Wood lathes are an integral part of any woodworking shop and enable a carpenter or craftsman to make perfectly symmetrical products. For a home workshop, however, a normal or even medium-sized lathe is a large – and unnecessary – investment.
The mini and midi wood lathe is a good choice for a wide range of applications, from domestic projects to works of art. However, as in most cases, there are a number of variables that need to be considered before a lathe is purchased.
We’ve put together everything you need to make an informed purchasing decision: a list of our recommended woodworking machines, reviews of our best-selling mini and midi woodworking machines, tips for choosing the best mini woodworking machine and a list of answers to frequently asked questions about owning a mini woodworking machine.
Our 10 best recommended wood lathes – comparison chart
| Model | Speed motor | Speed range | Weight |
| Costs at Fox W1704
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1/3 L.C. | 700 – 3200 RPM | 45 pounds |
| Grizzly H8259
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1/2 L.C. | 826 – 3337 RPM | 77 pounds |
| Reagent JWL-1221VS
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1 L.C. | 60-3600 OB/MIN | 137 pounds |
| PSI Woodworking Commander TCLC10VS Click here for prices, photos and reviews on Amazon.com. |
THREE QUARTERS OF THE L.C. | 150 – 4100 RPM | 89.5 pounds |
| Reagent JWL-1015VS
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1/2 L.C. | 200-1050 rpm, 300-1750 rpm or 600-3600 rpm. | 73 pounds |
| Nova 46300 Comet II
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3/4 | 250 – 4000 RPM | 82.4 pounds |
| Delta Industrial 46-460
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1 L.C. | 1725 OB/MIN | 97 pounds |
| Costs at Fox W1752
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1/2 L.C. | 480 – 4023 RPM | 100.2 pounds |
| Rikon 70-100
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1/2 L.C. | 430 – 3900 RPM | 89 pounds |
| Tumbler Excelsior
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1/2 L.C. | 760 – 3200 RPM | 83 pounds |
Top 10 mini-, midi- and bench lathes
Shop Fox W1704 Comment
The W1704 is a great model for turning the pen and other small projects. Designed for easy installation on a medium sized workbench, this miniature wood lathe is powered by a 1/3 hp variable speed motor that allows spindle speeds from 700 to 3200 rpm.
Tool holders provide convenient storage space for a wide range of turning and turret tools. The W1704 has a 13-inch centre distance with an 8-inch rotation above the bed, making it ideal for turning handles and various small woodworking points.
The variable speed motor provides high torque for fast and efficient cutting of hardwood at low speeds and the filigree shape of even the softest wood at the top. A lathe made of robust components and subjected to stringent quality controls has a long service life.
Fox is one of the most trusted names in hardware and tool shops, which means that this little wood lathe is built to function smoothly for years to come.
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Rikon Mini Tower 70-100 12 by 16 inches Overview
The Rikon mini lathe has the highest productivity in the industry classified as a mini lathe, allowing you to work with larger workpieces than any other lathe. In addition to this increased capacity, it also offers more working space with a 12-position indexing head for greater accuracy, a convenient 8-inch tool holder and the ability to add multiple bed extensions.
The Mini-Rikon Tour allows you to switch gears quickly and easily thanks to its user-friendly features. The available cover contains a handy schedule for the evaluation of the spindle speed and opens to leave enough space to adjust the drive belt. The clamping lever and the locking lever are positioned in such a way that a very fast changeover between speeds 430, 810, 1230, 1810, 2670 and 3900 is possible.
The Rikon mini-tower is the largest in the industry and allows you to work with large parts without occupying your desk. This mini lathe has a turning range of 12 inches and 16 inches between centres. The only thing to keep in mind when reading reviews about Rikon and every Rikon tower is that Rikon gives a limited warranty of two years on its products, giving you the assurance that this tower is built to last.
