So, you have finally decided!
You know that the only way to satisfy your hunger for woodworking is to actually get your hands dirty (metaphorically).
You want a midi lathe that not only helps you with the current project but will accompany you for years to come. Now, there is no option to turn away.
You’ve been researching a lot because you don’t want to waste your money or passion.
But wait!
Why would you research when the research is already done for you? At WoodyMan Reviews, we have done all the homework so you can be sure that you’re investing in the right tools.
Let’s Dive in
How do I choose a lathe?
Primary factors that make a wood lathe worth buying include a powerful motor, a strong build with a solid base, lathe measures to hold larger pieces, and size. Depending on your needs, your desired specifications around the above factors may change. But a sturdy build and powerful motor never go out of fashion. Go for at least a 1 HP motor for mini and midi sizes. More commercial use may require multiple HP motors to keep the operations smooth. A strong base is a must to keep your lathe free of vibrations and movements.
The measurements of wood pieces you pursue turning can change heavily. Consequently, there isn’t a specific swing capacity that makes a wood lathe perfect. Midi or mini wood lathe can be perfect for a novice but completely useless for a moderate to a large woodworking shop. You should know your needs about bowl sizes etc before you start searching for the best product for sale. Our midi lathe reviews are designed to help you make the right decision.
Use these midi lathe reviews from our expert woodturners to know which product will work best for you.
Best Midi Wood Lathes 2023:
Here are our top picks for the top midi wood lathe you can buy:
[Editor’s Pick]
Why We Love It:
- Variable speed control presents a wide range of speeds
- Handles large bowls with ease
- Seamless forward to reverse transition
- Supports larger bowls
- Exceptional build quality
- Great after-sale service
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Variable speed control | ❌ Tool rack could be better |
| ✅ Variable torques to support larger bowls | |
| ✅ Optimal control module location | |
| ✅ Ratchet style belt tension system | |
| ✅ Large number of indexing positions | |
Its size, the bowl size it supports, and its price all make it one of the best options out there for most woodworkers who have settled on pursuing their craft commercially. This midi wood lathe’s design is suitable for you as you don’t have to jump across your project every time you want to change something on the control knob.
The best part is the control module’s user-friendliness. You can set the rotation speed and digital control will allow you to change it effortlessly. Plus, the transition between reverse and forward rotations remains accessible through a simple sliding switch.
You can choose from a speed range of 60 rpm to 3600 rpm. This lower boundary of rotation speed is especially practical considering you often use this lathe for turning larger wood logs. Plus, this machine allows you to support this change in speed using three different torque settings.
The project size is another remarkable feature of this machine. It can handle a bowl with a diameter of 12 inches. For some woodworker, this size doesn’t present a plus point of Jet JWL-1221VS lathe but if we consider it against smaller sizes supported by mini-lathes, we will see it as a perk.
For most users, its most convenient feature is the automatic forward to reverse transition that accompanies it. Imagine older versions where you had to manually change the rotation directions. Now, you can do this only by pushing a switch.
Ratchet style belt tension means that the process of belt tension adjustment is a lot easier and efficient. This innovative technology helps whenever you change the machine’s speed or direction or bowl’s size. 24 different indexing positions mean that you can add more detail and precision in your designs than you could with other lathes.
All in all, this midi lathe provides good value for the money. Its user-friendly design and innovative technology make it the best choice for modern-day woodworkers. When it comes to midi lathes, this machine hardly has any comparisons. Totally worth the buck!
You can also get Jet JWL-122VS at jettools.com
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Be sure to check our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.
Why We Love It:
- Exceptionally user friendly
- Easy transition to reverse rotations
- Three different speed ranges
- Extra-long tool rest
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Variable torques to support larger pieces | ❌ Lowest speed is 250 rpm |
| ✅ Easy, non-slip belt tension adjustment | |
| ✅ Strong motor | |
| ✅ Packs all features of industrial wood lathes | |
| ✅ Noiseless operation | |
Like the previous product on this review list, RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR is a 1hp wood lathe that comes with a powerful motor. Despite this strength, the motor is relatively quiet thus enhancing working experience.
