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
Important Notes
- There is an additional $20.00 shipping charge for this item.
What's included
(1) Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe
Technical Details
- Distance Between Centers: 18"
- Turning Diameter: 10"
- Motor: 370W
- Powerful 1/2 HP motor
- Base Material: Solid Cast Iron
- 6" Tool Rest
- 3" Face Plate
- 5 different speeds: 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 RPM
- Spindle Taper MT2
- 1" x 8 TPI spindle
- Brand: Excelsior
- Manufacturer Part Number: MC-1018
- Weight (lbs): 80.5000
- HP: 1/2 HP
- Speed Range: 760 - 3200 RPM
Product Warnings
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/productWARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/woodTechnical Downloads
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Questions and Answers
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Browse 67 questions
Browse 67 questions
and 195 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
I have been looking for sometime. The sale price seemed like a really good deal. I am new to the lather bit and I am always looking to expand my shop with quality products.
MARK E
on Apr 17, 2018
Birthday Present
Lorena D
on Apr 5, 2018
I have been looking for sometime. The sale price seemed like a really good deal. I am new to the lather bit and I am always looking to expand my shop with quality products.
MARK E
on Apr 17, 2018
Great reviews! After a ton of looking this was the best one I could find and it was on sale
Christopher S
on Apr 8, 2018
Great reviews! After a ton of looking this was the best one I could find and it was on sale
Christopher S
on Apr 8, 2018
Just starting out, price was right and size of tool is all I need for projects that interest me.
Anthony V
on Apr 3, 2018
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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- Inaccurate
- Steve Staff on Nov 30, 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
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
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
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
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?
\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
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
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
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 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 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 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
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- 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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- Inaccurate
- 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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- Inaccurate
- David S on Mar 28, 2017
- Purchased on May 2, 2015
Reviews
4.4 / 5.0
150 Reviews
Works for me... teaching myself
First pen
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Perfection in a Lathe
The perfect Lathe for my needs. Your knowledgeable personal help with assessing the lathe, the spindle and related things I needed. Highly recommended.
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Awesome lathe!
I love this lathe! It can handle whatevery you throw at it! I've made lots of pens and a bowl so far. Lots of plans for this lathe!
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Mini lathe
Great lathe. It’s been years since I worked on one and the desire was eating at me. I bought the bed extension and was glad I did. Used it right away. Be aware though that the ismeyer of your project might be reduced by the depth of the tool rest bracket. I also found it useful to get the larger tool rest.
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It couldn't get any easier!
Okay, so I'm a complete noob when it comes to turning wood - This machine is SOLID. No vibrations and very easy to change speeds. I haven't had it stall on me once. I've spoiled myself this year with some new powertools, but this, by far, is my absolute favorite.
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Great lathe for the price
Great lathe for small project turning. I added the bed extension to make my lathe full size. I am very please with its performance. I have made numerous project
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Fun little lathe.
Fun little lathe. Once you get use to it all necessary changes go pretty quick. Only issue is like others have said the motor gets hot quickly. I run a small fan on it as I work, although this tends to blow the shavings around. Worth the money for a lot of fun.
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Great Lathe for Entry Wood Turning
Really enjoyed the lathe and has opened up more opportunities in my wood working adventures. Ready to go right out of the box.. easy operation for belt speed adjustment and for the price to start out, cannot complain on the performance this mini lathe has shown me...
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Its fantastic for learning and getting back into the swing of it.
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Great machine
Tried different pieces of wood works great
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