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Grizzly Bank Tower H8259 Overview
The mini wood lathe Grizzly H8259 is powered by a single-phase electric motor with 1/2 hp and 110 volts and is one of the best small woodworking machines. The distance between the centers is 18 inches, the rotation per bed is 10 inches, the rotation per toolholder is 6 and 1/4 inches.
The frame is equipped with a handy tool holder to keep all your turning tools within easy reach for a quick change. The front centre offers a strong grip on all types of wood needed for turning, and the motorised roll centre makes this lathe extremely user-friendly.
The motor is securely mounted on a cast iron frame, which ensures that no vibrations occur under load. The easily adjustable drive belt system allows the operator to work at 826, 1205, 1713, 2422 or 3337 rpm. This wide range ensures that no torque is lost at speeds up to 826 rpm and the setting to 3337 rpm allows fast and accurate machining of the most delicate materials. In total it weighs 77 pounds and measures 33 by 17 by 12 inches, which means it fits and supports virtually any desk.
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Reagent JWL-1221VS
Jet JWL does not stop at the classification of the miniature towers: 12 rotations and 21 centre distances make up the JWL midtowers. However, the relatively small increase in size has resulted in an astonishing increase in features and functions, making it one of the most powerful office lathes of its size, the .
The 1221 is proud of its excellent speed control. At the top, it is not surprising that a lap of this size can reach 3600 rpm. But what really sets this trick apart from the others is the lowest setting: 60 OB/MIN. This low range allows him to apply an amazing amount of torque to his engine.
The 1221 VS drive uses an innovative and patented ratchet belt tensioning system to maintain power and prevent belt wear and slipping. The belt drive is also capable of moving quickly from front to rear with minimal vibration or skidding.
It is the number one selling electric woodworking machines at Amazon, and critics of the midi woodworking machine of this model always have a lot to say. The 1221 VS is a powerful and reliable lathe that can handle a variety of woodworking applications. Jet offers a 5 year warranty on this lathe without manufacturing defects, although you can see from the feedback of any reactive mini lathe that defects are not common on this machine.
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PSI Woodworking TCLC10VS Commander 10 Variable speed Midi lathe OverviewLathe
Woodworking 10 inch PSI Woodworking Commander is probably the best Midi lathe for silver. With an 18 inch distance from centre to centre and a 10 inch rotation on the bed, this lathe is an excellent choice for many small applications.
It is built around a 3/4 horsepower engine that provides power and control for the most demanding tasks, and with the ability to operate at speeds from 150 to 4100 rpm it is probably the most versatile midrange engine on the market.
The robust cast iron frame and the manufacturer’s limited 3-year warranty guarantee reliable operation for many years. The lathe can contain items ranging from a handle to a 10 inch scale, and the base is designed to accommodate bed extensions up to 43 inches. One of the simplest but also most useful accessories is the integrated work light on an 18-inch flexible cable, which provides real lighting for the most detailed and delicate work.
The tool magazine keeps different tools within easy reach, which in combination with the TCLC10VS belt drive avoids unnecessary delays and allows you to make the most of your working time. midi lathe reviews almost always have great things to say about this machine, making it an excellent option.
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Reagent JWL-1015VS
The Jet JWL-1015VS is a versatile mini-turn lathe that is probably the best mini-turn lathe for do-it-yourselfers who are new to woodturning, and the best lathe for turningpins. With a centre distance of 15.5 cm and a turning range of 10 inches above the bed, this is the ideal size for a lathe and small carpentry projects.
Jet has equipped this model with an advanced tensioning system that gives the user access to the drive belts for quick and easy belt changes, which is very valuable for newcomers to this type of equipment or for those who do not have a particularly strong mechanical incline.
The belt drive system allows the user to choose between three speed ranges – 200-1050 rpm, 300-1750 rpm or 600-3600 rpm. The bed is designed to be user-friendly; wider bed rails give the machine greater rigidity than comparable models.
