Wood lathes are used to shape wood objects by rotating them on an axis. This allows for the creation of a variety of shapes, including bowls, spindles, and table legs. The workpiece is held between the headstock and tailstock or attached to a faceplate in order to rotate it.
It is possible for diameter changes, tapering, or cylindrical shaping along the length of the object being created. In order to create a spherical form from wood using a lathe, chisels, knives, routers, or sandpaper may be employed to remove material. There is also variation in size among different models of wood lathes; some desktop models exist while others are much larger and heavier duty capable of handling even hundreds of pounds at once. CNC capabilities have also been implemented into some models which allow users more precise Cutting tools that can be controlled with computer programs and drive systems.
When looking to purchase a wood lathe consider what sized model will best fit your workshop space. Buying the largest model available gives you access to additional tasks but may not make use of all its features if your project sizes are smaller. Conversely owning A smaller model won’t fill up your workspace needlessly and still provide opportunities for most general projects.
Here, our team has listed the best wood lathes for different purposes.
Comparison of the Best MINI Lathes
| Model Code | JET JWL-1015VS | JET JWL-1221VS | RIKON 70-105 | RIKON 70-100 | Excelsior 5 Speed |
| Bed Size (in) | 10 x 15 | 12 x 21 | 35 x 10 | 12 x 16 | 10 x 39 |
| Motor Spec | 1/2HP | 1HP | 1/2HP | 3/4 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 10 | 12 1/2 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 15 1/2 | 20 1/2 | 18 | 16 | 18 |
| Height | 14.56 | 17.7 | 14 3/4 | 17 1/2 | 10 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 72.6 | 121.25 | 75 | 95 | 83 |
Comparison of the Best MIDI Lathes
| Model Code | JET JWL-1840EVS | RIKON 70-3040 | Powermatic 3520C | Powermatic 2020B | Powermatic PM2014 |
| Bed Size (in) | 18 x 40 | 30 x 40 | 70 x 37 | 40 x 27 | 52 x 24 |
| Motor Spec | 1HP | 3HP | 2HP | 2HP | 1HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 18 1/2 | 32 | 20 | 20 | 14 1/4 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 40 1/2 | 20 – 40 | 36 | 20 | 35 |
| Height | 49 | 51 | 47 | 31 | 36 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 418 | 546 | 726 | 559 | 183 |
#1 JET JWL Woodworking Lathes
JET JWL woodworking lathe is simple to operate, reasonably priced, and well-made – making it ideal for first-time users. However, you will need to purchase the necessary equipment and accessories to get the most out of this machine – which can cost as much or more than the lathe itself. Once you have all the necessary tools, though, this lathe is enjoyable to use for both novice and experienced woodworkers alike.
There are several different models of the JET JWL to choose from.
Comparison of MINI JET JWL Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | JET JWL-1015 | JET JWL-1015VS | JET JWL-1221VS |
| Model Name | Woodworking Lathe | EVS Woodworking Lathe | Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe |
| Type | MINI | MINI | MINI |
| Bed Size (in) | 10 x 15 | 10 x 15 | 12 x 21 |
| Motor Spec | 1/2HP | 1/2HP | 1HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 10 | 10 | 12 1/2 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 15 1/2 | 15 1/2 | 20 1/2 |
| Height | 14.56 | 14.56 | 17.7 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 500, 840, 1240, 1800, 2630, 3975 | 600-3600, 300-1750, 200-1050 | 60-900, 110-1800, 220-3600 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 77 | 72.6 | 121.25 |
Comparison of MIDI JET JWL Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | JET JWL-1440VS | JET JWL-1640EVS | JET JWL-1840EVS |
| Model Name | Woodworking Lathe | Woodworking Lathe | Woodworking Lathe |
| Type | MIDI | MIDI | MIDI |
| Bed Size (in) | 14 x 40 | 16 x 40 | 18 x 40 |
| Motor Spec | 1HP | 1HP | 1HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 14 1/2 | 16 1/2 | 18 1/2 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 40 | 39 | 40 1/2 |
| Height | 49 | 49 | 49 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 40 – 3200 | 40 – 3200 | 40 – 3200 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 352 | 375 | 418 |
The 1 HP motor in the lathe runs quietly and smoothly, and it has enough power. You can turn both wood and metal on this lathe without any trouble. But the lathe with the ½HP motor isn’t powerful enough to work at high speeds with harder materials.
#2 RIKON Woodworking Lathes
The RIKON Woodworking Lathe is a great tool for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile lathe. With its 1HP motor, variable speed controls, reverse rotation capabilities, and digital RPM readouts, this lathe can handle almost any woodworking project you throw at it.
Moreover, the wide range of operating speeds makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced users alike. However, one downside of this lathe is that the tailstock only has limited travel due to its size. Nevertheless, if you have enough space in your workshop, it’s better to go for a larger model.
