I Tried the Cheapest Lathe on the Internet

I wanted to pick up a mini lathe for turning small things like drawer pulls and box handles. After seeing some incredibly cheap wood lathes pop up when researching online, I took on the challenge of finding the cheapest one and testing it! Ultimately, I found this wood lathe from China. A ton of sellers offer it on lots of websites so I have no clue who actually manufacturers it. While the lathe says it’s for beads, many listings and pictures show it used to turn other small projects.

I have no turning experience, which is obvious in the video. The video isn’t about my turning ability; I know there are online resources and videos I can watch. I wanted this video to be about the lathe itself. I figured that if I could figure out a way to use it to make something nice then anyone can.

---⏱️Timestamps⏱️---
0:00 Intro
0:33 Unboxing the Lathe
1:59 How to use the Mini Lathe
3:53 Adjustable Box Joint Jig
3:54 Testing the Mini Wood Lathe
8:09 Disaster!
8:59 Turning with a Mini Lathe

•• About NewtonMakes••
I’m Billy and I make fun things. Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas. Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.

•• My Links ••

Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••

[PaulyD]

If it turns square things into round things, it's doing what it's designed for. 👍

[danamcmanus]

I bought one very similar to this on eBay about 5 years ago for $99. I bought a pen mandrel separately and have made hundreds of pens with the lathe. It is a workhorse! It is one of the best purchases I've ever made. It didn't come with any instructions, but like you, I figured it out. Thanks for the video!

[murraytrimmer]

Mate, you are a legend. Your first try, you make an egg cup, and your 3rd go, you make the best-looking toothpick in the world.

[robharper]

I'm impressed with your courage -- not wearing any kind of face/eye protection.

[canadianuk]

I have this same tool sitting in a drawwer.
Now, seeing your maple result fills me with joy and a desire to whip it out and have another go.

[booshveg]

that device is doing more than what its supposed to do for the price of it . Amazing

[ifiwooddesigns]

That’s amazing for $30. And for someone who never turned before, I’m shocked. Wondering if you extended the track and lifted it higher if it would turn larger stock. Maybe a follow up on a modified version??? 🤔💭

[Dazwoodturner]

So the Mrs. got me one of these as a joke a few months ago. The square shield bit with the slot in the top is for the saw blade attachment I think. I actually had a few of those small blades and they kind of work ok if you're brave enough to risk losing a finger. The weird noise is coming from the tail stock (the cone that you slide to hold the piece in place). Most tail stocks have a live center with bearings so the cone, point, whatever spins with the piece. As you can see, this does not have any bearings. Mine came with the same tool kit. I might hang on to one of them and use as a marking tool. The others are not useful in turning applications. Starting with carbide tools is a good way to learn the basics. This is fun to play with but it is scary at higher speeds. Thanks for sharing.

[adamc]

That was fun to watch. I bought a bench top mini lathe a couple of months ago to make pens and pencils with. IT cost about $500. So far it's be good. I've been enjoying making pen for friends and family. Once I got it setup correctly, It has been easy to use and an easy skill to pick up. Keep turning and stay awesome.

[wharfrat]

The excitement you showed for the thing, top notch! Hopefully one day I can make a thing...

[chrisstearns]

Working on a proper lathe with proper tools is a lot of fun👍👍

[asbrand]

Something that seems counter-intutive when it comes to wood turning: The softer the wood (like the poplar), the more difficult it is to turn. You will tend to get catches and tear-out a lot.

[cindyharrison]

I got one for Christmas 2 years ago but have never had the guts to give it a go because of the quality of the tools. But I think I'll give it a go now. 😂

[seattlematt]

I have the same tool. I have only used it a couple of times and it hasn't blown up on me yet and I paid like $25 bucks for it several years ago, so I'm calling it a win. I actually just clamped the machine itself down to my bench, your jig looks like it would be easier to use. I feel like I got what I paid for. I had low expectations and was delivered a low quality, but functional, product.

[norm]

Very interesting tool. You are a brave professional. Wondering idea to hold it steady. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy ☺️ and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[kengunnell]

As N experienced turner I would recommend PennState turning tools for specific tools for pen turners. When I turn something very small I use their 3 piece carbide kit. You did very well for a first timer.

[markduggan]

I've got one of these, and all I can say is that your experience was a lot better than mine.

[johnoneill]

I picked one of these up a couple years ago on sale for $25. I use a tac hammer to tap the point into the end. The tools it came with broke after 2 uses, so I spent $13 at harbour freight for a set of gouges. Oh, and when I got the lathe, I could t even plug it in. It came with a European plug.

[VertexCarver]

Kind of shows how primitive a lathe really is. A motor, chuck & tail spike?
Idk if anyone's seen a pole lathe, It's quite impressive to be honest.

[DiegoSynth]

Wow, congratulations; you did a great job, specially being your first time! Based on the results I would say the machine is good enough. The wood coming off the lathe may be because of: big hole (I noticed you drilled a big one), incorrect speed, or lack of pressure (with the vibration the stop tends to moves away).
These cheap machines usually have "their things", meaning parts that may break or fail. But in general nothing that cannot be worked around / fixed.