Wen Lathe Review
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WEN's wood lathes are the cheapest cast-iron machines that owners consistently report surviving real use, and the lineup is small enough to summarize in two sentences: the LA3421 (8" x 13", 3.2A, variable speed) is the current mini for pens and small bowls, and the 3424T / LA3424 (12" x 18", 4.5A, five speeds from 520 to 3,400 RPM) is the benchtop step up. This review covers the WEN 3420 — the discontinued predecessor of the LA3421 that still circulates widely on the used market — with the current models compared below.
Model note (updated July 2026) — WEN no longer sells the 3420 new. Its direct replacement, the LA3421, keeps the same 8" swing and 3.2A motor with a revised speed range. Everything in this review about capacity, tapers, and build applies to both; buy the LA3421 new, or the 3420 used at a discount.
The WEN lathe lineup at a glance
| Model | Capacity | Motor | Speeds | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3420 (this review) | 8" x 12" | 3.2A (1/3 HP) | 750–3,200 RPM variable | Discontinued — used market |
| LA3421 | 8" x 13" | 3.2A | Variable | Current mini |
| 3424T / LA3424 | 12" x 18" | 4.5A | 5 fixed: 520–3,400 RPM | Current benchtop |
The pattern across owner reports on all three: WEN gives you cast iron and honest capacity at roughly half the price of a Rikon or Jet equivalent, and takes its margin out of the accessories and the finish quality of the small parts.
There are hundreds of different wood lathes available in the market, which can make it confusing for new woodturners. How do you know what lathe accessories you'll need? How much horsepower should you look for? What machine features should you pay attention to?
The Wen 3420 has captured the attention of professional and hobbyist woodturners alike since its release on the market. Here is what the 3420 does well, where it falls short, and who should buy which WEN instead.
Key Features of the Wen 3420 Wood Lathe
A Reliable Tool
The Wen 3420 wood lathe's construction is made from solid cast iron, and with Wen's long history in tool manufacture, you know you're getting a quality tool. When you hold the Wen wood lathe, you get a sense of its durability. This is a tool that's built to last.
Lightweight & Compact
This lightweight mini-lathe weighs in at a tiny 45 lbs. Although not quite pocket-sized, it is small and measures 26" x 10" x 12". So it's a decent fit for an average-sized workbench.
The work area offers an 8" swing and you can work with up to a 12" length of wood by adjusting the movable tailstock, which makes the Wen wood lathe perfect for small projects.
Intuitive Functions
When you're new to woodturning, you're enthusiastic and keen to get started. Yet, it can be daunting to come face-to-face with a full-sized lathe. Here are a few tips for first-time woodturners.
The Wen 3420 offers genuinely intuitive controls which means you'll be working independently in no time at all. In particular, you'll find that it's straightforward to adjust the lathe settings with a quick-release lever.
Changing the accessories can be done quickly with a wrench and a knockout rod.
Small, but Mighty Motor
When you're shopping for a good lathe, you need to know it's got enough power to meet your needs. The Wen 3420 lathe keeps things turning with a decent motor size. Its smooth "2a motor" runs on 3.2 Amps (1/3 HP) and 120V.
As far as mini lathes go, the Wen 3420 packs enough of a punch to turn bowls and smaller cups in a good amount of time, saving you both time and money.
With these numbers the 3420 obviously does not compete with full-size machines — it is not meant to. It is sized and priced for the home woodturner's bench.
But there are plenty of other Wen products to meet your needs if you're looking for something a bit more hard-hitting.
Speed Control Feature
Another important lathe feature is the adjustable speed control. As all good woodturners know, controlling the turning speed is vital to manage your accuracy and ultimately to produce a good quality project.
The Wen 3420 wood lathe gives you a choice of two different speed functions: a fixed-rate speed and a variable speed. It's the variable speed that gives you better accuracy when you're turning bowls. The variable speed ranges between 750-3200 RPM.
The bad thing about this price bracket is that the variable speed control feature tends to be hit-and-miss. Owner reports on budget mini-lathes regularly complain of choppy speed regulators — smooth speed change under load is one of the first things that separates a usable machine from a frustrating one.
The 3420 does better than its price suggests here: owners consistently describe the regulator as steady, without the surging that plagues other lathes in this bracket.
