. The good news is, much of it can be bought in stages based on need. For instance, you don't need the varigrind attachment yet if you're not using spindle / bowl gouges, so you could save you $50 for now. And when you get really good at that system, you can start eyeing the Tormek systems. Mwah-hah-hah-hah-ha! (Don't. They are amazing, and I'm glad I have one, but I also wouldn't recommend it to most people. Love mine...but the price is STUPID.)

Basically...you have a rabbit hole to go down. Your tools should be sharpened multiple times during turning for the best finished product. My best advice is to search this sub for the many sharpening posts and get a feel for other people's experience.

Good luck!

Your two cents are well worth having, when I said day it's because I need to change the shape of my tools and put on the edge again. When I first started I picked up this set of tools and from all of the reading I've been doing about angles and grinds I want to take the time to make mine right instead of what came out of the box.

You also need the Nova 1x8 threaded insert

You have stepped out on a slope. It is extremely slippery.

If you want to make pens I highly recommend a set of Nova Pen Plus Jaws

Do you plan to use a pen mandrel or turn between centers? I prefer centers myself.

Check out www.penturners.org for loads of info on pen turning.

Buy one of these PSI Woodworking LA341018 Headstock Spindle Adapter (3/4-Inch x 10tpi to 1-Inch x 8 tpi chuck) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KI8CBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YePZBbYTWPDDY. Then you are set up with the most common spindle/tpi size.

Do a 3/4 10tpi to 1X8 tpi. then get a faceplate.

1X8 is common so it opens you up to other stuff.

PSI woodworking, it will cost you around $34

I went with the same HF model for my first lathe and got a good start. Just watch how the centers line up. I found that I have to twist my tailstock clockwise before tightening and it's usually fine.

I've also got the Rikon grinder that you linked, but I picked mine up from Rockler last month, on sale for $100. As far as tools, I'd suggest picking up a semi-cheap set of HSS. Hurts a lot less when you realize you completely screwed up a bevel and have to grind off a lot more metal than you intended from a cheap one versus a high dollar one! I have a set of Benjamin's Best and have been happy enough with them for the price.

I use:
http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-CSC3000C-Barracuda-System/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374242706&sr=8-1&keywords=barracuda+lathe+chuck

^ that system, and it's wonderful for being able to quickly change to many useful chuck grips.. and the grips are all wonderful.. but the bite is pretty bad.

I have some veneer around though, so I'll try that!

For Pens, its not so much the tools you need as the accessories. Small tools are fine for pens, there isn't much material. If you really want the bigger tools, this was my starter set and I'm really happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LCHSS8-Chisel-8-Piece/dp/B000KI8CTS/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375795181&sr=1-1&keywords=lathe+chisel


Accessories: Pen mandrel, morris taper (probably #2 but check) to hold the mandrel. Bushing set (slimline is easiest to learn with) and CA glue.

There is something to be said about buying a few specific tools, until you know what you need/use a set could be a good purchase.

I bought this on amazon, and i have been completely happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/SAVANNAH-8-Piece-Wood-Lathe-Chisel/dp/B004MM3MES/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511407112&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=savannah+chixels

I use every one of them and they have been great.

Hey quick question is this the same as the eBay one?

PSI Woodworking L5818 Headstock Spindle Adapter (Shopsmith 5/8-Inch to 1-Inch 8tpi chuck) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KIEC88/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_DUzdAbPCXFYZ3

Get these chisels for him they are for a lathe, while it isn't the best lathe if he doesn't have lathe tools then he can't use it. Bench chisels and Mortising chisels are more for furniture making and without a hand full of other tools they are pretty useless depending on what he plans on making.

https://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LCHSS8-Chisel-8-Piece/dp/B000KI8CTS/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=wood+turning+gouges&qid=1568416993&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Has worked well for me to start with. One tool is useless and when I took a class from someone in the club with a lot of experience he had to look it up. And what we found was most people reshaped it to something else.

For mere mortals:

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-9800-Gauges/dp/B000EHPEFA - 2.5" long

or

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-9810-Gauges/dp/B0012JGAC0 - 4" long

Not nearly as as many sizes but still useful. I have the 4" and they definitely come in handy and the brass won't harm carbide cutting edges.