The design makes a remarkable feature of this midi lathe which is targeted towards home-based workshops or craft-producing woodworkers. With rear-mounted holders and a 3-inch faceplate, you can secure your tools while working on the lathe. The included 6 inches tool rest is another cherry on the top of the spacious design of this lathe.
Wholly metallic design is sturdy and well-built. You get a standard footprint 37 and a quarter inches long and 7 and three-quarters wide lathe. And it comes with a digital display so you can set speed easily.
Did I mention that the lathe allows you to easily set speed? Add to it the fact that you can choose from three wide ranges of rotations speeds which are 250 to 750 RPM, 550 to 1650 RPM, and 1300 to 3850 RPM.
Further ease of use is added by a poly V-belt that is easily managed when transitioning from one-speed range to another. Also, torque is efficiently adjusted to support wood under varying rotation rates. In short, if you are willing to switch between tasks, you can do it without having to turn off the machine. The collaboration between motor, belt, and speed controller makes this shift seamless and smooth.
One feature which we should never forget in wood lathe operations is their ability, or lack thereof, to automatically transition from forward to reverse rotation. Thankfully, this feature is a part of this model of Nikon tools.
Now, let’s talk about the size of the wood piece this machine can support. This lathe can support wood of diameter 12.5 inches. It’s not much when we compare with larger, commercial lathes. However, for midi lathes, this diameter is standard.
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Learn more with this ultimate guide to a wood lathe.
Why We Love It:
- A great midi lathe for small scale turners and enthusiasts
- Forward and reverse rotations
- 10 different speed options
- Supports 16-inch diameter of wood
- Motor: 2 Horsepower
- Great value for money
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Easy to maintain | ❌ Maximum speed is 2400 rpm |
| ✅ Strong motor | |
| ✅ Exceptional build quality | |
| ✅ Cost-effective | |
Like other midi wood lathes on this list, Grizzly Industrial G0462 also offers the best value for beginner to intermediate turners. Its best user-friendly feature comes from its simplicity. The lathe is so simple to understand and maintain that you seldom need to call customer service or take it to repair shop. Furthermore, it enjoys some great reviews by customers who have put this machine to test.
A strong iron case structure only covers you further. In the end, this lathe, which stands on the floor, has strong legs that give it stability and support.
It is one of the many models offered by the manufacturer that comes with a powerful electric motor. For instance, the Grizzly Industrial G0462 model comes with a 2 HP motor.
If you are worried about speeds of rotations, you can choose from a vast selection of 10 different speeds. The only limitation is that you can only go as low as 600 rpm on speed. So, if you want to be more detailed or want to avoid wear and tear, the best you can do is to adjust to 600 rpm. You can go up to 2400 rpm.
The original belt that accompanies the lathe on arrival easily wears down. Speed management is possible because of the Reeves system which means added pressure on the belt. Be ready to invest in a quality link belt with this lathe.
Speed management in the Reeves system works with the powerful motor of the machine to hold the wood at any speed you have chosen. It can support any piece having a diameter of up to 16 inches. You can see that this machine offer larger diameter support than most of its competitor with similar features.
The manufacturer also ensures that its parts are easily accessible, so the users are guarded against delays in crafting if any part breaks down. All in all, its comparisons shy away when it comes to the overall quality of this gadget.
One of the best midi wood lathes for sale!
You can also get Grizzly G0462 at grizzly.com
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Why We Love It:
- Supports wood with a diameter of 12.5 inches
- Cost-effective
- Relatively small footprint
- Onboard storage for adjustment tools
- Efficient system to adjust belt tension
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Variable speed control | ❌ No digital readout |
| ✅ Forward/ reverse functionality | |
| ✅ 24 indexing positions | |
| ✅ Long term warranty | |
This is one of the most reliable lathes in the market and makes a competent candidate for the best midi wood lathe in the market. It comes from a manufacturer who is trusted by woodworkers for years. Its impeccable design and supporting accessories show how detailed its designs are. On top of all that, the company extends a 5-year warranty on this model and is has one of the perfect customer reviews in the market.
