Axminster Craft AC355WL User manual

AC355WL
Woodturning Lathe
Code 104792
Original Instructions
AT&M: 02/07/2019
BOOK REF : 007295

Index of Contents
2
Cert No: MC1420VDA
Axminster Tools & Machinery Ltd
Axminster Devon
EX13 5PH UK
axminster.co.uk
Type Woodturning Lathe
Model AC355WL and conforms to the machinery example for which the
EC Type-Examination Certificate No AM 50387407
has been issued by Laizhou Planet Machinery Co., Ltd.
at:Yutai West StreetLaizhou, Shandong 261400 China
and complies with the relevant essential health and safety requirements.
2006/42/EC
EN 61029-1:2009+A11
06/42/EC - Annex I/05.2006
declares that the machinery described:-
This machine complies with the following directives:
EU Declaration of Conformity
Signed
Andrew Parkhouse
Operations Director Date: 11/09/2017
The symbols below advise the correct safety procedures when using this machine.
Fully read manual
and safety instructions
before use
Eye protection
should be worn
Ear protection
should be worn
HAZARD
Dust mask
should be worn
EU Declaration of Conformity 02
What’s Included 03
General Instructions for 230V Machines 04
Specific Safety Instructions for Woodturning Lathes 04
Specification 05
Assembly 05-06
Illustration and Parts Description 07-08-09
Operating Instructions 10-11-12-13
Optional Accessories 14
Maintenance 15
Exploded Diagrams/Lists 16-17
Wiring Diagram 18
Notes 19

What’s Included
3
Quantity Item Part Model Number
AC355WL
1 Woodturning Lathe A
1 204mm Tool Rest B
1 100mm Faceplate C
1 Spanner D
1 Push Rod E
1 Axminster 4 Prong Drive Centre F(Code 340106)
1 Axminster Standard 60˚ Live Centre G(Code 340203)
1 Power Cable
1 Instruction Manual
A
E
F
G
BC
D

General Instructions for 230V Machines
4
The following will enable you to observe good working
practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and maintain
your tools and equipment in good working order.
WARNING!! KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
OUT OF REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Mains Powered Tools
• Tools are supplied with an attached 13 Amp plug.
• Inspect the cable and plug to ensure that neither are
damaged. Repair if necessary by a suitably qualified person.
• Do not use when or where it is liable to get wet.
Workplace
• Do not use 230V a.c. powered tools anywhere
within a site area that is flooded.
• Keep machine clean.
• Leave machine unplugged until work is about to commence.
• Always disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the
cable.
•Carry out a final check e.g. check the cutting tool
is securely tightened in the machine and the correct
speed and function set.
•Ensure you are comfortable before you start work,
balanced, not reaching etc.
•Wear appropriate safety clothing, goggles, gloves,
masks etc.Wear ear defenders at all times.
•If you have long hair wear a hair net or helmet to prevent it
being caught up in the rotating parts of the machine.
•Consideration should be given to the removal of rings and
wristwatches.
•Consideration should also be given to non-slip footwear etc.
•If another person is to use the machine, ensure they are
suitably qualified to use it.
•Do not use the machine if you are tired or distracted.
•Do not use this machine within the designated safety areas
of flammable liquid stores or in areas where there may be
volatile gases.
•Check cutters are correct type and size, are undamaged
and are kept clean and sharp, this will maintain their
operating performance and lessen the loading on the
machine.
•OBSERVE…. make sure you know what is happening
around you and USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.
KEEP WORK AREA AS UNCLUTTERED AS IS PRACTICAL.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CHILDREN BE
ALLOWED IN WORK AREAS.
Specific Safety Instructions for Woodturning Lathes
1. Do not use ‘split’work pieces.
2. Always start at the lowest speed when starting a new task.
3. Try to render a new work piece“round” (or as close as is
practical) before turning.
4. Check that the tool rest is at or slightly below the centre line
of the work piece.
5. Check the work piece is securely mounted in the lathe
before switching on the power.
6. Rotate the work piece by hand, to check that it is:
centralised, clear of the tool rest, not ‘split’ or has loose knots.
7. Where lathes have the facility to be reversed; check the
machine is rotating in the correct direction.
8. If your lathe has the facility to run in reverse, you must ensure
that the mounting accessories (chucks, faceplates etc.,) can
be ‘locked’ onto the lathe mandrel, and in the case of
chucks have some form of security device to prevent them
‘unwinding’during reverse operation.
9. Make sure your tools are stored/racked away from the
turning area of the lathe. Do not reach over a rotating work
piece at any time.
10. Do not ‘dig in’ or try to take too large a cut.
11. Do not leave the lathe running unattended; or leave the
machine until everything is stopped.
12. If you are turning between centres with ‘softish stuff’,
check and reposition the tailstock centre frequently.