Edit: And these are useful for a lot more than just with router setups

yes, the same chuck can hold a bowl or a pen or other spindle. you'd just want different jaws for each purpose. The Nova G3 is a favorite here for good reason. it takes just a few minutes to swap out the jaws, and there are a crapload of jaw options available. you should be able to stick with the bowl jaws that (usually) come with the G3 and add a set of spigot jaws like these to help with pens, other spindles, and smaller bowls or boxes.

another question i had if i go with the Harbor freight one would Nova 48232 G3 Reversible Chuck be a good choice for this?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074HJ1V6/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

I have a similar lathe and have found some great attachments for it

If you don't have this I recommend it:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-L5818-Headstock-Shopsmith/dp/B000KIEC88

Edit - Nice Safety Glasses are the first thing to get with a lathe!

It sort of depends on the types of things he wants to make, but a good starter set like this https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Turning-Hardwood-Handles-Ferrules/dp/B07TTFLDLB/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=wood+lathe+chisel+set&qid=1572720167&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMlA1NVQ4TkgzUFFMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzQ1NDcwMjJIOVY5U0hERTlMRCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTYzNDM3MTI0R0tSU0hRVk9RMiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

or

https://www.amazon.com/Savannah-7173-Turning-Hardwood-Ferrules/dp/B004MM3MES/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=wood+lathe+chisel+set&qid=1572720167&sr=8-5

will keep him busy for awhile as he finds his style. The real key is to get him a good way to sharpen these chisels. I like to use a 4 sided block or individual plates like these;

https://www.amazon.com/Jewboer-Diamond-Sharpening-Polishing-Whetstone/dp/B0752Q7GQ3/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2LXHR48U1CLJS&keywords=4+sided+diamond+hone+block&qid=1572720305&sprefix=4+sided+diamond+%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFNMTBUWkE0MUhXNkcmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwNDgwNTYzTVFQQVlZQjdEOTdNJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMDUwNTEyQzFXSko5N1Y0Sk0md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

or

https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Whetstone-6-Inch-Sharpening-Sharpener/dp/B07JVV7JD6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2LXHR48U1CLJS&keywords=4+sided+diamond+hone+block&qid=1572720305&sprefix=4+sided+diamond+%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-6

Some people like to use a bench grinder for sharpening but in my experience it is a a bit easier to use the honing blocks and stones until you have an idea of what angles you like best. Im terrible about dropping my chisels so I use the 200 grit to fix up dings and generally touch up my chisels with a 400&600 grit stone once a week or every other.

The other often forgotten necessity is oil for the lathe & chisels.I use a light oil on my chisels, lathe accessories like chucks & tapers, the bearings & spindle, and anything else on the machine that spins. The brand I like and have seen in a few different shops is Zoom Spout Oiler https://www.amazon.com/Supco-CE441-Zoom-Spout-Oiler/dp/B00DM8JK2G/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3NI4QXDJATASP&keywords=zoom+spout+oiler&qid=1572720750&sprefix=zoom+spout%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-4

​

For the Lathe Ways & the body of the machine, everything that doesn't get Light oil I use Way Lube.https://www.amazon.com/Mobil-100772-Vactra-No-2-Way/dp/B07B7XZKVF/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lathe+way+oil&qid=1572720930&sr=8-1

​

Squirt everything spinny down with light oil before and after you use the lathe and you wont have issues with dust & chips gunking everything up. Way lube can go on once a month or whenever you want a fresh shine.

​

You are such a nice girlfriend, He is going to be stoked!! Good luck!!

The step jaws are the smaller ones, and used to hold smaller pieces. I would recommend against that chuck, as that style is a pain to open or close the jaws and also hold your piece (it usually takes two hands, so you cant easily also hold the piece of wood). For an $40-$70 you can get a better chuck, with more jaws that uses a single chuck key to open/close the jaws. Hope this helps.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=psdc_552514_t4_B01CS30G5K

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07CT8N58V/ref=psdc_552514_t1_B01CS30G5K

This one!
I'll add it to the description, thanks for asking.
NOVA 48232 G3 Reversible Wood Turning Chuck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074HJ1V6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BOUPAbR2NQMY5

Funny enough, the first one I bought had broken plastic knobs. Luckily I opened it in the parking lot and exchanged it for a good one. I recommend a set of setup gauges for any dovetail jig. You should be able to get accurate joints using them.