It’s among those few midi wood lathes which have a small footprint. With only 36 inches length, this lathe can fit in any small workshop or garage workstation. You also get onboard storage space to keep your adjustment tools while working on this lathe.
Even with the small footprint, it manages to turn any wood with a diameter of 12.5 inches. Compare this size against the market standard for wood pieces that go into these lathes which is just 12 inches. You can also accessorize it with its stand Model 46-462 so it can stand on the floor.
The speed starts with 250 rpm which is not very low and may put a few users off. However, it’s a great minimum speed when compared against other midi lathes with the lowest speed lying above 500 rpm. The speed adjustment is supported by an efficient system for belt tension.
Further efficiency is introduced into your wood-crafting operations by three-step pulley speed ranges that keep the torque smooth and wood in place. These pulleys also ensure that lathe’s belt has the right level of tension to hold even larger pieces.
Instead of a digital display to adjust speed, the machine comes with a numbered knob. You have to know what each number denotes from the instructional manual to get your desired speed. The design of the machine makes it easy to reach the control panel without having to cross the whole machine.
This machine enhances efficiency by allowing the user to automatically reverse rotation using a switch. This easily accessible on/off switch works great saves minutes of adjusting the piece on the lathe. This feature and others are supported by a powerful motor that ensures accuracy and smoothness of operations.
24 indexing positions allow users to experience the accuracy of operations. Consequently, you can decorate your masterpiece in whatever style you want.
Overall, its collective features enable it to rise above its comparisons. One of the best midi wood lathes for sale in the market!
You can also get Delta 46-460 at homedepot.com
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Also check our picks for the best mini wood lathe.
Why We Love It:
- Six different speed points
- Easier access to belts
- Extension table available
- Targeted towards beginners
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Easy to use | ❌ 10 inches diameter limit |
| ✅ Provides adequate speed | ❌ Few glitches in the design placement |
| ✅ 24 indexing positions | |
| ✅ Strong build | |
This lathe machine lies at the border of midi and mini wood lathes. It offers to support smaller projects with pieces having no more than 10 inches of diameter. Center to center length can be 15 inches maximum. Consequently, this product becomes a great attraction for woodworkers operating on a smaller scale. Usually, household crafters would love this product. Plus it has great customer reviews on platforms like amazon.
Its beginner-friendly nature makes it a great choice for learners in this skill. A few comforts that this lathe provides include easy belt adjustment, six standard speed levels, and lightweight. However, it occupies a larger space given the smaller size of pieces it supports.
The lowest speed of this lathe is 500 rpm. It should be noted that lower speeds are great for lathes which hold larger pieces so detail could be paid to every part of these pieces. However, for small-sized wood, you can work well enough at a higher speed without compromising on details and quality.
At the same time, the highest speed you can select in this lathe is 3975 rpm.
A little drawback lies in the speed adjustment mechanism. If you are at a particular speed and want to move towards another option, you have to switch off the machine before changing.
If you are concerned about the accuracy and design of your masterpieces Jet JWL-1015 has got you covered. With 24 different indexing positions, you can lock your piece at every 150 increments.
The 1/2 HP motor is powerful enough to support the pen and small bowls you will turn with this lathe. It keeps hold on the pieces and exerts adequate tension using pulleys so you get a non-slipping turning experience.
For a lathe supporting smaller objects, you might think that this lathe is costing a fortune. However, the price is justified with the strong build which takes iron cast as the base material. Also, you get 5 years warranty from the manufacturer.
You can get JWL-1015 Lathe at Jettools.com
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You may also like our comprehensive guide to wood planers.
