Wood Lathes | Metal and Wood Lathes

Can you use a Wood Lathe to turn Metal?

This is a question that has been put to me on a number of occasions and the answer (with my tongue in my cheek and fingers crossed behind my back ) is Yes, you can.

But Beware.

A Wood Lathe was never designed to do this.

The chuck is different and has a different holding strength, a wood lathe spins faster and you’ll probably have trouble getting down to metal turning speeds, the cutting tool on a Metal Lathe is held tightly in a vice. (And for good reason)

There are details at E How-Using a wood lathe to turn metal which seem fairly comprehensive BUT don’t even think about trying it out until you’ve lots of experience on a Wood lathe and at least some experience on a Metal Lathe.
The Metal Lathe turning time will at least give you some feeling for what turning should feel like on this type of lathe and maybe some inner warning if the metal starts to get loose.

If you only have a Wood Lathe and need to turn something metal, go and knock on some friends door and call in a favor.

Because it can be dangerous.

Jet 1014 Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe

A winner every way you look at it.

The Jet JML 1014 Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe is a smooth, sturdy mini lathe ideal for small, delicate turning.

Heavy duty cast iron bed ensures that the lathe stays stable during turning and the variable speed control box allows the lathe to be used for all types of projects with an extremely wide of speeds from 500 rpm right up to 3,900 rpm.

All powered along by a ½ HP motor.

This model also has 24 indexing positions that will be perfect when fluting or veining, and the spindle lock makes chuck and faceplate removal simple and straightforward.

The 10″ swing over the bed and 14″ spindle capacity lets this mini wood lathe handle work that seems like it should be over its limit but will do easily. And you can increase the project length capability with a 20” bed extension.

There is a 6” tool rest that works well but a good trick with tool rests is to polish the resting edge. This allows smoother tool movement and sliding.

The lathe comes with rubber rests and will normally stay in place when in use. But always bolt or clamp down any mini lathe as they can stutter on some grains and it always seems to happen at those important moments.

Be safe and be sure. Bolt it down.

You can get the Jet 1014 Mini Lathe without the Variable Speed for approx $70 less but don’t do it. The extra cost for the Variable Speed is what makes this mini wood lathe stand out from the rest. The normal Jet pen lathe is good but the variable speed control makes it perfect.

Jet 1014 Lathe features:

1″ x 8 TPI Spindle. #2 Morse Taper on head and tailstock. Motor is 1/2 HP, single Phase, 115 Volt. Overall dimensions of the lathe are 24-5/8″ deep x 7-1/4″ wide x 14″ high. Includes 6″ tool rest, live center, 3″ faceplate, spur center, tooling knockout.

Click Here to get Price and Delivery details of the Jet Mini Lathe

NB: The Variable Speed Lathe is on the LEFT SIDEBAR when you CLICK HERE

Powermatic 4224 Wood Lathe

Now you’re getting into the big stuff.

This impressive Powermatic Wood Lathewill handle 20″ plus bowls down to small pens and it has 42″ between centers giving you great versatility when it comes to deciding on projects.

With this lathe you can go into quality production and sell the items you turn out. Load them onto Ebay or such and start to get a return from your hobby.

That can’t be done with a mini lathe.

It has the power and speed control to do just about any wood turning project you wish. Heavy enough to put a kink in your back when assembling (so be CAREFUL) which means it won’t stutter across the floor under cutting pressure. Still not a bad idea to bolt down to the floor as with any lathe.

There’s so much to write about this lathe.

Here are parts from a couple of reviews over at Amazon. The people who bought this lathe just love it.

“If you want to turn little things get a little lathe but if you want to turn big things(and little things) then you should get this machine.”

“I’ve been using this lathe for over 2 years now and it sure is a heavyweight. I turn mostly bowls in the 14-20 inch diameter range and this is the machine to do it on.”

“I bought this lathe about a month ago. Super lathe–the Horse power and weight are well worth the extra cost.”

Have a read of all the features about this lathe and the full reviews from here at Amazon.

SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe

The SHOP FOX W1752 is a stable bench-top wood lathe with six speeds ranging from 480 to 4023 RPM, providing the flexibility for any turning project.

Quality castings and good weight makes the lathe operation extremely smooth and quiet. Very well built and solid.

