24" Lathe Bed Extension Review: Add 10" Between Centers
It adds a 24‑inch cast‑iron bed extension that yields about 10 inches of usable between‑centers, doubling Wahuda 60170ML‑WHD reach from 17‑3/4" to 38‑1/2". Installation uses a quick two‑bolt fit with no modifications. Alignment should target under 0.005" over the span, and safe operation reported to 1800 RPM. Materials and finish are solid. Cost works out to about $24.58 per added inch. Further sections cover installation steps, alignment tips, and competitors and buyer considerations and tradeoffs.
Main Points
- Adds a 24-inch cast-iron bed extension that increases usable between-centers by about 10 inches.
- Doubles usable spindle length from 17-3/4″ to 38-1/2″, enabling longer turning projects.
- Durable cast-iron construction and powder-coat finish provide rigidity, vibration damping, and precise mating surfaces.
- Quick two-bolt installation requires no modifications, but alignment to under 0.005″ over span is crucial.
- Best for Rockler 10‑18 Mini and similar post‑Nov‑2016 models; confirm compatibility before buying.
Quick Specs & Price Check
Why This Product Stands Out
After checking quick specs and price, the 24-inch bed extension’s practical value becomes clear. It doubles usable spindle length from 17-3/4" to 38-1/2", so longer work like table legs and stair spindles become routine.
It frees the operator, moving the tail stock outward while leaving spindle and motor in place. Install takes two bolts, no fuss—measure, align, tighten, re-check. Compatibility with Rockler 10-18 Mini Lathe is explicit; that reduces fit risk.
Performance reviews are uniformly positive, with a 5.0 average rating, which matters when buying freedom to take on bigger projects.
Recommendation: buy if you need consistent extra capacity, easy install, and predictable operation. Skip it if you never turn long stock.
Plan workholding, measure twice, and expect reliable, repeatable setups for longer pieces.
For even more versatility, pairing the extension with a compatible 4-jaw chuck from the options above can improve workholding on longer spindles.
First Impressions & Build Quality
The extension presents a clean fit and finish, with a durable powder-coat and well-machined mating surfaces that sit flush against the original bed.
Its cast-iron construction delivers solid rigidity and vibration damping, and the 24" unit effectively adds about 10" of usable space between centers for longer workpieces.
Users should verify alignment with a straightedge and dial indicator, tighten the two mounting bolts evenly, and shim or adjust until runout is within acceptable workshop limits before serious turning.
For optimal performance with longer stock, pair the extension with a lathe offering electronic variable speed in the 40–3200 RPM range to maintain control and minimize vibration.
Fit and Finish
One clear impression is the extension’s heavy, cast-iron construction combined with a precise, machined profile that matches the original bed.
Fit and finish are tight; joints show consistent gaps under 0.5 mm and mating surfaces align without twist. Installation uses two bolts, which seat cleanly and hold the piece flush.
Inspection finds crisp edges, even paint, and machined flats that accept the banjo and tailstock without shimming.
- Two-bolt attachment, quick and repeatable.
- Machined profile matches travel path, no binding.
- Surfaces flat, edges deburred, hardware fits snug.
Reviewers should torque bolts to spec, verify alignment with a straightedge, and test full travel before load.
Some forums require users to log in or register; others prompt register to reply; reviewers must log small offsets for record-keeping.
For long-term performance, periodic checks of replacement parts availability and adherence to routine maintenance help preserve alignment and durability.
Material and Rigidity
Although heavy, the cast-iron extension behaves as both a stiff guide and a damping mass, improving stability for long-turning work.
The piece uses durable cast iron with a powder-coat finish, offering clear material durability and resistance to corrosion. Vibration drops noticeably, so finishes come cleaner and feed rates can increase.
In a rigidity comparison, the extension outperforms lighter alloys for straightness and weight-anchoring. Cast iron benefits include damping, wear resistance, and predictable stiffness.
Practical advice: mount with the supplied hardware, torque bolts to spec, and let the mass settle before high-speed runs.
Expect added bed length and steadier tailstock travel without changing the headstock.
Verdict: solid, no-frills reinforcement for makers who want freedom to turn longer stock with confidence, and fewer corrected passes overall.
For compatibility and value, note that many benchtop lathes feature variable speed ranges from roughly 250 to 3800 RPM, so added rigidity can help you take better advantage of the full spectrum without chatter.
Alignment and Tolerances
Given the extension's added mass and stiffness, alignment becomes the limiting factor for straight turning over long spans. The extension adds 10 inches, yielding about 24 inches between centers; careful setup prevents runout.
Installation should use drilled and tapped bolts, align beds with a leveling tool, and consider pilot holes for leadscrew to preserve leadscrew tracking; secure to a rigid bench to translate precise setup into liberated, repeatable performance and freedom.
- Alignment techniques: level, bolt, dial-indicator check.
- Tolerance standards: aim <0.005" over span, recheck after tightening.
- Shimming methods: thin metal shims for 1/4" gap, then torque close-fitting nuts.
Secure assembly to MDF and aluminum bench, pin the leadscrew. Measure, shim, remeasure, then lock.