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-9810-Brass-Gauges-Piece/dp/B0012JGAC0/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452478807&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=serup+gaugges

A topic like this just came up, here's what I said then.

The Hurricane Tools are pretty decent. I've never tried carbide turning tools, but I feel that regular steel tools are just as good.

I primarily use the bowl gouge set, and then for everything else, I bought the cheap Benjamin's best 8-piece set.

For almost a year I sharpened them by hand because I really was unsure of grinding. I just have a cheap 6" grinder with stock wheels, that I always feel like it would eat up, and burn the tools. I was really tempted to buy the wolverine jig, so I tried to copy it out of wood. I replicated both of these jigs (though the one on the left is all you really need) and used some old rusty flat head screw drivers to practice the bevel. It worked surprisingly well on the screw drivers, I could even turn with them.

Sharpening the actual tools worked fantastically well, they finally "cut" for the first time, heh. Again, I thought I would burn them up, but light even pressure, and multiple passes made it super simple. It really only takes a few seconds to sharpen them, it actually takes me longer to adjust my custom jig. If you're using the same tool, and jig position, it's super easy though.

Next you'll be wanting info on chucks ;)

For a nova chuck, this is the insert you'd want for a shopsmith:

http://www.amazon.com/NOVA-8-Inch-Chuck-Insert-Adapter/dp/B0064JJ6RO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370021210&sr=8-1

Don't sweat it, I have the same lathe. It's not some one off oddball, so you can find anything you want for it, just like the Jet mini's and stuff.

I have this chuck, these pen jaws, and this pen mandrel. Oh, and this drill chuck.

The chuck comes with everything you need to get started with bowls and such. All the other stuff I use for pens.

Thank you SO much for the advice!!!

do you mind if I ask some more specific questions?

I found while turning at school I had my worst catches with scrapers- any guide on how to use them/why they are useful? I have even seen pro turners (robo hippy?) catch with them.

Same question for spindle gouge- when would I use one in bowl turning?

Should I buy a spindle turning set? Or the tools separately? (https://www.amazon.com/Crown-280-HSS-Woodturning-5-Piece/dp/B001C009YE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484711402&sr=8-3&keywords=spindle+turning+set)

If I give you price ranges could you help me pick out more specific gouges?

Amazon appears to sell a pretty large variety of Crown HSS tools. I started with these tools and still use many of them today, although I also have come to like the Crown Pro-PM tools. It probably makes more sense to purchase your tools a la carte, but here is a set to illustrate the tools to which I refer.

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-280-HSS-Woodturning-5-Piece/dp/B001C009YE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519262399&sr=8-1&keywords=crown+woodturning

https://smile.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LCHSS8-Chisel-8-Piece/dp/B000KI8CTS/

I have this set, I also have very nice crown and sorby tools. This set works 90% as well. Make it 98% as well if you turn some nicer handles to replace the ones they come with.

Okay I'm confused. A faceplate is a separate device from a chuck, and won't be used to attach your chuck to your lathe. Do the four jaws on that chuck move in unison to clamp onto the workpiece (self centering) or are they operated independently? If they are independent, that is not a woodworking chuck. It is for metal work. Even if it is self centering, four individual points of contact is not good for woodworking. You want something like this. Can you return it?

I would get the nova G3 30th anniversary bundle if possible. This will come with a set 50mm standard jaws, plus 100mm and pin jaw sets. The pin jaw set would be what you want to use for drilling with the jacobs chuck. 750 rpm is a little fast but is definitely doable. I always start with a smaller bit that has a pilot tip and indent the center of the wood with a skew.
Edit: I always back all the way out every half an inch too so that I know the bit is clear.
Also here is the bundle on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NOVA-G3-Chuck-30th-Annive/dp/B07CT8N58V

I haven't bought the chuck yet.

