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For woodworkers looking to create beautiful works of art in their woodshop, a wood lathe is an absolute necessity.
From wooden bowels to spindles, the projects you can build with a great wood lathe are endless.
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the best wood lathes available, so you can decide which of these powerful tools is the best fit for your growing shop.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The Five Best Wood Lathe Reviews
1) Mophorn 10 x 18 Inch Benchtop Wood Lathe
If you’re looking to add a powerful workhorse to your woodshop without breaking the bank, this compact, bench top lathe from Mophorn should be the first one you consider. This lathe blends bulletproof craftsmanship with high-end features to create a lathe that’s well-suited for all manner of precision woodworking.
At the heart of this lathe is a powerful 550w variable speed motor that starts slowly to prolong engine life. The motor has an infinitely variable speed range from 500-3,800 RPM, and a digital readout allows you to measure the exact speed with just a glance. As far as speed settings go, this is one of the best.
At this price point, I initially expected this lathe to be a mediocre tool with no balance and a severe vibration problem. Boy, was I wrong! It provides easy access, a powerful motor, multiple belt positions, and great swing capacity.
While this wood working lathe costs about half the price that you’d pay for a professional mini-lathe, you certainly wouldn’t know that by the looks, feel, or performance of this Mophorn lathe.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Mophorn lathe is its craftsmanship, which any DIYer or woodworker can appreciate. Out of the box, it’s clear that each part has been carefully manufactured for precision. The spindle lock, the ratchet, the pulley system and the digital RPM readout This lathe is fairly heavy (which means stability), weighing in at nearly 90 pounds.
If you’re getting your start as a woodturner and are looking for an affordable option to get your feet wet, this is a fantastic choice. Most importantly, this lathe is well-made and versatile, so it won’t hamstring what you’re able to accomplish in your projects.
2) JET JWL-1221VS Benchtop Lathe
Arguably the most trusted name in wood lathes, JET manufactures several different high-end lathes. JET lathes are a staple in the shops of some of the world’s most talented woodworkers. Take a closer look at the specs and reviews of the JWL-1221VS, and you’ll quickly see why these lathes are so popular.
This lathe features a powerful one horsepower motor that offers variable speed range of 60-3,600 RPM. Whether you’re handling delicate tasks like threading or trying to rough out headstock blanks at different speeds, the JWL-1221VS offers precise speed control, and an exceptionally smooth transition from forward to reverse to provide you with precise control over the finish of your piece.
A 21” distance between centers is ideal for projects that require a bit more space than a traditional mini-lathe offers, which helps make this lathe from JET even more versatile. Combine that added versatility with the unprecedented control this lathe offers, and it’s clear why top woodturners rely on JET in their shops.
The innovative ratcheting belt tension system allows users to correctly set the tension quickly and precisely for whatever piecxe they’re working with. Other intuitive features like 24 indexing positions, Acme thread-in tailstock, and ergonomic controls make the JWL-1221VS one of the most comfortable and full-featured lathes available.
Jet also makes a full line of accessories and add-ons for this product. So, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to start with something small that has the potential to grow with your shop if necessary. Should anything go wrong, you’re backed by Jet’s comprehensive Red Assurance 5-year warranty.
3) Delta Industrial 46-460 Variable Speed Wood Lathe
If you’re looking for a compact, 12-inch benchtop lathe that provides reliability and performance, the 46-460 from Delta is one to take a look at. This lathe is feature-rich and powerful, but still affordable enough for most home woodworkers’ budgets.
The most notable feature with this lathe is its industry-leading capacity thanks to its 12 ½” swing. The expansive swing makes this lathe a reliable choice for turning bowls, plates, and other wide objects.
Similar to the JWL-1221VS we just discussed, this lathe features a patented belt tension system, which makes for lightning-fast speed changes, providing turners with superior control over their work. The system sets the belt at the proper belt tension every time, so you can focus more on your work and less on adjusting your lathe.
Built for strength, the 46-460 is made from cast iron, and it also includes a 3” faceplate and 6” and 10” tool rests, which provide you with the support you need for any turning application. A smooth forward and reverse function allow you to achieve the best and most consistent finish on all your work without needing to remount your workpiece in the opposite direction.
