You will agree with me when I say,
When it comes to woodworking, knowing the wood lathes is absolutely crucial.
With thousands of product options out there in the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated.
But don’t worry,
We’ve already done the research for you so you don’t need to stress out.
We have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the most feasible decision. Here we discuss the pros and cons of each device to help you understand how each product will benefit you in a better way.
Whether you’re a woodworking professional or a beginner, one of these wood lathes will perfectly fit your workflow.
Let’s dive in:
Best Wood Lathes 2021:
So here are our picks for the top Wood lathes you can buy:
Wood Lathe Machines | Woody Rating |
Jet JWL-1440VSK | 10/10 [Editor's Choice] |
Grizzly Industrial G0462 | 9/10 |
Delta Industrial 46-460 | 8/10 |
RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR Midi | 7.5/10 |
Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 | 8.5/10 |
JET JWL-1221VS Lathe | 8/10 |
NOVA 46300 Comet II | 9/10 |
RIKON Wood Lathe 70-100 | 8/10 |
Mophorn wood lathe | 8/10 |
PSI woodworking kwl-1218vs | 8.5/10 |
Shop Fox W1836 | 8.5/10 |
WEN 34027 | 7.5/10 |
1. Jet JWL-1440VSK
Why we love it:
- A very powerful motor in spite of being single horsepower.
- Comes with variable speed control.
- Has a solid iron cast structure that is built to last.
- Offers optional bed extension for up to 60 inches.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Optional bed extension | ❌ Lowest rpm is 400 |
✅ Powerful motor | |
✅ Variable speed control | |
✅ Highly versatile |
2. Grizzly Industrial G0462
Why we love it:
- Exceptional build quality that reduces vibrations and maximizes stability.
- The tool rest extension makes outboard turning a lot easier.
- 0°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 180° headstock rotation.
- Digital readout for spindle RPM.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Quick lock/release levers for headstock and tailstock. | ❌ Lowest rpm is 600. |
✅ Includes 6" faceplate, cup live center and spur center. | |
✅ Variable speed control. | |
✅ Great value for money. |
Also check our picks for the best mini wood lathe.
3. Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi
Why we love it:
- Has the largest swing of 12.5 inches among its type.
- Its 3 pulley speed ranges help you rotate the project without changing the belt position.
- Unique belt tensioning system enables quick changes in belt speed.
- Its electronic automatic speed control knob gives you absolute control over speed.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Includes forward and backward motion switch. | ❌Slow customer service. |
✅ Compact and easy to use. | |
✅ Budget buy. | |
✅ Offers a bed extension for up to 42 inches. |
4. RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR Midi
Why we love it:
- Features a digital rpm readout
- Significant turning capacity of 12-1/2” swing and 20” between centers.
- Has lifetime lubrication of spindle ball bearings.
- Offers a 24 position index head that is highly efficient for designing and finishing purposes.
- Acme thread on tailstock quill.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Forward and Backward drive switch | ❌Changing speed requires moving the belt. |
✅ Exceptional build quality with 5 year warranty. | ❌Has a loud sound. |
✅ Great stock holding capacity. | |
✅ Digital rpm readout. | |
✅ Beginner friendly. |
5. Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836
Why we love it:
- Consists of a 2. hp motor with double horsepower.
- Is ideal for heavy-duty work.
- Offers a minimum speed as low as 50 rpm.
- Really eye-catchy looks.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Highly reliable and versatile | ❌ Potentiometer issues |
✅ Variable speed control. | ❌Relatively heavy |
✅ Forward and reverse drive switch | |
✅ Highly powerful machine | |
✅ Spring loaded spindle lock |
You may also like our comprehensive guide to wood planers.
6. JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
Why we love it:
- Has the lowest speed range of 60 rpm which adds to its versatility.
- Offers a total of 24 indexing options which is quite impressive.
- A unique ratchet belt tension system enhances the quality of finished projects.
- Comes with many additional accessories like tool rest and face plates.
- Its weight and dimensions minimize noise and vibrations which also makes it easy to handle.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Great build quality | ❌ Requires a strong stand |
✅ Forward and reverse drive switch with smooth transitions | ❌ Little difficult for beginners |
✅ Convenient accessibility of controls. | |
✅ Variable speed control with digital rpm readout | |
✅ Comes with a 5 year warranty |
7. NOVA 46300 Comet II
Why we love it:
- A budget mini lathe ideal for beginners.
- Can do almost everything a full size lathe does.
- Solid build quality with a noiseless motor.
- In spite of being small has a good swing capacity.
