Whether you have a woodworking shop as a business or only occasionally exercise a profession as a hobby or for entertainment, a good wood lathe is one of the tools your business should have. With the wooden lathes you can make anything you want, from drawer bars, door handles, table legs, wooden bowls, spoons, bracelets, pepper mills, to your own tools that you can sell or just give to good friends.
There are several companies that produce such machines, and the number of options can seem enormous, especially if you’re new to craft equipment. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of the best wood lathes you can buy. Take a look at our quality offers in this guide and make your choice.
Disclosure of information: As an assistant at Amazon, I earn my living with qualified purchases.
Election peak period 2020
Best of all
Powerful model 3520B
Our best choice if budget is not a problem.
Electronic speed controller
Supplied with 24 indexing positions
Can handle large curves
ENTRY PRICE
It’s best for the money.
RICON 70-100
Our recommendation is for buyers with a limited budget.
Perfect for inexperienced loggers.
Allows the spindle speed to be easily adjusted
Universal with configuration options
ENTRY PRICE
MOST SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS
JWL-1221VS
Our recommendations for buyers who want accurate speed control
Unique belt tensioning system with ratchet mechanism
Easy to use, well thought out
ENTRY PRICE
Choosing the right woodworking machine for your needs
If you feel that none of the above tools are right for you, we have the best wood lathes available in 2020 described in our guide below. Carefully consider the characteristics of each product, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. After all, you are the one who buys this product to work on your tree, and everyone’s needs are different.
First of all, it may not be clear whether the needs a lathe or a mini woodworking machine. The reality is that is a miniature of almost every wood lathe you will ever look for. In general, a mini appliance is defined as an appliance with an HBD of less than 20 and a tilting power of less than 12 (more details on these terms in the next section). There is also the midi , the least common wood lathe, slightly larger (just over 20 and 12), but this list focuses on mini lathes, the most common type of lathe. Of course you can always buy a bed extension if you want to extend the length of your wooden product.
When selecting the tool, i.e. the best wood lathes on the market, different elements have to be taken into account. What type and width of wood are you going to process? What is the guarantee offered by the company? How much is your budget? How much space do you have in your workshop? What other tools do you need? View them as you browse through the list and choose the best woodworking machine for your needs!
Abbreviated terminology
If you are new to woodworking and have never had a mini lathe, you should know more about these tools before you start. The two most important dimensions you need to know when choosing a machine are the distance between the centers (HBD) and the turntable (SOB). With these terms one can often find some discrepancies.
DBC prescribes how the LONG project can be controlled by your tower. The maximum length of the above mentioned round will therefore be 36 years.
SOB indicates how LARGE (or diameter, technically speaking) can control the design of your tower. The maximum diameter of the above mentioned lathe will therefore be 12 (or 6 spokes).
If you use these two dimensions, you can be sure that you are not buying a lathe that you will eventually replace if you cannot process the wood you bought it for!
Other popular features are the warranty, the power (HP) of the engine and the finish of the materials (better cast iron!), the tools supplied, etc. After you’ve spent time and money buying a lathe, you won’t want to replace it with a new one!
Best wood lathes 2020
1. Powermatic 1352001 – Best Overall
Summary
- Weight: 682 pounds
- Dimensions: 50 x 24 x 44 inch
- Turn the bed around: 20 inches.
- CAD: 34.5 inch
- Tool support: 17 inch
- Cast iron sliding head for easy adjustment
- spindle nose: 1-1/4 x 8tpi
- The equipment: Cast iron construction
- The engine: 2HP
- Digital speed display
- Speed range: 250-4000 variable speed
- Warranty: 1 year
If you’re looking for a larger woodworking machine and your budget isn’t a problem, then the Powermatic 1352001 wood lathe, model 3520B 20×35 inch, deserves a closer look. It has electronic speed control and speed monitoring is possible at a glance thanks to the digital display. Different types of wood may require different speeds, which is not a problem for this lathe as it is designed for speeds between 250 and 4000 rpm, and the digital speed readout makes it even easier. It also offers adaptations for these small parts. It’s probably one of the best tools you can get – if you have money.
An interesting feature is the powerful 2HP engine that allows you to do what you need to do. The 2HP is the highest power and the highest of all towers on our list. This lathe is versatile enough to handle a wide range of woodworking projects thanks to its 20 rotating units, 34.5 inches from centre to centre and 24 indexing positions. This fine, medium and yellow machine can handle projects of any size, small or large, which is another reason why it is our best choice. It is equipped with its own inverter for uninterrupted and maintenance-free operation.
