For picking the correct type of lathe, it is necessary to figure out the nature of your particular work. Choosing a lathe is no big deal if you are professional, but it can be a little challenging for beginners because there is a lathe for every type of woodcraft. Meaning you need to list your needs and consider the following factors that will help you choose the most compatible lathe for your work.
Factors to consider:
- The thickness of the log – the thickness of the wood you are going to work on will determine the kind of swing over bed and tools you will need in your lathe
- The wood length – the length of the piece of log will influence the distance between the centers and will let you know whether you will need an extension or not.
The RPM range and the motor power also depend on the size of the wood that you will use. The lathe machine’s dimensions are not so important as far as the final product is concerned; however, you can choose the size depending on the availability of space in your workstation.
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WEN 3421 Review Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
WEN is a reputable brand that makes powerful lathe machines at a budget-friendly price range. Though no product is 100% perfect for everyone, the WEN 3421 seems to be a favorite among users. This product has received countless positive reviews online, along with a few negative ones.
The WEN 3421 is priced affordably and is packed with numerous advantages and features that make it stand out from the rest in this category. This lathe is an excellent choice for amateur and professional woodworkers. Below is an in-depth WEN 3421 Review, features, pros, cons, and FAQs that will help you make an ultimate purchase decision.
Features
Work Surface
The WEN3421 features a solid cast iron body. It has a height of one foot, and the distance across the machine is around two feet. The surface of the lathe is big enough to fit into any benchtop workstation. It comes in a 26 x 10 x 12 inches dimension and weighs a little over 44 pounds.
The eight-inch work area and the 12 – inch movable tailstock featured in this machine allow you to work with wood logs that are as long as 12 inches. The compact size of this lathe makes it a suitable option for those who are navigating through the field of woodturning.
Professionals who are involved with smaller projects can also opt for this lathe. This lathe has a sturdy build which is why it stays in place while you are working.
Adjustable Speed
Lathes have two kinds of speed – variable and fixed. This benchtop lathe has variable speed. You can run it from 750 rpm to 3200 rpm within a minute.
Another feature that makes this lathe best for beginners is that it does not jump into the highest speed as soon as you switch it on; the speed surge is gradual, making it safe to use for newbies. The knob on the side of the lathe allows you to change the speeds with a simple turn.
Power
The WEN 3420 lathe features a 1/3 Hp motor with a size of 2 amps. The motor ensures a slow start for the machine to avoid accidents and motor damage.
Spindle and Tailstock
The 12 inches tailstock and the MT1 spindle allow you to hold the project piece in place. You can place the tailstock mandrel out for about two inches using the turnable knob on the tailstock.
You also don’t have to be concerned if the mandrels, for some reason, get jammed because the machine features a punch-out toll that will help you pop out the stuck mandrels. The size of the spindle is perfect for making small objects such as pens and bowls.
Accessories
You don’t have to waste your energy and time shopping for accessories because this lathe comes with several useful and necessary accessories to make woodturning safe and easy for everyone. The package includes –
- A knockout rod
- A faceplate
- Two tool rests
- A tailstock cup center
- A headstock spur center
- A flat wrench
Motor and Power
The motor power of any machine determines its fastness and efficiency, in the case of a lathe, how smoothly it can cut wood. Working on a heavy piece of wood with a small motor lathe is not a good idea because, in the process, you will probably end up either damaging the wood or the machine.
The motor power also directly influences the finish of the final product. This lathe has a 1/3 Hp motor which is suitable for most small and medium-sized projects.
Size and Weight
The size and weight depend on the kind of project you are working on. Users who are into small DIY projects will find mini lathes a suitable option.
Bigger lathes are meant for professionals who work on bigger pieces of wood. The WEN3421 is a mini lathe which is an excellent choice for smaller projects.
Pros
- It is a budget-friendly
- The machine features variable speeds
- This lathe has a compact yet sturdy built
- Due to its small size, it can fit into any space
- It has a decent power
- This lathe machine includes a lot of accessories
Cons
- Not appropriate for big projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does the WEN 3420 lathe feature a reverse function?
Answer: No, there is only a forward function in this lathe.
Question: What is the motor power of the WEN3421?
Answer: It has a motor power of1/3 HP.
Question: Does this lathe have a mandrel included with it?
Answer: Yes, it includes an M1 mandrel.
Question: Is this a good choice for making objects such as bowls or small cups?
Answer: Yes, this lathe is perfect for creating small bowls and cups. You can make any small DIY projects with the WEN 3420.
Read More WEN Lathe Reviews:
– WEN 34018
– WEN 34027
– WEN 3424T
Conclusion Of The WEN 3421 Review
You will find different types of wood lathes in the market that fits into any budget and space. You need to choose a wood lathe depending on your woodturning experience and based on the type of objects you are planning to make. Getting help from an experienced woodturner will make your purchase a smooth experience.
Hopefully, the WEN 3421 Review showed you this is a good wood lathe for your needs.