| | |  | Search by Manufacturer | Home » » PSI TCLPlus Turncrafter Plus 2.5 Amp 7-1/2-Inch Swing-by-12-1/2-Inch between Centers 1/4-Horsepower Benchtop Woodworking Lathe | | | | | | | Description: | | If you're just getting started in turning, welcome to a fantastic hobby – and you're looking at the right lathe. This Turncrafter is perfect for beginners, because it's not a big investment, yet it's surprisingly good quality for the price. On a lathe this size, you'll most likely be making pens, ornaments, candlesticks, small bowls and cups, so the 1/4-horsepower motor is plenty of power. We were frankly impressed that a lathe at this price would have variable speeds, and the speed range is an impressive 750 to 3,200 rpm. You'll use the slower speeds for roughing your column, and the higher speeds will give you great fine cuts. At 43 pounds, it's sturdy and heavy enough to dampen any vibration you might feel, but it's also light enough to be completely portable, perfect for the home workshop where several benchtops share the same bench top. Its footprint is minimal, at about 2 feet long and just 5 inches wide. The largest diameter piece you can turn on this lathe is 7-1/2 inches, and the longest piece you can turn is 12-1/2 inches – the distance between the centers on the headstock and tailstock. That leaves open a wide array of projects, limited only by the imagination. We were impressed, also, that this little machine comes with two tool rests: one is 4-1/2 inches, the other, 7 inches, along with a faceplate (used for turning plates, cups and bowls), a spur center, live tailstock center (rotates with the stock to reduce friction and, thus, heat), a knockout bar and wrench. Quality, flexibility and price make this lathe a front-running choice for those getting into woodturning as well as for experienced turners who want a separate lathe for small projects such as pens and chess pieces. This is a good buy.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste | | | Features: | |
• 1/4 HP, 750-3200 RPM
• Weighs 43 pounds
• Cast-iron construction
• Includes 4-1/2- and 7-inch toolrests, knockout bar and wrench, #1 morse taper spur center, 2-inch faceplate, live tailstock center
• 3-year warranty
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 28.0 inches | | Product Width:
| 7.0 inches | | Product Height:
| 13.0 inches | | Package Length:
| 27.7 inches | | Package Width:
| 13.3 inches | | Package Height:
| 7.5 inches | | Package Weight:
| 49.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 6 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 Best Deal in Town!Sep 15, 2009
By Leon P. Reyna
"Minolta Man"
If you are student or are new to wood turning then look no further. This lathe offers the best of both worlds which are Value and Quality. Unlike other lathes of this size that cost upwards of $700.00 this little guy has what it takes to compete with the big boys. Below are the specific reasons why you should pick up one.
Turner Craft Plus 1/4 hp - 2.5 Amp Lathe with a 3/4" 16 TPI Headstock & using #1 MT Mount
1. This lathe is solidly built, the motor is smooth and turns with low noise and vibration compared to others. And the 2 tool rests included with this item safely and securely supports your tools for confident wood turning.
2. This is a 1/4 hp variable speed lathe!! Unlike other lathes that require you to dis-assemble your lathe to reposition the motor belt, this little guy will run slow as snails or fast as jack rabbits with the turn of the dial. Trust me when I say how great this is, because when you are in the middle of a project nothing ticks me off more than to have to stop while my creative juices are flowing to take apart my machine to get it to do what I want. Other high dollar lathes give you "FIXED" speeds of low medium or high, this little guy lets you fine tune the best speed for you piece of wood instantly. With no interruptions your creative juices can turn into a tidal wave!
3. The tool rest assembly and tailstock assembly utilize a spring loaded adjustment knob that makes adjustments quick and easy. And when you lock them into place they will stay put and not drift.
4. If you need more power to handle heavier, and or extremely hard turn stock (wood), You can replace the 1/4 hp motor with a 1/2 hp motor for $120 through Penn State Industries! They sell an upgrade kit!
5. The money you save buying this lathe can be used to buy high end turning tools and accessories. Trust me again when I say that using your money on better lathe tools is a real bonus because it can add up real fast! A nice lathe chuck can cost up to $200! A superior set of lathe turning tools can cost $200 to $300 dollars or more! Please remember better tools WILL give you super smooth results faster and easier, and the tools will stay sharper longer lowering the amount of time you spend sharpening your tools.
6. The tail stock assembly can be completely removed, and when it's removed you have an unimpeded view and access to your turn stock. This is a major bonus when you are turning bowls or other items that call for you to hollow out your turn stock. Many projects have been ruined by removing too much wood from the inside of bowls and vases. So this is a major plus!!!!
Well I hope this helps. Please know that the reasons listed here come from my own 1st hand expierences. I own and use the same model lathe and it has brought me great joy!
Have a great day!
LPR - Houston
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Great lathe for mini turning...Jan 10, 2007
By Barbara Messick
"B Messick"
This is a great lathe for a great price when you want to turn smaller projects and even pens. I have used it to make ornaments, pens, bottle stoppers and chess pieces...it's very nice and works really well.
It's a great machine for it's use.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Great latheNov 22, 2009
By Wags
I have owned this lathe for 3 years now and I love it. I have never had any problems and I am constantly using it. It has the convenient speed control dial unlike other lathes in this price range. Do yourself a favor and buy this cheaper lathe and spend more money on the nicer tools. You will not regret it.
 PSI TCLPlus Turncrafter PlusJun 27, 2010
By Mort Snerd
Don't waste your money, poorly made China junk. The tail stock center did not line up with the drive spindle, the tail stock was off center, Turncrafter Tech guy refused to accept the suggestion that his products were of poor quality, even when I sent photos of the discrepancy. I returned it, I hope they didn't re box it up and pass it back out into the market. Have a nice day.
Very Pleased with PerformanceJun 13, 2010
By Hector G. Duran
"HD Lures"
I've been making fishing lures by hand for some time and had been thinking about investing in a lathe. So many options out there that I wasn't sure which brand to get. I picked this mini lathe from PSI mainly for the price and the reviews at Amazon. I'm extremely happy with it and have already made several dozen fishing lures with it. I'm hooked on wood turning and I'm already thinking about working on other projects. I highly recommend this mini lathe if you want to get into wood turning. You will like the price, its features, performance, and quality. There is great information and tips available at PSI's website, and their catalog has some very cool accessories.
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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