Why We Love It:
- Compact design
- Strong build
- Value for money
- Great for learners
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Variable speed control | ❌ Lowest speed is 650 rpm |
| ✅ Supports up to 12 inches | ❌ Suitable for small scale projects |
| ✅ Highest speed is 3800 rpm | |
| ✅ Powerful battery | |
If you are pursuing woodturning as a hobby or if you have a small commercial setup, this midi wood lathe will be of immense help to you. The best feature of this lathe is not cost-effectiveness; though it gives intense value for money. Its best feature comes as space-saving it offers to its users.
So, you got a small workstation? No problem. This device’s footprint is even smaller. You only have to dedicate a 30 x 8-inch space for seating this machine. And yes, a little leg room other than its occupied space will do the trick.
The sturdy build is another feature that contains the value of this machine. But let’s just focus on the space on this lathe. You can benefit from a 5-inch tool rest to support your project. It’s spacious for smaller projects which are supported by this lathe.
It offers three different speeds between 650 and 3800RPM. Although the lowest speed seems a bit high, it is suitable for the size of projects served by this lathe. Digital RPM readout is another feature that helps users in determining the right speed for their project or task.
It supports wooden objects which are up to 12 inches long. At the same time, these objects can be as long as 16.5 inches to be supported on this lathe.
The electric motor offers only as much as 3/4 horsepower. You can consider it low or medium depending on the use you are envisioning for this lathe. In essence, the objects that work well with this lathe will get enough power from a 3/4 HP electric motor.
The lathe comes with 24 indexing designs to support your design adventures.
The last remarkable feature of this lathe is its manufacturer’s commitment to customer service. In case you have to replace a part of this lathe, you will easily find a replacement from the manufacturer.
The machine comes with a 1-year warranty to ensure that customers are covered against supplier-related defects. Plus it also enjoys great customer reviews on stores like amazon. A great midi lathe.
You can also get Grizzly Industrial T25920 at grizzly.com
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Why We Love It:
- Compact design
- Best for small scale users
- Value for money
- Two different sizes for tool rest 6 and 12 inches
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Multiple speed ranges | ❌ Lowest speed is 500 rpm |
| ✅ 24 indexing positions | ❌ Only 3/4 HP motor |
| ✅ Digital readout | |
| ✅ Speed can be as high as 3600 rpm | |
| ✅ 3 years warranty | |
This machine comes at the lower end of the midi lathes because it handles wooden bowls and pens of smaller sizes. It only holds a bowl of 10 inches if we consider the raw product. In case we are considering the finished product, the diameter of them would be less than 10 inches and will depend on the turning involved.
The machine will be a great choice for you if you are concerned with turning small-sized products and if you keep this skill as a hobby rather than a trade. In such a situation, you would be happy with the compact size of the product which has a footprint of only 32 x 9 inches. This bench lathe is comprised of iron cast bed and is just as strong and sturdy as any wood lathe should be.
This user-friendly midi machine offers variable speeds that fall into two ranges. The slower speed belt position gives a range of 500 to 2000 rpm; while the faster rotation comes in the range of 1500 and 3600 rpm. Thus, 3600 makes the highest speed that you can get from this machine.
The lowest speed of 500 rpm should not be a cause of worry given the product size of this lathe only require a higher speed.
Choosing between different speeds is made easier as you can ensure that you are at the right speed using digital readout. Indexing positions that offer an increment of 150 each is another plus we get with this lathe machine. Although the product comes with a 3/4 HP motor, this power is enough for its size and the bowl volume it supports.
If the above features are exactly what you’re, this variable-speed midi lathe is a good option to consider.
