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Excelsior Mini Lathe

Excelsior Mini Lathe

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Average Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.7  (40 customer reviews)


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Rockler Advantage


Perfect for small turnings — or add the extension (32307) for double the capacity.(Sold separately)

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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) (Sold Separately).

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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
  • Spindle Taper MT2
 

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Customer Reviews and Photos for:
Excelsior Mini Lathe

Average Rating:
Customer Review Rating: 3.7
3.7
(40 customer reviews)
$199.99

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1) Submitted by Jeff, from Bartlett, TN on 6/10/2013
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0

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.

2) Submitted by Jim, from Corona, CA on 1/10/2013
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
I purchased this lathe because my Nova lathe died just before Xmas and I had projects to get completed. I had wanted, but not needed a mini lathe until this happened. I purchased this lathe and came home and produced 21 spindle turnings and a small bowl with it in the first week of ownership. Take a little time and clean up some of the rough edges on the hold down bolts and lube up the tail stock and you will have a great lathe for the money.
3) Submitted by Allan, from Oxford, MI on 3/19/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0

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.

4) Submitted by Denver, CO on 3/5/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0

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.

5) Submitted by Jack Hunsucker, from Lawton, OK on 2/26/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 2.0

The worst thing about this lathe is the belt change. First, you can't see what you are doing. Second,you have to assume a fish hook posture to reach the access portal. Third, the portal is too small for anyone but a small child to work through. And, forbid that the belt should break, because without instructions, installing a new one would be next to impossible if you could find one.

6) Submitted by Kevin, from Arlington, TX on 1/17/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
I've had this lathe for a few years now and for everything I needed it to do, it did well. For the price, I couldn't justify spending anymore for a lathe unless I wanted more features. It's not my dream lathe for sure, but it does the job it was designed to do.
7) Submitted by Allen Johnson, from Dillsboro, IN on 12/29/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0

As with any new piece of equiptment, there was a minimal amout of adjusting, tightening, etc. that needed to be done. All in all, I was very satisfied with the product as a whole. But,there were a couple of things that I was not completely happy about in regards to this product. I had to replace the washer on the belt tensioner lock handle due to the fact that it was so weak and thin that it bent under the pressure of tightening down the handle after changing speeds. I replaced it with a heavier washer and that issue was resolved. The other issue I found to be a problem was, as others have stated, the access to change speeds is very limited. That is why I could not give this product an excellent rating. But, it is a very good product, from what I can see thus far.

8) Submitted by Mark, from Shingle Springs, CA on 4/21/2011
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
Had this lathe about a month now. Used it very much already and it is great! I don't get some of the reviews that I read prior to my purchase as mine is perfectly true, no slop or play, belt change simple, heavy solid unit. Does not vibrate or move at all on workbench surface. When you get it, it is covered with cosmoline which is normal, just take your time setting up and clean everything with alcohol. Yes the instructions are minimal but what all do you need, its pretty self explanatory. Mine came with bed extension which is great! I do wish that owners manual had phone number for parts as I would like to have extra belt just in case. Highly recommend this lathe!
9) Submitted by Phil Rasmussen, from Hendersonville, NC on 4/12/2011
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
I have been using this lathe for almost a year and it does what I want it to. The one major drawback to it is the process you have to go through to change the speed. Many lathes have an automatic process for speed changing while others have a manual process. This lathes uses a manual process which is okay. The problem is that it is not easy to see what pully ratios you are using because you have to look behind the head to see the pullies and belt. The access cover would have been better on the front of the head instead of the back but this would have upset the looks. I believe most people will give up the looks for easier speed changing.
10) Submitted by Ed, from Ferndale, MI on 10/29/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
I had always wanted to try using a lathe, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I saw this at the store on sale, and another customer was pleased with theirs so I bought one. Directions are a bit lacking. Once I got it set up, and after a few months of learning how to use a lathe properly I really enjoy it. I do find the head does have a very slight wobble to it, but so far it has not made the turnings bad. I have done mostly pens and small projects with it and it has been a joy to use. This is a great starting lathe, and a decent bench top lathe. If I get more into turning such as larger bowls, etc i'll move up to more expensive unit, but until then I'll enjoy my Excelsior.
11) Submitted by Carl McKinley, from Dekalb, IL on 2/18/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
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.
12) Submitted by Durenda from TX on 9/12/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
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.
13) Submitted by Ken, from Cincinnati, OH on 3/19/2013
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0