Specification
5
Code 104792
Model AC355WL
Rating Craft
Power 750W 230V 50Hz 1ph
Speed 250-3,550rpm
Spindle Thread T38 M33 x 3.5mm
Taper Tailstock 2MT
Distance Between Centres 510mm
Max Diameter over Bed 355mm
Tool Rest Stem Diameter 25.4mm
Overall L x W x H 1,040mm x 370mm x 480mm
Weight 57kgs
Assembly
The machine and its accessories will arrive coated with
corrosion preventative grease.This will need to be cleaned
from the machine, its components and accessories prior to it
being set up. Use proprietary de greaser.Wear overalls, coverall
and eye protection before cleaning.
95% of the machine comes fully assembled, all that remains is
to fit the four prong drive centre (F) and the 60˚ live centre (G)
and tool rest (B).
1. Locate the four prong drive centre (F) and live centre (G).
Remove the faceplate (C) by loosening the two grub screws
and using the spanner (D), unscrew the faceplate from the
spindle left handed thread and place aside, see fig 01-02-03.
Fig 01-02-03
2. Insert the drive centre (F) into the spindle and repeat for
the live centre (G) into the tailstock barrel, see fig 04-05.
Fig 04-05
Grub screws
Hex key
F
G
D
C
Continues over...

Assembly
6
3. Inset the tool rest (B) into the machined hole on the banjo
arm and secure using the lift and shift handle lock, see fig 06.
Fig 06
4. Place all accessories into one of the two tool holders,
see fig 07-08.
Fig 07-08
B
Tool holder/carrying handle
5. Locate the power cable and insert the connector into the
three pinned socket to the side of the control box, see fig 09.
Fig 09
6. Place the lathe on a work bench and adjust the four
feet until level.
Optional Accessories (see page 14)
Please contact our Customer Service Department for further
details or visit our website at axminster.co.uk.
Floor stand assembly

Illustration and Parts Description
7
Spindle pulley with a 24 indexing stop facility Spindle speed digital indicator
Lift & shift handle
4 Prong drive centre
Headstock access panel
Headstock wheel
Banjo arm lock
60˚ Live centre
Tailstock barrel Tailstock
operating
handle
Motor handle lock
Motor operating handle Control box
Tool holder/carrying
handle
24 Indexing stops Drive belt

Illustration and Parts Description
8
Forward/Reverse switch to change the spindle’s direction (A)
(DO NOT operate this switch while lathe is in motion)
ON/OFF NVR switch (B)
Variable speed control knob
250-3,550rpm
Handle (A) to raise/lower the motor for drive belt position
Motor lock (B)
Tool holder/carrying handle
on either end of lathe bed
Tailstock operating handle (A,Tailstock barrel lock (B),
Tailstock handle lock (C)
100mm Faceplate
AB
A
B
A B
C

Illustration and Parts Description
9
Indexing pin (A) locked
Indexing pin (B) unlocked
Lower motor pulley access plate
Control box with heat sink
Tailstock lock handle
Tool rest
Banjo arm
DC brush motor
Motor brush access port
Lathe bed
Lathe foot
Headstock
Indexing pin
Tailstock
A
B
Tailstock barrel scale
DO NOT USE THE INDEX PIN TO LOCK
THE SPINDLE WHEN REMOVING OR
MOUNTING THE FACEPLATE.

Operating Instructions
10
Indexing Facility
The indexing facility is useful for fluted columns, clock faces and
accurate hole positioning. The index pulley has 24 positions,
see fig 10-11.
Fig 10-11
1. Open the headstock access panel, pull out the indexing pin
knob to the rear of headstock and turn until its in the
unlocked position, see fig 12.
Access panel
Panel handle
24 indexing positions
Fig 12
2. Rotate the spindle by turning the headstock operating
wheel, lower the indexing pin knob until the pin engages
into one of 24 indexing slots, see fig 13-14. Replace the
access panel.
DISCONNECT THE LATHE FROM THE
MAINS BEFORE CONTINUING!
Fig 13-14
Indexing slot
Removing the Drive & Live Centres
Adjusting the Tailstock
Locate the‘push rod’(E), insert it through the centre of the
spindle operating wheel to push out the drive centre (F),
see fig 15. Repeat for the live centre (G)
Fig 15
E F
Fig 16
Barrel adjustment
Locking handle
G

