MODEL LA3421 VARIABLE SPEED WOODWORKING LATHE Instruction Manual NEED HELP? CONTACT US! Have product questions? Need technical support? Please feel free to contact us: 1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST) TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM 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.
CONTENTS WELCOME 3 Introduction...................................................................................................... 3 Specifications.................................................................................................... 3 SAFETY 4 General Safety Rules......................................................................................... 4 Electrical Information........................................................................................
INTRODUCTION Thanks for purchasing the WEN Woodworking Lathe. We know you are excited to put your tool to work, but first, please take a moment to read through the manual. Safe operation of this tool requires that you read and understand this operator’s manual and all the labels affixed to the tool. This manual provides information regarding potential safety concerns, as well as helpful assembly and operating instructions for your tool. SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger, warning, or caution.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool. SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. WORK AREA SAFETY 1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool. SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. 7.
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. 1. Do not modify the plug provided.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR YOUR LATHE WARNING! Do not operate the power tool until you have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels. WOODWORKING LATHE SAFETY 1. This lathe is designed and intended for use by properly trained and experienced personnel only. If you are not familiar with the proper and safe operation of a lathe, do not use it until proper training and knowledge have been acquired. 2. Always wear eye protection and a face shield/dust mask when using the lathe. 3.
KNOW YOUR LATHE TOOL PURPOSE Turn pens, chess pieces, cups, and more with your WEN Woodworking Lathe. Refer to the following diagrams to become familiarized with all the parts and controls of your lathe. The components will be referred to later in the manual for assembly and operation instructions. WOODWORKING LATHE Tool Rest Headstock Live Center Faceplate Quill Lock Tailstock Handwheel Power Switch Tailstock Variable Speed Tool Rest Lock Tailstock Lock Motor BENCHTOP MOUNTING GUIDE 23 3/8" (59.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS 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. The hole thread is M8-1.25. Fig.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS INSTALLING DRIVE SPUR AND REVOLVING CENTER Fig. 4 NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the face plate in order to install the spur center. 1 2 1. Make sure the surfaces of both the spur center and the spindle are clean. 2. Drive the spur center (Fig. 4 - 1) into the workpiece (Fig. 4 - 2) using a rubber mallet or a piece of scrap wood. 3. Push the spur center into the spindle. 4.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS ON/OFF SWITCH The ON/OFF switch (Fig. 7 - 1) controls the power to the unit. To start the lathe, move the switch into the ON position (flipped up). NOTE: This lathe features a gradual start up, meaning that the chuck will not start spinning until couple of moments after the switch is turned ON, and will start spinning at a lower speed before gradually ramping up to its full RPM.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS TAILSTOCK 2 1. Move the tailstock (Fig. 8 - 5) by loosening the lock lever (Fig. 8 - 1) and pushing the tailstock to the desired position on the bed. Lock it back in place by tightening the lock lever again. 2. The quill extends up to 2-1/2 inches from the tailstock housing. Move the tailstock quill (Fig. 8 -4) by loosening the quill lock lever (Fig. 8 - 2) and turning the hand wheel (Fig. 8 - 3). Turn the hand wheel clockwise to extend the quill.
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. Smoothing Bowls 45° Bevel Turning Rough Stock Roung 1. ROUGHING GOUGE - Use this tool to shape square or out-of-round spindle-turning stock into a cylinder.
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. 13).
OPERATION 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 8-inch throat of the lathe. NOTE: Your lathe is intended for pens, chess pieces, cups, and other small workpieces. This lathe is not suitable for larger workpieces. To mount the stock to the face plate, select a stock that is at least .
OPERATION TO SHAPE THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOWL 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Part No.
EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST 20
WARRANTY STATEMENT WEN Products is committed to building tools that are dependable for years. Our warranties are consistent with this commitment and our dedication to quality. LIMITED WARRANTY OF WEN 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 during personal use for a period of two (2) years used for professional or commercial use.
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THANKS FOR REMEMBERING V. 2022.03.
