You cannot deny the importance of the right tool when it comes to woodworking.
A full-sized lathe may not help you when you’re going to deal with the smaller details.
So, a mini wood lathe machine is a perfect solution.
But how can you choose the best mini wood lathe when there are literally hundreds of options out there in the market?
Here is a comprehensive buying guide featuring the most amazing mini wood lathes available in the market.
Let’s dive in.
Best Mini Wood Lathes 2021:
Here are our picks for the top mini wood lathes you can buy for the price:
Wood Lathes | WOODY RATING |
1. JET JWL-1221VS | 10/10 [Editor's Choice] |
2. Delta Industrial 46-460 | 9/10 |
3. Rikon 70-100 | 8.5/10 |
4. Shop Fox W1 704 | 8/10 |
5. Excelsior Mini-Wood Lathe | 8.5/10 |
6. WEN 3420T | 8.5/10 |
7. Grizzly Industrial T25926 | 8/10 |
8. Mophorn Wood Lathe 12*18” | 7.5/10 |
9. RIKON 70-105 Mini lathe | 8/10 |
10. WEN 3421 8” by 12” | 7.5/10 |
1- JET JWL-1221VS Mini-Wood Lathe
Why we Love it:
- It comes with a feature of variable speed control
- This mini woodturning lathe also has a forward to reverse function.
- Well-built and easy to set up and use
- Does not produce any sound and gives a clear digital display
- Heavy motor (1hp)
Pros | Cons |
✅ 8 holes to secure the wood | ❌ none |
✅ Easy to use | |
✅ Cast iron bed reduces vibrations | |
✅ Heavy-duty | |
✅ Clear digital display |
2- Delta Industrial 46-460
Why we love it:
- It has a powerful motor with a variable speed system to ensure control
- It has a large swing capacity with 1 hp power.
- It comes with a forward and reverses function.
- It includes a 3-pulley system for optimal speed selection
Pros | Cons |
✅ Higher accuracy rate and precision | ❌ Lacks digital display |
✅ Large swing capacity | |
✅ Offers easy belt adjustments | |
✅ Great value for money |
Also check our picks for the best wood lathe worth the money.
3- Rikon 70-100 Mini-Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- It offers you to choose extra accessories for more versatility.
- Comes with a strong motor with 0.5 of horsepower.
- 12-position indexing head for more detailed work.
- Allows you to set your workpiece in multiple positions.
- Has a flip-up handle
Pros | Cons |
✅ Easy to use | ❌ There are some issues related to its parts breaking. |
✅ Flip-up handle | |
✅ Nylon faceplate washer |
4- Shop Fox W1704
Why we love it:
- It is made up of cast iron to withstand pressure
- Variable speed change feature
- 75 inches faceplate (ideal for creating bowls)
- 8-inches swing over bed
Pros | Cons |
✅ Affordable price | ❌ Low power even at max speed |
✅ Fast-moving motor | ❌ Not suitable for larger projects |
✅ Portable |
5- Excelsior Mini-Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- It has a convenient belt access door.
- It also possesses a Spur center on the headstock with a ball-bearing live center on the tailstock.
- This mini wood lathe machine comes with a removable safety switch along-with nonslip feet.
- Stable turning and withstand even high pressures
- Variable speed change feature with 5 different speeds
Pros | Cons |
✅ Solid cast iron built. | ❌ Considerably heavy |
✅ High power motor | ❌ Not portable |
✅ Rubber feet for stability | ❌ Can't be mounted without a bench or a stand. |
✅ Durable |
Learn more with this ultimate guide to a wood lathe.
6- WEN 3420T 8’’*12”
Why we love it:
- Includes all accessories that beginners need to get started.
- Has a variable speed from 750 to 3200 RPM.
- Its two tool rests that are 4.5 and 7 inches grant more flexibility and control.
- This mini woodturning lathe also includes easy to use lever clamping system.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Small and lightweight | ❌ Not suitable for tougher large project |
✅ Portable | ❌ Relatively weak build |
✅ Budget-friendly | ❌ Tailstock nob is hard to use |
✅ Easy to use with soft start motor |
7- Grizzly Industrial T25926
Why we love it:
- Comes with a variable speed function with a motor of ½ hp.
