Wilton mini lathe $99 - Rockler

[DonHo]

I think it's pretty small, but should work for pens and bottle stoppers, etc. Might be a cheap starter lathe.
DonHo

[Uncle Cracker]

It's a good starter lathe for somebody who wants to find out if they have really been bit by the penturning bug, but has a few drawbacks, and won't last like a more expensive model. Variable speed is finicky, and both headstock and tailstock are a bit cheesy, but whaddya want for a hundred bucks, anyway?

Here's the link...

[jking]

I have had the Wilton mini-lathe for a couple of years. I use it mainly for pens. For what it costs, it is a great value. I haven't had any problems with the variable speed; I consider that to be one of the most useful features. Good lathe for the money.

[Uncle Cracker]

The folks over at IAP all speak highly of their Wiltons, but almost to a man, they say they wished they had started with something more substantial. One of their main complaints is that it uses MT-1 accessories, almost all of which will be useless if you ever move up to another lathe. MT-2 accessories can grow with you.

[jking]

The folks over at IAP all speak highly of their Wiltons, but almost to a man, they say they wished they had started with something more substantial. One of their main complaints is that it uses MT-1 accessories, almost all of which will be useless if you ever move up to another lathe. MT-2 accessories can grow with you.

All valid points to consider. For a little more money, you can buy one of the PSI lathes with similar features and MT-2. Depends on how much you want to spend.

[DUD]

I bought this lathe from a fellow woodworker and have been very happy with it. I have

turned several pens and 1 small bowl with it. I would believe that a beginner would be

pleased with it. Bill

[Relative]

Equivalent lathe

I have the Shop Fox W1704 which is the exact same lathe as the Wilton being discussed. Purchased at local Ace Hardware for $99 - no special sale. Have also seen it at Timberline for $109.

Mine melted one of the motor brush holders, shorted out, and took out the variable speed control electronics. Handled warranty claim with Shop Fox via e-mail. I e-mailed a copy of my receipt and Shop Fox sent a new motor and speed control - excellent service. Didn't ask for the old parts.

The lathe was in intermittent use for about 6 months when this happened. I really didn't stress it very much and think this was a situation where the brush holder probably was flakey, loose or something similar. The new setup has been fine and I purposely stressed it with no overheating of the motor.

The Tool rest is lacking in both metal quality and the shape of the top. Would rather have a horizontal ridge to guide my hand in addition to the support just for the tool. I accidentally knocked the 7" tool rest (was using the smaller one) onto the floor and it snapped right where the vertical support enters the cast metal. Had it brazed but, in the process, lost about 1/4" of usefulness in height. Local guy that did the welding offered to make up a new setup with 'better' material. He called the metal 'junk metal'.

Overall, I'm satisfied and will continue to use it for small projects, but am holding off on buying any additional accessories because of the #1 Morse Taper setup. Most larger lathes use #2. Gonna upgrade as soon as the $ come available.

Mike

[ragswl4]

I think you meant the W1704?

[Relative]

Equivalent lathe

Whoops! Didn't say I could type.

Mike