Excelsior Mini Lathe

With solid cast-iron construction, a robust 1/2 hp motor and a precision- machined live center, this little workhorse rivals features found in much larger lathes. It 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. To increase your spindle capacity to 38-1/2", just use the optional Mini Lathe Bed Extension (32307).

Features include: Powerful 1/2 HP motor Solid cast iron base Spur center on headstock Ball-bearing live center on tailstock Heavy-duty knockout bar for spur center 6" tool rest 3" face plate 5 different speeds: 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 RPM Convenient belt access door Cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers Chrome-plated hardware Removable safety switch Non-slip feet

Excelsior Mini Lathe Manual

Customer Reviews and Photos for: Excelsior Mini Lathe Average Rating: (3.7) (13 customer reviews) Add your review...

1) Submitted by Durenda from TX on 9/12/2009 Customer Rating: Extremely pleased with this lathe. Bought the extension at the same time. It's a very heavy, sturdy machine and I haven't been disappointed with it's performance at all. For the money spent, I don't know that you could beat this lathe. I wasn't too put out with the sparse instruction booklet. There are plenty of resources on the 'net and otherwise, plus I enjoyed simply getting in there and practicing turning items. Level of experience: new to turning, moderately experienced with a variety of power and hand tools.

2) Submitted by Mark B., from Denver, CO on 9/9/2009 Customer Rating: This is my first lathe. Other posts not withstanding, it runs true and speed changes are easy. The extension bed came with it during a special sale but as I only turn small items, I've never used it. The manual was horrible but as I was learning, I needed some additional books anyway so no big deal. I've turned pens, bottle stoppers and bowls. Never had to buy any additional equipment except a pen Mandrel. Perhaps I may one day move up to a bigger lathe but for now, the Excelsior is wonderful! Great for beginner turners.

3) Submitted by Mark Emerson, from San Diego, CALIFORNIA on 8/10/2009 Customer Rating: A year ago, I purchased the Excelsior Mini Lathe from Rocklers. I was satisfied with it up until today when for the first time I adjusted the speed to the highest setting and when I turned the lathe on, the drive belt parted. It appears that either the pulleys need adjusted on the drive shafts or the frame needs to be filed down, which is what the belt rubbed up against and instantly parted. No big issue, I can file back the frame, but what I can't do is find a replacement belt. I'm fortunate not the have the issues that Burbank, Ca. had noted in his review and if I could find a source for a drive belt, I would recommend this product to any beginner. I've used this lathe to make pens, pencils, bowls, and using the extension I've made walking canes.

4) Submitted by Joe, from Bowling Green, KY on 3/9/2009 Customer Rating: Very nice lathe. Best mounted to a board and then clamped to a solid and heavy platform. Great for small projects such as pen making. finials, etc.

5) Submitted by David, from Everett, WA on 10/6/2009 Customer Rating: I liked the adjustable speed, but as soon as I adjusted it the belt broke. The office was great and sent me a new one, but I should have sprung for the Jet. I replaced the belt, and now it works. When you spend any amount of money on a new tool, it should work.

6) Submitted by Matt, from Reno, NV on 12/7/2008 Customer Rating: I love this lathe. It's similar to the Jet, the same horsepower, but a lot less money. It is perfect for what i need i.e. pens and bottle stoppers.

7) Submitted by Angela Weeks, from Burbank, CA on 5/15/2009 Customer Rating: Don't buy this lathe! I had a jet and loved it but I thought I'd save some money and get this. MISTAKE! The first one didn't run true. They first sent out a new tail stock - didn't fix it. So they replaced the lathe. That one ran true. Now less than 4 months later the starter isn't working. Additionally, I want to purchase a Beall Chuck but since, as one person wrote " the instructions with this equipment were nothing short of pathetic" I'm unable to determine which size I need to buy. Also when I returned the first lathe, I was talking to one of the sales persons. When we were trying to find something in the instruction book he said, "this is it? They must not be very proud of their product if this is all they could write about it. Don't buy this. If you do, wait a few months before you write your review so you can really determine what you think about it.

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