SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

This is the first lathe I've ever used so take that for what it's worth.I started a new business where I'm using this lathe almost daily. It's been a couple of weeks now and I have no complaints about it whatsoever. It's got decent power, it was well centered, and does exactly what I need it to do.My only complaint, and this is apparently an issue across most small lathes which I don't understand why manufacturers would do it but the tool rests are made with a "texture" which extends to the top where your tools are supposed to glide smoothly and evenly in order to make a clean smooth surface on what you're turning. I spent an hour filing off the texture around the top edge and getting it all smooth on both of the included tool rests and my work is coming out much better now.UPDATE: Still going fine. I did have to replace the live center that came with it. It had weak bearings and started to cause a wobble in everything I was working on. With a NOVA chuck on the head and a decent triple bearing sealed live center in the tail it runs straight and makes a lot less noise.NOTE: If you are looking for a lathe to turn very hard woods or big pieces, this isn't the lathe you're looking for. This works great for small items like pens, rings, and small bowls. If you're having trouble with it stopping on you then turn up the speed and take more shallow cuts making sure your tools are good and sharp. It will do the job.

This lathe possesses many of the features of the 4-500 dollar mini-lathes. Full variable speed without having the change belts, #1 Morse Taper head and tail-stocks, and everything you need to start a hobby that will last a lifetime.The quality is much better than I expected, and while some of the features of the more expensive varieties are not there (like a head-stock wheel or tail-stock auto-eject), you learn quickly how convinces are not really needed if you just want to turn. This lathe was my start, I have since picked up a Jet midi as well. Now my wife and I both turn pens, bottle stoppers, goblets, tops, and are starting on bowls. We both use both lathes, and have found that while this one was a quarter of the price of it's nearest competitors, it's not due to a lack of quality or features. We've managed to turn out fine quality woodworking on it.It's solid, feels like it's well built, stays in alignment, and by all indication will last as long as the more expensive lathes. I've had no issues finding #1 MT attachments like pen mandrels, live centers, drive centers, or even nuts to fit any of our chucks, all at my local woodworking store and for the most part all in stock. This lathe allows me to go from 400 to 3200 RPM with just a dial (on my jet I have a dial PLUS I have to change a belt to one of three pulleys). It even has a child lockout on the switch, something missing from the 500 dollar lathes.I can see myself using this to make pens and bowls for years, and I have recommended this exact model to several of my friends that are thinking about getting into woodturning.Worth every penny and then some, a great investment.

If you are looking for an inexpensive lathe to putter around on, this one will do that. It has some good points and some not-so-good points. The faceplate is excellent, IHMO. The motor adjustment is also good - RPMs are spot on. The bed had some issues out of the box - a thin layer of corrosion on the bare metal - easily fixed with some scotchbright and WD-40. The tailstock didn't move smoothly along the bed at first, I had to sand down a few rough spots. I wasn't impressed with the quality of the two tool rests. It seems like they were dipped in sand and rocks and then painted. Very rough and bumpy. The tailstock and toolrest slide on the bed and are locked down via an eccentric rod and a locking plate. I found that the locking nuts that hold the locking plate to the bed come loose easily and require frequent tightening. Annoying, but not a show stopper. I will probably replace them at some point in time. I would have preferred a wheel style handwheel, but the one included isn't bad.I have turned a few projects on it and they came out good. My kids have have made a few projects on it and really enjoyed it. It's not a very intimidating tool - simple adjustments, operation is easy to understand - so the kids gravitated towards it.If you are looking for a big, beefy monster to turn giant salad bowls or table legs...this isn't it. It does excell at turning small pieces.

here is the exact same lathe found at [...] I know I was searching for the specs since I purchased this Shop fox.Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini LatheThe Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is an exceptional value among true mini lathes. Designed specifically for pen turning and other small woodturning projects, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe offers quality construction, dependable performance and a 5 year, 100% satisfaction guarantee making it the right choice for budget-minded woodturners who demand a great value. Whether you're just getting started or you're looking for a second wood turning lathe, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is just what you're looking for.Perfect for pen turning and small woodturning projectsCompact, easy to transportElectronic variable speed driveHigh torque lathe motor for increased power under loadSoft start-up for safety and motor longevityAdjustable cam-lock tool rest and tailstockCast iron construction5 year 100% satisfaction guaranteeSpecifications:8" dia. capacity12" capacity between centersElectronic variable speed driveSpeed range- 750-3200 rpm1/3 h.p. motor,120 v 1 phase1"-8 tpi spindleNo.1MT headstock and tailstock43 lbsStandard Equipment:4-1/4" and 6-3/4" Tool Rests2-1/4" Faceplate4 Prong Drive CenterRevolving Cup CenterFaceplate WrenchKnock-out BarInstruction Manual