8-INCH WOOD LATHE Model # 3420 bit.ly/wenvideo IMPORTANT: Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN’s highest standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings, and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Technical Data General Safety Rules Specific Safety Rules For Wood Lathes Electrical Information Know Your Wood Lathe Assembly Adjustments Operation Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide Exploded View & Parts List Warranty 2 3 4 5 6 6 9 11 16 16 17 19 TECHNICAL DATA Model Number: Motor: Swing: Distance Between Centers: Speeds: Spindle Taper: Drive Spindle Thread: Tailstock Taper: Tool Rest Length: Dimensions: Weight: 2 3420 120V, 60Hz, 2A 8 in. 12 in. 750 to 3200 RPM MT1 1/8 in.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. WARNING: To avoid mistakes and serious injury, do not plug in your tool until the following steps have been read and understood. 1. READ and become familiar with this entire instruction manual. LEARN the tool’s applications, limitations, and possible hazards. 2. AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. Do not use power tools in wet or damp areas or expose them to rain.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES 15. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil-resistant rubber-soled footwear. Keep the floor clear of oil, scrap, and other debris. 16. MAINTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean and in good working order. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. 17. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check for alignment of moving parts, jamming, breakage, improper mounting, or any other conditions that may affect the tool’s operation.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EVENT OF A MALFUNCTION OR BREAKDOWN, grounding provides the path of least resistance for an electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug MUST be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with ALL local codes and ordinances. DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED.
KNOW YOUR WOOD LATHE H A B C D E F G H I J K L I J F Power Switch Variable Speed Knob Circuit Breaker D Headstock Tool Rest Locking Handle Spindle Lock Motor A Face Plate Tool Rest B Live Center Tailstock Handwheel C Tailstock K L E G ASSEMBLY UNPACKING Carefully unpack the lathe and all its parts. Compare against the list below. Do not discard the carton or any packaging until the lathe is completely assembled.
ASSEMBLY MOUNTING THE LATHE ON THE BENCHTOP Measure and mark three hole centers as shown in Figure A. Drill clearance holes through the bench top and position the lathe in place. Attach it securely with bolts (minimum of one inch) and washers (not included) from the underside of the bench top into the tapped holes in the bottom of the lathe’s frame. SPRING LOADED LOCK LEVERS Check to make sure that the lock levers for the tailstock spindle and the tool rest have not come loose.
ASSEMBLY INSTALLING THE DRIVE SPUR AND REVOLVING CENTER (FIG. F & G) Note: It is not necessary to remove the face plate in order to install the spur center. 1. Make sure the surfaces of both the spur center and the spindle are clean. 2. Drive the spur center (Fig. F - 1) into the workpiece (Fig. F 2) using a rubber mallet or a piece of scrap wood. 3. Push the spur center into headstock spindle. Fig. F 4. Repeat the same steps for the tailstock center (Fig. G - 2). REMOVING THE SPUR CENTER 1.
ADJUSTMENTS ON/OFF SWITCH The ON/OFF switch (Fig. I - 1) controls the power to the unit. To start the lathe, move the switch into the ON position (flipped up). The lathe will immediately begin turning the headstock spindle. Move the switch to the OFF position to stop the lathe (flipped down). The safety switch key (Fig. I - 2) can be removed once the unit has been turned off. This will prevent the lathe from starting up until the safety switch key has been replaced.
ADJUSTMENTS TAILSTOCK WARNING: Always make sure the spindle lock (Fig. J - 2) is disengaged before operation. To disengage the spindle lock, unscrew it until the tailstock spindle can spin freely. To engage it, screw it back in until the tailstock spindle no longer moves. 1. Move the tailstock (Fig. J - 5) by loosening the lock lever (Fig. J - 1) and pushing the tailstock to the desired position on the bed. Lock it back in place by tightening the lock lever again. 2.
OPERATION TURNING TOOLS If possible, select only quality high-speed steel turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an edge and last longer than ordinary carbon steel. As one becomes proficient in turning, a variety of specialty tools for specific applications can be acquired. The following tools provide the basics for most woodturning projects. 1. Large roughing gouge - use this tool to shape square or out-of-round spindle-turning stock into a cylinder. This can also be used for creating shallow coves.
OPERATION SPINDLE TURNING Spindle turning takes place between the centers of the lathe. It requires a spur center in the headstock and a live center in the tailstock. A cup center rather than a cone center in the tailstock will often reduce the risk of splitting the stock. Stock for spindles should be straight grained and free of cracks, knots, nails and other defects. With a combination square, locate and mark the center on each end of the workpiece.
OPERATION CUTTING TECHNIQUES Begin with a large roughing gouge. Place the tool on the tool rest with the heel of the tool on the surface to be cut. Slowly and gently raise the tool handle until the cutting edge comes into contact with the workpiece. Beginning about 2 inches from the tailstock end of the workpiece, roll the flute of the tool (the hollowed-out portion) in the direction of the cut. Make long sweeping cuts in a continuous motion to turn the piece to a cylinder (Fig. T).
OPERATION Fig. T Fig. V Fig. U Fig. W MOUNTING ON THE FACE PLATE Use of the face plate is the most common for holding a block of wood for turning bowls and plates. This is an alternative option for workpieces with diameters that are greater than the 12-inch throat of the lathe. To mount the stock to the face plate, select a stock that is at least .2 inches (5 mm) larger than each dimension of the finished workpiece.
OPERATION TO SHAPE THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOWL (FIG. X) Odd shaped burls, crotches and other irregular shaped blanks require special preparation before mounting in a chuck or onto a face plate. Remove the bark, if there is any from what appears to be the center of the top of the workpiece. Drive the spur center into the top of the workpiece with a mallet or a dead blow hammer. Slip the spur center into the headstock taper and bring the tailstock with a live center into position.
MAINTENANCE Keep your machine clean. At the end of each day, clean the machine. Wood contains moisture, meaning that sawdust and wood chips can cause rust if not removed. Regular oil attracts dust and dirt. Teflon lubricant tends to dry and has less of a tendency to accumulate dirt and saw dust. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts are tight. The drive belt should last for many years depending on usage, but it needs to be inspected regularly for cracks, cuts and general wear.
EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST No.
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LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY WEN Products is committed to build tools that are dependable for years. Our warranties are consistent with this commitment and our dedication to quality. LIMITED WARRANTY OF WEN CONSUMER POWER TOOLS PRODUCTS FOR HOME USE GREAT LAKES TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (“Seller”) warrants to the original purchaser only, that all WEN consumer power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase.
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