WEN 34034 6-Amp 14" by 20" Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

The lathe works great. I did have to check the alinement between the headstock and tailstock, but it has worked well for me from small bowels to table lamps.

Arrived damaged and missing parts .Returning it

My wife purchased this for me as a gift after catching me obsessively watching woodturning videos on YouTube. I took a couple classes locally before diving in and this WEN product proved to be better than the mid-sized units the local instructor recommended. Heavy and sturdy. Lots of speed control. Only minor complaint is the tool cradle blocks you from removing the tail stock, but easily remedied by just removing the tool cradle. I've turned over a dozen items so far and love it. If you are new to the hobby plan on spending plenty on accessaries still (chuck, gouges, sanding, polishing, etc.) but you can't go wrong with this mid-sized lathe to start off with.

Having used this lathe for several months I feel like I can write an honest review. Bottom line though is don't buy it. If I could return it I would. It has several design flaws the biggest is the power switch is right where you stand when turning and it is very easy to lean into the power switch and turn off the lathe.The 2nd issue is the non-standard measurements of the lathe. The banjo tool rest hole is 1". You'd think that is good since it is larger than the standard 5/8th that most other smaller lathes have. Not so since there are very little aftermarket/upgrade parts like tool rests that are made in 1" for a smaller lathe.Another big issue is that the arbor is ever so slightly longer than standard lathes. This means that aftermarket chucks do not fit properly on the lathe (see photo). I had to put a spacer between the Nova chuck and the arbor since I could not close the chuck all the way unless I did.Sometimes "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is the best strategy. Wen decided to redesign the mid-sized lathe and created a "one-off" machine that will give you trouble due to it being non-standard. Do yourself a favor and take a pass on this lathe.

Just received my WEN34034 direct from the makers as it was cheaper that way. Had damage due to shipment but Tech support were excellent and replaced damaged parts that I replaced myself, easy peasy... Honestly I looked around the Internet for months comparing midi lathes and I cannot fault this lathe. It outclasses itself against other brands and answers all my doubts. Why buy a Rolls Royce when a BMW does just as good a job is my saying about this gem. Has a 14" Vertical centre span against most midis 12". Has a 20" length cut against 18" or less for most other lathes. Does not need to be bolted down to a bench as it is that sturdy. I am very happy with my WEN 34034 and those that rank it lower than a 5 I suspect are their own worst enemy.NOTE: buy a M2 mandrel for this lathe for Pen making etc...June 12th 2021Just blew the circuit Board but WEN very exceptionally helpful when they forwarded me a new complete lathe.. Now I have two lathes - one faulty Circuit Board. Well done WEN.. all under warranty.