Hi Folks,
Complete beginner here. In order to 'test the waters' regarding taking up woodturning as a hobby, I bought a secondhand SIP lathe (Model 01360 10-speed) and some second hand tools. I didn't pay a lot for it, on the basis that I could probably get the money back if I wanted to re-sell it. However, the bug has bitten and I am quite sure I will be enjoying my woodturning for years to come
I have a few questions and would really appreciate some advice.
(1) The speed is regulated by a lever. The manual says to start and stop the lathe in the lowest speed. This is fine but I find the level very stiff when I try to increase the speed from the lowest setting; it takes a fair bit of hand strength to get it up to the number '5' speed setting. Anybody know why that should be?
(2) I have only turned a couple of small pieces so far but the pieces seem to vibrate beyond the point where I have turned it to a preliminary circular shape, i.e. it should be concentric in shape and weight and presumably should not be unbalanced. I know the frame of the SIP is light, so I weighed it down with about 20 bricks, but it hasn't eliminated the vibration, is it likely that bearings are worn? Maybe I should just add more bricks?
(3) if it's not too silly a question, do lathes need to be serviced?
Thanks in advance,
Mike.