- Includes almost all features found in larger lathes.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Strong motor for beginner projects | ❌Not ideal for large scale projects |
✅ A budget buy | ❌Some customers report belt slippage issues |
✅ Variable speed control | |
✅ Forward and backward drive switch | |
✅ 3 pulley system increases torque |
8. Rikon 70-100
Why we love it:
- Quality machine at an affordable price.
- 12-position indexing head for accuracy.
- Has a self-ejecting tailstock.
- Easy to access speed changes.
- Option to add multiple extensions.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Powerful 1/2 HP DC Motor | ❌ Heavy weight |
✅ User friendly and versatile | ❌ Weak tail stock |
✅ Electronic Variable Speed | ❌ Some parts don't fit perfectly |
✅ Cast iron structure |
Don’t miss our ultimate guide to wood paint.
9. Mophorn wood lathe
Why we love it:
- Great swing capacity
- Digital rpm readout
- Multiple belt positions
Pros | Cons |
✅ Digital rpm readout | ❌ Not fit for large projects |
✅ Variable speed control | ❌ Lowest rpm is 500 |
✅ Budget buy | ❌ Some customers report speed control issues |
✅ Value for money | |
✅ User friendly |
10. PSI woodworking kwl-1218vs
Why we love it:
- Relatively cheap.
- Two belt positions enhance power.
- Comes with chrome handles.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Budget buy | ❌ Lowest rpm is 500 |
✅ Digital rpm readout | ❌ Doesn't include a reverse switch |
✅ 3 year warranty | ❌ Not fit for big wood pieces |
✅ Good build quality | |
✅ Powerful motor | |
✅ Includes free accessories |
Be sure to check our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.
11. Shop Fox W1836
Why we love it:
- 24-position indexing head for accuracy.
- Optional bed extension up to 38 inches.
- Beginner friendly.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Electronic speed adjustment | ❌ lowest rpm is 500 |
✅ Two spindle motor | ❌ poor customer support |
✅ Digital rpm readout | ❌ not the best design |
✅ Affordable | |
✅ Good build quality |
12. WEN 34027
Why we love it:
- Relatively cheap.
- Easy to change belt position.
- Rubber feet reduce vibrations.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Digital rpm readout | ❌ Speed changing requires moving the belt |
✅ Forward and reverse drive switch | ❌ Some customers complain motor issues |
✅ Easy handling | ❌ Lowest rpm is 500 |
✅ Good for beginners |
Learn more with this ultimate guide to a wood lathe.
Buying Guide
Here are a few questions you might have before making your purchase.
So let’s get the basics out of the way.
What is a wood lathe machine?
A wood lathe is a sought after gadget that is used to manipulate wood into different forms and shapes. It is considered as an essential tool for woodworking by professionals and enthusiasts. Either you want to create furniture, wooden ornaments or simply a wooden bowl, this is the tool that will get the job done.
What is the best wood lathe for turning bowls?
These are our picks for the best wood lathes for turning bowls:
- Jet JWL-1440VSK
- Delta Industrial 46-460
- Grizzly Industrial G0462
Be sure to check out our detailed guide to wood sanders.
What is the best beginner wood lathe?
Here are our top picks for the best beginner wood lathes:
- Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi
- Grizzly Industrial G0462
- RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR Midi
Should I buy a wood lathe?
A wood lathe is an essential tool for professional woodworkers as well as hobbyists. If you’re already a professional or plan on pursuing woodturning seriously, then investing in a wood lathe will surely pay off.
Is wood turning dangerous?
The short answer is no, woodturning is not dangerous. If you act responsibly, there’s nothing to worry about. Still, woodturning produces some hazardous material like wood dust, which may cause breathing problems for some individuals. Although such issues rarely occur, it is still advised to wear a clinical mask and safety glasses while working. One should also use safety gloves to avoid injuring their hands, especially if you’re a beginner.
How much is a wood lathe worth?
An entry-level mini wood lathe can cost from $200 to $400. A midi or mid-range lathe may cost between $400 to $800, whereas a full-size lathe may start somewhere from $1000 all the way up to $5000. The price is highly dependant on features like swing capacity and build quality etc.
What are the best wood turning chisels?
- PSI Woodworking Chisel Set
- Hurricane Woodturning 16 Piece Set
- Astro 1600 16-Piece Chisel Set
- VonHaus 8 pc Chisel Set
- Hurricane Woodturning 16 Piece Set
- Savannah 8 Piece Chisel Set
- Power Grip Carving Chisel Set
- Hurricane Woodturning 8 Piece Chisel Set
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