What speed should I be running my lathe?

One of the most common questions woodturners ask is:
“What speed should I be running my lathe?”

Too slow and the cut feels rough and grabby.
Too fast and things get sketchy in a hurry.

The good news? You don’t need to guess. A simple formula will get you into the right ballpark every time.

The Simple Lathe Speed Formula

A widely accepted rule of thumb for bowl and spindle turning is based on the diameter of your workpiece.

For roughing:
👉 6,000 ÷ Diameter (in inches)

For finishing cuts:
👉 9,000 ÷ Diameter (in inches)

This formula gives you a safe starting range, not a hard rule. From there, you can fine-tune based on vibration, balance, and how the cut feels. Oftentimes resin projects can benefit from a little slower speeds.

Real-World Speed Examples

Here’s how that formula looks in everyday shop terms:

6″ bowls
➜ 1,000–1,500 RPM
5″ bowls or projects
➜ 1,200–1,800 RPM
3″ stock
➜ 2,000–3,000 RPM
2″ or smaller stock
➜ 3,000 RPM or higher
(Often near the top speed of the lathe)

If the speed feels too fast—even if the math says it’s okay—slow it down. Your hands, tools, and lathe will tell you a lot if you pay attention.

Important Notes About These Speeds

All speeds listed above assume:

Sound wood
No cracks, checks, or loose knots
No laminations or glue joints
Properly mounted and balanced stock

If your blank is out of round, glued up, punky, or questionable in any way, start slower and increase speed gradually.

A Word on Safety

These recommendations are guidelines—not guarantees.

Safe turning practices are not limited to speed alone. Tool selection, tool presentation, stance, protective equipment, and proper training all matter.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to become properly trained and educated before attempting woodturning. When in doubt: