Woodturning Lathe Accessories | What To Buy Next For Your Lathe
Woodturning lathe accessories every turner should buy
A lathe is only part of the turning equation. From holding workpieces securely to improving your finishes, accessories help you work safer, more accurately and with greater confidence.
Read our helpful blog to discover some of the most useful accessories to add to your woodturning setup.
Woodturning chucks and jaws
For many turners, a woodturning chuck is the first major accessory purchase after buying a lathe. A quality chuck allows you to hold workpieces securely while giving you far greater flexibility than traditional faceplates or drive centres alone. Even more importantly, additional jaw sets allow you to tackle a wider variety of projects.
Ideal for:
- Bowl turning
- Box making
- Hollow forms
- Small and large turning projects
Consider adding:
- Dovetail jaws
- Pin jaws
- Long-nose jaws
- Cole jaws for finishing bowl bottoms
A versatile chuck system is often the accessory that unlocks the full potential of a woodturning lathe.
Lathe turning tools
No lathe accessory collection is complete without expanding your range of woodturning tools. While starter kits cover the basics, specialist tools can make particular turning tasks easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Ideal for:
- Cleaner cuts
- Improved surface finish
- Greater turning control
- Specialist turning techniques
Popular additions include:
- Bowl gouges
- Spindle gouges
- Skew chisels
- Parting tools
- Hollowing tools
- Scrapers
Having the right tool for the job often means less sanding and better results straight off the lathe.
Faceplates and drive centres
Although chucks get most of the attention, faceplates and drive centres remain invaluable accessories for many turning applications. They provide secure work holding, particularly when roughing out larger blanks or handling irregular timber.
Ideal for:
- Bowl blanks
- Platter turning
- Heavy roughing work
- Natural-edge projects
Every turner benefits from having several sizes available for different projects.
Live centres and revolving centres
Upgrading your live centre can noticeably improve turning performance. Modern revolving centres offer better support, smoother operation and interchangeable tips for different applications.
Ideal for:
- Spindle turning
- Supporting long workpieces
- Pen turning
- Precision projects
They're a relatively small investment that can make a significant difference to accuracy and work holding.
Pen turning and project kits
For many woodturners, project-specific accessories open up entirely new areas of the hobby. Pen turning kits, mandrels and specialist project systems allow you to create practical and decorative items beyond traditional spindle and bowl work.
Ideal for:
- Pen making
- Bottle stoppers
- Pizza cutters
- Seam rippers
- Gift projects
These accessories are a great way to broaden your turning skills and create items that can be gifted or sold.
Sharpening systems
Even the best turning tools won't perform properly if they're dull. A dedicated sharpening system helps maintain consistent bevel angles and keeps your tools cutting efficiently. Sharp tools not only improve finish quality but also make turning safer and more enjoyable.
Ideal for:
- Maintaining cutting performance
- Improving finishes
- Increasing tool life
- Consistent sharpening results
Many turners regard sharpening equipment as essential rather than optional.
Dust extraction and air filtration
Woodturning creates large volumes of shavings, but it can also generate very fine airborne dust, especially when sanding at the lathe. Effective dust extraction and air filtration help create a cleaner, healthier workshop environment.
Ideal for:
- Dust control
- Cleaner workshops
- Better visibility
- Reduced clean-up time
Combining extraction at source with workshop air filtration provides the most effective solution.
Sanding accessories
Sanding is an important stage in many turning projects. Purpose-designed sanding systems and abrasives help achieve smoother finishes while reducing effort.
Shop machine sanders and sanding accessories
Shop power tool sanders and sanding accessories
Ideal for:
- Bowl finishing
- Decorative projects
- Resin and hybrid turning
- Fine surface preparation
Popular options include:
- Hook-and-loop sanding discs
- Powered sanding systems
- Abrasive kits
- Finishing pads
The right sanding accessories can significantly reduce finishing time.
Lighting and magnification
Good lighting helps reveal grain direction, tool marks and surface imperfections that might otherwise be missed. Lighting systems ensure your workpiece remains well illuminated throughout the turning process.
Ideal for:
- Improved visibility
- Detailed finishing work
- Reduced eye strain
- Better quality control
Many turners are surprised by how much better their results become simply through improved workshop lighting.
Health and safety
Woodturning is enjoyable and rewarding, but safety should always come first. Accessories such as full-face protection, dust masks and respirators help protect you while working at the lathe.
Ideal for:
- Eye protection
- Dust protection
- Safer workshop practices
- Greater confidence when turning
Good safety equipment should be considered an essential part of every turning setup.
Final thoughts...
A woodturning lathe becomes significantly more capable when paired with the right accessories. For most turners, investing first in a quality woodturning chuck, additional tools and an effective sharpening system will deliver the greatest immediate benefits. From there, accessories such as specialist jaws, sanding systems, upgraded centres and dust extraction can help improve both the quality of your work and your overall turning experience.
Whether you're creating bowls, spindles, platters, pens or decorative pieces, the right woodturning lathe accessories will help you turn more accurately, work more efficiently and enjoy every project even more. Explore our range of woodturning lathe accessories and discover what's possible with your lathe.
Email updates
Not part of our Email Updates yet? Sign up for FREE to receive exclusive offers, new product launches and woodworking content tailored to your individual likes and interests.
Discover more...
Finally, if you've enjoyed reading this guide, why not take a look at some of our blogs?
Get in touch!
Get in touch via our social media platforms. Find us on Facebook or Instagram.