You can get PSI Turncrafter lathe at Pennstateind.com
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Why We Love It:
- Value for money
- User friendly
- Smaller footprint
- Onboard accessory holder
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Supports up to 12-inch large bowls | ❌ Moderate motor power |
| ✅ Multiple speed ranges | |
| ✅ Large tool rest | |
This lathe is a bargain for most people who are looking to work on medium-sized wood pieces. It can handle up to 12 inches wide pieces. The maximum center to center length of these pieces can be 18 inches. Note that these measures do no indicate the size of the finished product rather they tell the dimensions of pieces that go into this lathe.
The lathe’s base is only 30.5 inches long and 8.75 inches wide. So, if you have limited space at your workstation, this lathe has a solution for you. Despite these small dimensions, the lathe offers larger tool rest and center to center length. The efficient use of space means that we 8 inches large tool rest.
It offers five different speeds that start from the lowest of 520 rpm and ends at the highest speed of 3400 rpm. Although the highest speed of 3400 rpm is commendable, it’s just natural to have concern over this high minimum speed. You cannot give enough detail to larger bowls with a minimum speed of 520 rpm.
The motor has a power of 4.5 Amp which equates to less than 3/4 horsepower. This low power of the motor is another feature that repels users. However, when we consider the high-quality turning that comes from this machine together with the small size it portrays, we cut slack for the deficiency in motor power.
What we cannot ignore, however, is the fact that this machine can only work under light working conditions. If you overload this device, it may completely stop working. The company covers you with a 2-year warranty to handle any defects in the set provided by the factory. However, it also enjoys great reviews by consumers which is an important factor in determining its spot as one of the best midi lathes.
You can get WEN 3421 at wenproducts.com
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Why We Love It:
- Cost-effective
- Speed range 250 to 4000rpm
- Beginner-friendly
- Efficient belt change
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Supports wood with 12-inch diameter | ❌ Not so powerful motor |
| ✅ Variable speed control | |
| ✅ Reverse rotation option available | |
| ✅ Digital readout | |
| ✅ 1-year Warranty | |
| ✅ Bed extension accessory available | |
The product is a direct competitor of previous products in this review list, namely Delta Industrial 46-460 with a few differences. First of all, the machine is marginally lighter than the previous one but a little larger when it comes to taking space.
It comes with an electric motor of only 3/4 horsepower which means an occasional lapse in functioning. Although rare, slippage does happen with this product.
This lathe attracts household craftsmen and woodworkers because of smaller size projects it holds and because of a less-than-powerful electric motor. We can turn a log of 12 inches diameter with this lathe and its center to center support is for pieces of up to 16.5 inches. But you can get the additional length to get a total 42 inches bed using an accessory. Its speed range is nothing but wide. You get the lowest end at 250 rpm and the highest at 4000 rpm. The best part, you can adjust the speed through the digital readout thus minimizing guesswork. Now you can rotate the wood pieces as slowly as you want to add detail and to minimize wear and tear. Or you can go for higher options for finishing.
Manufacturers have supported this flexibility in speed using a three-step pulley belt tension system. It means that in addition to the adjusting speed, you can benefit from smoothness and flow of rotations by adjusting belt tension only. It also covers the torque of the spinning object. In the end, it minimizes the belt slippage to a bit. The biggest feature that makes it an ultimate choice of household users and hobbyists is the mix of affordability and efficiency it offers. This reasonably priced piece allows the users to reverse rotations when they need it. All they have to do is to use the switch.
It comes with a short warranty for only 2 years. If you have to replace or controller, the warranty is even shorter and supports only 1 year. It may be a problem for some. However, when we consider the price and other features of this midi wood lathe, we get a bargain.
You can get Nova 71118 lathe at teknatool.com
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Why we love it:
- Value for money
- Variable speeds
- Strong build
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Two tool rests | ❌ Only 1/3 HP motor |
| ✅ 2 years warranty | |
| ✅ Small footprint | |
This may be the best choice is the for hobbyists and especially those who want to work with tiny wooden products. Given that the lathe is targeted towards beginners in this field, it offers extremely user-friendly design and operations. A technical manual is available for users’ ease.