A bed extension is available for this mini lathe that allows centers of over 36 inches.

Quick access speed changes
Swing over bed: 10-Inch
Tailstock travel: 3-1/4-Inch
Tool rest length: 6-1/4-Inch
Includes tool rest, live rolling center, spur center and 3-Inch face plate

Belt driven 110v 1phase motor.

Paddle type switch with lockout. 1″ x 8TPI Spindle, 3″ Face Plate included.

Outboard spindle 1″x8TPI, Spindle #2 Morse taper, tailstock #2 Morse Taper.

This is what is being said about the W1752 over at Amazon.

This is a very solid, rigid lathe that will help you turn out some very good work. If you’re looking for chisels and knives to go with this great machinery, have a look at Wood Turning Tools from Amazon.

This review is from: SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe (Amazon Tools & Hardware)

by William H. Knauer Jr.

“I totally agree with the first reviewer. (Except there is no first reviewer)This lathe is every bit as good as the JET series in its class at half the price. Turned a pen this evening and it was so nice to do on a smooth running quite lathe. I also purchased a Baracuda chuck but have not used it yet. I’m thinking that this must be SHOP FOX’s well kept secret. Better jump on this before they realize what they have here.”

This review is from: SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe (Amazon Tools & Hardware) by L. Menzel.
“Pretty darn good lathe. Especially for the price. I’m with the majority here. I think it’s every bit as good as my previous Jet, and even better as it handles 15″ material with ease, and with the extension bed (a must-have item, IMO) stretches it out to an unbelievable 38 inches.
I checked out the welds on my tool rest, etc., and can find no evidence of breaking or cracking. The belt is snug and very smooth (previous reviewer: did you loosen the belt tension lock knob and snug up the belt?). It’s quiet and does an excellent job for me.
Price and free shipping! I recommend this W1752 to anyone who needs a mini-lathe.”

Shipping details from Amazon.com

JET Variable Speed JWL-1642EVS 16×42 Wood Lathe

Now you’re getting into the JET Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe that’s perfect for the wood worker who wants power and size.

With a 1-1/2HP, three phase, 115-volt motor for more than enough power and 16-inch swing with 42-inches between centers for turning much larger projects. It has the power to turn big peices.

For shops that do not have 220-volt power available, an electronic inverter does all the work to convert 115-volt from the “1 phase” to “3 phase.”

Constructed from heavy-duty iron castings, the JWL-1642EVS provides long-term accuracy and smooth, vibration-free operation and stands on cast iron legs with adjustable pads holding the lathe 44 1/2 inches above floor level.

The large-diameter spindle has a 1.25 x 8 threads-per-inch nose that supports the large chucks typically used with this type of lathe and the outboard end of the spindle is fitted with a barrel-type grip for turning the spindle by hand.

The spindle also has internal indexing built in that allows you to lock it in 36 positions.

A heavy-gauge wire guard for operator safety.

The variable speed is simply a dial that works like one of those pushbutton/turning light switches so you can dial in any speed you like.

The JWL-1642EVS measures 29 x 28 x 59 inches (WxHxL), weighs 410 pounds, and is covered by a five-year warranty.
Sales Details of the Jet 16×42 Wood Lathe.

This lathe rivals any of those costing much more.

Jet 12 x 20-inch Wood Lathe

The newest addition to the JET® line of Woodturning Lathes is the model708376 JWL-1220 or 12 x 20-inch Wood Lathe

This new variable speed, 3/4HP lathe supports stock up to 12″ in diameter and 20″ in length.

This little powerhouse features variable 270-4200RPM continuous speed operation, a self-ejecting tailstock for added safety, spindle lock and indexing capability for fluting and veining applications, built-in work light to illuminate your work piece, and much more.

If you are looking for a big lathe for your shop, but are short on space, give the a try, you’ll be glad you did.
You can visit Jet 708376 JWL-1220 12 x 20-inch Wood Lathe details and shipping.

JET JML 10 X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe

The new JET JML 1014I 10 Inch X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe JET Mini-Lathe replaces the popular JML-1014. Without changing the basic reliable lathe, Jet has added arbor locks and indexing.

Jet variable speed mini lathe is a powerful cast iron machine for smaller projects. The headstock is driven by a 1/2-horsepower motor with six speed selections to choose from and comes with several accessories included that are optional on other machines.