Would this work instead of Nova's unthreaded adapter? (I don't have a machinist friend). Looks like I would put this on the 3/4" 10 TPI spindle, then put the Nova adapter on that, then the chuck. Essentially, an adapter for an adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LA341018-Headstock-Spindle/dp/B000KI8CBQ

Thanks for the recommendation on the Oneways. They are a little more expensive than the Nova so if I can't swing it with an adapter, then I will go with Oneway.

Face shield!!! $15

set of basic lathe tools PSI has a decent set for sale $80

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-LCHSS8-Chisel-8-Piece/dp/B000KI8CTS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_4/180-3590963-5929100

Wood from neighborhood=free
reddit for cool ideas=free

you'll have to figure out where to spend your last $5

I have this chuck:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-Woodworking-CSC3000C-Barracuda-System/dp/B000KIACTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330920493&sr=8-1

It's maybe a little cheaper than the super nova if you count the jaws included, and it works great. Quite a bit pricier than your lathe (and mine), though. Allows you to do lots of cool shit.

I'm not sure if any of the threaded inserts available for it will match the OP's spindle, though.

How about this one? Seems similar but fir some reason the import feed to Canada are about $20 less.

I'm sure you could probably make a jig similar to the one he uses if you got a smooth bore insert for the chuck like this one, insert a 5/8" rod, and clamp the other end into a bench vise. It wouldn't have the same articulation, but it would certainly be more stable with less of a chance of damaging the lid. Hope to see pics when you're done!

I've been using the 12x33 lathe and that exact chuck for about a year now with no complaints about either. I make a variety of things including bowls and handles. If you plan on turning larger pieces though (12"+ dia.), the slowest speed may not be slow enough for your liking.

For the price point, I recommend the Hurricane bowl gouge set: https://www.amazon.com/Hurricane-Turning-Tools-Woodturning-Inches/dp/B008DH8ZM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495218437&sr=8-1&keywords=hurricane+bowl+gouge+set

I just picked this up. PSI Woodworking PKMBCM2 Turn Between Centers Mandrel System #2MT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y9265T1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HN81BbT92R0EW I'm liking it so far

I personally would avoid doing pen mandrels that will come with kits. Start with turning between centers bushings or adapters (mt2 will be linked below) as they produce a much truer pen at the end of everything without worrying about bending a mandrel shaft.

PSI Woodworking PKMBCM2 Turn Between Centers Mandrel System #2MT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y9265T1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tpgaCb5GQRBVX

Amazon. Here's a G3 with the 1x8 dedicated (no insert needed) https://www.amazon.com/NOVA-48232-Reversible-Turning-Chuck/dp/B0074HJ1V6/

But yeah, Nova over the PSI -- because with the Nova, it's a known high QC piece. Their other stuff might not be, but those chucks are well made. You will have compatibility for sure between all Nova and Record jaws. The PSI not so much.

Also, not on that model, but the quick change jaw model on the PSI had a recall in December. So, I can't help but imagining jaws flying off at 3000 RPM. Yeah, not the same chuck, and it would take screws shearing off...but still, that peace of mind is gone.

Why not get this
https://www.amazon.com/48111-1-Inch-Direct-Precision-Turning/dp/B0064JJ4NK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=nova+midi+chuck&qid=1551323980&s=gateway&sr=8-1
You can get a bunch of different jaws for it and they'll fit larger nova chucks if you ever need a larger nova chuck. I still use my midi chuck on my nova saturn when I'm doing small work.

I have a Nova G3 and love it.. grips like iron.
Woodcraft has them on sale right now.

Also on Amazon for $140 including the 1 x 8tpi adapter and 2" jaw set

Here's some tools for turning. PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe HSS Chisel Set, 8Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KI8CTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WgDVDbX2HTGM3 It's 70, but they have good reviews. But if you shop around for the same sort of keywords, and check reviews, you can find something good.