Another strange attribute of Powermatic can be a sliding head – something not found in all woodworking machines. This makes it very easy for the user to make small changes. And the tail – also made of cast iron – contains some integrated bearings and has 3/8 holes. The spindle also has a locking mechanism in the form of a spring-loaded knob. This trick is not a joke, but a professional choice. If you think you’re going to turn into wood for a while, you can skip the entry level models and go straight to this round. It’s one of the best tools you can get and he won’t be disappointed.
The client of Count S. Timmons of Amazonia wrote:.
For a long time I’ve been doing a trick in the range of 200 bowls a year and many cups, cans, bottle tops, etc… I had Jet and Laguna laps and 10 to 18. The 3520B model has been my goal for a long time, and now that I have it, I have no doubt that I bought my last and best trick. The purchasing and delivery process was a great event that went without a hitch. I live in Minnesota, and when it was delivered, we had a few feet of snow on the ground. The delivery was done on time and the driver saw that the lathe was in the door of my workshop, despite very difficult circumstances. Thank you, Powerman.
Simple speed control by digital readout of the speed per minute.
Suitable for machining large woodworking lathes with 20-inch lathes and 34.5-axis machines.
Supplied with 24 indexing positions for simple decorative parts such as hole patterns.
Its ease of use makes it suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Duration compared to other woodworking machines
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2. Wood lathe JET JWL-1221vs – our best choice for beginners
Summary
- Weight: 129.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 32.8 x 14.6 x 21.2 inches
- BUDGET: 12
- HABD: 21 (track extension/accessories)
- Relying on instruments : 9
- The equipment: Cast iron
- The engine: 1 L.C.
- Speed range: 60-3600 rpm (digital speed control)
- Digital read speed control
- The warranty: Five years
The JET JWL-1221vs is one of the best woodworking machines and is very competitively priced. As you can see in the picture, this thing is a business. The beautiful cast iron unit of the JET is not only attractive, but also functional. You can use it with a stand (photo), but its universal dimensions make it ideal for lathes and your workshop. JET is a reliable tool manufacturer and its woodworking machines are no exception.
With a 1 HP motor and digital speed control, this JET wood lathe delivers precision power. The variable speed digital module from 60 to 3600 rpm picks up your speed and gives you maximum control over all the laps on our list. It has a 12-inch swing above the bed and a 21-inch capacity between centres, which you can even extend with a bed extension if you wish. The rest of the tool is easily adaptable, not sticky and clumsy as some might be. The transition from forward to reverse gear is also effortless and is often neglected. The JET 1221 has a tool holder with 9 lengths, which is a large size for most people. The ability to move your cutting tool over 9 passes offers greater flexibility in the size of the wood – something JET offers that many other lathes do not. There are only 6 others, such as the NOVA wood lathe (below).
The unique belt tensioning system (patented technology) ensures strength and precision. Jet’s exhaust pipe also includes a trapezoidal thread, another unique feature. Overall, the JET JW-1221vs is a well-designed machine, one of the best woodworking machines on the market, perfect for both amateurs and professionals. If you want to know more about this tour, you can read our full JET presentation here. There is also a 5-year warranty on the return of JET products, so you can’t go wrong!
Perfect and accurate speed control (digital for precision)
Variable speed offers more flexibility
Durable and resistant cast iron
Small enough for domestic companies
Spring lock
Bed extension can be difficult to find on the internet
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3. RICON 70-100 12×16 – Best for silver
Summary
- Product weight: 89 pounds
- Delivery weight: 91.4 pounds
- Product dimensions : 32 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches
- Transport dimensions: 33-3/4 x 12 x 11-1/2 inch.
- Swing: 12 inches
- Tool support: 8 inch
- Distance between centres: 16 inches
- Automatic pullback shaft
- The equipment: Cast iron
- Variable speed motor : 1/4HP
- Speed range: 6 versions – 430, 810, 1230, 1810, 2670, 3900 rpm.
- The warranty: Five years
Rikon is a well-known company in the field of development and production of woodworking machines. With the RIKON 70-100 12 x 16 inches, we offer an easy-to-use woodworking machine that is ideal for beginners due to its simple operation and robust construction.
One thing that people will appreciate is the easily accessible speed adjustment mechanism that allows the user to adjust the speed by choosing one of 6 speed options ranging from 430 to 3900 rpm. It is also equipped with a self-extending tailgate and a 12-position indexing head for more precise handling of the parts and is very easy to use. The carpenters just love the trick and gave him an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 59 customer reviews. The oscillating tool holder is robust and stable, ideal for handling workpieces in 8 lengths. This is a good compromise for a woodworking machine of this size, good for most projects.
