Wood Lathe - Laguna Revo 24|36 (WIP)

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Details

The Laguna Revo 24|36 is a professional lathe with:

  • 24” swing , 36” between centres
  • 3 HP motor with VFD (strong torque at low RPM)
  • 50– 1300 rpm usable range
  • 2-step pulley system (rarely needed)

Purchased new in 2025 following a successful pledge drive.

Access Requirements

Tool Control

You must sign into tool control before use and sign out after.

Induction Levels

The latest induction on Laguna L1 – Turning Between Centres or L2 – Faceplate & Chuck Turning is required.

Assessment

Members previously inducted on the old wood lathe must complete:

  1. Reading this page
  2. Scoring 100% on the online quiz
  3. A practical quick assessment with @woodlathetechs

Practical assessment includes part identification, safe setup, startup/extraction and simple troubleshooting.

Maintainers

@woodlathetechs

1. Main Lathe Components

  1. Headstock – Houses spindle, motor and primary control panel
  2. Tailstock – Supports work between centres; includes quill and handwheel
  3. Banjo & Tool Rest – Adjustable tool support system
  4. Lathe Bed – Steel rails for banjo and tailstock travel
  5. Dual Control Panels – One at headstock, one at tailstock
  6. Emergency Stops – Two red E-stops (always active)

2. Power & Startup Controls

Startup Sequence

  1. Tap into tool control
  2. Turn on wall isolator
  3. Use Start/Stop button on the active control panel

Dual Control Panels

  • Headstock control panel
  • Tailstock control panel
  • Only one panel is active at a time

To switch panels:

  • Lathe must be stopped
  • Use the key behind the headstock to toggle the active panel

Control Panel Features

  • Start/Stop
  • Speed dial (350–3000 rpm)
  • Emergency Stop
  • Forward/Reverse
  • Brake (for removing chucks/faceplates)

3 Rotation & Speed Management

Forward vs Reverse

Reverse rotation:

  • Lathe must be fully stopped before switching direction
  • Reverse is for sanding only
  • Chuck/faceplate must be locked with grub screws
    • Prevents the chuck from unscrewing

Speed Guide

Task Recommended RPM
Large bowls (>10”) 100–300
Medium bowls 300–600
Small bowls (<6”) 600–1000
Spindle turning 600–2500
Detail work 2000–3000
Sanding 25–50% slower

Principles:

  • Bigger = slower
  • Smaller = faster
  • Always start at low RPM and increase only after confirming balance and security

Pulley Changes

  • The lathe has two sets of pulleys for high (135 - 3500 RPM) and low
    (50 - 1300 RPM) speed ranges.
    Adjust between the speed ranges as follows.
  1. Disconnect the electric supply to the lathe.
  2. Open the pulley cover.
  3. Loosen the motor lock handle and lift the motor to the highest
    position with the motor adjustment handle, then lock the motor lock
    handle.
  4. Move the drive belt to the required set of pulleys.
  5. Loosen the motor lock handle and with the motor adjustment handle tension the drive belt,
    then lock the motor lock handle.

4. Work-Holding Components

Banjo

  • Lock gently but securely

Tool Rest

  • Lock firmly but not excessively
  • Keep 6–10 mm from workpiece
  • Rotate workpiece by hand before starting the lathe

Tailstock

  • Unlock → slide → lock gently
  • Extend quill with handwheel
  • Lock quill lightly and retighten occasionally as wood compresses

5. Drives, Chucks & Faceplates

Compatibility

  • Laguna accessories are stored in the holder on the right side
  • Some Tyme Avon accessories are compatible (e.g., chuck jaws, drive centres, drill chuck)
  • Faceplates generally not compatible

Removing a Drive Centre

  1. Retrieve knockout bar from right-side holder
  2. Insert bar through hollow spindle
  3. Hold drive centre with free hand
  4. Tap gently to eject
  5. Do not let it fall on the bed or floor

Removing Tailstock Centre

  • Fully retract quill → centre self-ejects

Removing a Chuck/Faceplate

  1. Ensure all locking screws are disengaged
  2. Press and hold the Brake
  3. Pull the top of the chuck/faceplate toward you
  4. Use hook wrench or hardwood strip if needed

