When you start building your own crankbaits, a lathe is very handy. There are some jerkbait models that require a lathe as well. And this doesn't have to cost a lot of money, like most people think. There are very simple constructions on the market, that can be used with a normal drilling machine. They don't cost much and don't take up a lot of room. You can easily put it in a drawer. But if your budget is high enough and you are going to use the lathe extensively it is better to buy a normal lathe. These are available in many different types and prices. And of course you will need space as well.

What is it you should pay attention too? First we will take a look at the cheaper lathe construction used with a drilling machine. It is important that you can attach this construction properly to your workbench. Using the lathe will cause a lot of vibration, and if the construction is not properly attached to the workbench it will most definitely get loose. I don't have to tell you that this will result in dangerous situations. For this same reason make sure that the drilling machine is attached tightly in the construction. Because this part of the construction has to bare almost the entire weight of the drilling machine. And than there's the matter that you must be able to put the wood in the construction tightly. There's nothing worse then a piece of wood that gets ricochet along your head. Furthermore it is best to use a drilling machine that has the ability to change the drilling speed. Very handy indeed.

If you decided to buy a regular lathe, you have to take a few things in consideration as well. When you are going to use the lathe only to built lures, and that's probably so, you don't need a heavy expensive lathe. The size can be small as well. A big lathe will only take up more space. Furthermore you will have to watch the clasp and the construction in the whole. It has to be secure and solid. So that you don't get any problems with things vibrating loose. Preferably pick out a lathe on which you can adjust the speed. Mount the lathe tightly on your workbench. This avoids the lathe to vibrate of the workbench while you are turning. But the most valuable tip I can give you is; don't spend to much money. There are a dozen professional, semi-professional and very expensive lathes for sale. You are better of by buying a cheaper model. These are almost always very suitable for lurebuilding and they save you a lot of money.

Some standard remarks at the end. Buy good quality chisels. Don't try to save money on them. Cheap chisels have the tendency to get blunt very easy, what means that you have to sharpen them. This is very expensive if you have to let someone do this, and is very difficult to do yourself. Don't buy to much different chisels. Three basic chisels are more then enough. Always wear a dust mask during the turning and sanding. Because a fine dust gets free when you are turning a piece of wood. This dust stays on your longs and that is very unhealthy. So make sure you have enough ventilation in your working environment. You can get this dust and splinters in your eyes as well. So always wear a protective goggle. And wear protective clothes as well. Bare in mind that you should not wear sweaters or blouses with loose sleeves. The sleeves can get tangled in the lathe, what can cause serious injuries. So always pay lots of attention to safety when you are working with your lathe.

Before you start using your lathe it is recommended that you study the techniques of wood turning a bit. There are magnificent books for sale. And if you don't want to or can't spend a lot of money on literature, you can always borrow it from a library.

I have tried to show you that a lathe doesn't has to cost a fortune. And to provide you with essential information that you can use when you are going to buy a lathe. I hope that the previously can help you to decide what's right for you.