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10 Best Lathe Faceplate for Woodworking
- WWPN Staff
Generations have come and gone, but a woodturner’s handy faceplate has stood the test of time. This essential wood lathe accessory still holds a place in the toolbox of both seasoned and amateur woodturners.
Though chucks are available today, they have still not replaced the faceplate, which helps mount the timber piece onto the lathe for turning. Are you also looking for this trusted tool? Then, you need to ensure you purchase the right one for your project requirements.
Fret not! This article lists the top 10 lathe faceplates for woodworking. Also, there’s a bonus buying guide towards the end to help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Lathe Faceplates for Woodworking You Need to Consider
While all lathe faceplates mentioned on this list are solid at woodworking, some are better for specific reasons than others. You still get to take the final call. Read through the product specifications and descriptions to understand how each stands out. But here’s a general idea in a nutshell –
BEST OVERALL: LEIDGG Woodworking Lathe Faceplate with Screwchuck
MOST HEAVY-DUTY: Findmall Wood Lathe Faceplate 4”
MOST VERSATILE: ONESTEP TOOLS 3” LATHE FACEPLATE
IDEAL FOR SMALLER PROJECTS: PSI Woodworking Lathe Faceplate CF3J
MOST SECURE: ONESTEP TOOLS 3” Lathe Faceplate
1. SENDUO 4” Woodworking Lathe Faceplate
Product Specification
Item Weight – 2.02 pounds
Number of Items – 8
Material – Steel
Battery Included – No
Battery Needed – No
Product Description
This is an excellent lathe faceplate for your woodworking toolbox for smaller projects. All screws with 4” x 8 TPI screw chuck can be accommodated easily for mounting. A good thing about this faceplate is that it is pre-threaded to suit the spindle of the above specifications.
Besides the faceplate, the package also consists of 8 mounting screws. However, do remember that no set screws are provided for the 1×8” TPI, and the ones already there may seem small compared to the center lag.
Though suitable for smaller projects, the faceplate is heavy-duty and sturdy, made of pure steel. The number of mounting holes and screws makes it a secure and stable faceplate for a wood lathe.
SENDUO Woodworking 4″ Lathe Faceplate with Screwchuck,for 1″ x 8TPISpindle
- 1.97″ H steel lathe faceplate,resistant to wear and rigid, greatly extend the service life.
- 4″ Steel wood lathe faceplate,the 0.39″ thick steel faceplate makes it even more durable. Net weighs 1.87lbs
- With 8 screw mounting holes, equipped with 4 sets of screws and 2 wood screws,easy to mount to the workpiece.
- The wood lathe accessories is pre threaded to 1″ x 8 tpi to match your spindle.the perfect addition to your woodturning toolkit.
- The face plates for wood lathe is designed to fit any lathe with a 1-Inch by 8TPI spindle thread, making it perfect for small bowl turning and other projects.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight but still heavy-duty
- Secure and stable
- Pre-threaded to match the spindle
- Ideal for smaller projects
Cons
- No screw sets provided for the 1×8” TPI
- The screws may not be as durable as the faceplate
2.Easy Wood Tools 8 TPI (F635) Aluminum Faceplate
Product Specification
Item Weight – 2.72 ounces
Number of Items – 1
Material – Aluminum
Battery Included – No
Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The Easy Wood Tools CNC Machined Lathe Faceplate in aluminum can be used to screw bowl blanks, which can then be mounted to the lathe.
Being a highly durable and stable faceplate, it can be used by the most advanced woodturners for ambitious projects. One unique aspect of this lathe faceplate is that it will not rust or accumulate stains even after turning green wood.
Another massive benefit of the aluminum body is that it prevents tool damage should the plate accidentally come in contact with the wood. The plate has a low profile (being ½” thick). This ensures lower vibrations as the woodwork remains close to the headstock.
