Overview
The Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe can turn bowls of almost 10" in diameter and spindles up to 17-3/4" in length, making it perfect for chair legs, small table legs and an endless array of decorative turnings. A convenient door provides easy access to the belt, along with 5 different speeds: 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 RPM. Cast-iron body provides mass for minimal vibration, stable turning and maximum durability.
Features:
- Spur center on headstock
- Ball-bearing live center on tailstock
- Heavy-duty knockout bar for spur center
- Cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers
- Convenient belt access door
- Chrome-plated hardware
- Removable safety switch
- Non-slip feet
Frequently Bought Together
Questions and Answers
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Browse 60 questions
Browse 60 questions
and 189 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
on sale and good write-ups for lower priced lathe
Marvin K
on May 31, 2017
Because it will help me when I am doing my art work instead of having to use my full size lathe especially when I am trying to do a smaller project.
John S
on May 27, 2017
on sale and good write-ups for lower priced lathe
Marvin K
on May 31, 2017
Need room in my shop
Kendall H
on May 28, 2017
Will this fit the Excelsior Mini Lathe with the bed extension?
Excelsior Mini Lathe
BEST ANSWER: Sorry no, this lathe duplicator is not compatible with the Excelsior mini lathe.
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- Steve Staff on Nov 30, 2015
What 4 jaw chuck will fit this lathe?
BEST ANSWER: Any chuck would work as long as is has a 1" 8 TPI.
I would recommend the Nova G3 Comet II Reversible Chuck Item #: 44597
After installing the jaws on it, you can screw it onto your lathe and start turning
I would recommend the Nova G3 Comet II Reversible Chuck Item #: 44597
After installing the jaws on it, you can screw it onto your lathe and start turning
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- Rick H Staff on May 19, 2015
Where can I get parts?? In need of tailstock bolt
BEST ANSWER: Rockler does carry extra parts for the Excelsior lathe, including the tailstock bolt.
Just give us a call at 1-800-279-4441 and we can help you
Just give us a call at 1-800-279-4441 and we can help you
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- Rick H Staff on Sep 22, 2015
Can you recommend an appropriate chisel set for this lathe? I'm a complete beginner, more interested in small bowls than in pens.
BEST ANSWER: In my opinion so far, these Rockler carbide turning tools are ideal for a beginner like myself. I got them on sale recently which was great! The best part is that I never have to worry about sharpening, as the cutter heads have multiple cutting surfaces you can rotate through before eventually just replacing the tip. Carbide is built to last, so I'm not concerned about having to replace the tips very often at all, but time will tell. Lots of good tools out there I'm sure, but these are great.
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- George S on Apr 29, 2015
will the Rockler Router Speed Control, Item 25278 work with this lathe?
BEST ANSWER: The speed control 25278 is only compatible with universal motors such as a router. The lathe has an induction motor so the speed control will not work with the lathe.
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- Scott B Staff on May 28, 2015
Is the motor reversible?
I have been using this lathe for several months turning small bowls and wine stoppers'. I really like the performance but am concerned by how hot the motor gets in a very short period of time. So hot you really can not touch the motor casing. Is this normal?
BEST ANSWER: Mine gets pretty hot also but hasn't caused any problems. I sometimes turn 3 or 4 hours at a time and there has been no problem with it overheating.
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- David S on Mar 28, 2017
- Purchased on May 2, 2015
\Does this larhe come with the tool rest, chuck or any other item?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it has a tool rest, drive center in the head stock and a center in the tail stock. All you need to add is the turning tools and you are set to go. It does not come with a chuch, but if you watch, you can pick them up on sale.
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- STEVEN C on May 26, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 14, 2015
Inside the headstock there is play of about an inch of the drive pulley going back and forth. Is it supposed to be secure??
BEST ANSWER: You may have to tighten the screw that holds the pulley to the headstock shaft. Mine was loose but tightening it took care of the problem.
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- David S on Mar 28, 2017
- Purchased on May 2, 2015
I'm going to build a new shop table for this lathe and optional extension. How long overall is it with extension ?
BEST ANSWER: The length of the lathe with the extension is 52" long and the width is 8"
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- Rick H Staff on Nov 6, 2015
Is this lathe motor able to run with an external speed control?
BEST ANSWER: I don't think you should put a speed control on a AC motor. I't could over heat. You will also loose power.
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- STEVE B on Aug 7, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 23, 2015
I would like to turn vessels, specifically urns at the maximum size which I guess is 10." I wouldn't be able to turn something that big because of the banjo, so is there a way that I could use a tool rest not attached to the lathe? Can this lathe handle something that size?
BEST ANSWER: I have not tried to turn anything larger than 8" and that was tough because of the banjo size. I have heard of after market products such as you are leaning towards. Myself, I would not want to try something free standing because of potential movement. I hope this has helped.
