Can I turn metal or other non-wood materials with your wood lathes?
While our wood lathes can physically turn many materials, they are only designed for natural woods, wood-based products, and certain wood-bonding agents. Attempting to turn or chisel non-wood materials can pose a serious safety risk to the operator or bystanders. It may also shorten the machine's lifespan and will void the warranty.

How do I know what size wood lathe I need?
That depends on what you plan to turn. Two key specifications will help you choose the right lathe:

• Swing over bed: This is the distance from the center of the spindle to the top of the lathe bed, multiplied by two. It determines the maximum diameter of material the lathe can turn. For example, if the distance from bed to spindle center is 5", then the swing over bed is 10", and the lathe can turn workpieces up to 10" in diameter.
  → Best for bowls, plates, and platters.

• Distance between centers: This is the maximum length of material that can fit between the headstock and tailstock when fully extended.
  → Best for long items like balusters, table legs, or baseball bats.

You should also consider your available shop space. Lathe size and weight generally increase with swing capacity:

• Benchtop lathes: 10–12" swing, ½–¾ HP motors, lightweight and portable.

• Midi lathes: 16" swing, typically 2 HP, footprint of ~4' x 1½', weight 300–500 lbs.

• Full-size lathes: 20"+ swing, 700–1000 lbs., and a footprint of at least 5' x 2'.

I see machines listed as 110V, 115V, and 120V. Aren’t these the same? Why not just pick one voltage and use it consistently?
Yes and no. These voltages are functionally the same for most users and will all work on standard household power. However, nominal voltage varies slightly by country:

• USA: 120V

• Taiwan: 110V

• China: 115V

Power companies must typically supply voltage within ±5% of nominal. Likewise, motor manufacturers design their motors to operate safely within ±10% of the voltage listed on the motor’s nameplate.

We list the actual nameplate voltage to provide the most accurate information possible. That way, what you see in the catalog matches what you see when the machine arrives.

What is the difference between the T25926 and the T25920?

• T25926: 10" swing over bed

• T25920: 12" swing over bed
  Both models accept the T27327 22" bed extension for increased turning capacity.