9 Budget Wood Lathes Worth the Money 【RANKED 2021】

You will agree with me when I say:

A quality wood lathe is very vital whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.

There are different types of wood lathes available on the market, and if you are looking for the best budget lathe, you are in the right place.

We’ve done the work for you and have come up with the most affordable wood lathe option to boost your woodwork. Check our top suggestions and choose the right one for your business or personal use.

Best Budget Wood Lathes 2021:

Here’s the list of the 9 best budget wood lathes you can buy:

WOOD LATHES	WOODY RATING
1. Jet JWL-1015	10/10 [Editor's Choice]
2. Grizzly Industrial T25926	8.5/10
3. Mophorn Wood Lathe	8/10
4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR	8.5/10
5. RIKON Power Tools 70-105	9/10
6. WEN 3424T	8.5/10
7. SHOP FOX W1704	8.5/10
8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable	8/10
9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 8" x 12"	7.5/10

1. Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe

Why we love it

A great choice for beginners.
Easy to set up.
It has improved tensioning systems.
Great motor power.

Pros	Cons
✅ Budget-friendly	❌Stand has to be separately purchased
✅ Suitable for smaller projects.
✅ Five-years warranty
✅ Exceptional build quality

If you are a novice woodturner who is seeking an affordable lathe, JET 1015 would be the best option for you. Moreover, the professional can also use this.

It is very sturdy and comes with 15-1/2″ between centers for the easy to use. And the wider bed always helps to increase the rigidity. The machine also contains six spindle speeds that you can change during its use.

You can rely on this machine for precise results and versatility. It’s very durable and comes with a five-year limited warranty.

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2. Grizzly Industrial T25926-10″ x 18″ Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

Why we love it

The distance between the center is 18 inches.
Different spindle tailstock.
Three-speed ranges.

Pros	Cons
✅User-friendly	❌A little tough for beginners
✅Made with durable cast iron.
✅The right choice for both casual and small workshops.
✅Powerful motor

Grizzly is another best cheap wood lathe for the with a tight budget. It has variable speeds that provide 10 inches turning radius to spindle up to 16-3/4 inches.

You can change the speed level without stopping the machine. This lathe is impressive and includes a digital spindle speed indicator, live center, and tool rest.

The Grizzly features a one-year limited warranty and lasts for many years to come without any significant issues.

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Also check our picks for the best mini wood lathe.

3. Mophorn Wood Lathe 12 x 18 Inch, Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe

Why we love it

It has a powerful 550 W motor.
The machine offers a more extensive work capacity.
You will get variable speed.

Pros	Cons
✅ It has a sturdy cast-iron.	❌The speed needs to be a bit faster.
✅ The machine has rubber feet so it doesn't vibrate.
✅ Two-years warranty.

Mophorn comes with a 550W powerful motor, and it turns at 500-3800 RPM. So the variable speed can be changed during the machine in operation.

The machine comes with a more extensive work capacity; the distance between the center is 18 inches. Operating this machine is very easy, and it won’t vibrate. This lathe is ideal for use in the workshop, labs, and educational purposes.

You can consider purchasing this machine since it has a two-year warranty.

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Don’t miss our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.

4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe

Why we love it

Very durable.
Great speed level.
It contains a digital readout.

Pros	Cons
✅ Sturdy machine	❌The reverse function is a little tough to use
✅ Easy to assemble and use
✅ It lets you add accessories during the device in use

If you operate a wide range of woodwork, NOVA Comet would be an excellent choice. It’s a space-saving and portable machine but will provide you the best result. 16.5 inches is the distance between the center, and it can be extendable up to 42 inches.

It’s a versatile and powerful electronic machine that contains a variable;le speed control and a digital readout. The machine offers more torque to use the device. It’s durable and equipped with a one-year limited warranty.

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You may also like our comprehensive guide to wood planers.

5. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe

Why we love it

Five-years warranty.
Best for small projects.
Made from the sturdy materials.

Pros	Cons
✅ Easy to use	❌Relatively expensive
✅ Five different speed ranges
✅ Great build quality

Rikon is a mini lathe, one of the best choices for people with smaller shops. It has a high-end motor, and the distance between the center is 18 inches, which offers convenient use.

It has five different speed rangers to give you the shape you need. This lathe includes live centers, tool rest, wrenches, and a knock-out bar.

This machine comes with a five-year warranty while the price is a little high for some people. But it’s the best wood lathe for the money that is worth each penny spent.

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Check our pick for the best wood lathe worth the money.

6. WEN 3424T 4.5-Amp Benchtop Wood Lathe

Why we love it

Relatively cheap wood lathe.
This machine features a 4. 5A motor.
MT2 tailstock.

