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Your cart is empty.1/3 Horsepower bench top lathe with variable speed motor
Shaun S. Roberts
September 1, 2025
here is the exact same lathe found at [...] I know I was searching for the specs since I purchased this Shop fox.Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini LatheThe Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is an exceptional value among true mini lathes. Designed specifically for pen turning and other small woodturning projects, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe offers quality construction, dependable performance and a 5 year, 100% satisfaction guarantee making it the right choice for budget-minded woodturners who demand a great value. Whether you're just getting started or you're looking for a second wood turning lathe, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is just what you're looking for. Perfect for pen turning and small woodturning projects Compact, easy to transport Electronic variable speed drive High torque lathe motor for increased power under load Soft start-up for safety and motor longevity Adjustable cam-lock tool rest and tailstock Cast iron construction 5 year 100% satisfaction guarantee Specifications: 8" dia. capacity 12" capacity between centers Electronic variable speed drive Speed range- 750-3200 rpm 1/3 h.p. motor,120 v 1 phase 1"-8 tpi spindle No.1MT headstock and tailstock 43 lbs Standard Equipment: 4-1/4" and 6-3/4" Tool Rests 2-1/4" Faceplate 4 Prong Drive Center Revolving Cup Center Faceplate Wrench Knock-out Bar Instruction Manual
Erik Holdenn
August 25, 2025
Really nice wood lathe. Quality was more than expected for the price. Very easy to put together, a lot better than my last lathe that took a couple hours to setup, this one only took about 30 minutes (and that was taking my time). Came with two different size tool rests, which was nice. I was a little concerned abut the 1/3hp motor in making a decision to purchase this unit. However, it works very nice at all speeds. The motor and this lathe work well together. It seems to all be perfectly balanced and in tune right out of the box. For a bench top lathe, there is no vibration and the unit runs extremely quiet. The weight of the lathe is enough to keep it from moving around during operation, I didn't need to clamp it down or bolt it to the bench. The tool rest can be moved in any direction, which will come in handy for those weird projects. In all, this is a very fine wood lathe, especially for the price
Kindle Customer
July 6, 2025
If you are looking for an inexpensive lathe to putter around on, this one will do that. It has some good points and some not-so-good points. The faceplate is excellent, IHMO. The motor adjustment is also good - RPMs are spot on. The bed had some issues out of the box - a thin layer of corrosion on the bare metal - easily fixed with some scotchbright and WD-40. The tailstock didn't move smoothly along the bed at first, I had to sand down a few rough spots. I wasn't impressed with the quality of the two tool rests. It seems like they were dipped in sand and rocks and then painted. Very rough and bumpy. The tailstock and toolrest slide on the bed and are locked down via an eccentric rod and a locking plate. I found that the locking nuts that hold the locking plate to the bed come loose easily and require frequent tightening. Annoying, but not a show stopper. I will probably replace them at some point in time. I would have preferred a wheel style handwheel, but the one included isn't bad.I have turned a few projects on it and they came out good. My kids have have made a few projects on it and really enjoyed it. It's not a very intimidating tool - simple adjustments, operation is easy to understand - so the kids gravitated towards it.If you are looking for a big, beefy monster to turn giant salad bowls or table legs...this isn't it. It does excell at turning small pieces.
Kyle Gibson
June 4, 2025
This lathe possesses many of the features of the 4-500 dollar mini-lathes. Full variable speed without having the change belts, #1 Morse Taper head and tail-stocks, and everything you need to start a hobby that will last a lifetime. The quality is much better than I expected, and while some of the features of the more expensive varieties are not there (like a head-stock wheel or tail-stock auto-eject), you learn quickly how convinces are not really needed if you just want to turn. This lathe was my start, I have since picked up a Jet midi as well. Now my wife and I both turn pens, bottle stoppers, goblets, tops, and are starting on bowls. We both use both lathes, and have found that while this one was a quarter of the price of it's nearest competitors, it's not due to a lack of quality or features. We've managed to turn out fine quality woodworking on it. It's solid, feels like it's well built, stays in alignment, and by all indication will last as long as the more expensive lathes. I've had no issues finding #1 MT attachments like pen mandrels, live centers, drive centers, or even nuts to fit any of our chucks, all at my local woodworking store and for the most part all in stock. This lathe allows me to go from 400 to 3200 RPM with just a dial (on my jet I have a dial PLUS I have to change a belt to one of three pulleys). It even has a child lockout on the switch, something missing from the 500 dollar lathes. I can see myself using this to make pens and bowls for years, and I have recommended this exact model to several of my friends that are thinking about getting into woodturning.Worth every penny and then some, a great investment.
Arturo Sánchez Soto
May 26, 2025
Es un buen, producto, solo tuve que hacer un pequeño ajuste en la polea, se aflojó el prisionero y perdió fuerzaEstoy feliz con el mini torno
Lew Shaw
May 17, 2025
Every thing is great other than the spring handles to lock down tool bar and spindle end. Took them off and use a wrench to lock. Could use a little more power (1/3 hp), but it works, just can’t be too aggressive.
Mrs. Deborah V. Gledhill
April 30, 2025
Bought this for my daughter for Christmas. Wasn't quite sure how to wrap a 50 lb box, so I just wrapped the instruction booklet. Lots of tears upon opening.
Luis Ernesto Valdez Rubio
April 25, 2025
Lo que no me gustó obviamente que es muy pequeño pero eso ya lo sabÃa de antemano, mi primer trabajo que hice fue en unos minerales de madera de encino
Natasha
April 20, 2025
My husband purchased this machine twice.First one did have a motor issue and died only after a few weeks. (Returned)Second one has been working fine, he said he wish the motor is stronger, but overall he is happy with the product and worth the money.
