What Speed to I Use to Turn Wood?

In general, spindles …that is, a piece between centers (not bowls) you need to turn at higher speeds. But only if you are comfortable with that speed. So if you are turning wood pens or turning a candle stick holder you can use lathe speeds over 2000 rpm

Wood Lathe Speed for
Turning Tool Handles

For instance, if I’m making some tool handles I will use a tree limb, or small tree trunk, generally around 3 inches wide and put it between centers. I use the roughing gouge to start and a speed of 600 rpm or so until I knock off all the high points. Then you can turn the speed up and make your handle blank at a speed of 1000 to 2000 rpm.

That’s what I’m comfortable with …considering my skills, my tools and my lathe!

Wood Lathe Speed for
Turning Wood Bowls

When turning a bowl there are all kinds of options to consider when turning your bowl blank. Is your bowl blank balanced or is it out of balance. If you have an odd shape piece of wood on the lathe you can’t turn it fast or else the lathe will walk across the floor.

Type of Lathe Determines Lathe Speed

Wood lathe speed is also determined by the type of lathe you have. Is it strong and heavy, or small and light. Often times you need to weigh lathe down or bolt to the floor.

Wood Type Will Determine Lathe Speed

Don’t forget wood type and condition. Dry wood is usually hard and difficult to shape. You almost have to use a higher speed, but in my experience, dry and hard wood at a fast speed causes more accidents. So, I keep the speed low and if a bowl gouge doesn’t work, I try a big scarper.

Proponent of High Speeds for Wood Lathe

I remember watching a video of a guy turning some bowls. He was an experienced turner but he was a proponent for using fast…fast…turning speeds. He said the tool works best and you have a better experience. Well….not me, I was just beginning and common sense tells me not to let that piece of wood go as fast as I could (use slow speed), and that I should use extreme care when pushing the tool into the wood …..at any speed, but certainly not a fast speed.

Variable Speed Wood Lathe

If you have not yet purchased a wood lathe, you should consider getting a wood lathe with a variable speed control. That will give you the most control of your woodturning speeds.  Otherwise, you will be stuck with one speed or changing belts to get different speeds.

I recomend  Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 Revo Lathe, 18″/36″, Black  a solid lathe with variable speed control. But if you are purchasing a new lathe compare the features of the Laguana Wood Lathe with anything you might be buying.

 

This is just my opinion on Lathe Speeds.

Adjust your speed according to your experience and your comfort.

I would suggest to anyone to start off slow and safe. Then increase your speed as you are comfortable and your turning is productive and efficient.

Check out this video on lathe speed

Another good lathe speed video