Ridgid Lathe

[L. Scott]

I recall a couple of years ago seeing a Ridgid Lathe for sale at HD. I haven't seen one there lately and HD says its been discontinued. However, I see a picture of it here at the Ridgid home page. Anyone got any info on that? I want to get a good lathe and I have been looking at Sears and Delta. I want to compare them to the Ridgid....

[imported_CWSmith]

I believe that both the lathe and their radial arm saw were dropped from production in the last year. They're probably just a little slow on updating the web site. You may still be able to find the lathe in some stores.

CWS

[rgrady]

They disontinued it because it was a POS. Buy a Delta.

[imported_Tim_ber]

I totally agree with rgrady. I do have this lathe only for the simple fact that I only paid $45 bucks. read this (http://www.ridgidforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=002463#000001) post I did recently.

[Cuj0HD]

The Ridgid lathe was way too light and vibrated really bad, I would compare it to the one at Harbor Freight. Don't waste your money on it. Your best bet is to go with Jet or Delta.

[daveferg]

With all the changes made during the Ridgid take-over, the lathe was one tool that should have been changed----it was junk and even the HF lathe was better built.

After you assess your situation, if you want a floor standing unit, look at Jet and Delta. But, don't overlook the mini-lathes with extension beds. They can be an excellent learning tool. Shop around----bargains exist on both the Jet and Delta mini's.

[L. Scott]

Thanks guys for the great info. It seems like Jet and Delta seem to be the ones to buy. I was looking at the Craftsman model a little more seriously in the last couple of days, but I really want to comparison shop against Jet and Delta. Which models should I look at? I am a beginner on the lathe but I don't want an entry model. I want functionality and I would like to be able to use a duplicator as well....I am looking mainly to turn table legs and bed posts, and perhaps in the future try my hand in bowl making.

[Mick]

so no one recommends the HF lathe? even to get into the game of making something other then tapered legs :)
I wanted to by the mini lathe from jet but thought that it was way to small to do even a coffee table leg with out making tennons.
Someone mentioned that you could find a good deal on these lathes with the extensions - where?

thanks

Mc

[Cuj0HD]

Rockler sells the Jet Mini with the extension for about $250. I just ordered a Delta Midi w/extension for Six Flags last week I think it was around $300. I know Lowes had a sale on the Delta w/free extension but I'm not sure if it is still going on.
I went and looked at the HB lathes and the only one that looked heavy enough was the 34706-5vga by Central Machinery ($279) but that only gives you 33 3/8" between centers. Both Jet and Delta give you 37" I believe.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34706
http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=2441
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006JZZV/qid=1104346982/br=1-2/ref=br_lf_hi_2//104-8999330-3835142?v=glance&s=hi&n=228291

[ 12-29-2004, 02:03 PM: Message edited by: Cuj0HD ]

[Mick]

after some careful consideration, I think I will wait till I have about $400 and buy a full size with good tools and an all purpose chuck - I really think that I would end up spending the same if you add the stand, the stand extension, the lathe extension.
Someone at Amazon said that this lathe was as low as $399 once:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006ANS3/qid=1104357811/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-tools/103-4446688-9307033?v=glance&s=hi&n=228013

[daveferg]

Mick---You're certainly right about tools, chuck, etc.---cost the same no matter what lathe you get---however, don't forget to check the measurements---throw (over and beside the bed) for size of bowls and max spindle length, and HP of the motor---The Delta Midi is actually a few inches longer than the HF, with extension----it's no deal with either mini if you don't get a free extension. I own the Delta Midi and have used the Jet (with variable speed) and they are both great---I'd even get Jet a slight leg up for the variable speed and better adjustment handles. The variable speed only gives you narrow ranges of adjustment---you still have to move the belt for big changes.