Lathe Speed

[Boomalia]

I have a Delta midi lathe and turn at 2650 rpm, I set the RPM at this speed and never changed it but it can go to 3700 RPM. What is the average speed for turning a pen?
Thanks
Gary

 

[Blind_Squirrel]

10,000 RPM [:0]

 

[alamocdc]

Gary, I keep my Delta midi at 1250. I tried all the other speeds a few weeks ago and I didn't like the feel. 1250 suits my needs and I don't have to change it for finishing synthetics.

 

[Geo in Winnipeg]

Gary, I have the Delta midi as well and use 1250 for turning and 800 for sanding.

 

[Tea Clipper]

Gary, I turn at 3000 but slow it down to 1000 for sanding and polish, and 500 for applying the SS or Enduro.

 

[DocStram]

Question: "What speed do you like to run your lathe?"

Answer: "One setting below FRIGHT!"

Just an old woodturner's joke.

 

[Randy_]

Turn at 3000± and

Sand/finish at 500.

 

[53Jim]

This past weekend I got a very large case of the LAZY'S and didn't change the speed from 3,000 and started to turn a pen with a skew. What a difference. I am going to use higher speeds for turning from now on.

HTH

Jim

 

[woodbutcher]

On my Delta midi I turn at the highest setting. I sand and finish there as well but use very little pressure during those processes.
Jim

 

[GBusardo]

As fast as it will go [] Seems like I get my best cuts that way
Gary

 

[Jerryconn]

I too use a Delta midi and I turn at either 1250 or 1800 rpm, apply CA at 500 rpm, and sand at the highest setting, I think 3750 rpm.

 

[wood-of-1kind]

I vary speed according to the wood specie. Anywhere from 1800 RPM to 3000 RPM. Sand at 1200 RPM, MM @ 500 RPM

-Peter-

 

[smoky10]

I turn at 3750 and sand at lower speeds, depending on the type of wood.

 

[bradh]

about 1700 to rough and shape, 1200 to sand and 500 to finish, then back to 1700 to polish.
Brad

 

[Rudy Vey]

I don't think it is of that much importance, use the speed you are most comfy with! As you have seen here, you get the whole spectrum of speeds. I personally turn and sand at high speed (I don't even know the rpm's of my lathe, but I used the high-speed setting of the belt), for application of either Enduro or CA I turn the speed down to 200-300 rpm's or so. A big advantage is a variable speed lathe, though - no need to change belt settings!!