Installing a Chuck/Faceplate

  • Clean spindle and accessory threads
  • Thread on by hand
  • Snug using Brake (hand-tight + firm turn)
  • Do not overtighten

6. Spindle Index

  • Locks spindle for drilling, indexing or maintenance
  • If engaged, the lathe cannot run

7. Dust Extraction

  • Extraction unit is located near the old lathe
  • Use duct switch to route suction to Laguna
  • Turn extraction to full power before sanding
  • Position the hood close to the workpiece
  • Turn extraction off after use

Checklist

Before Use

  • Tap into tool control and turn on the wall isolator

  • Ensure rotation is set to Forward and pulley is on standard speed

  • Select the control panel closest to your working position

  • Manually rotate the workpiece to check for clearance

  • Confirm:

  • Tool rest is correctly positioned and locked

  • Chuck/faceplate is securely attached

  • Tailstock (if used) is locked and quill lightly tightened

Troubleshooting – Chuck Will Not Remove

  • Check that all locking screws (grub screws) on the chuck are fully disengaged

  • Press and hold the Brake button while unscrewing

  • Use the hook wrench (or hardwood strip) for added leverage

Troubleshooting – Lathe Will Not Start / Turn

  • Check that the spindle index is not engaged

  • Check that both emergency stops are released

  • Ensure the speed dial is above zero

  • Verify that tool control and the wall isolator are on

  • Confirm the correct control panel is selected

During Use

  • Stand to the side when starting the lathe

  • Maintain a firm grip and full control of tools, especially when turning wood with knots or voids

  • Keep tools in constant contact with the tool rest while cutting

  • Keep hands and fingers away from all moving parts

  • Never leave the machine running unattended

  • Use the correct tool for each task

  • Do not reach or stretch over the rotating workpiece

  • Do not adjust the tool rest while the lathe is running

  • Turn the lathe off before using calipers or measuring tools

Sanding

  • Turn on dust extraction and wear appropriate PPE

  • Reduce speed

  • Position hands under the workpiece (avoid placing hands on top where they can be pulled in)

Finishing

  • Protect the lathe bed when applying oils or finishes to prevent corrosion

After Use

  • Turn off the lathe

  • Turn off dust extraction

  • Tap out of tool control

  • Clean:

  • Lathe bed

  • Tool rest

  • Surrounding area

  • All tools used

  • Brush down the lathe bed to remove dust and chips

  • Wipe the bed with a cloth lightly moistened with mineral spirits / white spirit

  • Apply a light spray of WD-40 and, optionally, dry PTFE lubricant

  • Clean the tool rest top edge with fine (0000) steel wool

  • Return all tools to their correct storage locations

Safely using the wood lathe

This tool requires suitable PPE:

  • Eye protection is compulsory, face shield is preferable. Multiple face shields are provided.

  • Dust masks are recommended, and compulsory during sanding.

  • Suitable footwear (workshop appropriate with must have strong heel) must be worn.
    Attach your workpiece, and make sure it will safely resolve following the guidelines below.

  • Personal safety

    • No loose clothing, jewellery, gloves, or neckties.
    • Long hair and beards tied back.

  • Machine safety

    • Clear machine bench of any loose items.
    • Ensure the spindle index is not engaged.
    • Check lathe and tools for damage. Be safe, do not use any tools that appear to have damaged components.
    • Select the correct drive, chuck, or faceplate for the task; and ensure it is tightly attached.
    • Where possible, select and engage the appropriate tailstock.
    • If the tailstock is not in use, ensure it is locked in place at the far end of the lathe bed.
    • Ensure the speed is correctly set (see Setting the speed).
    • Ensure the tool rest is set to the correct position (height and distance) from the work. Rotate the workpiece manually.
    • Ensure you have adequate space for the cuts you intend to make.
    • If you are sanding or finishing, remove the toolrest.

  • Material safety

    • Check your stock fits within the safe working dimensions for the lathe, according to the task you are performing.
    • Ensure your stock is not cracked.
    • Ensure your stock does not contain metal.
    • Remove any loose bark or knots.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment page

References

Revo 24 36 Instruction Manual (5.3 MB)

1 Like
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@DuncanK Added a few points. I’m not sure how to highlight this everywhere but at all levels there’s no need to over-tighten. Gentle pressure is enough to lock the part in position.