Woodturning Lathe

Woodturning Lathes for Sale

A woodturning lathe holds and rotates a piece of timber while the turner uses cutting tools to shape the material. The size and specification of the machine determine the type of work it can accommodate, making it important to choose a lathe that matches both the size of your projects and the amount of use it will receive.

Our Woodfast range includes compact and full-size wood lathes, with models offering different capacities, motor powers and variable-speed controls.

Whether you are looking for a first woodturning lathe, upgrading an existing machine or equipping a professional workshop, the range includes options at different levels of capacity and investment.

Wood Lathes for Different Types of Turning

The right lathe depends largely on what you intend to make.

Smaller wood lathes are well suited to projects such as pens, small bowls, spindles and other relatively compact workpieces. A midi or larger machine provides additional capacity for bigger bowls, platters and spindle work.

For heavier work, a substantial cast-iron bed and rigid construction become increasingly important. Larger Woodfast machines provide greater support and capacity for demanding woodturning applications.

Typical wood lathe applications include:

• Bowl and platter turning
• Spindle turning
• Pen and small-item turning
• Chair and table legs
• Decorative woodturning
• Furniture components
• Larger solid-wood projects
• Professional workshop production
• Variable Speed Woodturning Lathes
  

Variable-speed control gives the turner greater control over the rotation of the workpiece without repeatedly changing pulleys or belts.

This can be particularly useful when working with different diameters, materials and stages of a project. Slower speeds can be useful when starting larger or unbalanced pieces, while higher speeds may be appropriate for smaller work once the piece is running smoothly.

Several Woodfast machines in our range use electronic variable-speed control. For example, the WL1220A offers a variable speed range of 250 to 3,850 RPM, while the larger WL520A combines electronic speed control with a heavy-duty cast-iron construction.

Mini and Midi Wood Lathes

A compact woodturning lathe can be an excellent choice where workshop space is limited or the majority of work consists of smaller projects.

The Woodfast WL1216B is a mini variable-speed wood lathe designed for compact turning work, while the WL1220A provides additional capacity with a 320mm swing and 510mm between centres.

The WL1216B XL sits between compact and larger workshop machines, offering additional capacity while retaining a relatively manageable footprint.

These machines can be suitable for hobby woodturners, smaller workshops, education and anyone who primarily produces smaller turned components.

Heavy Duty Woodturning Lathes

For larger workpieces and more demanding use, a heavier machine can provide the additional stability and capacity required.

The Woodfast WL520A is a heavy-duty variable-speed wood lathe with substantial cast-iron construction and a design intended for both professional woodturners and serious enthusiasts. Its configuration also allows for outboard turning, with optional equipment available for particular applications.

For even larger work, the Woodfast WL3040A provides a super-heavy-duty platform with a motorised bed and additional capacity for demanding woodturning projects.

How to Choose a Woodturning Lathe

There are several specifications worth comparing before choosing a wood lathe.

Swing Over Bed

Swing determines the maximum diameter of work that can be turned over the bed. A larger swing gives you more capacity for bowls, platters and other large-diameter projects.

Distance Between Centres

The distance between centres affects the maximum length of work that can be supported between the headstock and tailstock.

If you regularly turn long spindles, furniture components or chair and table legs, this measurement is particularly important.

Motor Power

Motor power is another consideration, particularly for larger or heavier workpieces. A more substantial motor can provide the power required to maintain performance when removing material from larger pieces of timber.

Variable Speed

Electronic variable-speed control allows the rotation speed to be adjusted to suit the workpiece and turning operation.

Construction

A rigid machine helps reduce unwanted movement and vibration. Cast-iron beds, headstocks and tailstocks are particularly useful when working with larger or heavier pieces.

Accessories and Expansion

Consider the accessories you are likely to need when comparing machines. Depending on the model, options can include bed extensions, stands, outboard turning attachments, mobility equipment, dust extraction accessories and lathe chucks.

Woodfast Woodturning Lathes

Calderbrook is a supplier of Woodfast woodturning machinery, with a range covering compact, general-purpose and heavy-duty wood lathes.

The current range includes:

• Woodfast WL1216B Mini Variable Speed Wood Lathe
• Woodfast WL1220A Variable Speed Wood Lathe
• Woodfast WL1216B XL Variable Speed Wood Lathe
• Woodfast WL520A Heavy Duty Variable Speed Wood Lathe
• Woodfast WL3040A Super Heavy Wood Lathe
  

The different models provide a choice of capacity and specification, allowing the machine to be matched to the scale of work being undertaken.

Wood Lathe Accessories

Choosing the lathe is only part of setting up a woodturning workshop. The correct tooling and accessories can make the machine considerably more versatile.

Our range also includes woodturning tools, lathe chuck sets, stands, bed extensions, mobility kits, outboard turning attachments and other Woodfast accessories.

Accessories can be selected according to the model of lathe and the type of work you intend to produce.

Woodturning Lathes for Hobbyists and Professional Workshops

Woodturning equipment needs vary considerably between users. A hobbyist working on small bowls or decorative pieces may need a very different machine from a professional woodturner producing larger components on a regular basis.

For that reason, we offer wood lathes at different levels of capacity rather than relying on a single machine specification.

If you are unsure which model is appropriate, consider the maximum diameter and length of your typical workpieces, the type of turning you carry out and how frequently the machine will be used.

Need Help Choosing a Wood Lathe?

If you are unsure which woodturning lathe is suitable for your workshop, contact Calderbrook with details of the work you intend to produce.

We can help you compare machine capacity, variable-speed options, accessories and other specifications so that you can select a wood lathe suited to your requirements.