Just got this lathe. Turned three projects so far over a week. Compared to other "cheap" lathes, this one seems great. and it's half the price of other popular brands. They saved money with making the headstock spindle and bolt plate from iron, making the belt change doors screw down plastic and the paint isn't glossy. It doesn't have a quick shutoff paddle type switch. These belt change doors are in the same places as all of the 4 other brands I've seen including Jet - so belt changes are equally difficult. The door likes to swing closed if you don't screw it tight again in an open position: fix - I placed a rare earth magnet on the outside of the door and when I pivot it up... it stays put. I may even permonantly replace the thumb screw hold down and glue the magnet in its place. Out of the box: The spindle alignment was off by .25mm. loosinging the headstock to rail bolts and pressing against the back rail and retightened provided EXACT alignment. The belt pullies were out of alignment by 3/8". Quick adjust with allen wrench fixed that {and would. It was oil covered as expected. I ran it in a cold (40 degree) garage every time without problems. We'll have to see if the motor gets hot in summer. It's nicely quiet, though minimally louder that the Jet mini lathes. So far it's beyond my expectation. I plan to revise this after more extensive use to see how it holds up over time.

14) Submitted by John, from Granbury, TX on 1/27/2013
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 1.0

I purchased this lathe at my local store on sale. I set it up in my shop and was amazed at how clean the imported machine was. There was none of the usual grease and anti rust treatment to clean up. I turned it on to make sure it ran, then let it sit until the next weekend when I could actually have time to work with it. I turned a bottle stopper and it turned out nice. I though the motor was very hot though. Returned the next morning to work on another project, turned on the lathe to test my new upgraded live center. It heated up and stopped running. I'm didn't even mess with it. I boxed it up and took it back along with the pen mandrel I bought.

15) Submitted by Bob, from Palos Heights, IL on 1/20/2013
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0

The centers were set good out of the box. I've been using the lathe for two months now and noticed the following things I'm not happy with. 1) If the tail stock is not locked down, there is a lot of play in it. 2) If the #2 MT in the tailstock is not tightened down, there is movement. This has caused problems drilling holes straight. 3) After two months, the belt is disintegrating and needs replacement already. For $200+, you get what you pay for. It works OK for my first lathe, but I'm already thinking of getting something better after only two months.

16) Submitted by Mark B., from Denver, CO on 9/9/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
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.
17) Submitted by Mark Emerson, from San Diego, CALIFORNIA on 8/10/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
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.
18) Submitted by John, from Hamilton, OH on 12/5/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 2.0

I turned one bowl and three pens on this lathe. The pens looked like they turned on center, but the finish was off so much that a 1/8" stripe wouldn't polish down one side. The lip of the bowl had one side that was narrower than the other. I made sure that the center of the tail stock was lining up with the center of the head stock and that they were on horizontal axis, too. When I tested the runout of the spindle, it was very bad. It tested to be off by 1/8" from center (a 16th each side)at an extension of 6" from the end of the spindle. Other people have had good luck with this lathe, I did not.

19) Submitted by Gilberto Diaz-Castro, from Falcon, NC on 9/13/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0

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.