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- larry v on Nov 16, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 27, 2015
My lathe is running hot is that normal and ok for the motor?
BEST ANSWER: I've noticed that using mine for extended periods of time will also leave the outside of the motor shield being hot as well. I haven't noticed any change in how well the machine works and I would imagine there is very little insulation to prevent the motor from heating up the outside of the motor cover. Just to be safe, I will occasionally brush any saw dust or shavings off of the top of the motor as they tend to bunch up right on top.
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- CLINT D on Jun 1, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 31, 2015
Does this fit on an Excelsior lathe?
Excelsior Mini Lathe
BEST ANSWER: Yes,these fit with the Nova G3 Insert Chuck and a 1 inch, 8tpi adapter. Alternatively, the Nova G3 Comet II Reversible Chuck, which comes with 1" 8-TPI RH/LH threading. Separately sold step Jaws comes with the necessary screws to attach to these chucks. I have used these jaws on both of the chucks mentioned above, on the Excelsior. They worked perfectly!!!
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- Ray M on Dec 23, 2015
- Purchased on Jun 15, 2014
Can you remove dead center and put in drill chuck?
BEST ANSWER: Not sure if you mean the 8 tpi head or not, but there is a live center in the tailstock. What I have used for a Jacobs chuck (drill chuck) is one that threads onto the 8 tpi headstock with reasonable success. There are other Jacobs chucks for the tailstock, but it would be stationary instead of turning like the one that threads onto the head.
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- David P on Oct 11, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 26, 2015
Do you have spare belts available? My belt is stretched after 8 years of using my Mpower lathe
BEST ANSWER: yes we do, in fact the belt for this is item #29424
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- Rick H Staff on May 17, 2017
Does this operate from standard house-hold current power (110-120v) or do I have to upgrade my power source?
BEST ANSWER: It runs on the standard electric. I have had this lathe for 2 years. Works great
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- Travis b on Apr 28, 2017
- Purchased on Jun 7, 2015
what is the working voltage of this lathe is it 220vac.?
BEST ANSWER: Hello Raja , the working voltage on this lathe is 110vac.
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- Marc M on May 11, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 25, 2015
I would like to have a drill chuck that fits the excelsior mini lathe. Is there one available?
BEST ANSWER: Here is the link to rocklers web page with the chuck and the #2 taper you will need.
http://www.rockler.com/lathe-chuck-and-tapers-chuck
http://www.rockler.com/lathe-chuck-and-tapers-chuck
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- Gary B on Feb 15, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 6, 2015
Is there a drill chuck that will fit the tail stock for this lathe?
BEST ANSWER: There is. The chuck that I bought came from Lee Valley Tools. The chuck will need a tapered #2 adapter to fit the tail stock. Lee Valley Tools have both. Hope you find this helpful.
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- Kenneth R on May 2, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 4, 2015
What extra items do I need to drill a pen blank with this lathe?
BEST ANSWER: Hi Tberry,
To use the lathe for drilling the pen blanks is fairly expensive. I bought a Nova G3 Woodturning Chuck and a set of Nova Pen Jaws, you’ll also need a chuck to hold the drill bit, I bought a Nova 9018 Keyed Chuck which I don’t recommend for this lathe, the spindle is too long and had to be cut to fit the tailstock.
If you are new to pen turning, I recommend this web site for really good instructions, Google pen turning tutorial.
The initial costs to turn pens is pretty steep but one you’ve made the investment, they’re fairly inexpensive to make.
Good luck!
To use the lathe for drilling the pen blanks is fairly expensive. I bought a Nova G3 Woodturning Chuck and a set of Nova Pen Jaws, you’ll also need a chuck to hold the drill bit, I bought a Nova 9018 Keyed Chuck which I don’t recommend for this lathe, the spindle is too long and had to be cut to fit the tailstock.
If you are new to pen turning, I recommend this web site for really good instructions, Google pen turning tutorial.
The initial costs to turn pens is pretty steep but one you’ve made the investment, they’re fairly inexpensive to make.
Good luck!
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- Gymbo on Apr 4, 2017
- Purchased on May 19, 2015
What extras would you advise for newbie to purchase with this late. Tools, etc.?
BEST ANSWER: I am not am avid turner, turner, but I would purchase either Robert Sorby 3 piece pen turning set. If you are going to do a lot of turning I would purchase Rockler Carbide mini turning tool 3 piece. I would also purchase a Nova chuck G3. These tools should get you started off right.
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- Kenneth N on Apr 3, 2017
- Purchased on May 10, 2015
Ok...don't judge. A magazine of kids tools had a lathe for $60 with 'kids safety precautions' but we would rather buy the real tool that is sturdier and will last longer for our kids. Any comments on safety features (will be used supervised) and the other Items we need to buy to put it to use? My daughter cannot wait to make a pen! Thanks!
