best budget lathe

9 Budget Wood Lathes Worth the Money 【RANKED 2023】

Wood Lathe Reviews

 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 LATHESWOODY RATING
PRICE
1. Jet JWL-101510/10
[Editor's Choice]
Check Price
2. Grizzly Industrial T259268.5/10
Check Price
3. Mophorn Wood Lathe9/10
Check Price
4. Nova 71118 Comet II DR 6/10
Check Price
5. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 9/10
Check Price
6. WEN 3424T8.5/10
Check Price
7. SHOP FOX W1704 8.5/10
Check Price
8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable 8/10
Check Price
9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 8" x 12"7/10
Check Price

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. 

ProsCons
Budget-friendlyStand 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

cheap wood lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
User-friendlyA 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

best budget 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. 

 

ProsCons
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 

best cheap wood lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
Sturdy machineThe 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

budget wood lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
Easy to useRelatively 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

best budget lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
Comes with different accessoriesNo 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

best woodturning lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
It has versatile functionsThe belts may come loose over time
Durable machine

Don’t miss our ultimate guide to wood paint.

8. PSI Woodworking PENPAL Portable Lathe

best cheap lathe

Why we love it 

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

  • ProsCons
    Easy to useThe flex shaft is not very durable
    Best cheap wood lathenot 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″

small wood lathe

Why we love it 

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

ProsCons
It operates quietlyThe speed control can be improved
Doesn't vibrate

Buying Guide

best budget wood lathe

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.

Doug Mahoney

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top