Lathes

What you need to consider when buying a woodturning machine

If you want to buy a woodturning lathe, there are various parameters that should be taken into account. In addition to size and weight, the correct spindle connection, Morse taper and many other key data are also decisive. Below you will find a list of the most important features of woodturning machines.

You can find even more detailed information in our woodturning lathe test. Or you can jump directly to our comparison of machines.

Get in touch now!

Buying a wood lathe - the right connections, threads and cones

When buying a woodturning lathe, you should make sure that the connections are compatible with other tools and accessories. Specifically, this concerns the spindle thread, the spindle taper and the tailstock taper.
The most common thread for wood turners is the M33x3.5 mm thread and the most common taper is the MK2 taper. All our own brand machines are equipped with this. However, you can also find the right adapters for all other threads in our shop.

Do you want to buy a wood lathe? A suitable cone is a must!

Motor power and speed control of your woodturning machine

The motor power of woodturning machines is usually specified in kW/hp. The more horsepower a machine has, the more powerful it is. An important component in woodturning lathes is a frequency converter. This ensures constant motor power and infinitely variable speed control.

Many inexpensive woodturning lathes are only equipped with electronic speed control. As a result, they do not provide the same motor power over the entire speed range. All our own brand machines are equipped with a frequency converter.

Are you wondering which woodturning machine to buy? Give us a call on 0 59 37 / 91 32 34!

Centre height and centre width

The centre height indicates the distance between the centre of the spindle and the bench bed. For example, if your bench has a centre height of 230 mm, plates and bowls up to 460 mm can be turned. The centre width, on the other hand, indicates the distance between the centres in the headstock and tailstock. With a centre distance of 500 mm, you can therefore turn workpieces up to 500 mm wide.

With our Stratos FU-230, for example, you can turn bowls over the bench bed up to 460 mm. You can also produce rungs up to 700 mm between the centres. If you extend the centre height with an optional external turning device, plates with a diameter of more than 800 mm are possible with this machine. A bench bed extension even enables rung lengths of up to 1160 mm.

Do you have a specific project in mind? Then you will find all the information on the turning diameters, centre widths and centre heights in the technical data of the products. This way, you can buy the right woodturning lathe that is customised to your ideas!

What should your woodturning lathe be able to do?

Buying a woodturning lathe with a rotating spindle head

Woodturning machines from around €1000 often have a rotating spindle head. This enables turning with a straight back or the use of an external turning device. This allows you to achieve an even larger diameter.
The MIDI Pro machine is, among other things, the cheapest machine in our range with a rotating spindle head. By slightly tilting the head, you can achieve a slightly greater centre height and greater comfort when turning. This is because you do not always have to bend over the bench bed. With a 90° rotation of the spindle head, you can even achieve a centre height of 350 mm.

Each device has its own special features - what do you need?

Tailstock stroke and trapezoidal thread

The quill of woodturning machines can be extended from the tailstock. The "stroke" indicates how far it can be extended. The quill is operated by means of a thread. If you buy a high-quality wood lathe from us, it works with a trapezoidal thread. This is far less susceptible to wear and abrasion than conventional threads.

A trapezoidal thread is indispensable, especially for deep holes where a lot of pressure is applied, and is an indication of quality and durability. The following machines are equipped with such a thread. You will find the relevant information in all articles under the technical data.

• Stratos FU 230
• MIDI 2 Plus
• MIDI Pro
• Stratos XL
• Twister XL

Do you have any further questions? Then contact us before you buy your woodturning lathe!

Weight of your new woodturning lathe

Rotating bodies generate vibrations, which is unavoidable when turning. These can be absorbed by certain designs. Ultimately, however, the heavier a woodturning lathe, the less vibration. If you want to turn particularly large items, you should therefore keep an eye on the weight before buying a wood lathe.

Our Twister and Stratos machines are each equipped with a particularly solid grey cast iron base frame. Stratos and Twister XL have the correspondingly heavier bench bed and base frame from our range. Our MIDI Pro, on the other hand, has a base frame that can be filled with quartz sand, for example, to provide additional weight.

Our all-rounder: the Stratos XL

Bearing distance

The bearing distance indicates how far apart the outer bearings that hold the spindle are. The greater the bearing distance, the more stability you have when turning, especially with larger objects that are turned "on the fly".

When designing the spindle heads of our woodturning machines, we have taken care to maximise the distance between the bearings. Have a look at the technical data of the machines to get an overview of the respective bearing distances or simply give us a call on: 0 59 37 / 91 32 34.

Depending on the task: Buy the right woodturning machine from us!

Buy a woodturning lathe and expand as required

Are you planning to use external turning devices, steady rests or other items in the future? Then you should make sure that your machine offers these components as standard.

