Important Disclaimer: This article references a model that is no longer in production. Please note that the availability of replacement parts or discussed accessories is not guaranteed.
Can I turn metal or other non-wood materials with your wood lathes? Although our wood lathes can physically turn many different types of materials, they are designed only for natural woods, wood-based products, and certain wood-bonding agents. Turning and chiseling materials not intended for a wood lathe can lead to serious injury for the operator or bystanders, shorten the machine's lifespan, and void the warranty.
How do I know what size of wood lathe I'll need? The primary factor in determining the size of wood lathe you need is what you intend to turn. The most important specification is the "swing over bed," which is twice the distance from the center of the spindle to the top of the lathe bed. This measurement indicates the maximum diameter of stock the lathe can handle. For example, a lathe with a 5" distance from the bed to the spindle center has a 10" swing over bed, meaning it can turn a workpiece with a maximum diameter of 10". If you plan to turn bowls, plates, and platters, prioritize the swing over bed.
Another important specification is the "distance between centers," which is the maximum length between the spindle center and the tailstock center. If you plan to turn balusters, pillars, or baseball bats, prioritize the distance between centers.
Finally, consider the space available in your shop. Wood lathes generally increase in size and weight with the swing over bed, and this also applies to the motors. For example, a mid-sized ("midi") wood lathe with a 16" swing over bed typically includes a stand with a footprint of about 4' x 1½', weighs between 300 and 500 lbs., and has a 2 HP motor. Benchtop wood lathes usually have a 10-12" swing over bed, ½ - ¾ HP motors, and are small and light enough to be portable. Larger wood lathes have a swing over bed of at least 20", weigh 700-1000 lbs., and have a footprint of at least 5' x 2'.
What is the difference between H8259 and G0624Z? The H8259 has a 0.5 HP motor, an 18" distance between centers, and weighs 73 lbs. It has 5 spindle speeds ranging from 826 to 3337 RPM. In contrast, the G0624Z has a 0.7 HP motor, a 15" distance between centers, and weighs 91 lbs. It offers 6 spindle speeds ranging from 480 to 4023 RPM.