Best Wood Lathe Reviews: The Top Tools For The Money
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The best wood lathes may not be a tool for every woodworker, but it is one that can be highly rewarding to use. You can turn bowls, pens, spindles, furniture parts or even baseball bats.
A well-built lathe lasts for decades, so buy the capacity you will grow into.
Our Favorite Wood Lathes
These are the five lathes we recommend, from benchtop minis to a full-size floor model.
| Picture | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe | 4.9 | $$$ | |
| Mophorn 12 x 18 Inch Wood Lathe Bench Top | 4.4 | $$$ | |
| Delta Industrial | 4.2 | $$$ | |
| Rikon 70-100 12x16 Mini Lathe | 4.4 | $$$ | |
| Powermatic 3520B 20x35 Wood Lathe | 4.4 | $$$$$+ |
How to Find the Best Wood Lathe for Me
The #1 feature you’ll want to consider when looking at wood lathes is capacity. The capacity of the lathe will control what you can make and how you’ll be making it. Capacity length is usually given in inches. If you are looking at a wood lathe with a 32-inch capacity, then that is the longest item you can turn in a single piece.
Here are some of the other features you’ll want to look at when using the best wood lathe reviews to make your purchase today.
- Variable Speeds. More speed options let you turn more kinds of work. Rough out unbalanced blanks at a slow speed, and turn small-diameter work faster. Electronic variable speed is the easiest to adjust; belt-change lathes should have at least four steps.
- Bed Construction. Most wood lathes are either going to have a single-piece or a two-piece bed. You can save some money by going with a two-piece bed, but you’ll receive a more consistent performance from the single-piece models.
- Accessories. Wood lathes can be equipped with duplicators and other accessories that personalize your woodworking creativity. Some accessories can only be equipped to certain types of wood lathes. You’ll want to make sure you don’t accidentally limit yourself in this area.
Motor power matters too. Mini lathes usually have 1/2 to 1 HP, and full-size home lathes reach 2 HP or more. Look for at least 3/4 HP if you plan to turn bowls.
Overall, the Jet JWL-1015 is our top choice for most beginners, and the Powermatic 3520B is the pick for serious turners.
Lathe Safety
OSHA’s lathe guidance says operators should never wear loose clothing, long hair, jewelry or gloves, keep the tool rest close to the stock, and adjust the rest only with the lathe stopped. Do not turn stock with checks, splits, cracks or loose knots.
Wear a full face shield over safety glasses, start every new blank at the lowest speed, and stand out of the line of the spinning work when you switch on.
Turning and sanding make fine dust, and OSHA links wood dust to asthma and, for some hardwoods, nasal cancer, so use dust collection and a respirator.
What will it cost me to buy the Best Wood Lathes?
Prices change often, so check current listings. Mini and midi benchtop lathes cost the least, and full-size floor lathes like the Powermatic cost several times more.
Budget for turning tools, a chuck, a face shield and a sharpening setup as well.
Let’s Have a Look at The Reviews
1. JET
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This benchtop lathe makes it easy to start turning. It has 6 belt-change spindle speeds from 500 to 3,975 RPM and 24-position indexing.
It has about 15 inches between centers, and the wide bed ways add rigidity. The belt tensioning system makes speed changes easy.
It is an excellent beginner’s lathe. JET has released newer variable-speed versions, so check availability.
2. Mophorn 12 x 18 Inch Wood Lathe Bench Top
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This budget benchtop lathe has a 550W motor and variable speed from 500 to 3,800 RPM, which suits pens, spindles and small bowls. It has a cast iron bed and feels solid for its size.
The digital RPM readout is big enough to decipher even in low light conditions. We like how stable it is.
The rubber feet keep the lathe sturdy for smoother operations.
3. Delta Industrial
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This 1 HP midi lathe has three pulley ranges, and within each range the speed is electronically variable, so you only move the belt when you change ranges.
We also appreciated the reverse function, giving you the chance to create a fantastic finish with greater ease. The 12.5-inch swing is generous for a midi lathe.
4. Rikon
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This wood lathe makes it easy to complete your speed changes. There is plenty of room to complete this task quickly and efficiently.
There’s no need to use a knockout bar with this lathe either thanks to the self-ejecting tail stock. The laser-engraved ram provides 2.5 inches of travel and you have the ability to add multiple extensions to this tool.
The ½ HP motor is a little undersized for big bowls, but this lathe works consistently well for its price.
5. Powermatic
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If you want one wood lathe for the long haul, this is the one to consider. Powermatic has since updated it as the 3520C, so the 3520B may only be available used or as old stock.
With a 20-inch swing and 34.5 inches between center, you can create virtually anything with this tool. It features a 2 HP 220-volt motor with variable speeds so that you are always in control.
A face plate, knockout rod, and spindle lock are included features that will help you stay productive. It also has a digital RPM readout, which helps you set safe speeds for large blanks.
Whichever lathe you choose, match its swing and length to the work you plan to turn, and set aside money for safety gear.
