Have you ever been fascinated by complicated wooden designs?
Turning wood is an amazing craft. It is a full-time profession for most of the people while some woodmen do it for fun. Wood lathe is a necessary tool for woodturners, whether it’s for fun or professional use.
If you are a woodworker and have just focused on the art of wood, a wood lathe is one of the things you should essentially have.
Let’s discuss
There are plenty of different types of wood lathers available in the market, and it can be difficult to find out the best options to choose from. Several models of different branded wooden lathes are available in the market like any other power tool.
Thousands of products can easily make you stressed and overwhelmed.
But don’t worry
You do not need to waste your time further to search out the best small lathes. In this article, we have come up with the 8 best wooden lathes to narrow down your options with an informative buying guide.
Let’s dive in
Best small wood lathes 2021:
Here are our picks for the top small wood lathes worth the money:
WOOD LATHES | WOODY RATING |
1. JET JWL 1221VS | 10/10 [Editor's Pick] |
2. Delta Industrial 46-460 | 8.5/10 |
3. Rikon 70-100 | 8.5/10 |
4. Nova 46300 Comet II | 8/10 |
5. Grizzly Industrial H8259 | 8/10 |
6. PSI woodworking KWL-1018VS | 7.5/10 |
7. SHOP FOX W1704 | 8/10 |
8. WEN 3420T | 7.5/10 |
1. JET JWL 1221VS Mini Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- 24 integrated indexing positions for multitasking.
- The spindle has a combined spring-loaded lock.
- The motor is 115V that produces excellent power.
- Easy to adjust belt tension system.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Solid built | ❌Low weight may cause vibrations |
✅ Variables enable constant speed changes | |
✅ Light weight and portable | |
✅ Great torque at lower speeds | |
✅ Ratchet-style belt tension system | |
✅ Smooth forward to reverse transitions | |
✅ 5 years of warranty |
Also check our picks for the best mini wood lathe.
2. Delta Industrial 46-460 Mini wood Lathe
Why we Love it:
- Powerful 1 HP motor offers a maximum speed of 1725 RPM.
- Features a three pulley variable speed.
- User-friendly quick switch with easy forward and backward functions.
- Cast iron structure
- High 12-½ swing capacity
Pros | Cons |
✅ Variable speed enhances accuracy | ❌ Difficulty in finding spares. |
✅ Exceptional build quality | |
✅ User friendly belt tensioner system | |
✅ Allows speed changes without changing belt position | |
✅ Large swing capacity with strong motor |
Don’t miss our ultimate guide to wood paint.
3. Rikon 70-100 Mini Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- Features an adjustable spindle speed as it has a 6 step motor for variable spindle speeds.
- Has a self ejecting tailstock.
- Has the ability to add multiple extensions.
- Strongest ½ HP motor to control the speed easily
- 12 positioning indexing head for detailed and accurate work.
- User-friendly design to make it extremely easy to use.
Pros | Cons |
✅ The largest mini lathe | ❌ Weak tailstock |
✅ Rapid speed alterations | ❌ Some parts don't fit properly |
✅ User friendly | |
✅ Dual purpose spindle lock | |
✅ Auto eject tailstock |
You may also like our comprehensive guide to wood planers.
4. Nova 46300 Comet II Small Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- The speed range is versatile, ranging from 250 to 4000 RPM.
- Features a digital readout for the easy adjustment of the speed on the screen.
- Features a Forward and reversing switch that allows a superior finish.
- 230V single phase
Pros | Cons |
✅ Compact design perfect for advanced users | ❌ Occasional belt slippage issues |
✅ Versatile variable speed | ❌ Doesn't include extendable accessories |
✅ Easy to use speed settings | |
✅ Compatible accessories enable customization | |
✅ Noiseless motor with great swing capacity |
Be sure to check our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.
5. Grizzly Industrial H8259-10″ x 18″ Benchtop Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- Produces no vibrations.
- Heavy duty iron cast construction
- Leveling feet are adjustable
- Features above 18 inches between the centers for benchtop lathes.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Digital RPM readout | ❌ Prolonged use may cause heating |
✅ Speed control from 60 RPM to 3600 RPM. | ❌ Insecure tailstock |
✅ Ratchet style belt system | ❌ Small tool rest |
✅ Smooth forward to reverse transitions | |
✅ Easy speed alterations | |
✅ Solid built |
Learn more with this ultimate guide to a wood lathe.
6. PSI woodworking KWL-1018VS turn crafter commander 10″ variable speed midi lathe
Why do we love it:
- Digital readout to work at precise speeds.
