Your access to a bunch of large logs and a chainsaw is causing you goosebumps?
Or is it the passion of getting the bowls and round family wood designs?
In both cases, a wood lathe for turning bowls can help you enjoy your woodwork more than ever.
The right wood lathe can turn a variety of things, from your most desired pen to the legs of your favorite table.
So no more idle sitting!
You’ll find various product options reviewed here, all from reliable brands with top-performing abilities.
Let’s dive in
Best Wood Lathe for Turning Bowls 2020:
Here are our picks the top wood lathes for turning bowls and a comprehensive buying guide for your next valuable purchase.
Wood Lathes | WOODY RATING |
1. Grizzly Industrial G0462 | 10/10 [Editor's Choice] |
2. JET JWL-1221VS | 8.5/10 |
3. Laguna Tools Revo Lathe | 8/10 |
4. Delta Industrial 46-460 | 9/10 |
5. Grizzly Industrial T25920 | 8/10 |
6. PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS | 8/10 |
7. RIKON 70-100 | 8.5/10 |
8. Nova 71118 Comet II DR | 8/10 |
9. Mophorn Wood Lathe | 7.5/10 |
10 SHOP FOX W1704 | 7.5/10 |
1. Grizzly Industrial G0462
Why do we love it?
- Stability with minimal vibrations is remarkable
- Heavy-duty machine with a 2HP motor
- Quick-release lever for the headstock
- Flexible rotation
Pros | Cons |
✅ Adjustable speed option | ❌ none |
✅ 360-degree swivel ability | |
✅ Durable cast iron construction | |
✅ Easy and quick digital readouts | |
✅ Great value for money |
Also check our pick for the best midi wood lathe of 2020.
2. JET JWL-1221VS
Why do we love it?
- Adjustable speed control
- 60 to 3600 RPM work speed
- Enhanced flexibility with forwarding to reverse operation
- Belt tension system for greater work possibilities.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Convenient spindle lock | ❌ A bit heavy |
✅ Variable indexing positions | |
✅ Durable construction | |
✅ Comprehensive manual |
Be sure to check our pick for the best wood lathe for beginners.
3. Laguna Tools Revo Lathe
Why do we love it?
- Smooth and consistent operation
- Ergonomic handles
- Speed adjustment ability
- Easy readouts for accuracy of work
Pros | Cons |
✅ A durable and powerful tool | ❌ Freehand operation is a hassle. |
✅ Self ejecting floor | |
✅ Ergonomic angled control panel | |
✅ Variable speed frequency |
Learn more with this ultimate guide to a wood lathe.
4. Delta Industrial 46-460
Why do we love it?
- Easy forward and reverse function
- Large swing capacity
- Belt tension system for speed control
- 5-year warranty
Pros | Cons |
✅ Cast iron durable construction | ❌ No swivel ability |
✅ Consistent and precise performance | ❌ Suitable for smaller projects only |
✅ Fast speed change | |
✅ Quiet and stable |
You may also like our comprehensive guide to wood planers.
5. Grizzly Industrial T25920
Why do we love it?
- Digital spindle speed indicator
- Variable speed
- Tailstock for easy adjustment
- High power motor
Pros | Cons |
✅ Durable heavy duty construction | ❌ Not ideal for large projects |
✅ Quick-release tool rest | |
✅ User friendly |
6. PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS
Why do we love it?
- Listed and certified by Intertek.
- Variable Speed
- Convenient built-in handles.
- Extension bed for larger turning projects
Pros | Cons |
✅ Durable construction | ❌ The work light doesn’t function well. |
✅ Digital readout | |
✅ Smooth operation | |
✅ Practical accessories included |
7. RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch
Why do we love it?
- Self ejecting tailstock
- Easy and quick speed change
- Backed with 2 years limited warranty
- Quiet and smooth operation
Pros | Cons |
✅ Indexing head for detailed performance | ❌ Speed change is inconvenient |
✅ Ability to add extensions | |
✅ Attractive accessories included |
8. Nova 71118 Comet II DR
Why do we love it?
- Portable and compact lathe
- Variable speed
- Powerful motor
- Digital display for readouts
Pros | Cons |
✅ Forward reverse system | ❌ The index wheel has notches |
✅ 3 step pulley system | ❌ Design complexities |
✅ Durable construction | |
✅ NOVA smart accessories |
9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch
Why do we love it?
- Larger work area
- Wide applications
- Variable speed
- Powerful motor
Pros | Cons |
✅ Interchangeable tool rest | ❌ Speed power doesn’t meet professional requirements. |
✅ Stable and consistent operation | |
✅ Cast iron construction | |
✅ Digital readouts |
10. SHOP FOX W1704
Why do we love it?
- Variable speed control
- Ideal for small turning projects
- Safety paddle switch
- 2 Years Limited Warranty
Pros | Cons |
✅ 2 tool rests for wide applications | ❌ Not versatile |
✅ Durable cast-iron structure | ❌ Only suitable for small projects |
✅ Compact and portable design | |
✅ Wide faceplate allows great turning. |
Buying Guide
Now, what makes a wood lathe best for turning bowls? So many questions come to mind when making a purchase decision. We attempt to address some of the major ones here.
What kind of lathe do I need to turn bowls?
There are many types of lathe for bowl turning.
Mini lathes work great for turning pens or other small items. Mid-sized lathes are more suitable for designing furniture spindles or medium bowls.
Whereas, a full-size wood lathe is good for any turning project of varying scales. So, define the size according to your needs and skills.
What is the best wood lathe for the money?
To buy the best wood lathe for turning bowls, you always need to set a budget that is mostly a significant factor in purchasing any product.
The best wood lathe for turning bowls with the best budget.
- JET JWL-1221vs Wood Lathe
- RIKON 70-100 12×16
- Delta Industrial 46 460
- SHOP FOX W1704
You can also check any wood bowl lathe for sale at a discount at Amazon.
What is the best speed for turning wood?
Bowl turning lathes need a specific speed to turn the wood more appropriately. Most of the best wood lathe for turning bowls offer variable speed options so that you can switch according to your work requirements.
Ideally, it’s between 500 to 4000 RPM.
What should I look for in a wood lathe?
- A stable and sturdy base for smooth operation.
- The size of the lathe to accommodate your task well.
- The motor power for stable speed to craft well
- The headstock and tailstock for best positioning and even turning.
- Tool rest to offer the best applications.
- Speed variable to meet the project details.
- Digital Readouts for greater accuracy.
These are the many factors involved in choosing the best lathes for bowl turning.
I hope all these enlisted lathes and a buying guide will lead you to make a better purchase decision and choose the most suitable option for bowl turning.
So add the best machine to your workshop now and start turning!
References:
Bowl Turners and Spoon Carvers
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