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 2023:
Here’s the list of the 9 best budget wood lathes you can buy:
| WOOD LATHES | WOODY RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Jet JWL-1015 | 10/10 [Editor's Choice] | |
| 2. Grizzly Industrial T25926 | 8.5/10 | |
| 3. Mophorn Wood Lathe | 9/10 | |
| 4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR | 6/10 | |
| 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" | 7/10 |
Read more: Best Wood Lathe under $1000
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 |
You may also like Best Wood Lathe under $1000
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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
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 | |
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 some of the best machines out there.
Are mini-lathes good?
Yes, mini lathes are suitable for 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 $1000.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, Doug's blog is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their skills and knowledge in the craft.
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