An bed extension is available, which can dramatically increase the lathe’s capacity to 42 inches. This extension makes the 46-460 a smart choice for anyone who is looking to start with a more modest mini-lathe before moving onto a bigger machine.
Delta stands behind this lathe with a five-year warranty, so you’ll be protected should anything go wrong with your new toy.
4) RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Wood Lathe
For novice turners who are looking to learn the trade on an affordable lathe without sacrificing performance, the 70-105 from RIKON might be a wise choice for you. While this lathe may not be as full featured as some of the other options on our list, it’s still loaded with everything you need to get you started.
The 70-105 has a ½ horsepower, 375-watt engine that’s smooth and powerful. Five variable speeds allow you to set the proper RPM for a variety of applications. But you won’t find infinite variable speed as you see on more expensive lathes.
The swing is a standard 10”, so you’ll be able to tackle a relatively broad swath of material widths in your work. Also included with each lathe are wrenches, a 6” tool rest, and a knockout bar. With all cast-iron construction and vibration-dampening rubber feet, this lathe offers the professional feel of a more expensive machine without the price tag. RIKON stands behind this tool with a five-year warranty.
If you’re able to sacrifice the power and versatility that more expensive lathes provide, the 70-105 from RIKON is an excellent lathe to consider. Probably the best choice if you’re a beginner woodworker looking for a quality piece of equipment to play with.
5) Grizzly Industrial T25920 Wood Lathe
A top-quality lathe in a compact package, the Grizzly Industrial is a smart choice for experienced woodworkers who care about power, swing, and value. The T25920 is a mini-lathe that provides industry-leading capacity and power at a price that’s more affordable than most of the best compact lathes.
This lathe is driven by a powerful ¾ horsepower motor that delivers an impressive 3,800 RPM. It has a variable speed control (3 speeds), allowing you to dial in the right speed for the job, and a digital screen displays spindle speed at all times.
An impressive 12” swing provides the clearance you need for more full pieces of material, and a standard 18” spindle capacity provides you with the room you need to handle a wide variety of different materials. Most mini-lathes only deliver a 10” swing, which may be a bit too cramped for the material you’re working with.
Grizzly also has an extension available for this lathe, so it’s able to grow with you if you find you need more capacity in the future. The solid cast-iron construction and vibration dampening rubber feet help to ensure that this lathe is smooth, stable, and ready for decades of use.
The T25920 offers live and spur centers, a 5 ⅞” tool rest, and a 3 ¼” faceplate. While this is a built-to-last piece of machinery that should stand the test of time, Grizzly doesn’t exactly inspire confidence with their warranty. Should anything go wrong with this lathe, you’re only covered for a year.
Buying Guide: How to Select the Right Wood Lathe for You
When it comes to choosing a wood lathe, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. In this guide, we’ll go over the important factors to help you choose the perfect wood lathe for you.
- Power – A lathe’s power is usually measured in horsepower. It’s not necessarily an indication of how fast the machine can turn, although more powerful tools are usually capable of higher speeds. It’s also an indication of how the lathe will handle harder woods such as maple or walnut. If you plan on tackling heavy-duty projects, a motor that’s at least ¾ horsepower will be necessary.
- Speed – Speed is another critical area to consider when purchasing a lathe. To be more specific, a quality lathe will feature variable speed, so you adjust the speed of the machine to the type of wood and the type of project you’re doing. A good lathe will provide five or more speed adjustments, while the best wood lathes provide infinite changes to speed.
- Capacity – The capacity of the lathe is an especially important consideration, primarily if you work with lots of different material sizes. Most mini lathes accommodate spindles up to 18” long and provide about 10” of swing (the maximum width of the piece.) Most woodturning work can be done with a mini lathe, but for larger projects, a full-size machine may be necessary.
- Expandability – Many woodworkers find that after a few years working with a mini lathe, they’re ready to tackle larger projects that would require a cutter with higher capacity. Many top machines allow you to purchase expansion beds that significantly increase the size of the lathe. Consider purchasing a lathe that provides this option, so you don’t have to replace the entire machine in the future.