Comparison of MINI RIKON Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | RIKON 70-105 | RIKON 70-100 |
| Model Name | Mini Lathe | Mini Lathe |
| Type | MINI | MINI |
| Bed Size (in) | 35 x 10 | 12 x 16 |
| Motor Spec | 1/2HP | 3/4 HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 10 | 12 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 18 | 16 |
| Height | 14 3/4 | 17 1/2 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 500, 1,175, 1,850, 2,225, 3,200 | 60-900, 110-1800, 16 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 75 | 95 |
Comparison of MIDI RIKON Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | RIKON RIK-70-150VSR | RIKON 70-3040 |
| Model Name | VSR MIDI Lathe | VSR Lathe with Sliding Bed |
| Type | MIDI | MIDI |
| Bed Size (in) | 39 x 13 | 30 x 40 |
| Motor Spec | 1HP | 3HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 12 | 32 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 16 1/2 | 20 – 40 |
| Height | 15 | 51 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 250-850, 430-1450, 950-3200 | 20 – 650, 50 – 1750, 100 – 3850 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 95 | 546 |
#3 WEN Woodworking Lathes
The WEN woodworking lathe is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality machine at an unbeatable price. Made primarily of cast iron, the WEN lathe provides reliable performance in a variety of applications, including working with dense timber.
Several different speed settings are available, depending on the model selected. Moreover, the cast iron bed can be used as an extension for spindle work over greater distances. For optimal results, it is recommended that the lathe be secured to a sturdy base that will not move around excessively during use.
Comparison of WEN Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | WEN 3420T | WEN 3424T | WEN 34018 | WEN 34027 | WEN 34034 |
| Model Name | Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe | Benchtop Wood Lathe | Multi-Directional Wood Lathe | Benchtop Wood Lathe | Benchtop Wood Lathe |
| Type | MINI | MINI | MINI | MINI | MINI |
| Bed Size (in) | 8 x 12 | 12 x 18 | 12 x 15 3/4 | 12 x 18 | 14 x 20 |
| Motor Spec | 2 AMP | 4.5 AMP | 4.5 AMP | 4.5 AMP | 6 AMP |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 12 | 18 | 15 3/4 | 18 | 20 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT1 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 750 – 3200 | 520 – 3400 | 450 – 3500 | 520 – 3400 | 250 – 3550 |
#4 Turncrafter KWL Woodworking Lathes
The KWL-1218VS is powered by a microprocessor called a Single Board Computer (SBC), and has 1 HP of power. The motor speed can be adjusted via the SBC, running at 60 hertz on 120 volts.
This lathe is easy to use because it doesn’t require any complicated steps; making it great for those just starting out. Additionally, considering its price point, this lathe seems to offer good quality components.
| Model Code | KWL-1218VS |
| Model Name | Variable Speed MIDI Lathe |
| Type | MIDI |
| Bed Size (in) | 32 x 11 |
| Motor Spec | 1 HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 12 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 18 |
| Height | 10 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 500-1800, 1950-3800 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 106 |
#5 Powermatic Woodworking Lathes
The Powermatic lathe has many features that woodworkers will appreciate. It has a sliding headstock, electronic variable speed with low and high-speed ranges, a spindle lock, and a laser-etched quill. In addition, the digital readout for RPM is extremely helpful.
This lathe also has a built-in spindle lock that is both comfortable to use and easy to operate with just one hand. The overall performance of the machine is further improved by using a powerful 2 HP motor that can spin at speeds as low as 15 RPM.
Fit and finish are quite good across the board, with very little vibration felt while in use – making it clear why this product was given such high reviews by users.
Comparison of Powermatic Woodworking Lathes
| Model Code | Powermatic 3520C | Powermatic 2020B | Powermatic PM2014 |
| Model Name | Woodworking Lathe | Woodworking Lathe | Woodworking Lathe with Stand |
| Type | MIDI | MIDI | MIDI |
| Bed Size (in) | 70 x 37 | 40 x 27 | 52 x 24 |
| Motor Spec | 2HP | 2HP | 1HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 20 | 20 | 14 1/4 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 36 | 20 | 35 |
| Height | 47 | 31 | 36 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 | MT2 | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 | ||
| Net Weight (lbs) | 726 | 559 | 183 |
#6 Excelsior Woodworking Lathe
The Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe is a great choice for beginners. It is made of cast iron and has five different speeds that can be changed. The lathe has a well-built motor with a ½ HP output. And it also has a ball-bearing live center that has been made with accuracy in mind.
However, the power output on the motor isn’t enough to handle turnings larger denser wood projects. Another downside is that there are only two bolt holes that can be used to line up the extension bed, therefore it’s difficult to get perfect leveling. If the bed had four bolt holes, it would be much easier to level.
| Model Code | Excelsior 5 Speed |
| Model Name | Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe |
| Type | MINI |
| Bed Size (in) | 10 x 39 |
| Motor Spec | 1/2 HP |
| Swing Over Bed (in) | 12 |
| Distance Between Centers (in) | 18 |
| Height | 10 |
| Spindle Nose Inch x TPI | 1″ x 8 TPI |
| Taper | MT2 |
| Spindle Speeds (rpm) | 760, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 |
| Net Weight (lbs) | 83 |
Conclusion
The JET JWL is a great choice for those who are looking for a reasonably priced and well-made lathe. It is simple to operate, has enough power, and comes with everything you need to get started. However, it does not have as much power as some of the other options on this list, and it may be difficult to level due to only having two bolt holes.
The RIKON Woodworking Lathe is more powerful than the JET JWL and can handle almost any woodworking project you throw at it. It also has variable speed controls, reverse rotation capabilities, and digital RPM readouts. However, one downside of this lathe is that the tailstock only has limited travel due to its size – making it less versatile than some of the other options on our list.
The WEN woodworking lathe offers high quality at an unbeatable price point. It is made primarily of cast iron and has several different speed settings available depending on the model a cast iron bed can be used as an extension for spindle work over greater distances.
To use the tool well, you need to have a basic understanding of how each part works. If you need more information, please read the article we wrote about the different parts of a lathe machine.
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