Writing
Notes, essays, and research from Lathesong.
- Lathe Comparisons
WEN 3424T vs Jet JWL-1221VS: Budget vs Variable Speed
WEN 3424T versus Jet JWL-1221VS compared: $369 fixed belt speeds versus $990 continuous variable speed, with spec table and verdict by turner type.
- Guides
Wood for Turning: Green vs Dry, Blanks, and Spalting
Woodturning blanks explained: green wood versus kiln-dried, where turners actually source their blanks, spalted wood explained, and which species turn best.
- Tools
First Turning Tools: What to Buy, What to Skip, and Why
The five woodturning tools new turners need, what each one does, the HSS vs. carbide question answered, and what to hold off buying until you need it.
- Lathes
Grizzly G0766 Review: 22-Inch Swing, 3 HP Floor Lathe
Grizzly G0766 reviewed: 3 HP VFD floor lathe, 22-inch swing, 42-inch between centers, and how it compares to the Powermatic 3520C on price and support.
- Lathe Reviews
Jet JWL-1221VS vs Rikon 70-220VSR: Midi Lathe Comparison
Jet JWL-1221VS vs Rikon 70-220VSR compared spec by spec: speed range, spindle thread, build quality, what each does better, and the verdict by turner type.
- Lathes
Jet JWL-1840EVS Review: Full-Size Floor Lathe at $3,959
Jet JWL-1840EVS reviewed: 2 HP EVS, 18.5-inch swing, 40.5-inch between centers, a sliding headstock, and $3,959 set against the Powermatic 3520C.
- Lathes
Laguna Revo 1216 Review: Outboard Swing and PWM Speed
Laguna Revo 1216 reviewed: three-range PWM speed control, 12.5-inch swing over bed, 16-inch outboard swing, electronics notes, and owner experience at $1,099.
- Turning Projects
Lathe Projects That Sell: Craft Fairs, Etsy, and Margins
The woodturning projects that actually sell, what margins look like on common items, how to price your work, and where to sell turned pieces beyond Etsy.
- Accessories
Nova G3 Chuck Review: Jaws, Threads, and When to Upgrade
Nova G3 chuck reviewed: jaw sizes and what each is for, thread selection by lathe, the Synergy bundle vs. body-only, and when the Pro-Tek fits better.
- Tools
Oneway Wolverine Review: The Sharpening Jig Standard
Oneway Wolverine reviewed: modular jig system for bench grinders, $104 base plus Vari-Grind 2 for bowl gouge profiles, and total setup cost breakdown.
- Turning Projects
Pen Turning for Beginners: Mandrel, Blanks, and First Pens
How to start pen turning: the equipment list, how the mandrel and bushing system works, wood for blanks, and what beginner pen kits actually include.
- Lathe Reviews
Powermatic 3520C Review: The Full-Size Benchmark
Powermatic 3520C reviewed: verified specs, what changed from the 3520B, cost against full-size rivals, and the used-market case for serious bowl turners.