Be blunt: sloppy setup ruins projects and wastes time and material.
Performance Deep Dive
While the 60170-EB adds 24 inches to the Wahuda mini lathe bed, it delivers clear, measurable gains in capacity and stability for long turning tasks. The extension raises between-centers length to 38.5 inches, enabling table legs and long spindles.
Constructed from cast iron, it dampens vibration and improves finish quality. Installation is two bolts, quick and secure. Users report safe runs at 1800 RPM, supporting operational reliability.
Easy alignment permits precise tailstock positioning across the full bed. User experience feedback, operational reliability, and performance comparisons show consistent gains versus stock setup.
Recommendation: fit the unit, verify alignment with a dial indicator, start at moderate speeds, then test higher RPMs.
Clear limits: do not exceed toolrest reach; respect balance. Freedom to make longer pieces, unshackled now.
Value for Money Analysis
One clear metric is cost per inch of added capacity: $589.95 buys 24 inches, increasing between‑centers from 17-3/4 inches to 38-1/2 inches. That math frames a straightforward cost comparison: about $24.58 per inch.
The extension more than doubles usable length, is cast iron for stability, and installs with two bolts. The practical takeaway: pay once for expanded capability, reduced need for a larger lathe, and predictable long term savings through avoided equipment upgrades.
- Investment benefits: doubles capacity, fits existing spindle and motor, minimal footprint.
- Durability and performance: cast iron dampens vibration, maintains quality over time.
- Quick setup and savings: two‑bolt install, fast return to productive work.
Assess: reasonable price for liberated makers seeking efficient gains.
Recommendation: proceed if long term savings outweigh immediate cost.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
If a turner routinely needs to run long spindles, this 24‑inch bed extension is a practical upgrade: it expands between‑centers from 17‑3/4" to 38‑1/2", letting table legs, balusters, and long spindles be turned in a single setup.
It frees makers to tackle longer work without a larger lathe. Recommendation: buyers who value hobbyist suitability and have limited bench space will gain maximum utility.
Professionals with recurring long runs will appreciate increased capacity for production; it meets clear professional needs. Casual users who rarely exceed 17‑3/4" should skip it.
Compatibility concerns are real: it fits the Rockler 10‑18 Mini Lathe and similar specified models only. Those with older or other‑brand lathes, especially pre‑Nov‑2016 units, must avoid buying.
Buy only when fit and needs align clearly.
Top 3 Competitors Compared
Although aimed at the same goal—extending turning capacity for longer spindles—these three rivals suit different needs and setups.
Each offers distinct competitor features, clear pricing comparison points, and mixed user reviews. Choice depends on workshop freedom versus budget.
- Rockler: boosts spindle reach from 17-3/4" to 38-1/2", ideal for dining table legs; precise metric: +20.75" reach. Reliable, moderate cost; users praise accuracy.
- Penn State (Turncrafter): model-specific fit for KWL-1018/1018VS/1218VS; sturdy upgrade, fits existing systems; higher price, pro feel.
- Jet 1220BE: mounts to 12x4 workbench for maximum stability, efficient footprint; lower cost options exist, some users note setup complexity.
Recommendation: match machine compatibility, desired reach, and shop freedom before buying.
Prioritize fit, stability, and cost; test alignment where possible, and retain resale value.
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Final Verdict
Because it adds 24 inches of usable bed length—bringing total reach to roughly 38½ inches—this cast-iron bed extension materially changes a mini lathe from a short-turn tool into a spindle-capable machine.
The extension doubles turning capacity to 38.5 inches, uses cast iron for vibration damping and stable cuts, and fits the Rockler 10-18 Mini Lathe securely.
Installation is simple: align, insert two bolts, torque to spec.
Installation is simple: align the extension, insert the two bolts, and torque to spec.
Installation tips: clean mating surfaces, use thread locker, torque evenly.
Customer testimonials note a flawless 5.0 rating and steady performance under load.
Verdict: recommend for makers who want to liberate projects from size limits. Expect solid product longevity when mounted correctly.
Pros:
+24" reach,
stability,
ease of fit.
Cons:
adds weight,
needs a sturdy bench.
Controlled and precise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of the Gap in Some Lathe Beds?
The gap in some lathe beds provides clearance for leadscrews and saddle travel, enabling smoother maintenance and alignment; lathe bed design uses this gap function to permit shimming while preserving stability considerations and liberating freedom.
What Is the Best Wood Turning Lathe to Buy?
The best wood turning lathe to buy is a versatile lathe that empowers creative freedom. They compare best lathe brands, prioritize wood lathe features, and consult a lathe buying guide to select power and stability.
How Do You Properly Set up a Lathe for Turning Wood?
They set up the lathe by, in a held breath, securing the bench, applying lathe alignment techniques, adjusting tool rest positioning at centerline, verifying tailstock alignment, and embracing wood turning safety to reclaim personal freedom.
How to Measure a Lathe Bed?
A turner measures the lathe bed by recording lathe bed dimensions between headstock and tailstock centers, using measuring tools like calipers, tape and a straightedge, checking straightness, documenting for accurate measurements and self-liberation and independence.
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