- Heavy cast iron build ensures stability
- It can turn bowls up to 12” and spindle up to 16.5 inches.
- Has a swing over bed around 9.75 inches.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Variable speed control | ❌ The four-way device submit is not so convenient. |
✅ Affordable | ❌ Hard to carry around |
✅ Heavy motor | |
✅ Digital spindle speed indicator |
You may also like our comprehensive guide to a wood planer.
8- Mophorn Wood Lathe 12*18”, tabletop wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- It has a powerful motor with an electronic variable speed change function.
- This tabletop wood lathe holds its own weight and runs smoothly.
- The heavy-duty frame and parts offer more resistance to wear and tear.
- Comes with a digital display.
- Long operational life.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Variable speed feature | ❌ Not ideal for longer turnings e.g bats |
✅ Noiseless smooth operation | ❌ Relatively Heavy |
✅ High stability |
9- RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″
Why we love it:
- More stable and does not vibrate during operation
- Cast iron construction
- Speed change feature
- Easy to set it up
Pros | Cons |
✅ Great for light tasks | ❌ Speed control not good |
✅ Easy maintenance | ❌ Not good for larger projects. |
✅ Easy to set up | |
✅ Easy access to speed changes |
Be sure to check out our detailed guide to a wood sander.
10- WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch
Why we love it:
- Variable speed change feature
- Cast iron construction
- Suitable for light projects
Pros | Cons |
✅ Has integrated faceplate | ❌ Not suitable for heavy and large projects |
✅ Variable speed control | ❌ Not much powerful |
✅ Possesses a live center in tailstock |
Don’t miss our ultimate guide to wood paint.
Buying Guide
Hope these mini wood lathe reviews were helpful. Here are some questions that may come to your mind before choosing the right mini wood lathe for your woodwork.
Let’s dive in
What is a mini lathe machine used for?
A mini wood lathe is used for model railroading, RC modeling, and to make other parts of different objects like chair legs, wood pen turning, and more. It is an essential tool for professional woodworkers and enthusiasts to create furniture, hollow vessels, drawer pulls, or other tool’s parts. It is also used to create bowls and wooden chess pieces.
We have a comprehensive list of mini lathe reviews that cover all aspects related to the best lathes available in the market right now.
Check our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.
What is the best mini wood lathe?
Here are our top picks out of all mini lathes:
- JET JWL-1221VS Mini-Wood Lathe
- Delta Industrial 46-460 Mini-Wood Lathe
- Rikon 70-100 Mini Wood Lathe
Be sure to check out our mini lathe reviews above for an in-depth analysis of each product.
What should I look for when buying a mini lathe?
You should keep in mind these few things before making a purchase: Size, power, performance, speed, headstock and tailstock, tool rest, and convenience. Another thing that matters in purchasing a wood lathe is, to make sure that you clearly know your demands (work). For instance, you want to work with heavy and large objects, you should go for JET JWL 1221-VS. Similarly, you can go for Mophorn Wood lathe if you want to work on smaller objects.
Is it difficult to work on a wood lathe?
The answer is ‘No’. If you have learned the basics and know how to operate a wood lathe safely, you can perform any woodturning task on it with ease. You can obviously learn more with experience if you have just dived into this field. Be sure to check out our list for the best small wood lathes for the money.
What is the best mini lathe for money?
Based on their prices, the best mini-lathes for the money are:
- RIKON 70-105 10” *18” Mini lathe
- Grizzly Industrial T25926 Benchtop Wood lathe
- Shop Fox W1 704 Mini-Wood lathe
For further details, be sure to check out our mini wood lathe reviews above.
Are wood lathes dangerous?
No, they are not dangerous. If you know the basics of using the lathe, it will never harm you except wood dust, that can cause breathing problems in case you are not wearing mask or safety glasses. Especially if you are a beginner, you should take safety measures (wear protective glasses, masks, and gloves) before operating a wood lathe for woodturning.
What can be made on a mini lathe?
Here are some small projects that beginners or seasoned experts can cover: Bangles, bottle stoppers, wooden rings, pens, bowls, goblets, and flowerpots etc,
Furthermore, a miniature wood lathe has various purposes as highlighted in the article above.
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