Wen 3420 Lathe Review 2023

Having a lathe machine at your service is always a plus point for you because it reduces the burden on you. If you own a woodworking shop, then you know the importance of having a lathe machine in your workshop as it helps in expanding the aesthetic horizon which lies within you. However, with a lot of wood lathe machines available in the market, it puts a carpenter in a dilemma as to which machine he should opt for. For an experienced campaigner, things are not as complicated but if you are an amateur, then it could be a long road ahead for you. 

Out of thousands of lathe machines available for your wood projects, it could be quite hectic for an average user to narrow down the machines that work the best for him. To make things easier for the users, we will discuss one of the best mini lathes available; Wen 3420 Lathe Machine. If you are a layman with a little knowledge about lathe machines, then this guide is specifically for you because we will cover everything you need to know about this wood machine.

Who Needs The Wen 3420 Lathe?

Wen 3420 is a widely used product which serves multiple needs of a user. Not everyone has a huge workspace and an unlimited budget to bring the costliest machinery in their workshops. Therefore, for those who are a little short on budget and still want a machine that works wonders for you, then the Wen 3420 is the go-to lathe machine for you. Not only does this machine save you money but also the space, thanks to its compact size. All in all, this machine is perfect for the people who are working on small turning projects and if they do not want to spend a fortune on getting a lathe machine for aesthetic finishing on their creative productions.

Why We Recommend The Wen 3420 Lathe

Wen 3420 has certainly made its case strong in the market and the main reason behind that is its compact size and the features it has on offer to the users. On top of that, you need not empty your budget to get a hold of this machinery. However, these are not the only things which make it a perfect buy, there is a lot more to the machine than that. The following reasons are why we would recommend this product to you:

• Construction

When it comes to construction, the Wen 3420 is second to none. The machine is made of solid cast iron which ensures high durability and longevity of the machine. You can also place the workstation on a bench top because of its decent fit. 

The machine weighs around 44 lbs and the dimensions of the machine are 26x10x12 inches. The work area of the machine is approximately 8 inches across the face of the machine. The movable tailstock also has a 12-inch wooden clearance of length for functionality. Overall, the constitution of this machine is top-tier and it is an ideal lathe machine for small projects. 

• Enormous Power Delivery of The Motor

Another major reason to get this perfect lathe is the enormous power delivery of the motor to get the job done. You will definitely love how the Wen 3420 performs. It also comes with a motor with ⅓ horsepower within the motor size of 2 amp motor. Furthermore, to avoid any damages to the engines or any other unwanted mishaps, the motor starts the operations with gradual starts. 

If you are looking to put a slab of thick wood, then you will be left disappointed because the motor is not as strong as the industrial counterparts. It is not a bad thing because this machine gets the job done faster than the lot and saves you time, as well as money. 

• Adjustable Speed Control

Usually, when you buy a motor falling under this price range, you do not get to have a variety in the regulators and the regulators are usually very choppy. However, when it comes to the Wen 3420, you get two types of speed; variable speed for better accuracy as well as the fixed-rate speed. Thus, with this machine, you will have a motor which you can control yourself. Also, the sturdy built of the regulation of speed control helps in providing stability while you are working intensely. 

• Versatile Spindle and Tailstock

If there’s one thing that separates various lathe machines from one another, it’s the spindle and the tailstock. Wen 3420 comes with an MT1 kind which offers an enhanced performance to the users. With the help of a functional knob in the tailstock, you can put the tailstock mandrel two inches further away. The mandrels can still get jammed. However, with the help of the punch-out tool, which comes included with the machine, you can pop the mandrels out. 

• Accessories That Come With The Device

The main aim of the company is to provide the customers immense satisfaction and to ensure that they get the best possible woodturning experience. For those who are new to woodturning, it is imperative that they get all the required equipment for woodturning. That is where Wen 3420 comes in handy as it provides with all the accessories within the package. The accessories that you receive with the package include; a headstock spur center, a flat wrench, two tool rests, tailstock cup center, a faceplate, a knockout rod, and a few other accessories which the customers can use. 

Wen 3420 Lathe Alternatives

If you are still not satisfied with the Wen 3420, then that is not the end of the road because there are other options out there. Some of these choices include: 

1. NOVA 46300

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When it comes to the wooden lathe machines to perform smaller tasks, then the first two machines that come into one’s mind are Wen 3420 and NOVA 46300. NOVA 46300 is undoubtedly a top-notch choice for you to consider especially because it uses the MT2 spindles and tailstock. MT2 spindles and tailstock are larger and are more heavy-duty than the MT1. Furthermore, it also has a 6-inch banjo, which is half the height of the spindle axis. All in all, it is one of the best alternatives to the Wen 3420 and overall, one of the best wooden lathe machines for smaller tasks. 

2. Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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Another option for you to try is none other than the Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe. One of the biggest reasons why you should go for this wooden lathe machine is that it is made of solid cast iron construction which provides excessive durability. Furthermore, it also has a variable speed control feature which lets you work at your own pace. Along with these, there comes a two tool rests as well as an 8-inch swing over bed. The 12-inch distance between centers also is an advantage. All these features are the reasons why the Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe is a perfect alternative for you to go for. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Final Word

Having a wooden lathe machine for your woodturning tasks is vital and the Wen 3420 serves exactly that purpose. It is usually difficult for a user to pick out the best lathe machine for his needs, especially for the smaller tasks. Mostly, people do not have a spacious workshop and that is where small lathe machines come in handy. Wen 3420 proves to be a perfect lathe machine if you want to save money as well as save space to work around in your workshop. 

Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.