- The speed ranges from 500 to 3800 RPM for finishing and shaping
- Heavy-duty, ball-bearing tailstock.
- Constructed for easy belt access and removal.
- It comes up with 3 years warranty
Pros | Cons |
✅ Maximum speed of 3600 RPM. | ❌ Horsepower is only ¾ |
✅ Small SBC microprocessor | ❌ Only 2-speed settings |
✅ 24 indexing positions. | |
✅ Large 18 inches distance from the center |
7. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
Why do we love it?
- Designed to fit completely on a workbench.
- Delivers a spindle speed between 700 and 3200 RPM.
- Features a ⅓ horsepower, single-phase, and infinitely variable speed motor.
- Safety paddle switch.
Pros Cons
✅ Perfect for detailed patterns ❌ Can only be used to turn small objects
✅ Durable and stable ❌ The motor is not so powerful
✅ Easy to set up
✅ Portable and lightweight
✅ 2 year warranty
8- WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch
Why we love it:
- More space for medium size pieces as the dimensions of the bed are 18’’ into 12’’.
- Motor power is 4.5 Amp that is perfect for control over the five speeds.
- During operation, 7 to ⅞ tool rest for some additional support.
- Adjustments can be made on both the tailstock and tool rest.
- The clamping system is straight forward.
- Has a 5-inch faceplate for turning non-spindle workpieces.
Pros Cons
✅ Perfect for beginner projects ❌ Not suitable for heavy-duty, larger projects
✅ Lightweight and compact size ❌ Sometimes the motor gets overheated
✅ Variable speed control
✅ Comes with the additional accessories
✅ Iron cast structure
Buying Guide
Here are some of the general queries you might have before making a purchase.
First of all, let’s understand some of the basics out of the way.
What is a wood lathe?
Wood lathes is a tool that is used to turn the wood into several different shapes and forms. A wood lathe turns the large pieces of wood into usable and perfectly smooth objects. You can guarantee more flawless and polished results by having a wood lathe. You can get impressive wooden decorations, stunning furniture, and even can make different toys.
What is the best wood lathe for the money 2021?
- Powermatic 1352001 – Overall is the best
- JET JWL-1221vs Wood Lathe – Perfect for the Beginners
- RIKON 70-100 12×16 – Best for the Money
- NOVA 46300 Comet II – A Great Value Option
- Delta Industrial 46 460 – A Consistent Favourite
- SHOP FOX W1704 – Best for making pens
What is an ideal speed for turning woods?
Approximately 4000 RPM speed is the best for turning woods in small lathes. You should get a number between 6000 to 9000 RPM when you multiply the thickness of the woods.
How much is a wood lathe worth?
Normally, the range of low-cost wood lathes is between $200 and $400. The average cost of a wood lathe ranges between $400 to $800. While the high-cost wood lathes cost thousands of dollars, entry-level lathes will help you to learn the concepts of turning if you are a beginner. Such lathes are perfect to use at home. Besides, it can also be used for commercial purposes and are relatively quite cheaper. However, high-end lathes are used on a commercial scale and offer more reliability and precision than even the best cheap wood lathes.
What should be the power of a small wood lathe?
The best small lathes are the powerful ones that are able to turn hard materials. However, small wood lathes do not usually come with highly powerful motor engines. ¾ HP is good for small lathes as it is powerful enough to handle all the small woodturning projects that come your way.
What can you do with a small wood lathe?
Small lathes are generally used to make different parts of furniture, wooden rings, pens, and even cabinetry parts. Spindle turning and faceplate turning are two basic turning methods used in small lathes.
Are small wooden lathes any good?
Overall, small wooden lathes are an excellent tool for small projects but ensure that it does not come with any bits. Users always praise their performance, precision, and design. The lower speed of small wooden lathes ranges from 0 to 1100 RPM and the higher speed ranges from 0 to 2500 RPM.
What are the best lathes for beginners?
Our picks for best beginner wood lathes:
- RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Wood Lathe
- WEN 3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
- Laguna Tools Revo Lathe
- PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander 12″ Variable Speed Midi Lathe
- Shop Fox W1758 Wood Lathe With Cast Iron Legs And Digital Readout
Additionally, these machines are one of the best value wood lathes in the market.
Reference:
Manufacture of metal–concrete basic components for high-precision lathe
Digital Simulation when Wood and Wood-Based Materials Casting Patterns Processing on the Turning Lathes
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