Can I turn metal or other non-wood materials with your wood lathes?
While our wood lathes can physically turn a variety of materials, they are specifically designed for natural woods, wood-based products, and certain wood-bonding agents. Using a wood lathe to turn or chisel non-wood materials can pose serious safety risks to the operator and bystanders. It may also reduce the machine’s lifespan and will void the warranty.
How do I know what size wood lathe I need?
The right size depends on what you plan to turn. The two most important specifications are:
-
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 workpiece the lathe can turn. For example, if the center-to-bed distance is 5", the lathe has a 10" swing over bed—meaning it can handle workpieces up to 10" in diameter. For bowls, plates, or platters, this is the most critical measurement.
-
Distance between centers: This is the maximum length the lathe can handle between the spindle and tailstock when fully extended. It’s important for turning longer objects like balusters, pillars, or baseball bats.
Also consider your shop space and the lathe’s physical footprint:
-
Benchtop lathes typically offer a 10–12" swing, ½–¾ HP motors, and are compact and portable.
-
Midi lathes usually have a 16" swing, weigh 300–500 lbs., include 2 HP motors, and occupy roughly 4' x 1½' of space.
-
Full-size lathes feature a 20"+ swing, weigh 700–1000 lbs., and require at least 5' x 2' of floor space.
I see some machines advertised as 110V, 115V, or 120V. Aren’t these all the same? Why not use one consistent voltage across your catalog?
Yes and no. Functionally, all of these will work with standard U.S. household power. The differences stem from international variations in nominal voltage:
-
U.S. nominal voltage: 120V
-
Taiwan: 110V
-
China: 115V
These small differences matter more to utility providers and manufacturers than to consumers. Power companies typically provide voltage within ±5% of nominal, while motors are built to handle ±10% of their nameplate voltage.
We list the actual voltage shown on the motor’s nameplate to give customers the most accurate and transparent information—so the catalog specs match what’s on the machine when it arrives.
What is the difference between the G0842 and G0844?
-
The G0842 has a 37" distance between centers, weighs 155 lbs., and includes a copy attachment for workpieces up to 32" long.
-
The G0844 has a 20" distance between centers and weighs 110 lbs.