Wen LA3421 - User Manual

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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.

NEED HELP? CONTACT US!

Have product questions? Need technical support? Please feel free to contact us:

TECHSUPPORT@WENPRODUCTS.COM1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM-5PM CST)

For replacement parts and the most up-to-date instruction manuals, visit WENPRODUCTS.COM

VARIABLE SPEED

WOODWORKING LATHE

Instruction Manual

MODEL LA3421

Main Page

Questions and Answers

O
owangJul 29, 2025
What to do if my Wen LA3421 Lathe motor or spindle stalls and won't start?
- J
  Jonathan McclureJul 29, 2025
  If your Wen Lathe's motor or spindle stalls and won't start, there are several potential causes. It could be due to an excessive cut (reduce the depth of the cut), a worn, damaged, or improperly adjusted belt (adjust or replace the belt), worn spindle bearing (replace the bearing), or a workpiece that is too large (switch to a smaller workpiece). Additionally, check the carbon brushes for wear and replace if needed. Finally, a blown fuse could be the culprit, so replace the fuse located on the rear of the control box.
J
Jason AndersonAug 12, 2025
Why is my Wen LA3421 Lathe experiencing excessive vibration?
- M
  Matthew BeckerAug 12, 2025
  Excessive vibration in your Wen Lathe can stem from several issues. The workpiece might be warped, out of round, have a major flaw, or was improperly prepared for turning. Correct this by planing or sawing the workpiece, or discard it and start over. Other causes include worn spindle bearings (replace the spindle bearings), a worn drive belt (replace the drive belt), or the lathe being on an uneven surface (place the lathe on a flat surface, such as a benchtop or lathe stand).

Summary

General Safety Rules

Work Area Safety

Guidelines for maintaining a safe work environment, including lighting, avoiding hazards, and keeping others clear.

Electrical Safety

Precautions regarding electrical cords, grounding, and avoiding wet conditions for safe operation.

Personal Safety

Advice on staying alert, using PPE, preventing accidental starts, and proper attire for safe operation.

Power Tool Use and Care

Instructions for proper use, maintenance, and handling of the power tool to ensure safety and longevity.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Electrical Information

Grounding Instructions

Details on proper grounding procedures to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Specific Rules for Your Lathe

Woodworking Lathe Safety

Specific safety precautions and best practices for operating the woodworking lathe.

Operation

Spindle Turning

Detailed guide to setting up and performing spindle turning between centers.

To Shape the Outside of the Bowl

To Shape the Inside of the Bowl

The WEN LA3421 Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe is a power tool designed for turning pens, chess pieces, cups, and other small workpieces. It is engineered to WEN's highest standards for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety, promising years of rugged, trouble-free performance when properly cared for and used as intended.

Function Description:

The lathe's primary function is to rotate a workpiece at high speeds, allowing users to shape and smooth wood using various turning tools. It features a headstock, tailstock, and tool rest, which are essential components for securing and working on the workpiece. The variable speed control allows for precise adjustment of the rotation speed to suit different materials and turning tasks. The lathe is suitable for both spindle turning (between centers) and faceplate turning (for bowls and platters, though the LA3421 is specifically noted for smaller workpieces).

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: LA3421
Motor: 120V, 60 Hz, 3.2A
Swing: 8 Inches (This refers to the maximum diameter of a workpiece that can be turned over the bed.)
Distance Between Centers: 13 Inches (This indicates the maximum length of a workpiece that can be mounted between the headstock and tailstock.)
Speeds: 750 to 3200 RPM (Variable speed allows for fine-tuning the rotation speed.)
Spindle Taper: MT1 (Morse Taper 1, a standard size for mounting accessories.)
Spindle Thread: 1 Inch x 8TPI (Threads per inch, for attaching faceplates and chucks.)
Tailstock Taper: MT1
Tool Rest Length: 4-1/2 or 7 Inches (Two different lengths are provided for versatility.)
Dimensions: 28 in. x 10 in. x 12 in.
Weight: 45 Pounds

Usage Features:

Variable Speed Control: A speed control knob allows users to adjust the lathe's RPM from 750 to 3200. It's crucial to always start the lathe at the lowest speed setting and gradually increase it to the appropriate speed for the workpiece and task.
Gradual Start-Up: The chuck does not immediately spin at full speed when turned on; it gradually ramps up, serving as a safety feature and protecting the motor.
Safety Switch Key: The ON/OFF switch includes a removable safety switch key to prevent unintentional starting.
Spring-Loaded Lock Levers: These handles for the tailstock quill and tool rest are designed to minimize interference and can be repositioned as needed.
Mounting Options: The lathe can be securely mounted to a benchtop using bolts and washers.
Spindle Turning: This involves mounting the workpiece between the spur center in the headstock and a live center in the tailstock. Proper centering and securing of the workpiece are emphasized.
Faceplate Turning: For larger diameter workpieces like bowls, a faceplate is used. The manual notes that this lathe is intended for smaller workpieces, suggesting limitations for very large faceplate projects. Glue or waste blocks can be used to prevent mounting screws from interfering with the workpiece.
Turning Tools: The manual describes various turning tools and their applications, including roughing gouges, round nose scrapers, spindle gouges, parting tools, skew chisels, and bowl gouges, providing guidance on their use for different cuts and shapes (e.g., coves, beads, V-grooves, shaping bowls).
Cutting Techniques: Emphasizes starting with a large roughing gouge, cutting downhill from large to small diameter, and maintaining bevel contact for control.
Sanding and Finishing: Instructions are provided for sanding (starting with finer grits, progressing without skipping) and applying finishes while the workpiece is still on the lathe, at low speeds.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Cleaning: The machine should be cleaned daily to prevent rust caused by sawdust and wood chips. Compressed air or a brush is recommended for removing debris.
Lubrication: Periodically apply a light coat of good-quality paste wax to all machined surfaces to protect against rust and corrosion. Machine lubricant on the bed helps keep the surface clean and ensures smooth movement of the tool rest and tailstock. Spring levers and threaded parts also benefit from periodic lubrication.
Belt Inspection: The drive belt should be regularly inspected for cracks, cuts, and general wear. Damaged belts must be replaced before operation.
Bearing Maintenance: All bearings are sealed for life and do not require maintenance. If a bearing becomes faulty, it should be replaced.
Tightness Check: All nuts and bolts should be periodically checked for tightness.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive guide helps diagnose common issues such as excessive cut, motor stalls, excessive vibration, tools grabbing, and tailstock movement, offering solutions like adjusting or replacing parts, sharpening tools, or repositioning components.