WEN LA3421 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe + WEN PM01 Wooden Lathe Pen-Turning MT1 Mandrel

I bought this to make Pens with and have made a couple so far for gifts, they came out really nice and the lathe was super easy to setup and use. Probably doesn't even need a manual as it's pretty intuitive. Obviously the motor isn't a stong as a commercial unit but it was more than adequate for the job I needed it for... it's a pretty capable unit.

I have had this lathe for almost a year and used it for the first time 3 weeks ago. Here is my opinion: The tool rest moves and does not secure even after tightening down with a wrench. The tail stock also moves even when fully tightened when you are using forstner bits so i had to add a clamp behind the tail stock to keep it from moving. The rest is oddly shaped so you cannot ride your hand/finger along side of it for even cuts, so I have to flip it around to use it to make even passes. If there is a SLIGHT bit of vibration, the variable speed dial moves so your speed is increased or decreased. Okay for a beginner lathe, which this was for me, but I bought the Rockler Excelsior 3 weeks ago to replace it.