A $150 Wood Lathe? Is the WEN 8" X 12" Lathe Worth It?

✅ SHOP NOTES: Our oldest grandson wants to learn how to turn, but his family has ZERO storage space, so after much research, I purchased the new WEN 8" X 12" mini lathe for him and our other 7 grandkids to learn on. This video is a bit of a departure from the "norm", but if you happen to have any interest in acquiring a small lathe for pen turning or other small turning projects this one might be worth considering. In this video, we'll unbox it (I know how much you all LOVE a good unboxing!) and walk through everything you'll need to know to speak intelligently as you get into this wonderful hobby. As for learning to turn, I've already posted another video on that subject that will get you started, and let's face it, KZbin is replete with loads of them!
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Here are links to a few of the products I used or discussed in this video:
🟢 This is the WEN lathe we purchased: amzn.to/34kQF0L Prices vary, but if the price on Amazon is higher than expected, give it a day or two for Amazon to get restocked.
🟢 Smucker's new WEN 4 Jaw Chuck: amzn.to/3IfykRc
🟢 WEN Pen Mandrel for Smucker's new lathe: amzn.to/3qGSv4K
🟢 WEN Tailstock Chuck for Smucker's new lathe: amzn.to/34WziU4
🟢 Pen blank boring jaws for Smucker's Lathe Chuck: amzn.to/33QKt02
🟢 Live center and drive set: amzn.to/3ryOpuz
🟢 Here's the carbide turning tool set that Smuckers bought for HIMSELF! amzn.to/34UOzon
Visit www.MyGrowthRings.com
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I also blog at www.tool-hunter.com/shopsmith-...
and shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot...
A few viewers have requested I provide affiliate links to help them find the products I use and as a way of supporting the channel through commission. If you purchase a product or service with the links I provide, there is no additional charge to you. I always recommend shopping around for a better price. Thank you for supporting My Growth Rings! Scott
#MiniLathe #LatheTurning #WENLathe

[@dylanjoseph6010]

you cant get any better of a review... extremely detailed and very well done

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Dylan. Scott

[@austinrussell32044]

Reviews like this is why I love KZbin. Thank you for answering so many of my questions!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to help. Have any others? We've got a bunch of hours on it now. Scott

[@bg3160]

Probably 15 years ago I bought the same lathe from Harbor Freight. Woodcraft sells the same one now as a King industrial. I'm still turning pens on it. Probably turned several hundred pens. It works great for pens and small spindles. Big stuff that even gets close to capacity, forget it. Not enough power. #1 morse taper less popular than #2 for home lathes, but not a big issue. It does work, but it's small, so don't get your hopes up. Best part is electronic speed control. It's amazing. Just spin the dial to set the speed. Don't expect to turn bowls, it's way underpowered. I tried to turn a couple mallets and had to go incredibly slow. It worked but stalled out when I pushed too hard. It's extremely light duty, but it does work. If you want to turn bowls, buy something else. Mallets or anything approaching that size, get something else. I do think it's a great learning platform, that's what I used it for.

[@Sgt_Ham1724]

Very thorough. Well done!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thank you. We are still enjoying it.

[@christopherloeppke4778]

Awesome info, thanks!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thank you for watching. Scott

[@annemcdonley5983]

This was a very helpful video. I travel in my RV a great deal and have been thinking about purchasing the WEN mini lathe so I could do some turning without huge electrical requirements. I'll be heading back to my shop in a couple months and look forward to getting back to woodworking. Thanks for the review!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it, Anne. My grandson and his family are pretty tight in their 32’ trailer, so I’m thinking for his EDC use that I’m going to buy him something smaller, but the reality is anything smaller is really going to be a toy, and I sure don’t want him getting frustrated this early in this turning experience. The WEN lathe would be great as a travel lathe, just as long as there aren’t 7 of you living in the trailer! Scott

[@jimwaddle4890]

I have one just for small items and love it, variable speed works flawless

[@dandiisandi]

This has to be the best review I have ever seen. Getting ready to purchase this lathe and I appreciate how detailed you are! Thank you!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it was useful. We still use it regularly.

