The Axminster Professional AP794WL Woodturning Lathe is the largest model in the range, designed for turners who demand exceptional versatility, precision, and capacity. Bridging the gap between traditional long bed lathes and specialist large diameter machines, it offers outstanding flexibility for a wide variety of turning applications.
Its heavy cast iron construction provides 248 kg of mass, ensuring excellent stability and minimising vibration for smooth, controlled results, even when working with large or unbalanced timber.
At the heart of the lathe is a motorised sliding bed system, a feature unique within the range. At the touch of a switch, the upper bed moves smoothly away from the headstock, increasing the between centres capacity from 508 mm to 1,016 mm. This eliminates the need for manual lifting or repositioning, allowing seamless transitions between compact setups for bowl turning and extended configurations for long spindle work.
The sliding bed does more than extend length. As it moves, it also increases the turning capacity across the lower bed, expanding the swing from 590 mm to 793 mm. This makes the lathe ideal for large bowls, platters, and more unusual forms, while maintaining excellent tool access and stability, without the need for outboard attachments. In addition, 36-position indexing supports decorative and segmented turning.
A powerful 3 HP (2.2 kW) inverter driven motor delivers consistent torque across the full speed range, including at low speeds, ensuring smooth performance in all conditions. Electronic variable speed control, combined with three belt stages, allows precise adjustment for both delicate work and larger, out-of-balance pieces. Speed ranges include 20–650, 50–1,750, and 100–3,850 rpm, with a digital RPM display for accurate, repeatable settings.
For added convenience, the magnetic control unit can be positioned anywhere on the lathe bed or headstock. It features clearly arranged on/off buttons, a speed control dial, and a forward/reverse switch, allowing easy operation from wherever you are working.
The extra wide cast iron banjo and tool rest system provides excellent support, even when using larger tools. Precision ground MT2 tapers in both the headstock and tailstock ensure compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
Integrated tailstock storage keeps essential tools close at hand, helping maintain an efficient and organised workspace.
The lathe features an M33 x 3.5 mm ASR spindle, compatible with all standard M33 x 3.5 mm threaded chucks and accessories. The ASR system includes a safety groove, designed for use with compatible fittings and a locking ring to ensure secure operation in reverse. This feature is optional for general turning.
Supplied with a 100 mm tool rest height extension, a set of four adjustable feet, 150 mm and 300 mm tool rests, and a 75 mm faceplate.