The self-extending rear bed is very comfortable, allowing it to be removed in a jiffy. This allows the user to dispense with a stop bar. The rear beam can also be moved along the bed by simply releasing the locking lever and then locking it back into the desired position. With all speed options, head positioning, background functions and extension accessories, it is one of the most popular woodworking machines on the market. To protect the products, RIKON also offers a five-year guarantee. This woodworking machine is often only available in limited quantities, so if you can find it, we’ll say: let’s go!
copper Roger L. Wilson wrote this Amazon:report
After my flip-flop training I was bitten by a flip-flop error, I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion that this trick offers everything I’m looking for. The installation was windy and everything went perfectly. Works quietly, without vibrations, changing the speed by adjusting the belt is child’s play. I’m very happy with my decision. To run certain projects.
Ideal for inexperienced lumberjacks.
Allows the user to easily change the spindle speed
Universal with configuration options
One of the largest minitorens on the market.
Horsetails can be eliminated spontaneously.
There have been complaints of poor customer service…
Replacing parts may take some time.
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4. NOVA 46300 Comet II – Excellent value option
Summary
- Price: less than $450
- Weight: 82.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 33 x 9 x 18 inches
- Turn to bed: 12 inches
- Relying on instruments : 6
- HCD: 16.5 inch (expandable to 41 inch/piece/accessory)
- The equipment: Cast iron
- The engine: 3/4HP
- Speed range: from 250 to 4000 rpm
- grindstone : 6 x 3/4 white stone grindstone
- Warranty: 1 year on the motor and controller, 2 years on mechanical parts and spare parts.
If you’re looking for one of the best microphones with all the useful features you need for your work, but compact enough to fit in a smaller workspace, the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed is an option you might want to consider.
Most owners of this machine praise its versatility – the 6 x 3/4 white stone grinder can work with a wide speed range from 250 to 4000 rpm, making it suitable for even larger workpieces. It also comes with a tool holder (standard) and wheel eye protection. It is easy to shift from straight to rear, which is perfect for the finish. Another reason why this multifunctional tower offers you flexibility and control. The head has 12 exhibits, which is perfect for the production of furniture. And the self-extending handle makes it easy for any user.
It is powered by a variable speed motor from ¾ and has a 3-stage pulley system that allows you to switch quickly and easily to different speed ranges. It has a 12-inch swivel above the bed and a 16.5-inch HBD that you can even expand to 41 inches with the optional purchase of a bed extension accessory. Thanks to its impressive flexibility, it’s no surprise that with an average rating of 3.9 stars out of 65 customer reviews, it’s Amazon’s bestseller in the wood lathes category. This wood lathe only has 6 pieces, but that’s standard. If you are working on large projects, you may want to consider another tool from the list with a large 10 to 12-inch tool.
In Amazon’s magazine Machine of Excellence the buyer wrote Philip M.:.
I used a cheap trick at Harbor Fright for years until I could save up to buy it. It costs every penny.
Vibration-free and boltless. No tools are required to change the belt. Living centers. Perfect alignment. Shh. Shh. Numerous accessories available. Variable speed works like a charm. A larger gap than most comparable models.
I’ve been using it almost every day for months and it works very well. That’s all I can ask.
One of the fastest and most powerful mini-turners on the market.
Its variable speed makes it a very versatile machine that can handle different types of woodworking applications.
The bed extension can handle longer pieces of wood than other lathes.
Robust and powerful construction
In just one year, many owners find the warranty on the engine and control unit too short.
There have been complaints about seat belts…
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5. Delta Industrial 46 460 – Successively favorite
Summary
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Dimensions: 36 x 11 x 17.8 inches
- Swing: 12 ½ Customs/Customs Practice
- Between centers: 16.5 inches, expandable to 42 inches.
- Relying on instruments: 6 и 10
- The equipment: Cast iron
- The engine: 1HP
- Speed range: 3 ranges, 250-700, 600-1,800 and 1350-4000 rpm
- Warranty: 5 years
The Delta Industrial 46-460 variable speed 12 ½ diagonal mid lathe is known as the largest lathe in its class. This allows you to work with even wider material than other wood lathes, as some have only 9.25 inch swings. This makes it an ideal tool for bowls with plates or for various other creative efforts.
The Delta Industrial 46-460 is also equipped with a 1 HP engine, more powerful than other products in its class. It has an adjustable speed that can reach 250 or 4000 rpm. Three different pulley systems are used to change the speed. Three ranges: 250-700, 600-1800 and 1350-4000 rpm. The versatility of these numerous gears cannot be stressful enough!