I use this hurricane one and it's great.

don't use regular chisels on a lathe.
I assume your uk based since you used uk amazon. so I'm not much help on lathe tools that are easy to get.
these appear to be a decent set https://www.amazon.co.uk/280-5pc-HSS-Woodturning-Set/dp/B001C009YE/ref=sr_1_144?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1481417416&sr=1-144&keywords=woodturning+tools

Ive at least heard of crown before. but if uh money is no object ive heard good things about the tools glenn lucas sells http://glennlucaswoodturning.com/product-category/woodturning-supplies/for-bowl-turning/

Sorry, meant to link this one. I use this one as it's a little lighter and the 8x12 handles it pretty well: PSI CSC2000C Barracuda Wood Lathe Chuck System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KICC62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SoUzybGE16974

Here is what I did when I started turning. I knew that tools needed to be sharpened often, and I knew I had no experience at all with sharpening tools. So I bought this set for under 80 bucks, knowing that I would likely ruin them practicing sharpening. I used them for about a year and a half with absolutely no problems (which is surprising considering how long it took me to get sharpening down!). After that year and a half or so, I got myself a set of these Robert Sorby tools, and I love them, and am way more confident with my sharpening skills, and have no worries about ruining a nice set of tools by grinding them weird.

I have this set of hurricane gauges that I won at auction ($5 each, thanks failed charter schools!) they work great. You do need to have a good sharpening setup to get the grind you like, though. The one that comes out of the box is very poor.

Okay thank you. Is this what you got? http://www.amazon.com/WOODLATHE-CHUCK-WOODWORM-SCREW-INSERT/dp/B003CECDZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370021571&sr=8-1&keywords=nova+g3

I am not going to be purchasing a new chuck and adapter for a few weeks, but if you could chime back and give your input on how the chuck and adapter works for you, that'd be great!

So just hauled my grandfather's lathe home and was anxious to start making wood chips and dust. Found a roughly straight oak log and went to town after de-barking.

Lathe I used. More info shows that it is a 12x42. After finishing the piece I noticed that the tailstock is seized up and not sure how to go about in repairing. I dosed with PB blaster and will let it sit for a day. I'm sure the friction and heat helped the bearing /s ... stupid I know.

Minus heating up the tailstock, the wood borer'd oak, and the dull chisels everything went well. I am looking at this set and this chuck, would these be good for beginner use? Looking for some feedback.

I don't have a drill press. I have had great success with the Barracuda Wood Lathe Chuck and Drill Chuck. This works very well. Still need to tap it out slowly to prevent build up inside the tube.

I bought these http://amzn.to/2cohxkc and have been happy with them for a few years now. Don't forget to consider the price of buying a grinding wheel to sharpen the chisels you buy.

The chucks I used are the [PSI Barracuda System] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIACTG/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and PSI Jumbo Flat Jaws.

I have the exact lathe and just purchased the G-3 for it. Haven't used it yet, but don't forget to get the insert/adapter if you don't have one yet. You have to have it for it to fit your lathe.

Yup. This one..

Left about a 3-4mm tenon on the bottom - started with the screw chuck from the kit in a 9mm hole. I was worried that the jaws wouldn't hold on that well, but I ended up having to use the chuck to hold the bowl while I removed the screw drive with a crescent wrench. I'm very pleased with it so far.

I just got the Hurricane roughing gouge for $24.00 off of Amazon.
Careful though it jumped up to $34.00 soon after I bought it. As of this posting it is now $23.99

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B86DLS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

something to sharpen with (grinder)

told that these are good to start with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIECW4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I ended up using basically a big pair of lock jaws and giving it a TUG to get the adapter off. It wasn't that jammed.
One of these: ( PSI Woodworking L5818 Headstock Spindle Adapter (Shopsmith 5/8-Inch to 1-Inch 8tpi chuck) )
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIEC88

What is the difference between these two sets(aside from number of pieces)?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIECW4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KI8CTS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I am trying to figure out what to get for my boyfriend for Christmas, and he's in a similar situation of having a lathe but no turning tools. I also have a face shield in my amazon cart. He's had a box of smaller turning blanks for a while now.

He does a reasonable amount of woodworking(makes a lot of furniture, is super into hand tools), but he's new to turning, so if you have any suggestions, it would be appreciated!

I'm not OP, but I have a Nova G3 chuck that I like.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0064JJ52U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452173549&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=nova+g3+chuck&dpPl=1&dpID=41WfCKmP2IL&ref=plSrch

Here is the mobile version of your link

yeah, I picked expensive hobbies (board games, photography, woodworking). Is there any reason not to get this PSI chuck set? Its about the same price.