Changing between speeds doesn't result in the jerks and judders that you may find in other machines.
The Spindle & Tailstock
Arguably, the spindle and tailstock are two of the most important components of any wood lathe. A versatile spindle and sturdy-built tailstock are vital to the success of any woodturning project.
The Wen 3420 machine comes out of the box with an MT1 type of spindle and tailstock taper, with threads that measure in at 1" x 8 TPI. The spindle and tailstock grip your workpieces tightly, so there's no risk of a piece flying off mid-turn.
Adjusting the tailstock is straightforward with the easy lever clamping system. With a quick flick of the lever, you're able to precisely adjust the distance between the headstock and tailstock to suit your project.
A Wide Choice of Accessories
When you buy a Wen 3420 wood lathe, you get all the essential accessories to get you turning quickly. The Wen 3420 lathe accessories features:
- A 5" faceplate to hold your wood when turning a bowl or plate
- A flat wrench to allow you to install and remove the faceplate
- A **headstock spur center, **which is inserted into the headstock and spins with your wood
- A tailstock cup center, which helps prevent your wood from splitting
- A **knockout rod, **which you can use to remove an accessory from the headstock
- 2x 4.5" x 7" tool rests, which are ideal for supporting your tools as you work
All of the accessories are well-made and help ensure your machinery functions properly.
Since the Wen 3420 machine uses standard MT1 size headstock tapers, you'll find a wide range of lathe accessories that are compatible with it, including pen mandrels.
Safety Features
For anyone new to woodturning, it can be nerve-wracking to try and handle a heavy-duty, powerful tool, which is why Wen built three safety features into the 3420.
When you first switch on the lathe, the motor has a soft start feature, which means it won't reach full power immediately. It's the ideal function to help you avoid unwanted mishaps. By the way, here's a list of things to buy for your safety kit.
The machine construction also includes a safety switch key, which you should remove every time you turn the lathe off. This prevents any untrained individuals from gaining access to the lathe and reduces the risk of accidents.
Like most power tools, the Wen 3420 has a circuit breaker reset button, which will allow you to quickly restart the motor if it stops due to overloading or low voltage.
Together, the soft start, safety key, and breaker reset cover the failure modes that actually happen at a beginner's lathe.
Bottom line — a $150-200 used 3420 or a new LA3421 buys real cast iron, a steady speed regulator, and standard MT1/1"x8 TPI fittings. The trade-offs are 1/3 HP (no heavy cuts), no reverse, and a motor that runs warm during long sessions.
Getting it running
- Bolt the lathe to a bench or stand heavy enough to absorb vibration.
- Install the spur center in the headstock and the cup center in the tailstock.
- Set the speed low, mount a practice blank between centers, and check it spins true before the first cut.
Summary of Features
- Dimensions: 26" (L) x 10" (W) x 12" (H)
- Speed: Range between 750-3200 RPM
- Capacity: 8" swing, 12" between centers
- Motor Size: 3.2 Amp (1/3 HP), 120V
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Taper Size: MT1
- Thread: 1" x 8 TPI
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros & Cons
All-in-all, the Wen 3420 wood lathe is a fantastic starter machine for both the beginner woodturner and seasoned professional. Like any tool, it has its pros and cons.
The Pros
- Excellent price point
- Very compact and lightweight – ideal if you're short on space on your benchtop
- Decent power output
- Generously-sized tool rests
- Variable speeds enable accurate woodturning
- Cast iron means its sturdy, durable and reliable
- Perfect for small projects like chess pieces, pens, bowls, and cups
The Cons
- After prolonged use, the motor tends to get overheated
- Not suitable for heavy-duty or large projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The 3420 earned its reputation as the entry point that does not punish beginners: honest cast-iron build, a steady speed regulator, and standard MT1/1"x8 TPI fittings that accept the accessories you will buy later.
Buy the LA3421 if you want it new; grab a used 3420 without hesitation if one turns up under $150.
How can I support my chisels and other tools for controlled movements? on AmazonWritten by Vince
Vince is a woodturner and the founder of WoodturningOnline. He writes tool reviews, buying guides, and turning tutorials to help woodturners at every level make informed decisions about their craft and equipment.