Recommended Lathe Speeds

Recommended lathe speeds for turning wood of various maximum diameters, based on surface speed of 26 feet/second.

Maximum Diameter (Wood)	Lathe Speed
12"	500 RPM
7-1/2"	800 RPM
4-3/4"	1250 RPM
3-5/16"	1800 RPM
2-1/4"	2650 RPM
1-5/8"	3700 RPM

Reduce lathe speed from the recommended speed

For truing operations
For very slender workpieces
For laminated workpieces
For dense wood, or wood of uneven density
For wood with significant free silica (e.g. Teak)
For wood with high resin content
With eccentric mounting
If lathe is shaking

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© 2004 by Christopher M. Albrecht