SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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

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.

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.

Really nice wood lathe. Quality was more than expected for the price. Very easy to put together, a lot better than my last lathe that took a couple hours to setup, this one only took about 30 minutes (and that was taking my time). Came with two different size tool rests, which was nice. I was a little concerned abut the 1/3hp motor in making a decision to purchase this unit. However, it works very nice at all speeds. The motor and this lathe work well together. It seems to all be perfectly balanced and in tune right out of the box. For a bench top lathe, there is no vibration and the unit runs extremely quiet. The weight of the lathe is enough to keep it from moving around during operation, I didn't need to clamp it down or bolt it to the bench. The tool rest can be moved in any direction, which will come in handy for those weird projects. In all, this is a very fine wood lathe, especially for the price

TLDR; Unfortunately, I cannot recommend anyone buy this item.Lathe came boxed in molded styrofoam. After unpacking and setting up, it seemed like a nice sturdy little machine. Light at 45 lbs, however very stable.Put a small piece of softwood and powered her up. The motor took about six seconds to actually show signs of life. The variable speed control is easy to use and convenient.After not even rounding a 1x1, the lathe stopped. No reason, as far as I could tell. I checked the cord, fuse, etc. Everything was OK, but still no life. Four minutes of use, and it dies.it's going back, needless to say. If you're considering this lathe, you may want to spend another $100 for a Rockler or something similar.