Excelsior Mini Lathe - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Excelsior Mini Lathe from Rockler Woodworking

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. This is also a great lathe for making wooden lures. 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  Bed Extension.

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                       Excelsior Mini Lathe - Rockler Woodworking Tools                  Learn How to Make Your Own Wooden Top Water Lures

 

Customer Reviews and Photos for: Excelsior Mini Lathe Average Rating: (3.6) (38 customer reviews) Add your review...

1) Submitted by Jim, from Corona, CA on 1/10/2013 Customer Rating: 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.

2) Submitted by Allan, from Oxford, MI on 3/19/2012 Customer Rating: 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.

3) Submitted by Denver, CO on 3/5/2012 Customer Rating: 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.

4) Submitted by Jack Hunsucker, from Lawton, OK on 2/26/2012 Customer Rating: 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.

5) Submitted by Kevin, from Arlington, TX on 1/17/2012 Customer Rating: 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.

6) Submitted by Allen Johnson, from Dillsboro, IN on 12/29/2012 Customer Rating: 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.

7) Submitted by Mark, from Shingle Springs, CA on 4/21/2011 Customer Rating: 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!

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