WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

I'm a weekend-warrior woodturner (vases, bowls, candle holders, etc.) and have owned all 3 versions of the WEN lathes (small, medium and this one that I'll call large). The 3 lathes range in price from approx. $160 to $320 to $630 (this one). I would definitely say that this one stands out far above the other 2. The smallest is best for pens and VERY small bowls and was absolutely great (I sold it only because I wanted to take on some larger projects). The medium was very disappointing, I returned 2 of them due to headstock issues. I reluctantly purchased this one and I've been nothing but happy with it. PROS: -I love the variable speed feature. In the months that I have owned it, I haven't needed to move the drive belt at all. The middle setting varies from about 500 RPM to 1800 rpm. The LCD speed indicator is nice as well. -The bed is long enough to turn a 12" candle holder with plenty of room for a Jacob's chuck and bit to drill into the top. -The tool holders at the head and tail stocks are handy for mid-project transitions. -The motor is super quiet, solid and has plenty of firepower for turning small logs. -It's not too big to turn small projects like pens. CONS: -I would like to see the top of of the tail and head stocks be flat rather than rounded, mainly so I can mount a magnet workshop light on the lathe. -I would prefer a larger wheel on the tailstock so I can turn drill bits a little more easily. If you want a solid, intermediate-level lathe, this one is really good. Interestingly, if you look closely at similarly priced lathes, you will notice that there are several on the market that are IDENTICAL to this, just a different paint job and brand. WEN has a reputation for being the low-price option, not for serious woodworkers, but this lathe definitely has all of the features you need to grow into, before opting for a higher end machine with better motors and electronics.

I did my research and bought this as my first lathe. The only issue is the cord from the motor to the speed control module has a loose plug. At first I couldn’t figure out why the lathe kept stopping. I bent the prongs a little and it’s better, but it still comes loose from time to time. Other than that, every feature has served me well so far. I love a quality tool and this feels like one to me.

So far, I've turned a few vases and other small projects. nothing major yet. It works great. Is very quiet and I like the variable speed control. The reverse is quite handy. It is easy to change the Belt for increasing or decreasing the speed range. I will be purchasing the bed extension later. The only real point I could make would be the height of the tool rest body. It is so thick you can't utilize the whole swing on a long project. The photo shows a vase I turned from the trunk of an old fallen tree behind my house. It was really just a test run and my neighbor fell in love with it. So, I gave it to her. I am essentially setting up a small shop for retirement.

Im a 35 year wood worker but brand new turner. Knowing what I wanted to do, small and medium bowls, pots, vases, ect., and doing weeks of research landed me squarely on the 34035 lathe. I’ve got a few hours on it and have tons to learn to be confident. What I like. 14” swing, good power, variable speed, led rpm ( but really not necessary), everything feels solid. Spur drive and live center lined perfectly out of the box.. If it turns out to be reliable I’ll love it forever. I won’t knock anything off for it but I’d prefer the controls under the headstock . I’m a big clumsy guy (who is new to this hobby) and I need to see everything. Where the controls are I find I shut the machine off quite a lot with my hip. No issue with function fit or finish, and I’m sure over time I’ll remember it’s there. Other than that, read all the reviews and recommendations for a beginner hobbby machine with some potential for growth, then pull the trigger. If you know a machines limits and it lasts, this is tough to beat in this category… I’ll update any issues.

Really love this lathe. I bought the metal stand also and put casters on it so I could move it around my workshop easily. It arrived slightly damaged with plastic pulley cover broken. Wen customer service was very responsive and shipped me a new one immediately. I had to adjust the motor pulley a little so it would not throw off the belt. These were minor problems. Unit is solid, plenty powerful and very quiet. All adjustments are very easy for the user. Handles on the two ends that also serve as tool holders are a great added feature. This is so much better than wrestling with my shopsmith style multi-machine. Very pleased! Honest John

Never got to use it. Tried to remove the plate using the tool and the pin and the pin bended instead. The faceplate was put with extreme force from the manufacture that the faceplate broke into pieces from the force I had to apply to try to remove it. The main shaft's threads were gone once I got to remove the faceplate in order to use a different set up for my projects. Very disappointed. They should ship the lathe without the faceplate installed.

Great machine. Built well and easy to use

From the minute I picked up the box I felt like this was gonna be good. It was HEAVY. I know, it's supposed to be, but that was still a nice thing to find. It is powerful enough to turn any sort of wood. Adjusting the speed range is quick and easy, as easy as claimed. It's a very good value. Highly recommended.