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

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 lathe is solidly made, with heavy metal fittings to adjust tool rest, tail stock and such. It's quiet but powerful. I've not yet had it stall while turning a piece. I like it. It replaces an ancient Craftsman lathe that had what looks like pot metal for the bases of the adjustment rods, most of which just broke. This lathe is SUCH an improvement.

THIS MACHINE GREAT. Continues do everything I’ve tried thus far from pens to ornaments to bowls. My only regrets are the speed changing procedure (belt reconfiguring) and the tightening mechanism that holds tension on the belt (it slip with very little force). Admittedly, I was aware of both when i purchased so its on me. Will be upgrading to the dial variable speed model.

I'm newer to wood turning, so I wanted to step my way into it without spending a lot of money. Prior to this, I owned the WEN Mini Lathe, which I liked a lot. I was torn between this one and the larger, variable speed model. Ultimately I selected this lathe. PROs: This lathe is larger than I expected and solid. It has good power and is compatible with the majority of lathe accessories on the market. Critiques: This is not a variable speed speed lathe so you have to change the belt position during each stage of your project (actually much less of a hassle than I was concerned with). Oddly, the spindle belt door is on the back? Being on the front, like most lathes, would make things easier. The belt doors are very thin plastic so I'm wondering if that will be a problem down the road. All in all, this is a good lathe for the price and I'm glad I bought it. I bought the WEN lathe stand along with it, which I highly recommend. As long as the quality and durability remain, I'll be using this for a while. UPDATE: My concerns unfortunately came to fruition, ended up returning this model twice due to a bad headstock bearing. I purchased the next size up WEN and it's a world of difference.

Item as described. Only used it once since I got it works very well very happy with it and can't wait to start using it more.

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.

I love how smooth the adjustment functions are on this tool, making it a breeze to use for various tasks. The motor delivers plenty of torque for most jobs, ensuring seamless performance. While a variable speed unit would be a great addition, the pulley system still gets the job done effectively. Highly recommend for its efficiency and ease of use.

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.

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