BEST ANSWER: I believe the tool is only as safe as the user
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- Mike G on Dec 8, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 27, 2015
Can you retrofit a variable speed controller?
BEST ANSWER: You can use Penn State industry conversion kit to allow for variable speed motor and control. I have converted my lathe with this unit and love it
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- larry v on Jul 7, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 27, 2015
The instruction manual is so basic it does not tell you where to put the belt for what speed. If you are looking at the lathe and the belt is farthest to the left is that fast or slow? The pulley on the motor is five sizes - which is slowest? Thank you.
BEST ANSWER: The diagram in the manual is basically upside down. Best way to remember it is that the larger the motor pulley, the faster the work piece will turn.
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- Nathan G on Mar 17, 2016
- Purchased on Sep 3, 2015
I have never owned or even used a lathe but plan to get started in making rings and ink pens. I was told when buying a mini lathe I would be sure to get one that can use a chuck for drill bits. Will this model accept a chuck for drill bits?
BEST ANSWER: Yes it will. You will need to buy a #2 Morse taper and chuck. I use my a lot on the tailstock for drilling and it works very well. Just remember to pull back to help remove material when using.
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- ANTHONY B on Jan 7, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 1, 2015
Can you lathe a bowl with this lathe?
BEST ANSWER: Yes. up to an 8" diameter. You might be able to turn a 9" bowl if you knock off the corners of your blank. Also if your interested in this lathe, check into the extension piece to be able to turn longer pieces such as legs. I am pleased with this lathe. The only drawback to this one is in changing speeds.
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- Glenn M on Dec 4, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 4, 2014
Do you have a DETAILED video on how to use, working parts, changing belts, chucks, tool rest, etc? Begginners need visual instructions
BEST ANSWER: Hi Madonna
Yes there is a short video that you can watch on the Rockler internet web site catalog. It is in the Excelsier lathe section. I also found more video on utube.
I also bought a Tenon chuck plus the accessories that go with it. Plus I purchased th mini carbide lathe tools.ii I had not worked with turning wood projects since high school, it took a few tries to become comfortable with the mini lathe.
My goal is to be able to turn chess pieces.
Hope this helps.
A Rockler associate can help the purchase of the correct mini chuck if you want to purchase one. They were helpful to me.
Good luck
Yes there is a short video that you can watch on the Rockler internet web site catalog. It is in the Excelsier lathe section. I also found more video on utube.
I also bought a Tenon chuck plus the accessories that go with it. Plus I purchased th mini carbide lathe tools.ii I had not worked with turning wood projects since high school, it took a few tries to become comfortable with the mini lathe.
My goal is to be able to turn chess pieces.
Hope this helps.
A Rockler associate can help the purchase of the correct mini chuck if you want to purchase one. They were helpful to me.
Good luck
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- Doug A on Nov 6, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 10, 2015
How big is the mini lathe?
BEST ANSWER: The length is 29 inches, height is 14.5 inches and width is 7 inches. I bought the extension and that makes my lathe's overall length about 51 inches.
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- ANTHONY B on Jun 25, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 1, 2015
Does anyone use a steady rest?
BEST ANSWER: I have not used a steady rest with this lathe. Unless you are doing some very thin spindles, it is only 18" between centers and probably won't need a steady rest. If you get the extension bed, then that may come in handy.
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- David S on Mar 28, 2017
- Purchased on May 2, 2015
Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
138 Reviews
Being a beginner never turned wood...
Being a beginner never turned wood in my life I just could not bring myself to pay for a top of the line lathe so I bought the Excelsior. One of my few good decisions. I have had this almost a year now. Turning pens, handles etc. A bowl is my next project. No problems with it at all so far. When I unpacked it I found, like others, the instructions were tedius and not worth much. The first thing I did was to put centers in both sides. The points lined up almost perfectly. Checked a piece of ground rod in a collet and it was running almost perfect. Put a center in the tailstock and the rod. Made a very slight adjustment and it was dead on. For a beginner like myself, I find this to do everything I expected it to do and more as I explore new projects.
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March 19, 2012
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Excellent Product
I had read the reviews before ordering this lathe so I knew it would be a competent product. After receiving it I can say I was not in the least disappointed! The drive spindle has zero play, as does the end spindle. The spur drive insert and the live-center end spindle have a fit and finish as good as anyone would expect. I've used this lathe at the lowest speed for roughing and at the medium speed of 1600 RPM and found it to be virtually free of vibration. It's a solidly built, though very basic, lathe with the required precision built in, but without unnecessary cosmetic embellishments. I would recommend this lathe to anyone requiring a competent machine, but who doesn't want to spend more than necessary.
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December 28, 2014
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I have had this lathe for...
