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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Wood Lathes to Elevate Your Craftmanship
A wood lathe stands as a cornerstone in any woodworking workshop, offering unparalleled versatility in crafting bowls, furniture, pens, and various wooden objects with precision and efficiency, sparing woodworkers the labor-intensive effort of manual carving. These machines come in a range of bed sizes, accommodating both intricate small-scale projects and substantial turnings for larger items. Selecting the ideal wood lathe requires careful consideration of many factors, such as motor power, swing capacity, and spindle speed variability, to ensure it meets the specific demands of your woodworking endeavors. To assist you, we've meticulously curated a list of popular wood lathes. Look out for renowned brands like Jet, recognized for crafting some of the best wood lathes in the industry.
The Best Wood Lathes
Best Overall
The Jet wood lathe is a great machine that fills necessary gaps between small, not-so-powerful wood lathes and more expensive and powerful wood lathes. An ideal lathe for beginners and advanced woodworkers who are looking to work with pieces ranging from four to six inches, the lathe can also be used to make bowls, turn spindles, and create fantastic craft projects. The rig is pretty compact and can easily be stored away. It also has a horsepower electric motor and comes with a variable speed control knob, which is fantastic for adjusting your turning speed. Working for almost anyone’s needs, this wood lathe is our top choice.
Pros
- Compact in size
- Offers a long lifespan
- Has a five-year warranty
Cons
- Tool thumb locks on tool rest
- Does not accommodate larger bowls
Best for Small Projects
The Shop Fox wood lathe is a portable benchtop lathe that is best for working on small projects, like turning pen barrels or making small caricatures. The lathe weighs only 41 pounds, and it has an 8 1/2-inch swing. Also featuring an interchangeable 7-inch tool rest, it’s an excellent lathe that provides you with the right power and gives you a seamless carving experience. Providing precision and accuracy at the same time, the lathe has a cast iron construction and a large knurled spindle. Its ergonomic grip further allows you to rotate wood objects without changing your centering.
Pros
- Cast iron construction
- It has speed control
- Includes two tool rests
Cons
- Only accommodates small projects
- Does not have a work lamp
Best for Beginners
This RIKON Power Tools wood lathe guarantees quality and performance, and it provides many of the features found on more expensive lathes. Featuring a quality motor that provides ample power for all turning needs, the lathe also has a self-ejecting tail stock and five-speed ranges that allow you to barrel holes and rough out pen billets. Also made from cast iron, it is designed specifically for pen turners who want a sturdy machine for their work. This wood lathe is a simple yet powerful tool that’s a great choice for beginner woodworkers who are looking to explore the craft of woodturning.
Pros
- Designed specifically for pen turners
- Sturdy cast iron construction
- Offers five-speed ranges
Cons
- Can only be used for small projects
- Some users may prefer more speed variability
Best for Professionals
The Delta wood lathe is used for rotating pieces around its axis for drilling, sanding, and cutting. It’s a very precise tool and ideal for expert woodworkers who have acquired the relevant experience. The machine has an impressive 12.5-inch swing capacity, which is regarded as one of the largest amongst midi lathes. It has three variable speeds that make it easy to adjust your speed, and it also has a switch that changes the directions, allowing you to sand surfaces without turning them around. While our last pick was great for newbies, this one is great for experienced users.
Pros
- Offers a 5-year warranty
- Can hold objects up to 12.5 inches
- Allows you to change speeds and direction
Cons
- The lathe is not always very sturdy
- Can be quite heavy
Most Sturdy
The WEN wood lathe features an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, as well as two interchangeable work rests that provide support for the chisels and other tools during operation. Also featuring a 2A motor and lever clamping system, this rig includes a useful plate for turning bowls, cups, and other non-spindle workpieces. It comes to you with a flat wrench, a headstock spur center, a tailstock cup center, and a knockout rod. Its cast iron construction provides excellent durability. Perfect for small projects, its slow-start motor works to prevent motor damage and maximize safety, all delivered to you at a great price.
Pros
- Speed is adjustable
- Lightweight and compact
- Cast iron construction promotes sturdiness
Cons
- Not good for large projects
- Motor gets overheated
Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Wood Lathes
Choosing the right wood lathe can significantly impact your projects. These machines offer versatility and precision that manual tools cannot match. Our guide will walk you through some key considerations to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re upgrading your workshop or diving into woodworking for the first time, finding the right wood lathe is easier with our expert advice.
How to Use a Wood Lathe
A wood lathe is a powerful tool that can be somewhat dangerous if you don’t know how to use it properly. Experts suggest that you should get some training as well as try out some test pieces before you embark on your project. When using the lathe, you should start by ensuring that you have tightly secured the piece of wood in the lathe so it won’t fly off when you start working on it. Afterward, place the tool rest so there is a comfortable distance between the wood stock and the cutting head. If you are a beginner, turn on the wood lathe at the lowest speed to get a feel of the resistance that pushes against the cutting tool when you work. If you are experienced in using a lathe, then you can set the speed level as appropriate for the stock that you are working on. After you are done working, put the cutting tool away from the lathe and turn off the power.
How to Choose a Premium Wood Lathe
Types of Projects
The first and foremost question you should ask yourself is what kind of projects you plan to do on the wood lathe. Working on small items, like bowls or pens, will require different modes of operation.
Available Space
The next thing you should consider is the space you have available in your workshop. You should consider whether you have enough space for a full-size lathe with legs, as well as any existing space limitations.
Cost
Wood lathe prices can run in the hundreds of dollars, especially those that are made by well-known manufacturers. A quality wood lathe will last you for years or even decades, so investing in the best wood lathe might be a good option.
Choosing a Wood Lathe Base: What to Know
The mini-lathe
Mini lathes are the smallest wood lathes that are available on the market. They have lightweight engines with a typical horsepower of about 1 HP, allowing you to safely turn small wooden objects around as you work on them. A mini lathe takes up less than 18 inches of space from center to center, allowing you to fit in pieces that take up less than one and a half feet of bed space
The midi-lathe
The midi lathe is bigger than the mini-lathe in every way. While traditional midi lathes use the conventional pulley and belt speed regulation system, newer models offer electronic variable speed settings.
The full-sized lathe
This is the lathe that occupies a considerable amount of space in your workshop, with almost all models being stand-alone with their own legs. The full-sized lathe is used for making longer pieces like table legs since there is no substitute for making these longer pieces. The space between the center of any typical full-sized lathe measures 40 inches or more, with a swing distance measuring over 15 inches.
People Also Asked
What can I make with a wood lathe?
You can make a number of wooden objects, including but not limited to bowls, cups, pans, and spoons.
What type of wood is best for wood turning?
Beechwood is the best wood for wood turning as it is durable and abrasion-resistant, which makes it ideal for making bowls and other wooden items.
How long must the wood dry before I can use it in the lathe?
To make the most of your woodworking experience, you should research the unique drying periods for the type of wood you're using. This is because certain types of wood will require different treatment.
Do I have to wear safety gear while operating a wood lathe?
To look out for your safety, it's best to wear goggles while working with a wood lathe. This is because debris can cause harm to your eyes. You may choose to wear gloves or a mask as well.
