The wood lathe is specially designed for woodworking applications such as it is used to cut, sand, drill, face, turn, and deform wooden workpieces. Therefore, It is a necessary tool in your workshop for woodworking projects. We have also reviewed 7 best Circular saws along with a buying guide.
There are many wood lathes available in the market today but finding the right one is a little bit difficult. Therefore we have compiled a list of 7 best wood lathes of various brands, quality, and better performance. Let’s find the best wood lathe in one place.
7 Top-Rated Wood Lathe
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe | Optimal Design | Check Price On Amazon |
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Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Wood Lathe | Maximum Power Transfer | Check Price On Amazon |
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NOVA 71118 Comet 2 Dr. Midi Lathe | Adaptive Technology | Check Price On Amazon |
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SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe | Variable Speed | Check Price On Amazon |
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Grizzly Industrial T25920 Benchtop Lathe | Easy To Adjust | Check Price On Amazon |
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RIKON 70-100 Mini Wood Lathe | Multiple Extensions | Check Price On Amazon |
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JET JWL-1015VS Wood Lathe | 3-speed Ranges | Check Price On Amazon |
1. JET JWL-1221VS - Wood Lathe
The JET JWL-1221VS 12” * 21” Variable Speed Wood Lathe is an ideal option for woodworking projects. It consists of a better design, better turning experience. This wood lathe dimension is 32.82 * 14.56 * 21.25 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 136.4 pounds.
Features
It has a powerful motor with 60 to 3600 RPM variable speed for better performance. It has optimally designed speed ranges with unrivaled speed control. It features forward to reverse smooth transition. It includes an innovative ratchet style belt tension system. It includes an integrated spring-loaded spindle lock. It includes acme thread in the tail-stock, and 24 integrated indexing positions.
2. Delta Industrial 46-460 - Midi Wood Lathe
The Delta Industrial 46-460 12.5” Variable Speed Midi Wood Lathe tackles heavy-duty jobs with ease. It is an ideal choice for professional woodworkers and offers fast, smooth results. This wood lathe dimension is 36 * 11 * 17.75 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 97 pounds.
Features
It has a 1 HP Max powerful motor with 1725 RPM variable speed for better performance. It consists of a variable speed with 3-pulley speed ranges. It features forward to reverse smooth transition for a superior finish. It includes a patented belt tensioning system for easy and quick speed changes. It includes a 1-inch * 8 RH TPI thread drive spindle
3. NOVA 71118 Comet II - DR Midi Lathe
The NOVA 71118 Comet II 12” DR Midi Lathe is a space-saving and portable lathe and delivers rugged stability and great performance. It is a perfect choice for a wide range of woodworking projects. This wood lathe dimension is 8.9 * 17.8 * 32.9 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 82 pounds.
Features
It has a ¾ powerful motor with 250-4,000 RPM variable speed for better performance. It consists of a variable speed with 3-pulley speed ranges. It features a forward to reverse switch that offers additional flexibility. It includes a 1-inch * 8 RH TPI spindle thread. It is designed with solid cast iron construction that delivers optimum strength. It consists of 12” swing over bed and 16.5” distance between centers. It also features 3” faceplate, 6” tool rest, spur-drive center, live tailstocks center, knockout bar, and lathe handwheel unit.
4. SHOP FOX W1704 - Benchtop Lathe
The SHOP FOX W1704 1/3 HP 8” * 13” Benchtop Lathe handles pen turning or other small cutting or shaping projects using this benchtop lathe from Woodstock international. This wood lathe dimension is 7.1 * 27.9 * 13.7 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 48.4 pounds.
Features
It has a 2-amp ⅓ HP powerful motor with 700-3200 RPM variable speed for better performance. It features a forward to reverse switch that offers additional flexibility. It includes a 3/4-inch * 16 RH TPI spindle thread. It is designed with solid cast iron construction that delivers optimum strength. It consists of 8” swing over bed and 12” distance between centers. It also features 5-¾” faceplate, 4-½” and 7” tool rest, 1 spur-drive center, and safety paddle switch.
5. Grizzly Industrial T25920 - Benchtop Wood Lathe
The Grizzly Industrial T25920 12” * 18” Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe was made in an ISO 9001 factory. It is an ideal choice for professional woodworkers and offers fast, smooth results. This wood lathe dimension is 18 * 33 * 12 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 80 pounds.
Features
It has a ¾ HP powerful motor with 650-3800 RPM variable speed for better performance. It features a forward to reverse switch that offers additional flexibility. It includes a 1” * 8 RH TPI spindle thread. It is designed with solid cast iron construction that delivers optimum strength. It consists of 12” swing over bed and 18” distance between centers. It also features 3-¼” faceplate, 5-⅞” tool rest with ⅝” post, lives and spur center, MT #2 spindle, and tailstock taper, knock out bar, and digital RPM readout.
6. RIKON 70-100 - Mini Wood Lathe
The RIKON 70-100 12” * 16” Mini Wood Lathe provides you the opportunity to do more projects with less space. It offers smooth running operations with increased capacity. This wood lathe dimension is 33.75 * 18 * 11.5 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 88.5 pounds.
Features
It has a ½ HP powerful motor with 430, 810, 1230, 1810, 2670, 3900 RPM variable speed for better performance. It includes a 12-positioning indexing head that allows for multiple positions for improved accuracy. It has laser engraved ram with 2-½” travel and ability to add multiple extensions. It also features a nylon faceplate,8” tool rest, flip-up handle, tool holder, knock out bar, adjustable wrench, spindle lock assembly, and tailstock.
7. JET JWL-1015VS - Wood Lathe
The JET JWL-1015VS 10” * 15” Variable Speed Wood Lathe is a sturdy and smooth running lathe and it has power, precision, and versatility to turn out any number of projects. This wood lathe dimension is 35 * 18.1 * 14.56 inches. The weight of this wood lathe is 136.4 pounds.
Features
It has a ½ HP powerful motor with 200-1050, 300-1750, and 600-3600 RPM 3 variable speed for better performance. It consists of 15-½” distance between centers. It also features 24 position indexing, improved tensioning system with easier access to belts. It consists of wider bed ways that provide increased rigidity.
Buyer's Guide Of Best Wood Lathe
Size/Type
The wood lathe is available in various types and sizes. Check how much workspace you have according to that you can find a benchtop or full-sized lathe. Benchtop lathe is a lightweight and portable lathe for your premium space. The full-sized lathe has more swing and center to center distance. So before buying, measure the size of the workspace and based on that find the best wood lathe that suits your needs.
Speed
Speed plays an important role for finer cuts. Wood lathe available in various type variable speed ranges RPM. There is one thumb rule: If you want to turn 4” stock then the speed should be between 1500 RPM or 2250 RPM. and you’ll get the number between 6,000 and 9,000. So for rough cuts, speed should be slower than the range I have mentioned and for finer cuts, speed should be faster than the given speed. If you know the thickness of stock then this thumb rule will help you to find the required Speed IN RPM.
Projects
Before Buying, decide how much the thickness and length of the wood that you are going to turn. It’ll help you to find whether the swing over the bed or swing over tool rest base is required and the decision of length will help you to see how much distance requires between centers. It will also help you to decide whether you have requirements for extension or not.
Conclusion
This article put together a list of 7 top-rated wood lathes along with a buying guide. All these top wood lathes are able to tackle a wide variety of woodworking projects that will suit your needs, budget, and preferences. As per expert’s recommendation Jet, Delta and Grizzly wood lathes are the best options for woodworking applications. Follow the above buying guide and top options, Pick The best wood lathe that suits your needs.
