G'day from a long time lurker first time poster

G'day all. My name's Steve and I live in Central Vic - 40 mins North of Ballarat. I've been wanting to get into wood turning for a while now but have been satisfied so far by watching Youtube vids of some of the amazing work on show.

I was at Aldi today and saw they have a lathe for sale for $129. It's only a small one at 400W and the work can only be 350mm x 1000mm maximum but I figure it would be a good one to learn on. It's an Aldi homebrand (Workzone) model.

What are people's thoughts on this lathe? Is is a good one to learn on then as my needs change and get a bigger lathe, convert this one to a polisher?

Regards,
Steve

Welcome to the forum Steve.

Welcome Steve. There was a thread about the Aldi lathe from a month or so ago. If you search the forum for “Aldi lathe” it should pop up. I am surprised there are still some about in store.

From memory there were mixed opinions.

My own thoughts are that if I had started with something like that I could have saved myself heaps - because I may not have been bitten so badly by the bug. As it was I spent $300 years on a second-hand Hafco and outgrew that in less than a year.

From what I have seen, the Aldi machine is a throwback to the very basic machines from 15 years ago and things have moved a long way since then. I think if you shop around you could get a much better value for money with a better quality mini or midi lathe.

I would look for something with Morse tapers on the spindle and tailstock. This adds so many possibilities that it is hard to explain.

But the have to admit to a bias against workzone tools and a marketing strategy targeting the impulse buy. I have fallen for it quite a few times and regretted all but one purchase - and that one was clamps that were recommended by a very reliable commentator.

Bruce

Next time you're in Ballarat have a talk to Danny at Des Elliott Machinery. He can give you some advice on buying a lathe and probably suggest something that would be better value. His web page shows lots of ledacraft machines but he can order any of the other brands as well.

Des Elliot Machinery Sales & Service P/L

Welcome to the Forum ozmoe. 11 Years may be some kind of record between joining and making a first post ?? :cool:

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Steve",
There are a stack of members in Melbourne & across Victoria plus the rest of the world.....
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [Work In Progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.
Cheers crowie

PS - On the lathe, try a new thread in the woodturning section to gain a wider audience and thus more answers....

Here's the thread Bruce referred to...
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/lathe-sale-aldi-224088

Thanks old1955

Lol Purpleheart. Yes, I'm sure it would be close to a record. I did say long time lurker :-)

Thanks bruceward51 and crowie. I've found the thread and I'm checking it out.

Welcome.

Welcome to the forum.

Regards
Keith

Welcome to the forum Steve

G'day and welcome Steve

I have a hands on get together that runs for the Australia Day weekend.

I have not posted it yet for the coming year but have done it every year for the last 5 years.

There will be a few lathes going and I'm not too far away from you being on the northern edge of Horsham

DaveTTC
The Turning Cowboy
Turning Wood Into Art

Welcome to a TOP FORUM. I also started off with a similar lathe a GMC. I learnt a fair bit on it, ended up joining the local Woodturning Club and learnt a LOT more.
Dave, I'm in.:2tsup:
Kryn

Hi Dave.
Horsham is about two hours one way for me but you can definitely count me in. I try to never ignore an opportunity to learn something. There's a remote possibility I may be working away that weekend (Thursday to Tuesday) but if I'm not, I'll be there. Thanks for the offer.

Hope you can make it Steve, I'll be there for sure, as it's a good way of puting names and faces to the handle.
Kryn