[@dandiisandi]

@@MyGrowthRings plan on any follow up videos?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@dandiisandi I think I recoded one but never released it. My channel is mostly here to support users of Shopsmith tools, and whenever I post a video like this one it always lands with a thud and gets very few views by comparison to my normal videos. I'll see what I can do. Was there something in particular you wanted to see? I recently posted a video using the WEN chuck, though I was using it on a Shopsmith. Scott

[@dandiisandi]

Nothing in particular. I make inlay rings and cremation rings on a $40 lathe currently but was thinking about upgrading and getting into pens, game calls, handles, etc. Just researching this lathe and appreciate l how in-depth you were. Still can't decide if I should invest or not.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@dandiisandi I'm pretty sure I know the lathe you purchased. They are called "bead lathes", aren't they? When I first started looking for a lightweight lathe for my grandson I considered those, but they just weren't very well engineered. The WEN is modeled after a pretty classic design, so as long as it is built properly it should be reliable.

[@johnrice6793]

Good for you. Good for him!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, John!

[@PondweedSJ23]

Nice review Scott. I noticed it comes with a #1 Morse Taper spindle. When I bought my Teknatool Nova mini lathe many years ago they provided a #2 MT spindle; that allowed me to use some of my Shopsmith pieces including my pen mandrel. In addition, if I would buy one now I'd opt for forward and reverse. Thanks again.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for dropping by. Yeah, MT1 isn't ideal because I've had to purchase new accessories, but the good new is it has new accessories! I really like the Nova lathes. Scott

[@teddaw2799]

Thank you for the tutorial, I just ordered this same lathe and was wondering the pros and cons, it appears to be exactly what I need as I am new to woodworking 👍⚜️⚜️⚜️ Again thank you!! Teddy Daw

[@TheGrantAlexander]

I was looking into this lathe before my father gave me his old shopsmith. I think for what I want to do, the shopsmith was the right option, but I have seen lots of people do amazing things on their small wen lathes. I hope your grandson enjoys it!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I hope so too. I think they both have their place, not unlike a drill press and a hand drill. Scott

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@ismulartymuis-yg2zr Their web address is www.wenproducts.com

[@jraglob5924]

I have been considering getting into trying a lathe but didn't want a major investment/large tool. I have had good luck with Wen tools and this looks like the answer. I agree with the comments this is an amazing review/tutorial. Thanks so much.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks. We are still enjoying it. If I could improve it I would give it a bit more power, but if the grandkids slow it down that usually means they are trying to remove too much stock too quickly, so there’s a lesson in that phenomenon. Scott

[@brianfreland9065]

Thanks! I refuse to buy something with researching it first so this was pretty helpful and answered my questions. Cheers!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to help. If I could wave a magic wand and improve one thing it would be to give it more power. But sharp tools and proper technique will prevent most issues.

[@lancefarmer8096]

Enjoy your time with your grandson. I hope more young people get the fever. And maybe enter the trades. Craftsman are becoming rare. If not it's always good to unwind and turn something. Looks like a good starter machine. Keep them coming .

[@MyGrowthRings]

Totally agree. If all he gets from it is life enrichment he'll be better for it. Scott

[@josephciaravino4115]

I learned so much about lathes as an additional benefit to the review!😊

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it, Joseph. Have you done any turning yet? Scott

[@josephciaravino4115]

@@MyGrowthRings sadly I haven’t. It might be time to get me a lathe. 😎

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@josephciaravino4115 Absolutely! Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for Shopsmith tools, as they are excellent lathes and can usually be found for a great price. Scott

[@josephciaravino4115]

@@MyGrowthRings thank you for the tip. 😄May the hunt for this new shop companion commence!😜

[@Woodfeelsgood]

Actually seeing the thing in action would of been nice 😂

[@rexoliver7780]

Neat,slick little desktop size lathe!NOW----if only a Shopsmith could be made desktop size like that!Think there could be a use and market for a miniature Shopsmith!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Totally right. There have been at least two tools that were aimed that way but overshot: The Unimat and the PortaShop. Both were overbuilt and were therefore overpriced. Great idea, though. Scott

[@rexoliver7780]

@@MyGrowthRings The Unimat was intended for metalworking and machinists-not to woodworkers.

