Page 1
1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST) TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM IMPORTANT: Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN’s highest standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings, and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for its intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
INTRODUCTION Thanks for purchasing the WEN Woodworking Lathe. We know you are excited to put your tool to work, but first, please take a moment to read through the manual. Safe operation of this tool requires that you read and understand this operator’s manual and all the labels affixed to the tool.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Page 5
GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your item works. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides the path of least resistance for an electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR YOUR LATHE WARNING! Do not operate the power tool until you have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels. WOODWORKING LATHE SAFETY 6. Adjust the tool rest to the proper height and posi- tion for the task at hand. Rotate the workpiece by 1.
TOOL PURPOSE Turn pens, chess pieces, cups, and more with your WEN Woodworking Lathe. Refer to the following diagrams to become familiarized with all the parts and controls of your lathe. The components will be referred to later in the manual for assembly and operation instructions.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS MOUNTING THE LATHE ON THE BENCHTOP Fig. 2 Measure and mark three hole centers as shown in Figure A. Drill clear- ance holes through the bench top and position the lathe in place. At- tach it securely with bolts (minimum of one inch) and washers (not included) from the underside of the bench top into the tapped holes in the bottom of the lathe’s frame.
Page 10
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS INSTALLING DRIVE SPUR AND REVOLVING CENTER Fig. 4 NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the face plate in order to install the spur center. 1. Make sure the surfaces of both the spur center and the spindle are clean.
Page 11
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS ON/OFF SWITCH The ON/OFF switch (Fig. 7 - 1) controls the power to the unit. To start the lathe, move the switch into the ON posi- tion (flipped up). NOTE: This lathe features a gradual start up, meaning that the chuck will not start spinning until couple of moments after the switch is turned ON, and will start spinning at a lower speed before gradually ramping up to its full RPM.
Page 12
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS TAILSTOCK Fig. 8 1. Move the tailstock (Fig. 8 - 5) by loosening the lock lever (Fig. 8 - 1) and pushing the tailstock to the desired position on the bed. Lock it back in place by tightening the lock lever again. 2.
OPERATION TURNING TOOLS If possible, select only quality high-speed steel turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an edge and last longer than ordinary carbon steel. As one becomes proficient in turning, a variety of specialty tools for specific applications can be acquired. The following tools provide the basics for most woodturning projects. Smoothing Bowls 45°...
Page 14
OPERATION SPINDLE TURNING Spindle turning takes place between the centers of the lathe. It requires a spur center in the headstock and a live center in the tailstock. A cup center rather than a cone center in the tailstock will often reduce the risk of splitting the stock.
Page 15
OPERATION CUTTING TECHNIQUES Begin with a large roughing gouge. Place the tool on the tool rest with the heel of the tool on the surface to be cut. Slowly and gently raise the tool handle until the cutting edge comes into contact with the workpiece. Beginning about 2 inches from the tailstock end of the workpiece, roll the flute of the tool (the hollowed-out portion) in the direction of the cut.
Page 16
OPERATION MOUNTING ON THE FACE PLATE Use of the face plate is the most common for holding a block of wood for turning bowls and plates. This is an alter- native option for workpieces with diameters that are greater than the 8-inch throat of the lathe. NOTE: Your lathe is intended for pens, chess pieces, cups, and other small workpieces.
Page 17
OPERATION TO SHAPE THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOWL Odd shaped burls, crotches and other irregular shaped blanks require special preparation before mounting in a chuck or onto a face plate. Remove the bark, if there is any from what appears to be the center of the top of the workpiece.
MAINTENANCE Keep your machine clean. At the end of each day, clean the machine. Wood contains moisture, meaning that saw- dust and wood chips can cause rust if not removed. Regular oil attracts dust and dirt. Teflon lubricant tends to dry and has less of a tendency to accumulate dirt and saw dust.
(2) years from date of purchase or 500 hours of use; whichever comes first. Ninety days for all WEN products if the tool is used for professional or commercial use.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 3421 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
WHERE IS CIRCUIT BREAKER RESET