It is because its 8 countersunk screw holes can accommodate 14 screws in total if you’re looking for a highly secure lathe faceplate. Then there is a spanner hole of 5/16” for smooth removal, provided you have a lever bar (not included with the product). The package also includes a spindle washer to ensure the check is easily separated from the lathe.
Finally, the faceplate’s hub is completely laser-etched to ensure easy identification
Sale
Easy Wood Tools 2” Diameter x 1” x 8 TPI Precision CNC Machined Aluminum Faceplate (F420) with Set Screws, 8 Large Mounting Screw Holes, Spanner Hole
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum body
- Laser-etched hub for quick thread size identification
- Short length reduces vibrations
- Highly stable
Cons
- No center hole, which needs to be made separately
- No set screws
3. PSI Woodworking Lathe Faceplate CF3J
Product Specification
Pattern – 3” excluding screw chuck
Item Weight – 12.3 ounces
Material – Steel
Number of Items – 1
Battery Needed – No
Battery Included – No
Product Description
The PSI Woodworking lathe faceplate is ideal for any lathe which requires 1” by 8 TPI of spindle thread. This is a suitable lathe for small bowl turning.
Another variant of this is available in the ¾” by 16 TPI for large bowl turning. The faceplate is 3 inches in diameter and consists of four holes for screw mounting. It comes with an easy on-and-off feature.
The faceplate is easy to grip with a wrench, given machined flats. The thick and heavy all-steel construction makes it highly sturdy and stable. This faceplate is secure, and the screw mounting holes prevent easy wear and tear.
Sale
PSI Woodworking CF3J Lathe Faceplate for 1″ x 8 tpi Spindle, 3″ Without Screwchuck
Pros
- Highly sturdy and stable
- Ideal for smaller bowls
- Secure and easy to grip
- Easy to setup and use
Cons
- The screws may be fragile
- Diameter tolerance may seem tight initially
4. MAXWOOD Steel Lathe Faceplate 4”
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 1.9 pounds
- Material – Metal
- Number of Items – 1
- Batteries Needed – No
- Batteries Included – No
Product Description
The MAXWOOD Steel Lathe Faceplate 4” comprises a rigid, heavy faceplate made of pure steel. This faceplate is sturdy and pretty thick, around 7/16”.
It has 12 screw holes aligned in 2 circles with 6 staggered holes lining each circle. On the back spigot, you will find flat spots that help in the easy detachment of the wood lathe.
Besides that, this lathe faceplate also comes with two set screws that can be attached to the spindle for reverse turning. Since the holes at the back are countersunk, the faceplate readily accepts screws of standard size. Being versatile, this lathe faceplate can be used for multiple woodworking projects.
It is robust and top-quality in terms of accuracy and stability.
MAXWOOD 4″ Steel Wood Lathe Face Plate, 1″ x 8tpi Threaded, with locking set screw (for reversing lathes)
Pros
- Highly sturdy
- Offers a high level of accuracy
- Durable and stable
- Quality finish
Cons
- Installation may be cumbersome
- Could rust quickly if not cared for properly
5. ONESETP TOOLS 3” Steel Lathe Faceplate
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 14.4 ounces
- Material – Steel
Number of Items – 1 - Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The ONESTEP Tools wood lathe faceplate is three inches in diameter and can easily accommodate the requirements of 1×8” TPI spindles. The plate has four screw holes to make it easy to mount on your workpiece.
Besides being highly durable and stable, this faceplate comes with a machined face that offers a high level of accuracy. The distance between each of the screw holes is 60mm. You should face no difficulties setting it up or removing the chuck from the lathe.
With this lathe faceplate, you can expect clean fabrication, high precision, and the thread to hold the piece in place, given the stability.