20) Submitted by Joe, from Bowling Green, KY on 3/9/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
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.
21) Submitted by Alex, from Montreal, QUEBEC on 2/11/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
This is a very good lathe for the money, if you get lucky and get a good one:
I have ruined 3 pens before figuring that the main shaft wobbles. Turned out the taper (bore) was poorly done and off center. The tool rest needs to be sanded. the set screw on the pulley was not screwed in. But if you have a tight budget than this is a very good starter lathe for very cheap, especially when it goes on sale!
and eventually I crancked out really nice stuff with it.
oh, by the way, the lathe takes type 2 morse.
22) Submitted by David, from Everett, WA on 10/6/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 2.0
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.
23) Submitted by Matt, from Reno, NV on 12/7/2008
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
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.
24) Submitted by Angela Weeks, from Burbank, CA on 5/15/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 1.0
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.
25) Submitted by Todd Richards, from Lewiston, MI on 6/4/2008
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
My first lathe. I am very happy with it. I will be ordering the extension soon. Easy to use, easy to change speeds. It is a nice add to my shop. Have made lots of cool stuff. todd (toddswoodworking)
26) Submitted by Aaron Shepley, from Crystal Lake, IL on 1/12/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
I received the lathe and bed extension for Christmas, and I really like the machine itself which is why I gave the product a "very good" rating. However, I too believe that the instructions with this equipment were nothing short of pathetic. I am a long-time woodworking hobbyist but this is my first experience with a lathe. Frankly, the instructions were so horrible that I had to go out and buy a book. Bottom line, if you are experienced at wood turning you will unequivocally like the tool, which is solidly constructed and runs wonderfully. If you are inexperienced like me, you will eventually like the tool, but you will curse all the way to the bookstore. Give us the novel, please.
27) Submitted by Joe Bailey, from Fort Worth, TX on 2/12/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
This is my first lathe and it has been very satisfactory right out of the box. I go the bed extension on a special sale and although I do very little spindle turning it has proven to be very handy for getting the tail stock out of the way when I am turning bowls. My one regret is not having electronic motor speed control but at the excellent price I am not complaining. In my opinion the Excelsior lathe is an excellent value.
28) Submitted by Chris, from Portland, ME on 12/28/2008
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
This is my first lathe so I was very excited about it, but the fact that it didn't come with adequate instructions was devastating for me. I am now watching a lot of How-to videos on YouTube just to get the gist of things. That shouldn't be the case. Although I'm disappointed about being completely left in the dark on the basics, I'm still happy with the quality of the product itself.
29) Submitted by Kevin Hart, from Hillsboro, OR on 8/25/2008
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
This is a great lathe for the money. It's ready to go right out of the box and in no time your turing wood. This is important because the instructions are non existent to say the least. One of the things most woodworkers will quickly need is a chuck. Since the insturctions are very poor, it comes down to guessing what chuck and insert should be ordered. The paint on the tool rest is applied poorly, requiring some filing and rework by the user. Still, a great mini lathe for the garage shop!
30) Submitted by Carl West, from Antioch, CA on 9/30/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 5.0
This Lathe was a Christmas 2008 present which I asked for. I will make it short since the comments before me covered a lot of my concerns:
1) This is my first lathe and it was very easy to to put together and start right away making pens, ice cream scoops, BBQ handles.
2) It is important to clean/file off the paint on the tool rest where the skew slides across and to file down the area where your index finger slides against the rest. Your index finger and skew will glide across the rest easily without catching, this makes all the difference in the world.
3) Turning a 36 inch cane is very difficult without a a spindle support. I have not found one for the Excelsior model, however there are plans so you can make your own in lathe books.
4) I have not found any accessories that fit this lathe. The best help was from the Rockler store employees who had the best suggestions on what accessories would work.

I would recommend this lathe for a beginner or a person who need a small lathe for a reasonable price.

31) Submitted by Bob, from Naperville, IL on 11/22/2009
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
An excellent lathe for a beginner. The manual was not very useful.
32) Submitted by Marc Brown, from Renton, WA on 1/25/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 2.0
I bought my lathe right before Christmas, during a cold snap here. This lathe won't run in cold weather, or below 50 degrees.
after having my lathe replaced fully by the store, and many hours of futzing with it, the only way I can get it to work is to put a heater on it for a half hour before powering it up for the day. this is the second lathe in a week. They both had the exact same problem. warm them up and they work just fine, try to turn them on cold and you get a motor that won't power up to full speed for a full ten minutes! probably not good for the motor, and really frustrating for wanting to use it whenever you like. If I knew this in advance, I wouldn't have bought it.
33) Submitted by Dean Boyer, from Buffalo, MN on 3/25/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
Great price for this lathe. I read a review about the lathe would not run in cold weather. Mine will not run at 3200 rpm when it is 50 deg. or colder. I have to run it at a lower speed for a while than it will run at 3200 rpm. Or wait for my garage to heat up to 60 deg. Tail stock was a bit sticky. I removed it ground off the paint on the bottom to free it up. Also had a couple of high spots on the inside of the bed that was causing it to hang up. Took a metal file to them also and cleaned them up.Tool rest needs some work. Mine had dings in it all the way along the edge. I took and sanded all the paint off and took all the dings out of it. For the money you can't beat it. You do have some work to do to make it smooth.
34) Submitted by Joshua Lynn, from Arlington, TX on 12/9/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
I just got a Mini Lathe from Rockler, they have one called the "Excelsior". I was very picky about a new tool that I didn't have much experience with and figured that I'd hate to spend $500+ on a tool I may not even like to use that much, what stuck out to me is the turning diameter what the largest bowl shape I can do and turning length can I use this for table legs the bed extension is less than $100 and once I get that I can turn standard size table legs. Another thing I looked at is the speed control and how it's driven this one is belt drive so if/ when it wears out it'll be a minute replacement. Finally I looked on the site to see what others were saying about the tool, most of the pro's were bang for buck and easy to start using, the con's were a usless manual and some slight modifications needed out of the box.