However, all these properties do not make the 1015VS any less suitable for a professional company. This is a mini-jet woodworking machine that will feel no less at home in a professional workshop or under the eyes of an enthusiastic lumberjack than in the hands of a beginner.
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Excelsior 5-speed swing lathe – Presentation
This Excelsior mini lathe can process spindles up to 18 inches long and flats up to 10 inches in diameter. This allows him to machine a variety of small chair and table legs and all kinds of decorative lathes.
The 1/2 hp engine is powerful enough to handle such high power, and the sturdy cast iron housing provides sufficient mass to dampen vibrations and ensure stable rotation with excellent durability. The belt drive system allows the user to select speeds of 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 or 3200 rpm and is easily accessible via an inspection hatch for quick and easy adjustment.
The Excelsior 5-Speed is equipped with a tailgate and a ball bearing with a driven point on the tailgate and a robust bumper for the fixed point. It is also equipped with a 6-inch tool holder that allows you to keep all your pivot-mounted tools within easy reach so you can make the most of your time.
A sturdy base is mounted on non-slip feet for stability, and ratchet adjustment levers with lockable cams allow precise adjustment of the working environment.
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Nova 46300
Up to 2013, Nova’s Comet 46300 wood line has been updated and upgraded. This portable and compact tower still offers the performance and stability of its larger counterparts. Equipped with a ¾ HP variable speed motor, it can reach speeds from 250 to 4000 rpm, which means it can do the toughest or toughest jobs you can throw at it.
The lathe has a 12-inch rotation on the 16.5-inch bed between the centres and can be extended to 41 inches with a bed extension, allowing a greater variety of projects. Improvements to the 2013 model include a quick access hatch on the fence for faster and easier access.
The engine crankcase has also been improved in its current cast shape, giving it greater wear resistance and a more pleasant, uniform appearance. This lathe comes standard with a 6 tool holder to keep all your turning tools at hand, a 2MT Drive Center, a 2MT Live Center, a strip bar, fixtures and a manual. The Nova has been on the market since 1955 and has a limited guarantee of 2 years on its towers, making the Comet II a solid investment.
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Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2 inch variable speed midrange monitors
Perhaps best known for its taps and kitchen appliances, Delta also produces high quality power tools such as the Delta Industrial, including perhaps the best midi lathe . The 46-460 is the largest tower in its class, with a swivelling range of 12.5 cm above the bed. Equipped with a 1 HP engine at 1725 rpm, this machine can handle anything between centres.
In contrast to most lathes of this size, the Delta is equipped with an electronic speed control with 3 speed ranges, which allows the lathe to change the speed luxuriously as needed without having to worry about changing the position of the belt.
Delta also has a patent-pending belt tensioning system used on the 46-460. It allows quick and easy speed changes and maintains the ideal belt tension to maximize power transmission speed and minimize wear on the machine and your tools.
The belt system also ensures a smooth and easy transition between the forward and reverse functions, allowing the operator of the lathe to grind the workpiece evenly, regardless of the direction in which the grain points when the workpiece is clamped to the lathe.
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Mini wood lathe
The Shop Fox W1752 is a powerful and affordable miniature wood lathe, which you can find at home in a hobby carpentry workshop. It has a pivot point of 10 inches above the bed, a tail movement of 3 and 1 quarter inches, and the rest of the tool is 6 and 1 quarter inches.
The body of the lathe is made entirely of cast iron – in fact, the whole machine weighs just over 100 pounds, which is about 30% more than most other lathes in its size class and gives this machine supernatural stability. The 1/2 HP motor provides enough power and stability to rotate spindles up to 15.5 inches long and a bowl up to 10 inches in diameter.
This minifox lathe can even extend the bed up to 38 inches, so you can also work on larger workpieces such as table or chair legs. The drive system allows six speeds between 480 and 4023 rpm, offering great flexibility for any turning project.
And like all Best Desktop Lathefrom , this Fox comes standard with a 3-inch edge. It also includes a cylindrical centre, a powered roll centre and a tool holder to easily accommodate all the necessary lathes.