Shaun S. Roberts
April 1, 2025
here is the exact same lathe found at [...] I know I was searching for the specs since I purchased this Shop fox.Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini LatheThe Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is an exceptional value among true mini lathes. Designed specifically for pen turning and other small woodturning projects, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe offers quality construction, dependable performance and a 5 year, 100% satisfaction guarantee making it the right choice for budget-minded woodturners who demand a great value. Whether you're just getting started or you're looking for a second wood turning lathe, the Apprentice(tm) 812 VS Mini Lathe is just what you're looking for. Perfect for pen turning and small woodturning projects Compact, easy to transport Electronic variable speed drive High torque lathe motor for increased power under load Soft start-up for safety and motor longevity Adjustable cam-lock tool rest and tailstock Cast iron construction 5 year 100% satisfaction guarantee Specifications: 8" dia. capacity 12" capacity between centers Electronic variable speed drive Speed range- 750-3200 rpm 1/3 h.p. motor,120 v 1 phase 1"-8 tpi spindle No.1MT headstock and tailstock 43 lbs Standard Equipment: 4-1/4" and 6-3/4" Tool Rests 2-1/4" Faceplate 4 Prong Drive Center Revolving Cup Center Faceplate Wrench Knock-out Bar Instruction Manual
Erik Holdenn
March 15, 2025
Really nice wood lathe. Quality was more than expected for the price. Very easy to put together, a lot better than my last lathe that took a couple hours to setup, this one only took about 30 minutes (and that was taking my time). Came with two different size tool rests, which was nice. I was a little concerned abut the 1/3hp motor in making a decision to purchase this unit. However, it works very nice at all speeds. The motor and this lathe work well together. It seems to all be perfectly balanced and in tune right out of the box. For a bench top lathe, there is no vibration and the unit runs extremely quiet. The weight of the lathe is enough to keep it from moving around during operation, I didn't need to clamp it down or bolt it to the bench. The tool rest can be moved in any direction, which will come in handy for those weird projects. In all, this is a very fine wood lathe, especially for the price
Kindle Customer
February 18, 2025
If you are looking for an inexpensive lathe to putter around on, this one will do that. It has some good points and some not-so-good points. The faceplate is excellent, IHMO. The motor adjustment is also good - RPMs are spot on. The bed had some issues out of the box - a thin layer of corrosion on the bare metal - easily fixed with some scotchbright and WD-40. The tailstock didn't move smoothly along the bed at first, I had to sand down a few rough spots. I wasn't impressed with the quality of the two tool rests. It seems like they were dipped in sand and rocks and then painted. Very rough and bumpy. The tailstock and toolrest slide on the bed and are locked down via an eccentric rod and a locking plate. I found that the locking nuts that hold the locking plate to the bed come loose easily and require frequent tightening. Annoying, but not a show stopper. I will probably replace them at some point in time. I would have preferred a wheel style handwheel, but the one included isn't bad.I have turned a few projects on it and they came out good. My kids have have made a few projects on it and really enjoyed it. It's not a very intimidating tool - simple adjustments, operation is easy to understand - so the kids gravitated towards it.If you are looking for a big, beefy monster to turn giant salad bowls or table legs...this isn't it. It does excell at turning small pieces.
Kyle Gibson
February 7, 2025
This lathe possesses many of the features of the 4-500 dollar mini-lathes. Full variable speed without having the change belts, #1 Morse Taper head and tail-stocks, and everything you need to start a hobby that will last a lifetime. The quality is much better than I expected, and while some of the features of the more expensive varieties are not there (like a head-stock wheel or tail-stock auto-eject), you learn quickly how convinces are not really needed if you just want to turn. This lathe was my start, I have since picked up a Jet midi as well. Now my wife and I both turn pens, bottle stoppers, goblets, tops, and are starting on bowls. We both use both lathes, and have found that while this one was a quarter of the price of it's nearest competitors, it's not due to a lack of quality or features. We've managed to turn out fine quality woodworking on it. It's solid, feels like it's well built, stays in alignment, and by all indication will last as long as the more expensive lathes. I've had no issues finding #1 MT attachments like pen mandrels, live centers, drive centers, or even nuts to fit any of our chucks, all at my local woodworking store and for the most part all in stock. This lathe allows me to go from 400 to 3200 RPM with just a dial (on my jet I have a dial PLUS I have to change a belt to one of three pulleys). It even has a child lockout on the switch, something missing from the 500 dollar lathes. I can see myself using this to make pens and bowls for years, and I have recommended this exact model to several of my friends that are thinking about getting into woodturning.Worth every penny and then some, a great investment.
Arturo Sánchez Soto
January 23, 2025
Es un buen, producto, solo tuve que hacer un pequeño ajuste en la polea, se aflojó el prisionero y perdió fuerzaEstoy feliz con el mini torno
Lew Shaw
January 14, 2025
Every thing is great other than the spring handles to lock down tool bar and spindle end. Took them off and use a wrench to lock. Could use a little more power (1/3 hp), but it works, just can’t be too aggressive.
Mrs. Deborah V. Gledhill
December 17, 2024
Bought this for my daughter for Christmas. Wasn't quite sure how to wrap a 50 lb box, so I just wrapped the instruction booklet. Lots of tears upon opening.
Luis Ernesto Valdez Rubio
November 27, 2024
Lo que no me gustó obviamente que es muy pequeño pero eso ya lo sabÃa de antemano, mi primer trabajo que hice fue en unos minerales de madera de encino
Natasha
November 24, 2024
My husband purchased this machine twice.First one did have a motor issue and died only after a few weeks. (Returned)Second one has been working fine, he said he wish the motor is stronger, but overall he is happy with the product and worth the money.
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