How to Choose a Wood Lathe
Woodworking is an art form that has been practiced for centuries. From sculpting to wood turning using a lathe, there are many ways to make practical and artistic objects from wood. Wood turning can yield beautiful small wooden pens and very large wooden glasses and bowls to fill your cupboards. The bigger your dreams, the bigger the lathe you need.
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Instructions
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Decide on your desired swing over bed, the thickest diameter of wood you can use without damaging the equipment. It can be anywhere from less than an inch to more than a foot. If bowls, glasses and large projects are on your mind, don't settle for less than a 12-inch swing over bed, and make sure that it offers a variety of speed settings so you can better control your project.
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Consider the length of the wood you want to work with. When buying a lathe, find the center-to-center measurement or the distance between centers, which tells you how long a piece of wood you can fit on your lathe. Again, the bigger your potential projects, the longer the lathe should be. If you are unsure, consider smaller lathes that you can add a longer bed to later.
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Finally, consider the space limitations and your style of working. If you prefer sitting or have a smaller space, you may prefer a smaller tabletop lathe. If you have a shop, you might choose a floor lathe; these usually have the most speed options and best measurements. However, they take up more space, are louder and are more expensive.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unsure about lathing, start with a quality pen lathe. You will learn the basics of lathing without a large investment, and will be able to create some usable crafts while deciding if wood turning is right for you.
Lathing can be dangerous. Wear safety goggles and take care when using sharp chisels and gouges.
Resources
- Photo Credit Amazon.com
