Woodturning is a fluid form of sculpting with wood and is used to make parts and legs for furniture as well as to form bowls, pens or sculpt with wood. The wood lathe is a machine used to shape a piece of wood by rapidly rotating it about a horizontal axis as it is pressed against a fixed tool.
There are several key characteristics to look for when shopping for the best wood lathe for your needs. The first is its capacity. This controls how you can make something as well as what you will be able to make. For example, a length capacity of three feet (36 inches) means the longest you can turn the wood in one piece is three feet. If you require a longer piece, you’ll have to create separate sections to join together.
If the lather is rated as having a swing over the bed of one foot (12 inches), then the distance from the bed to the drive’s center is six inches. This means the largest bowl diameter you can create is one foot (12 inches). The swing over the tool rest is less. A lathe with an out board spindle or a drive head that can swivel 180 degrees has no bed limitation. You will be able to turn a much wider bowl.
What does that mean for the novice? It means if you are planning to make pencils, pens, fobs and smaller items you won’t need the full size lather. Your best bet is a bench top model with eight inch to 15 inch capacity. For anything larger, you will need a full size lathe. The most commonly used size is a 12 inch by 36 inch. If you plan to turn bowls you’ll want one with an out board spindle or swiveling head.
Speed is another important characteristic. Some lathes with variable speeds are able to go from zero on up. You should select a lathe with at least four different speeds, starting at the slower end with 600 revolutions per minute (rpm) or slower. The fastest speed needs to be between 3200 to 4000 rpm. Generally the more speed selections you have, the better for versatility. Turning stock with a large diameter or roughing out pieces requires a slower speed. As you being to finish your piece or the diameters become smaller, the faster the speed you can use.
The beds of small lathes are made of cast iron, steel plates or bars and even aluminum. The important thing is to have a rigid and strong bed so there is no flexing to cause vibration as pressure is added. Single piece construction is more stable than two piece construction of the bed. The most common size of motor for home use is between ½ HP and 1 HP. The smaller motor size will work better for small projects but will handle larger ones if you take the time and patience you need. A motor size of 3/4HP is considered industrial use.
Accessories for lathes include a faceplate, the drive center and the live center. If the lathe you buy doesn’t have a live center, purchase one. If you will turn cups, bowls and plates you’ll also need a four-jawed chuck. As with any power tool, get the best you can afford. For the best wood lathe, you need a sturdy, stable and solid model.