With a tiny footprint, this midi lathe is a dream for minimalist woodworkers. Consider its strong cast iron construction to know that it is not a lousy lathe.
It can handle wood pieces that are a maximum of 8 inches wide and 12 inches long.
Different speeds are infinite ranging between 700 and 3200 RPM. Again 700 rpm may sound too high for the lowest speed, it is okay considering the small size of the product you will be handling with this lathe.
This midi wood lathe, which comes closer to the definition of a mini-lathe, carries two years warranty. Keeping in mind the intensity of work, it comes with a 1/3 HP motor. Its operations are smooth despite the low power of the motor.
This machine has a sizeable fanbase and usually gets great reviews from consumers.
You can get SHOP FOX W1704 at grizzly.com
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Buying Guide
Wood lathes are crucial tools we use in woodworks. But what is the size, power, and speed that you should consider in your potential tool wood lathe depending on your needs.
What is a midi lathe?
A special type of lathe that aims to offer the power and turning capacity of a full-size lathe in a compact body. It is a great option that you can opt for if you’re just starting out.
We certainly hope our midi lathe reviews will help you decide which product to go for.
Do you need a midi wood lathe?
If you are working on wooden products that are wider than 10 inches in diameter but not wider than 12 – 16 inches, you should look for midi wood lathes. These lathes are cheaper than commercial wood lathes and come in a size that is suitable for home and garage workstations or small independent woodwork setups.
What is the best lathe for beginners?
What makes a lathe ideal for beginners is its ease of use. It should be user-friendly in terms of daily use as well as low maintenance. Digital readout and control panel make an innovative method to add ease of experience to these lathes. If you’re a beginner, midi or a mini lathe would be a good place to start out.
Lathes that come with automatic adjustment of speed and rotation direction are better than ones that require manual input.
What does beginner lathe produce?
Most turners start with turning wood into pens and bowls. As time progresses, they venture into creating bangles, spoons, goblets, and flowerpots, etc.
Which is the best power for a wood lathe motor?
Different lathes come with different powers of the motor. A mini lathe is likely to come with 1 Horsepower at most. Most of these lathes will settle for a lower value of horsepower. It is because these lathes don’t indulge in heavy-duty work.
On the other hand, midi lathes carry more powerful motors. Usually, these start with 3/4 HP and can go up to 2 HP. The reason is simple! These lathes hold and manage heavier and larger pieces.
Commercial lathes take motors with more than one Horsepower.
What is the best speed for wood lathes?
Again, the speed depends on the task on hand as well as the product being turned.
As a rule of thumb, higher speed is better for smaller pieces; while larger pieces need lower speed. But that rule changes with the task at hand. Even larger pieces often warrant higher speed to be built with quality.
The commercial wood lathes come with the widest range of speed simply because these lathes have to handle the largest pieces at different tasks.
What is the best size of a wood lathe?
The size of the lathe is directly proportional to the size of the product it will turn. If you are willing to turn larger objects, you should go for bigger lathes. In such conditions, your best bet would be commercial lathes. However, buying such lathes would need considerable investment and you would only want to invest if you have regular use of these lathes.
On the other hand, if you are considering using this machine sparingly, and if your concerns are only smaller objects, you can do pretty well with smaller lathes. Mini lathes usually only turn wood pieces of up to 8 to 10 inches wide. Midi lathes turn bigger pieces of diameter ranging between 10 and 14 inches.
Space in your workshop may also make another defining factor of the size of lathe you would like in it. If you’ve got a small space, you may want to limit your hobby to turning pens or small bowls only.
Our midi lathe comparisons above are specially designed to give you all the info you need before buying any product.
References:
Wood Lathe Machine Analysis Using Taguchi Robust Method
Acceptability testing and development of a novel wood lathe balanced rest
Doug is a master woodworker with over 15 years of experience in the craft. Doug's passion for woodworking began at a young age, watching his father build furniture and learning from him the skills and techniques that have made him the expert he is today.
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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