Woodturning lathe speeds

[Yorkie]

There you go then - using the formula 'diam in inches x RPM = 6,000 - 9,000' , it would be fine for small bowls up to say 5" diam. (1,333 x 5 = 6,665), and though it's a bit slow for say up to 1" diam, you're obviously getting good results from it with your pens Joe. Given that pole lathe turners only get about five rotations per 'press', that probably equates to about 300 RPM, and for centuries they got by quite happily, and in underdeveloped countries, still do. (Consider old matey in Morroco with his bow lathe and one skew chisel making chess sets!). Necessity is the mother of invention!