If you’re really into wood-turning, then you’re probably going to want use a fully featured lathe, such as the new Nova Comet II Midi model. But if it’s something you just started looking into, then there are a couple of faux-lathe jigs that can give you a small taste of the action for relatively cheap.
I’ve seen a number of handheld-drill-powered lathe jigs, but this one by Woodstock is the first I’ve seen that can be used with a drill press. The Woodstock D4088 drill press lathe attachment comes with a few parts – mini screw and spur centers that attaches to the drill chuck, a base plate fixture with live center that’s bolted to the table, and 12″ adjustable tool rest.
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The Woodstock lathe jig may be simple, but we’ve seen evidence that one can do a lot with even simpler equipment. For less than $35, this jig looks to be decent for beginners with ultra-low budgets and woodworkers who only need to do a little bit of wood turning.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info (via Woodstock)
Benjamen Johnson
I thought this looked familiar, so I went back and looked.
Check out the Toolmonger article I wrote in 2007.
http://toolmonger.com/2007/12/26/make-a-lathe-out-of-your-drill-press/
What I discovered is very odd, I think both of the photos have been doctored. They are clearly the same photo. Make you wonder about the validity of some of the tool photos we’ve published over the years.
Stuart
$20 then, $33 now. The product was listed as new, and I [mistakenly] took that at face value. It looks like the attachment may be produced by an OEM and licenses to one or more brands at a time.
The photos do look nearly identical. Yikes. I usually take all photos with a grain of salt since they’re spruced up and framed to sell a product.
Dave
As someone who does “very occasional” lathe work, I am more inclined to look at used equipment or even lower end lathes. These pieces seem “gadgety” to me. I have looked at them in the past and they just seem too limited. Unless you want to eat at a 24 inch high table.
When I need to use a lathe, or other large equipment that I do not have, I am fortunate enough to live near a community center that has an extensive wood shop. They make you pay for yearly safety classes and you have to pay each time you use the shop. But, all in all, a great deal.
fred
Penn State Industires sells a look-a-like
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/DPLATHE.html
Joe Hurst
These insta-lathes have been around for years. Manufacturers often forget to mention that side pressure isn’t good for your drill press. Turning on the your drill press may affect the taper or bearings enough to create a wobble.
I have yet to discover what “too much” side pressure really means, but for low-end drill presses, I’ll bet that it isn’t much.
In short: Save your drill press for drilling. Buy a cheap lathe.
eduardo
buenas tardes desde Argentina,quisiera sugerencias de mini herramientas (mini-tools), fabricantes y/o comerciantes que las vendan, desde ya muchas gracias.
Stuart
https://www.micromark.com/