Wilton 99177 15 Amp 4-Inch Swing 12-Inch between Centers 2/5-Horsepower Mini Woodworking Lathe, 110-Volt 1 Phase

by Wilton

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Whether you’re an experienced wood worker or just a beginner, the Wilton 99177 mini-lathe is the perfect tool for turning small projects such as pens, pencils, small bowls, bottle stoppers, ornaments and other spindle work. Ready to use right out of the box the 2/5 HP motor is powerful enough to remove materials fast and the variable speed control, 750 to 3200 rpm, with current feedback will maintain a constant speed under a load. Weighing in at around 50 pounds, the Wilton mini-lathe can be easily moved around the shop, home or garage. --C. Dwight Barnett

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 28 x 7.7 x 13.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 50.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00062NELO
• Item model number: 99177
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,129 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #54 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Lathes
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Little Lathe for the Money, July 13, 2006

By 

Vaughn McMillan "Woodturner, Writer, Musician" (Southern California, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wilton 99177 15 Amp 4-Inch Swing 12-Inch between Centers 2/5-Horsepower Mini Woodworking Lathe, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

I got my Wilton mini lathe a few months ago, and it does exactly what I need it to do, and more than I expected it to do for the price. Although it has shortcomings, it's hard to beat as a small-scale lathe for the price being charged. It runs smoothly, adjusts easily, and the headstock to tailstock alignment on mine was dead on right out of the box. This lathe works well for smaller stuff like pens and bottle stoppers and other small spindle work. Don't expect to turn large off-balance bowls with this thing, or try to hog off 1/2" of depth on a spindle in one pass.

I've used mine a bit with a Nova G3 chuck, and roughed out one green 4" bowl with the Wilton. Although I could have completed the bowl on the mini lathe, I opted to finish the turning on my bigger 15" lathe.

I did notice some in and out play in the spindle in mine. I haven't dug into it to see if it something that can be tightened or a problem I'm stuck with. This play is noticeable when turning on a faceplate or chuck, but for spindle work and pens and such (any time the tailstock is in use), it's a non-issue. The lock nut on the spindle shaft also came loose, but it was pretty straightforward to re-tighten it.

A friendly note to folks considering buying this lathe as a starter lathe: This is a nice inexpensive way to get your feet wet turning, but expect to spend some additional money buying chisels, sharpening tools, and other accessories. (My chuck cost more than the lathe itself, for example.) Sharp tools are a must for any lathe, big or small. Also beware of the vortex known as woodturning. It all starts with a little mini lathe, then you find a good deal on something a bit bigger, and before you know it you've got a lathe bigger that some cars, and woodchips everywhere you look. If the vortex pulls you in, you'll be hooked, and there's no saving you (or your money). It's worth it, though.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Follow up on Wilton lathe, November 16, 2005

By 

Robert E. Greenawalt "Bob G." (Lowell, Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wilton 99177 15 Amp 4-Inch Swing 12-Inch between Centers 2/5-Horsepower Mini Woodworking Lathe, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

Out of the box the lathe was a surprise, for the price I expected it to be smaller (weighs around 50lbs). A little out of alignment but not so bad it couldn't be fixed. I have run a brand new LeBlond $55,000 lathe that had to be flaked and the tail stock scraped in. All said and done for $99.00 it's a great little lathe, took me about 25 minutes to clean yuk off it and 5 more with a file to deburr the edges. Another 10 to align the center points. I have since turned about 100 pens on this little jewel and love it enough that if it goes down in price again I will buy another one for a spare. Well worth the money!!!


Following up on the little gem of a lathe I have purchased another Wilton from another source. I have't taken it out of the box, haven't needed to! The first one has performed flawlessly and shows no sign of giving out at all. I have turned around 2000 pens and about 700 wine bottle stoppers on this little giant and it still won't quit. Great lathe, I hope the one Jet makes in it's place can live up to the original!

Bob G.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Product (for the money)..., June 12, 2006

By 

Boris (NH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wilton 99177 15 Amp 4-Inch Swing 12-Inch between Centers 2/5-Horsepower Mini Woodworking Lathe, 110-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

As a professional woodturner, I have used many, many lathes. It doesn't compare to my Oneway, but for the money, its a great PEN lathe. Don't even THINK of trying to turn any sort of faceplate work on it or any spindle larger than 1". There's just not enough power to do so efficiently. HOWEVER, for pens its just fine. In fact, I have TWO that I use for teaching. You can expect the fit/finish to be a bit rough, but spend a few minutes tightening up the loose nuts & bolts, filing off a casting burr or two, maybe adjust the pulley, and you'll be ready for pen turning. I can't say how long the live center will last because I use a different one, but it takes a standard MT#1 which are available from many vendors. FYI: I paid $89.99 w/free shipping back in 2006.