This model is also machined on the tailstock end to accept the JET 20-inch bed extension.

Wood turning can be enhanced by adding fluting, which is running decorative grooves lengthwise down a spindle by utilizing the indexing options. This powerful cast iron machine provides stable, virtually vibration free turning.

Six speeds: 500, 1200, 1450, 2130, 2400 and 3950 RPM

10″ swing over the bed.

14″ spindle capacity – which can be increased by adding a 20″ bed extension.

1″ x 8 TPI Spindle.

#2 Morse Taper on head and tailstock.

Motor: 1/2 HP, 1 Ph, 115 Volt.

Overall dimensions 24-5/8″ D x 7-1/4″ W x 14″ H.

Includes 6″ tool rest, live center, 3″ faceplate, spur center, tooling knockout, and safety goggles.

An extremely versatile lathe.

Purchase details and shipping of JET JML 10 X 14 Here.

Delta 46-455 12-1/2-inch 5-Speed Midi Lathe

The Delta 5-Speed Midi Lathe Delta 46-455 12 1/2-Inch 5-Speed Midi Lathe provides the largest capacity in its class and five speeds for versatile turning operations.

The lathes 3/4-horsepower motor reaches speeds up to 4,000 RPM for fast material removal without sacrificing turning quality. The automatic belt tensioning system of this Midi Lathe lets you change the speeds quickly and easily to minimize downtime. The 46-455 5-Speed Midi Lathe also has a cast-iron construction that provides stability and makes for an extremely durable machine. Features:

Large 12-1/2-inch swing capacity provides the largest capacity in its class

Easy front panel access to five speed controls (500; 950; 1,550; 2,700 and 4,000) reduces down time

Patented automatic belt tensioning system for easy and quick speed changes and sets the belt at the correct tension every time for maximum power transfer and longer tool life

Indexing pin to lock the head stock spindle in 24 different locations for fluting and other decorative applications

Over headstock on/off switch provides easy in use access

With a maximum distance between centers of 16-1/2 inches this lathe turns objects as long as a chair leg or as short as a thimble – can do more with a bed extension (sold separately)

Ball-bearing live center for smooth turnings

Heavy-duty, steel knockout bar Four groove belts provide superior power to turn large objects

Large up front belt access allows the user to easily change speeds

On-board storage for easy access to adjustment tools 6-inch and 10-inch tool rests provide tool support in a variety of turning applications

This Delta lathe is great value and offers versatility with its multi speed drive.

More information and sales access here>

General International MAXI Wood Turning Lathe

The General International Maxi Wood Lathe is one of the most popular and one of the most reasonably priced wood turning lathes on the market. The maxi lathe is a bench top model although there is a solid metal stand available to suit this lathe. The swing and centers sizes allow for a great range of projects that will cover the needs of most home wood turners.
As with turning on any wood lathe, remember your safety first, particularly with a lathe such as this as there are many speed variations to choose from and the lathe will take a decent size piece of timber.

Features:

* Quick lock control levers easily position tool rest
* Large 10-inch inboard turning capacity
* Cast-iron frame, head and tailstock to reduce chatter and vibration for smoother turning
* Maximum turning capacity of 15-inches between centers
With optional bed extension (sold separately), maximum turning capacity of 45-inches between centers
* V-belt provides smooth turning – 6 speeds: 480, 1270, 1960, 2730, 3327 & 4023 RPM

Specifications:

* Spindle Speeds (6): 480, 1270, 1960, 2730, 3327, 4023 and RPM
* Swing Over Bed: 10-Inches (254 mm)
* Swing Over Base: 7-1⁄2Inches (190 mm)
* Distance Between Centers: 15-Inches (382 mm)
* Spindle Thread: 1-Inch – 8 TPI
* Hollow Tailstock: 3/8Inch DIAMETER
* Morse Taper: MT #2 (Headstock & Tailstock)
* Self Ejecting Travel: 2-Inches (51 mm)
* Tool Rest: 6-Inches (152 mm)
* Face Plate: 3-Inches (76 mm)
* Motor: 1⁄2 HP, 110 V, 1720 RPM, 3.8 A
* Weight: 106-Pounds (45 Kg)

Pricing and delivery details of the General International Wood Lathe available here.

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