The 16.5 HCD is not the largest, but it is still long and makes the Delta Industrial 46-460 a universal lathe that will not disappoint you. It is reliable, accessible and will not disappoint you. Another often overlooked feature of this wood lathe is the included tool holder, 6 and 12, which offers flexibility and stability when used in different projects. And a 5-year warranty protects Delta Industrial’s products for a longer period of time than other brands.
The buyer of NETX Lumberjack wrote in his message:
The best. Investments. I’m not gonna do that. I love everything about this trick. The 12.5 rotary switch is more than I will ever need, the reversing switch is a fantastic addition to any tower. Perfect for grinding and even turning when the workpiece needs a different angle of view. It’s no problem. Comes with a 3-inch front panel. Gear drive and a lively centre at the rear. A great addition to my shop!
The large capacity of the shuttle (12 inch ½) makes it possible to work with larger parts.
Retractable from center to center, with a maximum length of 42 inches to accommodate longer parts.
Powerful 1 HP engine delivers enough power when you need it
Variable speed makes it possible to work at speeds of up to 250 or 4000 rpm, depending on the project.
Maybe more expensive than other brands of value.
Replacement parts may take some time upon arrival.
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6. FOX W1704 Shop – Our choice for manufacturers of writing instruments
Summary
- Weight: 45.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches
- Shuttle bed: 8 inches
- Between centres: 13 inches
- Tool support: 4 1/2 and 7 inches
- The equipment: Cast iron
- The engine: 1/3HP
- Speed range: 700-3200 rpm variable speed
- Warranty: 2 years
If you’re looking for something small, take a look at the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3 HP tour the table. It is specially designed for small carpenters with a bed size of only 8 inches and a capacity of 13 inches in the middle. It’s also lighter than other top wood lathes at just 45.5 lbs and has a smaller 1/3 hp engine, which should be enough for items as small as a handful. The set contains not only a tool holder, but also two sizes: 4.5 and 7, to increase the value of this wood lathe.
However, it is a very powerful machine with variable speed, which can reach 700 to 3200 rpm and is easily accessible for speed changes. It is robust, thanks to its cast iron construction, and customers also have something to reassure them, as it is covered by a 2-year warranty.
One of the nice accessories included in the delivery is a 5-3/4 front plate that can be screwed directly into the head. It is very handy for things like a bowl that cannot be transported through a rear bunker. Although it is smaller and lighter, it is sturdy and stable on the couch and is perfect for any tree you turn around!
With a good combination of price and quality, this is the product of choice in the woodworking machinery category with a rating of 3.7 out of 5 out of 140 5-star customer reviews. Here you can read our complete overview of the Fox W1704 shop.
Jesse Jay, who bought a lathe, wrote:…
I bought this for my son, and we couldn’t be happier. It is solid, balanced and works perfectly. He understood immediately how to present them and hasn’t stopped since he received them. The price of high quality is unbeatable.
Great value for the price.
Solid and well constructed cast iron construction
Ideal for small carpentry such as handles
Including the front panel of the grandmother’s nut
Cheaper than other brands
A good trick for the beginning
Can’t handle large projects.
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7. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS – perfect forscales
Summary
- Weight: 82 pounds
- Dimensions: 32 x 9 x 17 inch
- Swing: 10 or 12
- Between the centers: 18
- Relying on instruments : 6 & 12
- 1 x 8tpi wire head in the head
- #2MT Hedstock/ Van End
- The equipment: Cast iron base
- Engine: 3/4 or 1 HP.
- Speed Range : Two belt tensioning systems, positions for 500 rpm at 2000 rpm or 1500 rpm at 3600 rpm
- Variable speed or manual speed (cheaper)
- Warranty: 3 years
ISP’s wood lathe, which we have selected as the best choice for machining large wood species, will be added to the next place on our list. This is mainly due to the 12 beds, which make it possible to have larger objects and more flexibility, depending on the size of the project. They really make 10 models, which is a bit cheaper if you don’t need an extra size.
The PSI wood lathe is equipped with two belt tensioning systems, allowing it to work in two different speed ranges, which is also a remarkable feature. The first position indicates a speed range from 500 to 2000 rpm, while the second position indicates a speed range from 1500 to 3600 rpm.
It has a 1 x 8tpi thread for the nuts and a 2RMT cone for the nuts and pads. A 60-degree tailgate, a vibrant centre that gives the user more flexibility and adaptability to produce a wide range of woodwork. This wood lathe also contains 6 and 12 tools, which further increases its versatility.
This can be configured and displayed on a digital readout, which is much better. However, if you have a limited budget, the manual speed version is slightly more accessible, but more difficult to access while working. There are also a number of tools and accessories included, which is amazing!