Operating Instructions
11
DISCONNECT THE LATHE FROM THE
MAINS BEFORE CONTINUING!
Mounting the Faceplate
Fig 17
Tailstock travel
Locking handle
Fig 18
Grub screws
1. Loosen the two grabs screws sufficiently to prevent it
snagging on the spindle, see fig 18.
2. Screw the ‘faceplate’ (C) on the spindle, remember right
hand thread. Using the spanner (D) to hold the spindle,
tighten the grab screws to secure the faceplate, see fig 19.
3. Note:The faceplate will be tight after use. To remove
follow steps 1-2, insert the push stick rod (E) into one of the
machined holes in the faceplate. Hold the spanner (D) in
place and pull the push stick (E) towards you, see fig 20.
Fig 19
D
C
Hex key
DO NOT USE THE INDEX PIN TO LOCK
THE SPINDLE WHEN REMOVING OR
MOUNTING THE FACEPLATE.
NOTE: LOOSEN THE TWO GRUBSCREWS
SUFFICIENTLY WHEN MOUNTING OR
REMOVING THE FACEPLATE.
Fig 20
E
Continues over...

Operating Instructions
12
DISCONNECT THE LATHE FROM THE
MAINS BEFORE CONTINUING!
Changing the Lathe Speed
1. Open the access panel, see fig 10-11. Loosen the four screws
holding the motor pulley access plate (A) and remove, see fig
21-22.
Fig 21-22
2. Release the motor locking handle (B) and lift up the motor,
retighten the locking handle, see fig 23-24.
Fig 23-24
B
3. Reposition the drive belt to one of the three positions, see fig
25-26-27. Note:The speed chart shows approximate speeds.
Fig 25-26-27
A

Operating Instructions
13
MAKE SURE THE BELT IS INSERTED
CORRECTLY INTO THE PULLEY
GROOVES!
Control Box
Position Spindle Speed Chart RPM
1LOW 250 720
2MEDIUM 600 1,700
3HIGH 1,200 3,550
MOTOR
SPINDLE
321
POLY V-BELT POLY V-BELT
HML
4. Release the clamping handle and press down the motor
to retention the belt, secure in place.
5. Replace the motor pulley access plate and close the
headstock access panel.
1. The control box comprises a Forward/Reverse switch,
ON/OFF NVR buttons and a variable speed control dial. Before
switching on make sure the indexing pin is disengaged and
the speed control dial is turned down to low, see fig 28-29.
Fig 28-29
2. Select ‘Forward or Reverse’ on the selector switch, DO
NOT change direction while in operation, see fig 30.
3. Make sure the work piece is secure and all tools are clear of
the work area. Switch on the mains supply and press the NVR
‘GREEN’ button to start the lathe, see fig 31.
4. Increase the spindle speed, the reading will be displayed on
the digital readout indicator, see fig 32.When operation is
completed reduce the speed down to ‘LOW’ and press the
NVR ‘RED’ button to stop the lathe, see fig 31. Switch off the
mains supply.
Fig 30-31
Fig 32

Optional Accessories
14
Code 104794 Floor stand assembly
The floor stand for the Axminster Craft AC355WL wood turning
lathe is made from box section steel and simple to assemble
and sturdy enough to hold the lathe securely. It is adjustable in
height from 610mm-875mm to create a comfortable working
height.The feet are splayed back to give plenty of foot space,
and are also fitted with rubber feet which are adjustable to
accommodate an uneven workshop floor. Unscrew the lathe
feet, line up the holes on top of the stand assembly and secure
with bolts washer/nuts.

Maintenance
15
Motor Brushes
1. After 100 hours of use, check the
condition of the motor brushes by
unscrewing each access port cap in
turn, see fig 33.
NOTE: Take careful note of the
orientation of the brushes, remember
that they have bedded themselves to
the profile of the commutator in that
position. If you fit them reversed, it
can cause excessive sparking and heat
until they have re-bedded themselves.
2. Remove the motor brushes and
check the condition of the brush
head,see fig 34.
3. If they are in good condition, re-fit.
If they were worn to the‘Line’replace
with new brushes, see fig 35. For after
sales enquires, call 03332 406406.
4. Replace the new brushes and access
port cap screws, connect to mains
supply and run the machine off load for
approximately. 20 minutes to bed the
new brushes in.
DISCONNECT THE LATHE
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
Fig 33 Fig 34 Fig 35
Remover the access port with
a flat headed screwdriver
Replace the motor brush if
worn down to the‘Line’
Remove the motor brush and
check its condition
Line
Daily After Use
Monthly
• Clean wood shavings away from the lathe bed and tool rest.
• Smear a light coat of wax,‘Axminster Machine Wax’, code
101582’ , see fig 36, over the lathe bed to allow the banjo and
tailstock to run more smoothly over the bed and to prevent
corrosion.
• Spray‘Axcaliber Dry Lubricant’, code 503468, over the tailstock
barrel/live centre and headstock spindle/chuck after use,
see fig 37.
• Check the tension of the belt and adjust, see page 12
for Changing the Belt Speed.
• Check any build up of wood shavings on the motor
and spindle pulleys and clean if necessary.
• Use an ‘M’ class vacuum cleaner to clean the heat sink air
vents on the NVR control box assembly.
DISCONNECT THE LATHE
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
Fig 36-37
Axminster Machine Wax
Code: 101582
Axcaliber Dry Lubricant
Code: 503468
Liberon Lubricating Wax
Code: 600221

