WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

I'm a beginning turner and didn't want to spend a fortune on a mini lathe to start with. This one works great. Its very solid and runs smooth and quiet. Its a bit difficult to change speeds (moving the drive belt to different pulleys) because there's not much room to make belt adjustments but I don't really need to do it often. I now wish I would have bought the model that comes with a variable rheostate to make easy speed adjustments. Also, I've learned that it would really be nice to have a reversing motor for sanding and polishing my work. Well, those two items really added on really drive the cost up and I wanted to save money on the first lathe so.....lesson learned, its all part of the learning curve.

A great lathe at a reasonable price. If you are thinking about getting into wood turning this is a great choice. I purchased the head stock chuck and tail drill bit chuck with this. The first time I used it the tool rest broke in half. Called customer service and they immediately sent out a replacement, no questions. Was likely just a bad casting. No problems with the new one. If there were a negative, I would say I wish it had more power for dense hard woods. For the price, it's it's more than adequate for small to medium bowl turning. I'd definitely purchase this again.

If you can't afford or simply don't have room for a full size wood lathe, this is an excellent starter tool. It's heavy, so very stable (as long as you have a stable benchtop). All adjustment functions are smooth. The motor provides enough torque for most jobs. The pulley system is okay, but it really would be nice to have a variable speed unit. However, even with the pulley approach, it gets the job done. Great value and quality build. Recommended.

This was my first lathe that I have had it for about 4 months and I love it. Very solidly built and works well and a very reasonable price. I gave it a 4 rather than a 5 because it has in my view it has one serious flaw and it is a safety issue. The on/off switch is out in the open where it can easily be bumped on by mistake when, for example, cleaning under the lathe. I have also had chisels roll under the switch while I am working and block it from being turned off until the chisel is removed. This is a safety issue that can easily be fixed by putting a housing around the switch. I hope Wen will address this in the future.

My first wood Lathe! Not a stranger to being around a machine shop, spent some of my childhood in one. But after endless frustration with sellers of used, the last a HF 36 Inch, and adding up my gas bill to collect it, the price came out more than this little wonder.I am so, so happy with this. Really you don't need a long bed if you are new to wood turning, and if you did, this model does provide an extension option.Everything came out as intended by the makers. Amazon did a great job of delivering, Wem did a great job of making and packing, Easy instructions out of the box, on a prepared bench slot, installed the parts as directed in the hand book. And checking belt tension, test ran to enjoy this little gem whirring away like it is supposed to!Did not turn any wood on it because, late at 11 PM, disturbing neighbors is not a good idea, and I would have to run a table saw to make 9 X 3 inch square stock to round.Tomorrow.Sorry about trading a 3/4 outside edge gouge for an inside version. Never ever give up ones tools!Now just have to wait for Amazon the ship me a roughing gouge so I can really chew up some softwood.

This is a fantastic tool and the price is unbeatable. Solid heavy cast iron. No play is any of the parts. Runs great and all the accessories are fantastic. I run this 12 hours a day at least 2 days a week and a couple hours a day every day and it has no problem doing that. The motor gets warm but I put an external duct fan on it and it keeps it running cool all day. I would recommend this machine to anyone wanting a small size lathe that’s big on quality. Plus they stock all the spare parts in the United States and shipping is only a few days. They stock the motors on their web site for like 70 bucks and I even bought a replacement belt for very little. All the parts and part numbers are listed in their manual and they take care of any concerns. A cast iron extension bed is also available for those wanting to do longer spindle work. Just can’t be beat. Wen is such a great brand of affordable, entry level high quality tool.

Everything on this Wen lathe is in great working condition. Changing the belt for various turning speed is the only inconvenience, but it’s not difficult.

You see that the reviews are 4.5+. You see that all WEN tool reviews on Amazon are positive. This is no different. This is the lathe you have been looking for. It works great!

I haven’t turned anything on a lathe since high school, about 45 years ago. Since receiving this it has come back to me quickly just how much I enjoy the process. I’m sure this isn’t a top quality unit but for the price and my needs it has been great. I will likely order the bed extension in future to allow me to turn longer posts and stiles but for now I am content. Solid construction, quiet motor, steady tool rest and the tail stock seems rock solid too. Glad I made the purchase!

Very stable, and multiple speeds are an asset

Works good so far

Good lathe but should have done more research,first I don't like the way one must change the belt to make it faster,it was not advertised, second I don't like that it does not have reverse,and also if I remember right delivery was show 95$ ,I was charged 295.00 $...would have sent it back but did not want to pay another shipping fee,,,don't get me wrong,machine works fine