Pros	Cons
✅ Comes with different accessories	❌No reverse function is available
✅ Five different speed settings
✅ Two-years warranty

If you are seeking a quality machine for woodworking, WEN could be the answer for you. WEN features a 4. 5A motor to provide you precise results every time.

The machine has an 18 inch larger distance between the center. The best part is, it has five different speeds that the user can switch between when they need it. You will get some non-spindle workpieces, cups, and turning bowls that are 3-1/8 inches. While offering value it comes pretty cheaply which makes it a very inexpensive wood lathe in comparison to the other products on this list.

It’s also an excellent choice for the beginners and features a two-year warranty. WEN is also the best budget lathe that offers a bang for the buck; if you are on a shoestring budget, you may consider purchasing it.

This is perhaps a cheap wood lathe that offers more than expected, considering the price tag.

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Learn more with this ultimate guide to wood lathes.

7. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Why we love it

Two-years warranty.
Designed with variable speed.
It includes two safety tools.

Pros	Cons
✅ It has versatile functions	❌The belts may come loose over time
✅ Durable machine

If you need a small and best budget lathe, then consider the SHOP FOX W1704.

It features 1/3 horsepower, and the machine offers variable speed. The device has 700 and 3,200 RPM per minute spindles.

It will tackle your projects precisely so that you will get the best results. The machine neatly fits on your workbench. You will get two years of warranty from this device. Since it comes from the quality materials, you can expect it to last for years to come.

To call this as one of the best starter lathes wouldn’t be an overstatement.

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Don’t miss our ultimate guide to wood paint.

8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable Lathe

Why we love it

Made of cast iron.
It comes with a digital readout.
It has a wider distance.

Pros Cons

✅ Easy to use ❌The flex shaft is not very durable

✅ Best cheap wood lathe ❌not ideal for turning large objects

✅ offers Variable speed

If you are passionate about pen turning, then you will appreciate this great lathe. It’s portable and easier to use compared to its rival. The machine offers a three-year warranty.

However, it’s straightforward to set up and use. The machine comes with a 2 inches dust collection hood so you will get a cleaner air with less dust. The device is fitted with the heavy-tool to minimize the adjustment.

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Be sure to check our pick for the best woodturning lathes.

9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 8″ x 12″

Why we love it

1/3 horsepower motor.
Adjusting the speed control is very easy.
Budget-friendly.

Pros	Cons
✅ It operates quietly	❌The speed control can be improved
✅ Doesn't vibrate

This Mophorn is one of the best budget lathes that comes with a powerful motor. The machine can turn the speed up to 4500 RPM. It offers a more extensive work capacity and has high connectivity, and adjusting the distance is very easy.

The machine offers stable operation, is noiseless and doesn’t vibrate. The interchangeable tool rest makes the machine safer to use. It’s one of the best choices for professionals.

The machine came with a great warranty and made with the best materials to consider this one for your woodwork.

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Buying Guide

Here are some questions that you may have before making your purchase.

Let’s address them

What is the best lathe for the money?

We suggest you check the Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe; it could be the best lathe for your money. Both professionals and novices can use this easily.

What is the best wood lathe for beginners?

RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe is one of the newbies’ best choices. It is safe to use and comes with some unique functions to make it convenient for you.

Are wood lathes dangerous?

No, but they may be dangerous if you fail to operate them in the right manner. Usually, wood lathes can move up to 4000 rpm to more depending on the machine. However, it would help if you were careful while using the lathe.

Which is the best mini wood lathe?

Various mini wood lathes are available in the market but the Jet JWL-1015 and RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe are one of the best machines out there.

Are mini-lathes good?

Yes, mini lathes are suitable for the people who do woodworking as a hobby or undertake small projects. But remember, mini lathe run at a slower speed.

How much does a lathe cost? (Wood Lathe price)

Mini wood lathes cost something between $200 to $400, midi can range from $400 to 800, while a full-size wood lathe may typically cost above a $1000.

Author
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Doug Mahoney

He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning.

9 Budget Wood Lathes Worth the Money 【RANKED 2021】

Best Budget Wood Lathes 2021:

1. Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe

2. Grizzly Industrial T25926-10″ x 18″ Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

3. Mophorn Wood Lathe 12 x 18 Inch, Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe

4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe

5. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe

6. WEN 3424T 4.5-Amp Benchtop Wood Lathe

7. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable Lathe

9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 8″ x 12″

Buying Guide

Related Posts:

Best Buying Guides

Useful Links

Best Budget Wood Lathes 2021:

1. Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe

2. Grizzly Industrial T25926-10″ x 18″ Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

3. Mophorn Wood Lathe 12 x 18 Inch, Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe

4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe

5. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe

6. WEN 3424T 4.5-Amp Benchtop Wood Lathe

7. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable Lathe

9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 8″ x 12″

Buying Guide

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