I also got a basic set of tools some thing that I don't feel bad about sharpening if needed, and even a book called "Learn to turn" which pretty much got me going with my new toy. I've been playing with scrap getting comfortable with it before going out and getting expensive blanks or more elaborate chucks and kits.

The tool out of the box: Look at the manual it's useless other than a diagram of the tool showing all the parts, set the drive belt to slow the smallest pully on the motor shaft once the piece is rounded then by all means play with faster speeds, file the tool rest keeping the angle but removing any dents, and finally play with the locking cams so you can lock the tool with out any handels being in the way.

I don't know about the other lathes, but they do deals on these ones all the time so chances are you're not going to pay full price if you watch the ads and wait a little bit. I got mine at 40% off it was part of their Black Friday week deals, I see 20% off any one item with them all the time I've got like 4 of those coupons laying around now. For less than $200 I'm happy with it, happy hunting!

35) Submitted by Bill, from Buena Park, CA on 12/26/2010
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
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! For 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.
36) Submitted by Russ, from Windham, NH on 2/7/2011
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
This is the first lathe that I have purchased. I chose this lathe mainly because of the price and some of the reviews that I have read here. The first unit that I brought home I noticed had a bit of a vibration to it. I started cutting my first pen blank and it blew apart. I chocked this up to inexperience. I got the second blank to what I thought was round from the block and noticed that there were chops all over the blank. I removed the chuck and inserted a straight rod and the thing wobbled all over the place. I brought it back to the store and now have my second one. This one is working well. I did file down the tool rest so it is smooth. That is just to get the rough paint off of it. I think this is a good lathe to learn on. I have turned three nice pens so far and I am up for trying a bowl as soon as I can.
37) Submitted by Tom, from Johnstown, PA on 6/21/2011
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 4.0
Bought the extension bed for my HF 32307 apparently identical lathe. The bed fit perfectly. The castings are virtually identical. Really new to this whole woodworking thing. Should have tried it 30 years ago. Wood recommend this extension bed to anyone with either lathe.
38) Submitted by Don, from Portland, OR on 11/14/2011
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 1.0

Broke after 2 weeks of use. Had this lathe for 4 months but didn't get around to using it until last week. Two weeks later a part of tailpiece broke and will no longer tighten properly. You get what you pay for...save you money and buy a higher quality machine.


Editor's note: This lathe has a 2 year warranty.

39) Submitted by M Balkovec, from Chambersburg, PA on 12/24/2012
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 2.0

If you are looking to do any serious turning Pens or any other material, I would stay away from this lathe. I have been turning on the Delta lathe for three years now, I wanted to add a second lathe to boost production. picked up this lathe and it is just about useless. If you drill on a lathe using a #2  chuck, you can forget about it. Spend the extra and get the Delta also available at Rockler, you will thank me later

40) Submitted by Leonard Bumacod, from Carson, CA on 8/11/2008
Customer Rating: Customer Review Rating: 3.0
The quality was fair, it was pretty much ready to use out of the box if you owned a lathe before, because the instructions were no help to say the least. With every power tool I'm use to pulling out a small novel for tips and safety warning, I kept looking in the box and all I came up with was the same one page instruction manual, and to change speeds the instructions it was so vague. I had to take apart the motor mount and grind out the body of the lathe because it kept catching. The tool rest had so many nicks on it I had to file it smooth. The value was good since I got mine on sale and it came with the extention,and I did my homework and spent countless hours on the internet, but I kind of expected more as far as instructions.
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Lathe:
Quantity Item Number Item Stock Status Price
33207 Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe, MC-1018
(Regular Price: $279.99)
There is an additional $35.00 shipping charge for this item.

In
Stock
Special:
  $199.99
Each
Accessories:
Quantity Item Number Item Stock Status Price
32307 Mini Lathe Bed Extension, MC-1018-BE
In
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$75.59 Each
29424 Excelsior Mini Lathe Replacement Belt
In
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Online Only
$9.99 Each



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