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WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

TLDR Review: WEN 34035 Wood Lathe

Item: WEN 34035 Wood Lathe
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 19th, 2026

Pros

•Variable speed control is excellent with a clear LCD speed indicator, rarely needing manual belt adjustments.
•The 1nch swing and 20-inch bed comfortably handle projects up to 12 inches, with room for attachments like Jacob’s chucks.
•Convenient handles on both ends double as tool holders, supporting an efficient workflow.
•Quiet yet powerful mp motor delivers ample torque for small logs and various woodturning tasks.
•Solid, weluilt cast iron construction provides stability and durability.
•Easo-make adjustments ensure smooth operation, with well-aligned spur drive and live center straight out of the box.
•MT2B spindle taper is highly accurate (runout less than 0.0005"), though some threading nuances require attention.
•Great value for an intermediatevel benchtop lathe, offering features typically found in higher-priced models.
•Suitable for beginners and those progressing to more advanced woodturning projects.
•Controls are easy to use, and belt changes on the step pulleys are straightforward.

Cons

•Tailstock and headstock tops are rounded, making it tricky to mount accessories such as magnet workshop lights.
•Tailstock wheel is a bit small, which can reduce comfort and ease when turning drill bits.
•Controls located under the headstock can be accidentally switched off during use, which may be inconvenient.
•Motoo-speed control module cord has a loose plug that sometimes causes unexpected shutdowns; slight prong bending helps but doesn't fully fix it.
•Faceplate comes prnstalled with extreme force, making removal difficult and potentially damaging the faceplate and shaft threads.
•Spindle features slight eccentricity (0.014") on the 1"TPI thread, affecting some thread-mounted accessories like faceplates and chucks.
•MT2A holders with tangs are incompatible; users must invest in MT2pecific accessories and longer retainer bolts (150-160 mm).
•Some minor setup is required to avoid belt issues.
•The fabrications and assembly quality of some parts (especially the faceplate installation) can cause frustration.

Bottom Line

The WEN 34035 wood lathe offers excellent value with strong power, smooth variable speed control, and solid build quality—making it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate woodturners working on small to medium projects. However, be prepared for some quirks like the challenging faceplate removal, spindle threading eccentricity, and a small tailstock wheel that can affect accessory mounting and ease of use. If you want a similar machine but with fewer spindle-related headaches and easier accessory compatibility, considering a model with industry-standard MT2 spindle accessories might save future frustration.