Target User

• The target user for the MDF rose engine lathe 2.0 is
• An experienced woodturner, with
• The basic woodworking skills that would have been garnered in shop class.


• The design will ensure it can be built by the woodworker
• Using a kit of parts we will provide, or by building their own according to instructions to be published,
• Possessing basic woodworking skills, and
• Using tools which can reasonably be expected to be available or easily accessible.

Overall Design

• The intent is to stay consistent with the original overall design outlined by Jon Magill, especially the designs built into the rosettes.


• The design will continue to use MDF as the primary building material for the headstock and base.


• The design will include commonly implemented updates to the original design, including,
• Stepper motor for the spindle drive,
• Metal sheet on the lathe's bed,
• Magnetic hold-downs (MagSwitches) for locking the cross slide into position on the lathe bed,
• Front and rear rubbers, and
• Amplitude adjusting (front rubbers only).


• The design will not include previously offered features which would make the new overall design cumbersome or expensive. In particular, hand cranking capabilities will not be included.


• The design will provision for known future options / expansions, including
• Multiple stepper motors with controls for the multiple stepper motors, and
• Pumping on the spindle.

Kit Offered for Sale

• The design should enable a complete rose engine lathe to be built from a kit for less than $2,000. And the design should be designed to be lower if the user opts to make their own parts.


• The kit offered for sale will provide options which, in total, will supply the hobbyist with all the parts needed (including the MDF).


• Using standard, off-the-shelf parts, with a conscious decision being made when customized parts are to be used,


• Sourcing parts from vendors likely to provide the parts for a reasonable time into the future (i.e., minimizing rework of the designs), and


• Sourcing more expensive parts from vendors who will accommodate drop-shipments. This reduces the investment in inventory for the provider of the kits.