Steel Face Plate 1″-8 Threaded for Wood Lathe Turning (3″)
Pros
- Highly secure and stable
- Thick steel plate offers sturdiness
- Easy to set up
- High precision
- Can be used for heavy woodworking projects
Cons
- The wrench could come across as too large
- More attachment points may be needed
6. Findmall Wood Lathe Faceplate 4”, 1x8” TPI
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 1.9 pounds
- Material – Steel
- Number of Items – 1
- Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
With a diameter of 4 inches, this 7/16” thick pure steel lathe faceplate is ideal for heavy-duty projects. It comes with two 4 rows, each consisting of 8 screw holes for mounting.
The rows are angled at 90 degrees, facilitating easy and secure mounting on the workpiece. The back spigot comes with flat cuts to help you quickly remove the faceplate from the lathe. Since it is constructed to match the requirements of a 1×8” TPI spindle, this faceplate finds a wide range of applications.
The thick steel body ensures woodworking is carried out smoothly. It is sturdy and long-lasting. This faceplate may be more suitable for seasoned woodturners as compared to amateurs.
findmall 4 Inch Steel Wood Lathe Face Plate 1 Inch x 8TPI Threaded with Locking Set Screw for Wood Lathe Turning Reversing Lathes
Pros
- Accurate and stable
- Easy clamping and removal
- Ideal for ambitious projects
- Heavy-duty
Cons
- It may not be suitable for those who are new to woodworking.
7. Marddpair Steel Wood Lathe Faceplate 3”
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 1.06 pounds
- Number of Items – 1
- Material – Steel
- Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The Marddpair wood lathe faceplate is 3 inches in diameter and comes with four screw mounting holes. The body is made entirely of 45 steel, which makes the products highly durable.
Even this lathe faceplate has an easy on-and-off feature and is easy to grip using a wrench. You can fit any lathe with a 1×8” TPI spindle requirement. This faceplate is ideal for all kinds of mini and midi projects.
This faceplate may come across as lightweight (to hold) when it is anything but. The sturdy body and security offered by the screw holes ensure precision and stability. All kinds of woodworking enthusiasts can use these faceplates
marddpair 3 Inch Lathe Faceplate Steel Wood Lathe Face Plate for 1Inch x 8 Tpi Spindle without Screwchuck
Pros
- Highly stable and durable
- Ideal for both mini and midi projects
- Easy to install
- Easy on-and-off feature
- Easy to grip
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
8. LEIDGG Woodworking Lathe Faceplate with Screwchuck, 4”
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 2.03 pounds
- Material – Steel
- Number of Items – 11
- Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The LEIDGG wood lathe faceplate, having a diameter of 4”, is extremely easy to install. It is not as lightweight as some other faceplates on this list but undoubtedly does justice to its weight. This lathe faceplate can be used for heavy-duty projects, even mini and midi ones.
With the body made using 45 steel, this faceplate is thick and resistant to wear and tear. There are eight screw mounting holes provided in two circular rows. However, a center hole is also provided.
This faceplate also comes with machined flats for a solid grip when using a wrench. There is also an on-and-off feature that makes it easy to use. Since two screw chucks are also provided, it becomes easy to mount and turn the blank on the lathe.
Pros
- Sturdy steel body
- Lightweight yet heavy-duty
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Two screw chucks provided for easy mounting
- Easy to grip
Cons
- The screws may not be as durable as the faceplate.
9. PHUKIMLONG Steel Wood Lathe Faceplate 2”
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 6.7 ounces
- Material – Alloy Steel
- Number of Items – 1
- Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The PHUKIMLONG alloy steel wood lathe faceplate is highly rigid and sturdy, with 4 screw holes. Given its size, this faceplate is suitable for mini and midi lathes. The screw holes make it easy to mount on the workpiece.
A 3-inch variant of the product is also available for larger lathes. The counter-sunk screw holes ensure that the screws sit flat or below the surrounding material’s surface. This faceplate also offers a high degree of precision, but given only four screw holes, the stability may be hampered.
Overall, given its price, it can be called value-for-money. Both seasoned and new woodturners can use it with ease.