Exploded Diagrams/Lists
16

Exploded Diagrams/Lists
17
PART NO DISCRIPTION QTY
1FOOT 4
3BELT TENSION LOCK LEVER 1
4FLAT WASHER 2
6HDCAP SCREW M6X16 4
9CAP SCREW M8X16 1
10 BED 1
11 BELT DOOR 1
12 HEX HEAD SCREW M5X10 7
14 HD SCREW M8X12 4
15 FLAT 8MM 8
16 HANDLE 2
17 CAP SCREW M8X20 4
18 SPRING WASHER M8 4
19 HEADSTOCK 1
20 DIGITAL READOUT SENSOR 1
21 LOCATION PIN ASSEMBLY 1
24 HEADSTOCK WHEEL 1
25 LOCKING NUT 1
26 KNOCKOUT ROD ASSEMBLY 1
27 COVER FOR MOTOR PULLEY 1
28 CAP SCREW M5X10 2
29 SET SCREW M5X6 2
30 BEARING 6204 1
31 RING 2
32 BEARING 6005 1
34 CAP SCREW M6X8 2
35 FACE PLATE 1
36 SPUR CENTRE 1
37 LIVE CENTRE 1
38 QUILL 1
39 TAILSTOCK 1
40 QUILL LOCK HANDLE 1
41 HEX HEAD BOLT M8X10 1
42 LEADSCREW 1
43 TAILSTOCK WHEEL 1
44 HANDWHEEL AXLE 1
45 C-RING 8 1
46 HANDWHEEL HANDLE 1
47 SET SCREW M8X10 1
48 TAILSTOCK LOCK LEVER 1
50 TAILSTOCK CLAMP BOLT 1
51 TAILSTOCK CLAMP 2
52 NUT M12 2
53 C-RING 1
57 C-RING 2
59 ADJUSTING HANDLE 1
60 TOOL REST CLAMP BOLT 1
71 PHLP HD SCREW M4X8 2
75 DIGITAL READOUT 1
77 WRENCH 1
78 HEX WRENCH 03 1
79 HEX WRENCH 04 1
80 HEX WRENCH 05 1
81 HEX WRENCH 012 1
82 KNOB 1
85 US/CSA PLUG CORD
(WITH USB INTERFACE)
1
98 HEADSTOCK REAR PLATE 1
99 WASHER M5 3
100 INTERNAL TOOTH LOCK WASHER
M16
1
200 US DRIVE ASSEMBLY(110V) 1
201 DC-MOTOR 1
202 MOTOR CONNECT PLATE-1 1
203 MOTOR PULLEY-1 1
204 SPINDLE PULLEY-1 1
205 POLY V-BELT 1
206 SPINDLE 1
207 LOCKING BAR FOR TOOL REST 1
208 TOOL REST BASE 1
209 8” TOOL REST 1
210 CONNECT PLATE-2 1
211 CONNECT PLATE-1 1
212 WASHER 6
213 SOCKET HEX HEAD BOLT M5X10 6
214 SOCKET HEX HEAD BOLT M8X10 4

Wiring Diagram
18

Notes
19

Axminster Tools & Machinery
Axminster Devon EX13 5PH
axminster.co.uk
The packaging is suitable for recycling.
Please dispose of it in a responsible manner.
Do not dispose of electric tools together with household waste material.
By law they must be collected and recycled separately.
EU Countries Only
The Axminster guarantee is available on
Craft,Trade, Engineer, Air Tools & CNC Technology Series machines
Buy with confidence from Axminster!
So sure are we of the quality, we cover all parts and labour free of charge for three years!
For more information visit axminster.co.uk/3years