[@majortwit]

Good review. I started and am still going on this lathe. It has enough power to fling my workpiece in my face or across the room. Had to customize it with a wheel on the tailstock and outer headstock. I just sacrificed the taper punch out ability 🤪

[@MyGrowthRings]

It will do that! Tell me more about the wheels. Are they wood on faceplates or something else? Scott

[@majortwit]

@@MyGrowthRings this lathe is apparently made and/or marketed by numerous Amazon stores and Chinese companies. I’ve seen it advertised on Amazon for anywhere from around $150 to $420. The paint livery is usually different, and the little locking levers might be chrome, but no substantial difference. Amazon has the wheels. For the tailstock, l took the existing knob off (it is actually two pieces) and discarded the outer shell. I then filled the other with resin. After it set, I drilled a hole and used a lag bolt to mount the wheel. For the headstock, I removed the plastic cover and lagged the wheel in with a large plastic wall anchor in the hole. Been working fine for months.

[@nicko5945]

This is a great option for anyone to get started. If an extra 100$ isn’t an issue, I would suggest the harbor freight 10x18. It has better longevity and better compatibility with other mini lathes tooling and accessories. It’s not a big deal however because when you start on a mini lathe and enjoy it, you will likely upgrade to a midi or full size very quickly. I would certainly prefer turning on this wen over a shopsmith at least haha. I am a turner primarily and have 4 lathes and would turn on about anything over a shopsmith. My least used function on my shopsmiths but I digress. Great look into this Scott and I know Smuckers will enjoy!! He will be begging to use one of your shopsmiths to turn on before you know it.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I own a Jet 14” mini lathe, which has all the full size lathe features you mention. It was sort of surprising to me that this little fella had a 1” 8tpi spindle yet used #1MT accessories. This lathe needed to be as small and as light as could be, so the HF was out of the picture. I looked long and hard and the PSI Pen Pal too, but he didn’t want to be trapped making only small items like pens. I’m still on the lookout for a Bonnie Klein lathe for him. Scott

[@nicko5945]

@@MyGrowthRings ah, that makes complete sense then and was definitely the way to go. Yeah the 1MT was very odd. I haven’t seen a 1MT in a very long time and especially paired with the standard 1x8tpi. Keep up the great work and happy turning to you both!

[@bobbuchanan8466]

Hey Scott, Excellent video as always. I know this not really Shopsmith related but have you ever thought of doing a KZbin video on the Gilliom Co of Missouri? A Gilliom table saw is listed on FB MP in Pittsburgh PA in nice condition. They made parts to build a tall 18” bandsaw. I don’t think they are in business anymore.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for the heads-up, Bob. I would love to have that saw and have sent him a message. I own one of their smaller bandsaw kits and their belt sander kit and just might do a video or two showing their build. Do you have any Gillioum tools? Scott

[@bobbuchanan8466]

@@MyGrowthRings No I do not own any Gilliom tools. I called the Gilliom Tool Company in MO a few years ago. They were very nice but busy and said to please call back concerning my inquiry of bandsaw parts. I decided not to pursue it. I have only Shopsmith (with all SPTs except strip sander) equipment since I have small space to work in at present (and a few Dewalt and Craftsman routers/drill/drivers/sanders). Thanks again for informative professional videos!

[@charlesarp6781]

Great

[@MyGrowthRings]

My oldest grandson and I were just turning on it over the weekend. It’s holding up great.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Not sure about the Wen, but most lathes will eject the live center by turning it all the way out of the tailstock. You may damage the center by using the knock out bar. Don’t ask me how I know!

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s one of the reasons why I always inspect horse tapers to make sure that they are ground with a slight step on the small land so that they don’t deform or mushroom when struck. I’m not sure if this tailstock ejects accessories when the quill is fully retracted or not, but I’ll be sure to check it out.

[@Willg95]

@@MyGrowthRings the tail stock will not retract enough to pop it out without the knockout tool. I have the same lathe currently.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for confirming that@@Willg95 I just checked mine and found the same to be true. Scott

[@jaimehebner7516]

Well was it worth it I am trying to find out the best inexpensive lays to get for someone starting out. I plan to make Diamond Painting pens and I don’t wanna start with something crazy expensive. I would like to get something under 200 and there’s so many brands and brands I don’t need anythingcrazy or anything I just wanted to be able to suffice

[@MyGrowthRings]

I believe so. The only issue that we’ve ever run into is that it is a little week, and if my grandkids get a catch with their tool it can stall the lathe, which in my opinion is a good thing.

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

Looks like a good mini lathe package, but I am concerned about the thermal overload issue. Only an hour of turning and you have to let it cool. That feature could discourage someone who is intent on learning the skills, being interrupted on a regular basis. I know that has been an issue with the Power Pro at high speed. All that said, the product looks to be built quite well and substantial for its size. My grandsons are all old enough to start on a full size lathe if they choose to get interested. Thanks for the video, Glen

[@MyGrowthRings]

Our grandson turned on it for several hours straight last night with no issues. We noticed that there was an inch of dust on sitting on top of the motor, so that's something we'll need tp keep an eye on. Scott

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

@@MyGrowthRings AHA! The culprit has been found. Motor under the bed, though not a good idea, keeps the machine more compact. Thanks, Glen

[@rexoliver7780]

Appears like the sealed motor needs some sort of cooling device.

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

Second thought/question: What is the power rating on the motor (amperage/hp)? Thanks, Glen

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Glen. It's got a tiny motor, but we've abused it for a couple hours and it seems to be behaving OK. it's got a 3.2 amp motor. Scott

[@G3N3515DM]

dayton ohio represent!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Woohoo!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Scott… why can’t you be normal and get your grandson a gift certificate for online gaming? You are so out of touch! I mean, this one requires him to actually use touch and feel to complete each level. It involves actual physical contact with the opponent. He can’t steal or find hidden extra powers along the way. He’ll have to earn them. And it will take hours just to figure out how to size up his opponent. And, in the end… his name won’t be listed in the top 10 players on the games home page. All he’ll have is a piece of wood! Scott, what were you thinking? 🤔

[@MyGrowthRings]

When you put it like that...

[@christianjones6907]

Could you turn duck calls with this size lathe?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Absolutely.

[@autumnknight8710]

B O R I N G !!!!

[@MyGrowthRings]

You must be new here.

[@Tubeytime]

Just the way I like it :)

[@chadnevels246]

I know you haven't gotten to this yet, but was there a reason for starting your grandson out with carbide tooling?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Good question. It boils down to Smuckers being interested in turning but not in sharpening, and on the road, where he and his family spend all their time, sharpening is going to be an issue. Scott

[@LarsKiel]

🙏😀💨

[@pathfollower]

It's been a year. Ever going to do your follow up? Is it junk, or is it a worthwhile first lathe purchase?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I do need to film that and yes, it is performed well and I would recommend it.

[@pathfollower]

@MyGrowthRings 😁 Thats great, but just realized there are none available anywhere. Everywhere including Wen says sold out.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@pathfollower That makes sense. That’s likely the David Picciuto effect.

[@pathfollower]

@MyGrowthRings Ahhhh, I caught some of that video. Grizzly seems close in function and price. If a great deal doesn't pop up up on Facebook Marketplace soon, I may go that route.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@pathfollower This one appears to be in stock: amzn.to/47SMeFg

[@starhawke380]

I also got the 3421. The control board failed after 2 days. A non spinning lathe is quite a waste of space. Still waiting to hear from customer service...

[@MyGrowthRings]

Oh no! Can you return it?

[@starhawke380]

@@MyGrowthRings not to a second hand store. We tested it in store, it turned, not their problem...

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@starhawke380 That’s a shame. Hopefully Wen can help you out.

[@woodshopnerdery]

For the follow up video, could you do a specification comparison to a Shop Deputy?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Sure thing. Sort of an apples and olives comparison, but I'm down with it! Scott

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@MyGrowthRings It would be a way to relate it back to Shopsmith for sure. Based on comment activity my Wen/SS content has been well received.

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@MyGrowthRings No wait, I think I got my wires crossed between a Shop Deputy vs a Shorty. A Shop Deputy can't spindle turn and a Shorty is to big to be a bench top solution. Got those blurred in my head. I don't think there is a "sweet spot" there.

[@joekirk167]

How much weight

[@MyGrowthRings]

Without a bed extension she’s 45lbs.

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

USE your EDIT TOOLS !!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Tell me more. What would you have edited?

[@MyGrowthRings]

No reply? Perhaps I’m not the only one who needs to learn how to edit.

[@Trackhoe075]

I love when these whatever can’t even demonstrate the tool

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not in this video, anyway,

[@IntoTheClouds7]

and didnt even use it.. .. ffs

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not in this video, no.

[@MikeMike-zb1od]

aww look at you, you want to make this emotional.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Huh?