2″ Wood Lathe Steel Faceplate Chucks, 1”-8TPI Thread Woodworking Accessories Tools
Pros
- Sturdy alloy steel body
- Easy to use
- Offers high precision
- Suitable for mini and midi projects
Cons
- Security may be hampered
10. Kimllier Steel Wood Lathe Faceplate 3”
Product Specification
- Item Weight – 1.08 pounds
- Material – Steel
- Number of Items – 1
- Battery Included – No
- Battery Needed – No
Product Description
The Kimllier 3-inch steel lathe faceplate is highly rigid and durable. With eight screw holes for secure clamping, this faceplate is also suitable for mini and midi woodturning projects.
Any lathe supporting 1×8” TPI spindle thread can be used with this faceplate. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications. This faceplate is also available with an easy on-and-off feature.
Plus, the machined flats provide you with a secure and easy grip. Two such flats are provided. Screw Chucks are not provided with the package, but the same can be purchased separately to ensure no screw penetrates the timber and ruins the workpiece.
kimllier 3-Inch Steel Lathe Faceplate Wood Lathe Face Plate Fit for 1-Inch x 8TPI Spindle without Screwchuck
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Easy to grip
- Wide range of applications possible
- Suitable for mini and midi woodworking projects
Cons
- It might be a little challenging to install
Wood Lathe Faceplate Buying Guide
Since there is no one-size-fits-all answer for your ideal wood lathe faceplate, it’s essential to understand your requirements based on a few factors. Let’s see what they are –
Screws
The screws have to be the most critical aspect of the lathe faceplate. You must be extremely careful when it comes to choosing the right screws. This is because some modern screws’ counter boring heads can damage the holes in the faceplate.
These heads are said to spare you space for pilot holes, but they do more harm than good. The best thing is to match the screws’ diameter and lower the vibration carefully. Also, keep in mind the type of timber you’re using.
For instance – if the timber piece is too thin, longer screws may easily penetrate too deep and ruin it. In this case, opt for shorter screws. Always assess the screws’ diameter and thickness before purchasing your faceplate to avoid damage.
Size
The following important factor to consider while purchasing a suitable lathe faceplate is its size. How to determine that? Always err on the safe side.
Meaning try keeping the faceplate’s size at least ½ or ⅓ that of the blank. For instance – if the blank is 6 inches in diameter, 2 inches and 3 inches faceplates will work. The rule of thumb is to analyze each situation to minimize risks.
It is best to avoid turning a large blank with an extremely small faceplate or vice versa. The wrong size can lead to screws pulling off or snapping out.
Material
Faceplates also come in different materials – aluminum, pure steel, and alloys. While all are good and sturdy, there may be exceptions.
For instance – any material might work for smaller faceplates (though steel is the most popular). But for larger ones, alloys should be avoided. This is mainly because alloys fatigue significantly over time, leading to dangerous situations.
They even tend to rust quickly. In the case of larger faceplates, look for pure steel or aluminum, as they are resistant to wear and tear.
Security
Security is another crucial factor to consider while purchasing faceplates. Usually, the higher the number of screws, the more secure the faceplate should mount.
But this also depends upon your wood lathe. If the lathe is heavy-duty, it needs a faceplate that stays securely (opt for one with more screw holes). However, a faceplate with four screw holes or less will work fine if the lathe is lightweight.
The Bottom Line
The above mentioned wood lathe faceplates are some of the best in the market. However, every woodturner’s ideal will differ depending on unique woodworking requirements.
For instance – If you’re working on heavy-duty projects that need much stability, consider the Findmall Wood Lathe Faceplate 4”. One of the most versatile faceplates in the list is the ONESTEP TOOLS 3” variant.
As for small and mid-sized projects, you can choose between PHUKIMLONG Steel Wood Lathe Faceplate and PSI Woodworking Lathe Faceplate CF3J. No matter your woodworking requirements, there is an ideal lathe faceplate for you. Just look through the list, keep the buying guide tips in mind, and purchase the right one!
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