WEN LA3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe vs WEN LA3424 Benchtop Wood Lathe

Buy the LA3421 if you turn pens, chess pieces and small bowls and need to dial in a speed for each cut. Buy the LA3424 if you want to turn table legs, larger bowls or anything long, and you value a heavy machine that stays put. The LA3424 is the sturdier, more capable lathe with bigger tapers and a cast-iron table; the LA3421 is lighter, cheaper to own in space and power, and its stepless variable speed is easier for beginners and fine spindle work. Owners of both report the lever clamps and MT tapers work as described, and WEN's two-year warranty covers either.

• Choose the WEN LA3421 if your work is pens, chess pieces, cups and small bowls, and you want stepless speed control in a light lathe you can move or store easily.
• Choose the WEN LA3424 if you plan to turn table legs, long spindles or bowls over 8 inches wide and want the mass and torque to keep the machine from walking.