It is not the most powerful machine, only the base of the lathe is made of cast iron. In addition, some customers were disappointed with the damage caused by the transport. However, in the event of a problem, the PSI customer support team is available at the highest level. In general, this is an excellent tour available with great features that should not disappoint you.
Great value for the price.
Digital playback with a large speed range
Perfect for large projects (12)
Cheaper than other brands
Frequently reported transport damage
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8. Wood lathe with Grizzly tray H8259 – Large version small.
Summary
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Product dimensions : 36 x 11-1/2 x 15 inches
- Shipping weight: 78 pounds
- Swing: 10
- capacity between centres : 18
- Relying on instruments : 6 1/4
- Travel under the tail: 3-1/4
- The equipment: Cast iron cooled, including the base.
- Engine: 1/2 HP, 110V, single-phase, 60 Hz.
- Spindle speed: 5 speed settings – engine with 826, 1205, 1713, 2422, 3337 r/min.
- Warranty: 1 year
For its price, the Grizzly H8259 wood lathe offers a range of amazing features. It has a 10 inch and 18 inch swing between the centers, making it more suitable for small-scale wood processing. In terms of price and ease of use, this machine is also the first choice for those who are still starting to work on woodworking machines.
This grizzly lathe has a 5-pin speed control that should reassure most users. However, it is possible that this discrete speed control does not satisfy those who want full control over their timber at the spindle. As with most models, the tool holders are included.
Like most wooden lathes the Grizzly has a MT#2 spindle and a cone for the end rod. The grandmother is also 1 x 8tpi (again very normal). It’s one thing that some people have had trouble moving their bedding, which is not completely waterproof. It is only important to check it often – and of course the pin should not be too tight, otherwise you can bend the chuck. In general, this grizzly bear ride is a good budget option for those who want to start turning wood and don’t want to spend too much money.
Great value for the price.
It is light enough and can be moved if necessary.
The reputation of the Grizzly brand
Some people report vibrations because of their small size and weight.
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Factors to be taken into account when purchasing
Before you buy, here are a few factors that may be helpful to ensure that you finally buy the car that best suits your needs. Take a look at these points and make sure that the lathe you have chosen meets the requirements of woodworking.
Size of your woodworking projects
If you only want to work on small objects, door handles or bracelets, you do not need a large machine in your workshop. We even recommend that you do not buy a lathe that is too big for simple tasks, because then you only spend money and do not really use a large lathe at full power. Don’t forget that the more woodworking machines you own, the higher the price.
For small carpentry projects, a Mini would suffice. If you are planning larger projects in the future, you will of course need a more powerful machine that also has more power in the middle and in the swing, so that you can process larger pieces of wood.
If you are looking for inspiration for your first project, we have great carpentry companies for you! Good luck!
Available space in your workshop
You may really want a larger lathe, but make sure it matches the space available in your home workshop. Do you take the necessary measurements and make sure you take into account the movements of the machines? We notice that most wood lovers work in home furnishing shops and don’t have as much space as they would like!
Easy to use
Some lathes are designed for professional woodworkers, while others can also be used by beginners. Make sure the car you want to buy matches your level of knowledge. If you are just starting out with woodworking, you want to buy an easy-to-use lathe.
Spindle speed
Woodworking machines use different speeds to process different types of projects. With this in mind, the ideal wood lathe can work over a large speed range, allowing you to use it for different processing operations. In addition to speed, the ability to walk forwards and backwards is crucial for some carpentry work, such as table legs.
Lathe weight
The weight of the lathe plays a role if you have to move the equipment in the shop frequently or if you have to move it one day. The purchase of a heavy machine makes repositioning your workplace a little more difficult. If you really want portability and only want to build small laps, a smaller lap is the best option for you.
Chuck type
You may have noticed that there are different types of chucks that can be used with a lathe. Three jaws, four jaws, even six jaws! What’s the difference? Which one’s the best? That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive manual for rotating cartridges and everything you need to know about them.
Other accessories you may need
In addition to the chip, there are a number of other things you have or may need for your projects to ensure that you are configured for your next project. This can be an additional (or replacement) front plate or chuck that is not supplied with the lathe, mid finder, gouges, etc. For more information about lathes, please contact us.
Final remarks
Although we have already made you our offers, you may not completely agree with our choice. And that’s a good thing, because as a buyer and carpenter you ultimately decide which woodworking machine is best for you, because it has to take into account your personal needs and preferences. Of course you can contact us if you have any questions.
I hope this buying guide has given you enough knowledge to make an informed buying decision. Good tree rotation!
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