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
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 perfect applications.
- Speed variable to meet the project details.
- Digital Readouts for greater accuracy.
What is the perfect speed for turning wood?
Bowl turning lathes need a specific speed to turn the wood more appropriately. Most of the wood lathes 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. 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.
These are the many factors involved in choosing the most amazing lathes for bowl turning.
Best Wood Lathe for Turning Bowls 2021:
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
- A heavy-duty machine with a 2HP motor
- Quick-release lever for the headstock
- It allows for 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 |
Have you done orientating your wood? Are you ready to turn your wood now?
The grizzly industrial wooden bowls lathe is going to add real fun to your bowl turning experience with its 2 HP motor. Its speed and precise detailing will offer professional detailing. In addition to this, the cast-iron legs lend the tool greater stability while working on delicate designs, making it one of the perfect wood lathes for bowl turning.No more worries for beginners, even as Grizzly wood lathe has a speed control option. 600 to 2400 RPM speed with an adjustable button. You will experience unmatchable flexibility for any project with 360 swivel ability.
Easy to handle and easy to assemble wood lathe turning tool is a perfect value purchase for your upcoming project.
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 |
JET 1221VS is a tool that can change your woodturning expectations. Yes, its fast speed, optimal speed control, and durable construction make it work exceptionally well and a great contender.
Moreover, the spur and live center are lined up closely for one another No vibrations, no slippings, and noise to bother you in your creative process, so work peacefully. Lastly, what attracts most of the buyers is its budget-friendly significance. Get your desired tool at a good price with all attractive features to get started with your creative journey.
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 |
The most attractive part of this champ is its quiet operation and variable speed frequencies. Quick and easy adjustments allow greater ease of work with this great wood lathe for turning bowls.
Moreover, Laguana tools present a bright and clear LCD display for better readouts that leads to accurate performance. An extension bed with 32 inches turning capacity can allow greater ease of work for any project. In addition to that, the stout tailstock and quill will add some real perfection to your creative work. Laguana tools maintain smooth operation even during heavy cuts and easily allow speed maintenance. The Delta VFD adjusts power to let the operation smooth for heavy cuts and that too with quick and easy control options.
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 |
Are you a DIY lover? A small yet powerful and efficient tool is here for your next DIY project. Delta Lathe for bowl turning is powered with a 1HP motor with variable speed frequency and adjustable speed control. Change of frequencies is made more accessible with a patented belt tension system. Set the tension for a high power transfer to allow fast and fine work and longer life. No vibration and no noise at your workstation anymore due to wood bowl lathes.
You can also enjoy locking the headstock spindle in 24 different positions with an indexing pin. Smaller construction doesn’t hinder the performance of this great tool. Especially the forward to reverse function will help you achieve a professional finish, making this one of the most amazing lathes for the price.
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 |
Follow your passion, prepare your wood, and Grizzly is going to aid it.
Woodturning is going to be fun when you switch on the ¾ HP motor with the quick-release tool rest of this great tool.
Easy and quick speed adjustments, handy operational procedures, and easy to assemble options made it attractive for beginners to set their skills to reach professional results. 12 inches turning radius and spindles nearly 16 inches allow you to work on a vast range of designs. Moreover, the speed control is offered with three ranges from 650 to 3800 RMP combined with digital readouts for greater accuracy in work.
Working with Grizzly is like working more accurately and easily. Easily one of the best wood lathes for bowl turning in the market right now.
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 |
A smooth operation, variable speed options, and two belt positions allow KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander to work perfectly for even your most creative woodturning ideas. Its precision control and easy-to-use handles prove to be greater ease. This quality offers you to work in detail without much hassle. Durable construction adds reliability to the tool for long-lasting performance and extension bed for larger projects, making this lathe more attractive for beginners and professionals.
This great lathe is going to be a valuable purchase in this price range with a hand full of practical accessories. Get the package and enjoy your work more securely and professionally.
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 |
Let’s master the art of woodturning. Don’t want to spend a hefty amount on wood bowl lathes while you just need to continue your wood turn passion.
Here is your perfect match, The RIKON Mini Lathe. It’s the larger one from its class and supports all kinds of turning projects very well. RIKON offers the ability to add multiple extensions for greater work possibilities. Moreover, a powerful speed is combined with 12 index head positions to offer accurate and detailed work. Easy to handle, bowl lathe with nylon faceplate delivers smooth operation without letting the accessories stuck.
8. Nova 71118 Comet II DR
Why do we love it?
- Portable and compact lathe
- Variable speed Range of 250 – 4,000 RPM
- Powerful motor that works all the time
- 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 |
A smart, convenient, yet efficient tool is at your place. Are you looking for a portable tool that can be placed easily at your workstation being compact?
Here it is.
Forward and reverse switch systems will offer detailed woodturning, and a variable speed option allows ease of use. User-friendly bowl lathe with all attractive features. One of the best choices in performance as well as maintenance. This bowl lathe is compact yet offers a Speed Range of 250 – 4,000 RPM with Digital Readout for accurate performance. You can also purchase an extension for larger projects.
9. Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch
Why do we love it?
- Larger work area
- Wide applications and many more features
- Variable speed adjustment
- Powerful motor
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Interchangeable tool rest | ❌ Speed power doesn’t meet professional requirements. |
| ✅ Stable and consistent operation | |
| ✅ Cast iron construction | |
| ✅ Digital readouts |
A wide variety of uses stands out this wood lathe among wood lathes for turning bowls. It allows it to fulfill any environment such as lab, workshop, engineering, or education needs. It’s easy to use and compact to fit any workplace. Just set the speed according to your choice with an easy-to-handle knob and adjust the tool rest to go along with any creative or professional project. Cast iron construction with rubber feet; this lathe will not only deliver a smooth and stable operation but also add durability to the tool.
This champ from mini bowl turning lathes will offer a precise turning experience with its clear readouts and professional rest.
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. |
Out of all the lathes for turning bowls, Shop fox is a reliable name in the industry. This bowl lathe will support all cutting, sharpening, or turning projects. Its specially designed faceplate and 2 tool rest allow a variety of applications.
Moreover, this bowl lathe is backed with 2 years of warranty. Variable speed and efficient tools made it work precisely on your smaller projects.
A safety paddle switch is also an attractive option, especially for beginners, to enhance their skills while staying safe. Just because its placed last doesn’t mean it isn’t of the lathe for turning bowls.
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 lathes 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 perfect wood lathe for turning bowls, you always need to set a budget that is mostly a significant factor in purchasing any product.
- 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.
References & Sources:
Bowl Turners and Spoon Carvers
- 10 Best Sanders for Woodworking 2021 【Top Picks】 - October 16, 2021
- 9 Budget Wood Lathes Worth the Money 【RANKED 2021】 - October 16, 2021
- 10 Best Wood Preservatives of 2021 【Top Picks】 - October 9, 2021
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