When you buy a woodturning lathe from Drechselbedarf Schulte, you can look forward to a wide range of accessories. These include quick-change systems, knife rests, bench bed extensions, external turning devices and much more.

Buy a woodturning lathe from Schulte

Stratos, Twister and MIDI - these are the names of the woodturning machines from our own brand. When you buy one of these woodturning lathes, you benefit from the expertise of numerous woodturners and engineers.
Intuitive operation and ergonomic working have always been at the forefront of development. This enables us to provide the best possible woodturning experience. Our woodturning lathes are designed by woodturners for woodturners. Machines of the highest quality at a fair price and including a 5-year guarantee.

We will be happy to advise you - contact us here!

Professional machines Stratos

The Stratos XL woodturning machine is the largest and heaviest from Schulte. It combines enormous weight with precision and is suitable for both the largest and the smallest turning jobs. It can also be extended in many ways, making it an absolute professional machine.
Woodturners from all over Europe now appreciate the Stratos FU 230, an all-rounder lathe: heavy, powerful, incredibly precise and expandable in many ways at an unbeatable price. You can buy this woodturning lathe from us - directly from the manufacturer!

Practical all-rounder: Twister

The Twister ECO woodturning machine is the economical version of the Twister FU 200 and has almost the same key technical data, but does without a few details to keep the price lower.

Thanks to the heavy cast-iron feet, this "small" woodturning lathe is also suitable for larger projects. Equipped with a frequency converter, it also delivers sufficient power across the entire speed range!

Order the Twister Eco here!

Buy a bench lathe: KS MIDI series

The MIDI Pro has shaken up the bench lathe market since its launch. It has a rotating spindle head and an opening in the front of the bench bed. A small external turning device can be attached here. The 130 mm wide, solid bench bed ensures enormous stability.

The MIDI 1 lathe has been one of the most popular bench lathes in Germany for years. 175 mm centre height and 1 hp motor with frequency converter provide sufficient scope and power for your woodturning projects.

The MIDI series was expanded in 2019 to include the MIDI 2, which was replaced by the MIDI 2 Plus in 2022. The MIDI 2 Plus is a further upgrade of the bench and offers, among other things, a better bench bed, a larger bearing distance and an even greater speed range.
 

Buying a wood lathe - but which one? Let us advise you: call us on 0 59 37 / 91 32 34 or send an e-mail to kontakt@drechselbedarf-schulte.de!

Machines from renowned woodturning lathe manufacturers

In addition to our own woodturning machines, we also work closely with other renowned manufacturers. This means you can buy exactly the right woodturning machine for your ideas from us. Order now or contact us directly!

• Record Power
• Oneway
• Hager
• Teknatool

Buy woodturning lathe from Record Power

The English company Record Power stands for years of experience in the woodturning sector. At Drechselbedarf Schulte you will find woodturning lathes from the manufacturer for beginners as well as for professional woodturners at an attractive price.

The classic entry-level model, for example, is the inexpensive, small Record Power DML 320 woodturning lathe. It has a 0.5 hp motor, a standardised M33 spindle thread and MK2 cone.

Otherwise, you will find the right model in every price range with the DML 320, Coronet Herald and the new Regent and Envoy woodturning machines. Simply buy your woodturning lathe online here!

The Record Power SML 320: Your new machine?

Oneway woodturning machines

Oneway woodturning lathes are high-quality and durable machines that have been specially developed for professional woodturners. The Canadian manufacturer is known for its large and heavy woodturning machines, which offer high stability and enable the machining of large workpieces.

With powerful motors, precise controls and a wide range of adjustment options, Oneway woodturning lathes offer the power and precision required for demanding woodturning work. They are the choice of many professionals to turn creative ideas into high-quality woodturning projects.

Are you looking to buy a woodturning lathe? You've come to the right place!

Hager lathes

Hager woodturning lathes Made in Germany: Hager from Bavaria manufactures lathes in top German quality. It also offers a comprehensive range of accessories such as copying devices, ball lathes, suction aids and much more. Do you want to buy a reliable lathe? Then these models are the right choice for you.

Are you unsure which of our woodturning lathes is right for you? Then let us advise you - simply contact us by phone, e-mail or via our form!

Buy a used wood lathe

Our course woodturning machines are replaced every six months. Therefore, always take a look at our online shop to purchase a used machine at a top price. This can be the ideal solution, especially for trying things out. Simply browse through our range and find your new woodturning machine!

Are you just starting out in the craft? Then you will need some other accessories in addition to a suitable lathe. It's best to read our blog post on basic woodturning equipment!

Basic woodturning equipment - Everything you need for woodturning!