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What are frequently asked questions for the G0838 variable speed wood lathe?

  1. Can I turn metal or other non-wood materials with your wood lathes?
    Although our wood lathes will physically turn many different types of materials, they are only designed to turn natural woods, wood-based products, and certain wood-bonding agents. Turning and chiseling materials not intended to be turned on a wood lathe can result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders, and it could decrease the life of the machine and void the warranty.
  2. How do I know what size of wood lathe I'll need?
    The answer primarily depends on what you want to turn. The most relevant specification when determining what you can turn is "swing over bed." Swing over bed is the distance from the center of the spindle to the top of the lathe's bed multiplied by two. This measurement determines the maximum diameter of stock the lathe can turn. So, a lathe that measures 5” from the top of the bed to the center of the spindle will have a swing over bed of 10”.  Therefore, the maximum workpiece diameter that can be turned on the lathe would be 10”. If you plan to turn bowls, plates, and platters, then make swing over bed your primary consideration when purchasing a lathe. Another specification to consider when purchasing a wood lathe is ""distance between centers.” Distance between centers is the length from the spindle center to the tailstock center when the headstock and tailstock are positioned as far apart as possible. If you plan to turn balusters, pillars, or baseball bats, then make distance between centers your primary consideration.
    Another consideration when purchasing a wood lathe is the space available in your shop. Wood lathes generally scale in size and weight according to the swing over bed. This also applies to wood lathe motors. For example, a mid-sized (or ""midi"") wood lathe with a 16"" swing over bed will usually include a stand with a footprint of roughly 4' x 1½', weigh 300-500 lbs., and come with 2 HP motor. Benchtop wood lathes usually have 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'.
  3. My power supply is actually around 208V, but this machine is rated for 220V. Will the machine still run?
    Yes, the machine will still run and function properly.
  4. I see all your 220V wood lathes have 3-phase motors. Will the machines run on a single-phase power supply?
    Yes, all of our large- and medium-size wood lathes are equipped with variable frequency drives (VFDs). Features that our customers expect in a 220V wood lathe, such as smooth variable-speed control and forward/reverse direction require 3-phase AC motors. A VFD converts the single-phase power that is common in most shops to the 3-phase power required by the motors on our large- and medium-size wood lathes.

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