I have had this lathe for over a year. I have really been turning pens with some bowls and other things like table legs. It has done the job and for the price it is perfect. I have turned over 50 pens plus other items and it has worked great. I have not tried to adjust anything other than the speed belt but was able to do what I needed.
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March 5, 2012
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Great Lathe, Highly recommend.
I am a beginner at using a lathe. I am very happy with the Excelsior Mini Lathe. Very quiet and no vibration. I have done several small projects using maple, red bud, pine, and seasoned locust. I purchased the bed extension and am in the process of turning a 28" long table lag, no problems with the motor getting hot or the tail stock slipping. I am going to buy a spare belt, and I need a centering device to hold long narrow projects like making a cane. It's a great lathe and you can't beat the price.
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December 10, 2014
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This is my first experience using...
This is my first experience using a lathe and the Excelsior fits my needs exactly. I only make small projects, (pens, bottle stops, light pulls, etc). Next project is a small bowl. This machine is very sturdy and performs perfectly. The manual is not real detailed but enough to get started. You'll need instructions specific for your projects anyway, lots of resources online for free. I'm more than happy.
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February 18, 2010
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Not so good
I purchased this on sale and looked to be a good stout little lathe. All was fine for two weeks of minimal use. The motor heated up quick. I made 5 pens. On the sixth pen the motor went POOF! and a small wisp of smoke arose. I guess it gave up as it never ran again. I returned it to Rockler with no problems.
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Received this lathe for Christmas! it...
Received this lathe for Christmas! it was extremely easy to set up right from the box. Came with 6in tool rest, 3in faceplate, spur and live centers, in addition to setup tools. "Instruction manual" is only a parts list with warnings, as stated - in fact, ignore section IV "Adjusting the main spindle speed", its dead wrong! or the price $150 on sale and class of tool, I'd have rated 5 stars if there was an actual manual.Finish and tolerance of parts is good, and minor cleanup is required as stated in other posts - I used fine steel wool and WD40 to remove oil/cosmoline from exposed metal surfaces, and used paste wax to protect! also sanded the paint from the top of the tool rest.Mine ran true and very smooth on some initial small spindle turning, no vibration, and its heavy enough that when placed on my workbench without further hold-downs there was no shaking or walking. Appreciate that head and tail stock are Morse Taper #2, so lots of options for chucks, etc., and bed extension is available.Looking forward to several years of performance from this tool, and would recommend, especially at the sale price.
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December 26, 2010
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I have had this lathe for...
I have had this lathe for about three years now and I'm very happy with it. I am a blind veteran and I find people here complain about "how hard it is to change the speeds because you can't see the belt pulleys". Folks all you have to do is use your hands and count, there are only five pulleys just make sure it the belt is on the first one on the right at the bottom you set the top to the same count of pulley don't worry about the size difference. I use it to make pens, tool handles, bowls and even small baseball bats for trophies. /p>
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September 13, 2012
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Excellent value
I am a novice turner. This is a quality lathe that is excellent for beginners and seasoned users alike. I expect to use it for a long time and plan to add the bed extension. I am currently turning furniture legs. Future plans include bowls, plates & maybe a jug, or two.
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My lathe arrived in good condition,...
My lathe arrived in good condition, except that the lower belt cover was broken (fault of the delivery company, no doubt). I fixed that and set it up. The centers aligned very nearly perfect and everything was tight. So I started turning. I have turned bowls, boxes, spindle shapes, honey dippers, lamps, and parallel sided {cylindrical} knot-tying mandrels. My widest bowl was 9 1/2" diameter! my longest piece has been just over 12". I have turned with the drive center, faceplate, glue blocks, 4-jaw scroll chuck and screw chuck. I've turned lids on jamb chucks. I've drilled holes with it. The lathe is not overly heavy and will shake a bit with an out of balance piece, but mine is not bolted down yet and it works just fine. It is not a light-weight, though, and soaks up vibration pretty well. The belt change is not automatic, but is not really that hard. Move the belt first at the end where it steps smaller, then the end where it steps larger - that works like a charm. Reach under for the bottom pulley, and through the back for the top pulley. The real problem is the covers. They should be hinged instead of requiring full removal and replacement for each speed change. They are flimsy, too, but that is not a deal breaker. I may hinge mine. I've had it a month. I've turned dozens of pieces from skinny spindle work, to bowls from heavy oak. Everyone in the family (all five of us) has turned something. I added a 4-jaw chuck, 1/2" drill chuck, and a set of round-bar rests. My only real complaint is that the motor does get hot. It does not seem to overheat, but it gets very hot and lots of dust and shavings fall on it. I keep it clean! This lathe is a good deal for the hobbiest or learner. It might even be good for more serious folks who need a smaller machine.
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June 10, 2013
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