Wen 8 in By 12-inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe Review
Last Updated on Feb eleven, 2022 by
What makes Wen 3420 the go-to mini wood lathe for the small woodturning projects while the total-sized lathes are the woodturner'due south first option lathe? What makes information technology stand out, and how? Allow'southward give you the answer.
The Wen 3420 is a unique mini-lathe to target just small turning projects from bowls to table legs. The "2a motor" with a speed range of 750 to 3200 RPM is simply enough to turn annihilation that is 8″ broad and 12″ in length. Offering you to lose zippo just gain then much at a low price, it's a winner.
Think almost the coin and workspace you are saving here—total win-win for someone who is just starting woodturning.
That's how it'southward still holding its head high in the competition, fifty-fifty in 2022!
So today, I am going to share some facts about the Wen 3420 and how it's built to handle modest projects.
Now allow'due south go to the main part.
Disclaimer: Every bit an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small-scale pct from qualifying purchases. This means no extra cost to you.
The WEN 3420 8″ by 12″ Wood Lathe Overview
- 8" swing and 12" betwixt centers
- Motor: iii.2 Amp (1/three HP), 120V
- MT1 Spindle and Tailstock Taper
- 1″ 10 8 TPI
- Spindle Speed: Variable speed from 750 – 3200 RPM
- Weight: 45lbs
- But frontward
- Warranty: 2 Years
There are hundreds of woods lathe present in the market. But non all will be every bit proficient equally you lot desire. I have personally used a few of the wood lathes in the market place.
Today, I will demonstrate the Wen 3420 model, which volition ease you from the trial and fault that yous have to face up while finding the desired wood turning machine.
Structure
The construction of the Wen 3420 is of solid cast iron, which gives the lathe a perfect immovability feature. You tin easily place it on a benchtop equally it has a decent fit for it.
Weighing around 44.1 lbs, it has a dimension of 26 x ten x 12 inches. The work area is estimated to have an 8-inch swing across the face up of the machine. The movable tailstock has a forest clearance of 12 inches of length for functionality.
The overall construction of the machine has a wow factor when yous are going to see it in person.
Altogether, information technology can be addressed as a compact size lathe for working in DIYs to minor projects.
Enormous Power Delivery of The Motor
I of the main characteristics of a perfect wood lathe is its ability to evangelize power output to do the job. How amazingly the Wen 3420 handles the work will surely blow your mind away.
The lathe features a motor with a i/three horsepower within the motor size of a ii amp one.
To avoid unwanted mishaps or damage to the engines, the motor eventually starts its operation with a gradual offset.
Don't go expecting too much from the motor if you put a slab of woods, which is thick, every bit the motor is not as stiff equally its industrial counterparts.
But that'south not necessarily a bad matter, this amazing motorcar can go work done pretty fast, saving yous loads of time, and equally the saying goes, "Time is Money."
Adjustable Speed Control
The Wen 3420 owns motors that any beginner woodturner tin can control.
More often than not, the lathes at this toll range in the market give very choppy regulators. Only for Wen 3420, has two types of speed; a fixed-rate speed and a variable speed for amend accuracy.
Non simply that, but the regulation of the speed control also has a sturdy built that tin can stay stable while yous are working on information technology intensely.
Versatile Spindle and Tailstock
The Spindle and the tailstock are 2 components of the lathe that vary from product to product. Herein, the Wen 3420 features an MT1 kind of spindle and tailstock which is a great performer, according to my observation.
There is a functional knob that is in the tailstock, which helps put the tailstock mandrel further away by two inches. Withal, as information technology'southward a car, the mandrels tin get jammed.
But not to worry considering it has an included punch-out tool that will pop out the mandrels.
The size of the MT is suitable for etching out pocket-size projects such every bit pens and bowls.
Accessories That Come With The Device
Wen, the visitor's vision is to provide the customers with the rate of customer satisfaction in mind.
One who is only starting woodturning might not have all the necessary things of woodturning.
Not to worry, the brand will be providing some of the accessories within the package of the Wen 3420.
Accessories you lot volition receive are; a flat wrench, a headstock spur center, two tool rests, a faceplate, tailstock cup center, knockout rod, and another few accessories for the consumer's use.
PROS
- Best for start-up projects.
- Very meaty in size and lightweight.
- Mighty power output and accurate for wood-turning.
- Added accessories in the box.
- The Iron cast structure gives an ultimate sturdiness in the built quality.
- Variable speed Controlled.
CONS
- Not suitable for heavy-duty, big projects.
- The motor gets overheated after a while.
Hey, want to read about i of the expensive wood lathes in the market? Almost 8000$! It was fun to write about it.
Unboxing and Setting Of Wen 3420
Ofttimes Asked Questions
Question: Does the Wen 3420 have contrary thrust capabilities?
No, it does not have opposite motor functions. It simply supports forward thrust motor role.
Question: Does the WEN 3420 comes with a Mandrel in the box?
Yes, the Wen 3420 features a Mandrel out of the box.
Question: Tin the Wen 3420 craft bowls and smaller cups?
Yeah, the Wen 3420 is a perfect machine that can help in the making of small DIY cups and precise bowls.
Question: What is the power of the motor included with the Wen 3420?
The Wen 3420 features a motor that has a i/3 horsepower but within the motor size of the ii amp.
Notes to Call up
A good lathe is a vital machine for producing your creative ideas to come to life.
But here is the catch, not every lathe in the market can serve your purpose. Information technology is a tough task to find your desired lathe.
Every bit a woodturner, I tried your match for your woodturning desires. It is none other than the WEN 3420. Not merely will it serve your purpose, but it is also quite cheap to buy.
That'southward all for our Wen 34200 review folks.
See you next time!
Source: https://www.lathematters.com/wen-3420-review/