A benchtop lathe was a tool I saw in multiple booths at the AWFS (Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers). Manufacturers are hopeful that woodworkers plan to turn more in the coming year. And these lathes arent just ordinary machines with set speed controls; these lathes feature electronic variable speeds.
Its called a mini-lathe if youre talking with General International or Rikon, but if youre looking at new lathe from Delta, you better say midi-lathe (a company-derived title it promotes and has registered). It still sits on a bench, regardless of whether it is called that or not. How do the lathes compare?
Generals lathe has a 25-114 M1. This machine has three variable-speed ranges (as do the other two lathes) set by adjusting a drive belt on successive size pulleys. General’s lathe is powered with a 3/4-horsepower motor (hp), which spins the drive spur at 300, 800, 640, 1,750, 1,300, 1,300, and 3,600 rpm depending on the pulley. General has increased the turning diameter of this lathe to make it possible to form a piece measuring 36 cm in diameter. The 25-114 M1 is 42 kg of solid weight to hold the lathe steady when turning. According to the company, you can turn full 43 cm between centers. Generals variable speed lathe can index 24 positions (each 15?). This machine will be available at a price that is reasonable and with an undetermined delivery date.
Rikon also introduced the benchtop lathe model 70-200EVS. This lathe can be set at speeds of 400,950, 600,1,700, and 1,500.3,850 rpm. The swing over the bed is 30 cm(the smallest of the three lathes discussed) and the working area between centers is 41 cm. A nice feature on Rikons variable-speed lathe is a self-ejecting tailstock that allows the removal of the tail center without the use of a knockout bar. Included with a 70-200EVS is an 20 cm tool rest, a spur center and live center and a 8 cm face plate. Rikons benchtop lathe has a weight of 39 kg. The 70-200EVS is available in Fall 2009 and is priced at
Delta introduced its variable speed lathe last year at Atlanta’s major tool fair. However, the company reintroduced it at AWFS and brought a craftsman to show the machine. The variable-speed model 46-460 is now available and priced at The foremost, in my mind, is the reversing switch that potentially reduces your sanding time, and with the spin reversed, the dust is easily thrown away from the operator and toward dust collection. Also, a feature of interest on this lathe is the belt tensioning system. The adjustment is fast and secure. Additionally, the belts have five grooves instead of the three on other benchtop lathes.
The speed changes for a 1-hp motor can be made in three steps: 250 is the lowest possible rpm for slow stock roughing, 700, 600,1,800, 1,350-4,000, and then there’s 250. The maximum work between centers is 16 hours.
These benchtop lathes are a good choice if you don’t want to make long legs. Of course, bed extensions are available for these machines.