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Tips for choosing the best wood lathe
The first step in determining the type of wood lathe you need is to determine your specific needs. First, the size. Are you mainly going to turn ballpoint pens and/or small bowls? A mini-twist is probably enough. Or are you looking for something to make legs for the big dining tables?
If this is the case, you should look at mid-ranges or even larger towers, or at least make sure that the mini- or mid-ranges you are looking for can accept bed extensions so that you can work with larger parts. Then you have to think about the material you’re going to work with.
For most applications, the standard range of a mid-size lathe is wide enough to achieve good results. However, if you work with particularly dense, grainy or uneven wood, you will probably need a lathe that can operate at very low spindle speeds to ensure sufficient torque and accuracy when working with your tools.
The other thing is your job. Chances are that your future new lathe will not be the only tool in your toolbox. So you want to make sure that the tour you are planning is small enough to fit into the space you have available, while still leaving enough space to work with and around it effectively.
If you remember the type of tour you need, read the mini-reports of your tour and the mini-reports of the comparison of graphs to . This gives you valuable information about the tours you can’t find anywhere else.
Last but not least, fun is the price you pay. Know your budget; however tempting it may be, you probably shouldn’t take a second mortgage on a house to buy the biggest and best logger. Often the best small lathe or the best midi lathe trick will do just as well.
FAQWood lathe
Q : My tower shakes a lot. What can I do, and it’s a serious problem?
A : The most common reason for excessive vibration is that the piece of wood you are working with is outside the centre. Stop the lathe and try to update the product, or remove the bumps and vibrations that need to be reduced.
Q : Why is my trick making noise?
A : As with all machines, the moving parts of the lathes must also be lubricated. Check the seals for leakage and dryness and add manufacturer-approved grease to the bearings and gears. If this does not help, contact the manufacturer.
Q : Is it dangerous to work with a lathe?
A : Accidents don’t happen very often, as long as you stick to a few rules of common sense. Protective equipment such as gloves and goggles are mandatory, and you must never wear loose clothing that could get entangled in the tour. Be careful what you do and treat tour operators with the respect they show you. This will greatly reduce the risk of injury.
Q : Why does my wood show cracks instead of being cut neatly?
A : Sharpening is one of the most common inconveniences of filming, especially for newcomers, and can be due to several factors. First of all, it’s the spindle speed: Woodworking machines must run at 2400 to 3000 rpm – slower and more fragile processes become more problematic. Then you’re tools: Blunt tools can pull on the shaft, which can cause splinters. So make sure your tools are sharp. Finally, do not forget to sand the wood with the tool after shaping while it is still on the lathe. This smoothes the surface and avoids splinters, both now and on the road.
Where can I find the best mini woodworking machine?
Most large box shops or power tool outlets have a selection of wood lathes. You may even find a mini wood lathe for sale on an online forum such as Craigslist, but ultimately your best guess is probably on the manufacturer’s website or in online stores such as Amazon, which often offer significant discounts that allow you to pay for cheap wood lathes and get a good one.
Online retailers like Amazon also have large catalogs, so you can consider many options when searching for the best midi-tour or the bestmini-tour from .
Decision
Whether you earn your living in woodworking or enjoy what you like to do, choosing the right lathe is undoubtedly the most important factor in your success. What’s more, even the smallest miniature monitors represent a significant financial investment, and the more features you choose, the more it becomes an investment.
But you’ve done your homework. You have decided that you need a wood lathe, and you also need a midi or mini wood lathe. You have viewed our list of the top 10 best mini inversion tests and midi inversion tests on the market today.
You’ve read reviews of a tabletop woodworking machine for some of the most popular mini and midi benches and weighed each of the pros and cons against your individual needs. You’ve already chosen a toolbox to practice your craft, and all you have to do is buy the best trick for you and do a trick!
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