- Material – The material your lathe is made from will have severe implications for how well it performs and how long it will last. The best wood lathes are crafted from cast iron, and cheaper models are often made from aluminum. You’ll probably want to avoid any cutter that isn’t made from cast iron. Not only do these inferior lathes break more quickly, but they also vibrate and chatter like crazy, which makes it much more challenging to produce clean, consistent results.
- Weight/Stability – An easy to overlook trait that’s incredibly important to consider is the weight of the machine. Heavier machines are more stable, and vibration resistant, which allows you to handle delicate work with greater precision. A heavy lathe with rubber feet will provide the stability you need to tackle virtually any project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Additional Tools Do I Need?
Beyond purchasing the lathe itself, there are a few additional tools you’ll need in your arsenal. To get started, all you’ll need is a few chisels. But, as you become a more seasoned woodworker, you’ll soon need several different accessories and pieces of equipment.
As a beginner, you’ll need to pick up some chisels designed for use with a wood lathe. Pre-assembled sets are a great way to save money while ensuring you have the necessary tools you need to get started. I’d recommend going with one of these sets to take the guesswork out of assembling your first set of woodturning tools.
Beyond the basics, there are several other tools that experienced woodworkers need to keep in their arsenal. These tools include roughing gouges, bowl gouges, skew chisels, parting tools, and more. While these usually aren’t a necessity to get started, these tools are beneficial as you get more comfortable with your woodturning projects.
What Should I Consider Before Deciding on a Wood Lathe?
Before you decide on the best wood lathe for your woodshop, there are several factors you’ll need to consider. Depending on how important these factors are to you, you’ll have a much easier time selecting the best wood lathe for your shop.
First, you’ll want to consider your budget, so you have a better idea of how much you’ll be investing in a wood lathe. From there, consider the types of projects you plan on tackling, and what kind of features you’ll need to get the job done. If you’re considering a full-sized lathe, you’ll also need to consider how much space you have in your workshop to accommodate it.
Once you have a better idea of those factors, consider the characteristics we discussed above, like power, speed, capacity, and stability. From there, you should have a much better idea of what the best lathe for your needs will be. For more info on how to shop for a quality lathe, check out this helpful buyer’s guide video.
Where Can I Learn More About Woodworking?
Woodworking is an incredibly rewarding craft where your own talent and imagination are the only limits to what you can do. Of course, there’s no substitute for traditional practice, so the best way to learn woodworking is to jump right in and start working with wood.
Of course, there are plenty of resources that can point you in the right direction and help you pick up new tricks along the way. Rockler is a great place to start your journey. Rockler exists as a woodworking supply store where you’ll find everything you’ll need for a variety of projects. Beyond that, they do a great job of providing woodworking classes and online resources.
Beyond Rockler, you’ll find tons of resources on YouTube that can show you how to tackle a variety of woodworking projects. This crash course from LifeHacker is a significant first step if you’re getting your feet wet with woodturning. Of course, if all else fails, you can take your woodworking advice from Ron Swanson.
What is the Best Wood Lathe on the Market?
Each of the five lathes we’ve covered above makes a fantastic choice as the best wood lathe on the market. However, we believe that one machine provides the added features and versatility necessary to be crowned as the best overall wood lathe.
The Jet JWL-1221VS provides a ton of pro-quality features. Most notably, the mighty one horsepower engine offers precise speed control and smooth forward and reverse operation. At almost 130 pounds, this cast-iron lathe also provides stability necessary to achieve professional results, no matter the project you’re working on. It’s a 12-1/2-inch variable-speed midi lathe that you won’t regret buying. It’s extension bed, sliding headstock, clamping, tool rest base, and belt tensioning system are all topnotch.
Add to that a comprehensive five-year warranty that keeps you covered in the event of something going wrong, and it’s easy to see why the JWL-1221VS has our vote as the best wood lathe.
Other great options include PSI Woodworking KWL, Grizzly h8259, Rikon 70-100, Shop Fox w1704, Powermatic 1352001, and Nova 46300 Comet II.
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