Looking for the Best Wood Lathe you can buy? Well, in this article you are going to know about the best wood lathe of 2020! If any of you are into making crafts or are involved with work that requires making beautiful or even useful pieces that we use every day, be it a hobby or for professional premises, you must have heard or used a wood lathe. If you do not know what I am talking about, let me clear the concept a little. A wood lathe is a machine that is used to give different forms and shapes to any piece of wood that is attached to the machine. And while the machine spins, with several other tools will function along with the spinning arm and voila, the bare wood is transformed into your desired shape!
It can be a vase, a bowl, a decoration piece, a toy and in a word, anything. In today’s feature, we are going to walk you through the most useful, trusted and the best wood lathe which will help you choose the best one from your options.
Our Top Pick:
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe
Before we go through the list, our top pick for the product would be “Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe”. It has a patented technology of belt tensioning system and has the largest capacity in its class and types. It is a very powerful machine of 1 horsepower and has unique features and functions such as forward and reversing advantages.
(We have published a complete review article about Delta Industrial 46-460 Lathe. In there you can know details about this wood lathe. Check it out by clicking on here.)
So, to give you more options to choose from and to make sure that you are making the right decision, let us go through the review often best wood lathe machines with their unique features, pros, and cons.
10 Best Wood Lathe Reviewed!
This is our top ten list of Best Wood Lathe! Clicking below will take you to Amazon to view the latest price:
- Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Midi Lathe
- SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe
- WEN 3420 8″ by 12″ Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
- Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B 20×35-Inch Wood Lathe
- JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS Wood Working Lathe
- Excelsior Mini Lathe
- Goplus 1/2HP 4 Speed 40″ Power Wood Turning Lathe
- RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe
- RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe
- SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe
1. Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Midi Lathe
A very useful wood lathe machine that will without any doubt, live up to your expectations. To start with it is safe to mention that it has a powerful motor that has an rpm motor of 1725 and 1 horsepower engine, which is more than enough to run a very smooth operation without any trouble and a good operating motor also ensures the longevity of the machine itself.
Variable or adjustable speed functions are present with a 12-inch swing capacity which is by far the largest one among its class. This particular function, that is variable speed is there to ensure that it is easier for you to select the required speed for your operation without having to change the position of the belt of the machine. After the motor operation, there comes the quality of the performance of the machine. There is a forward and backward function feature which are there to make sure that the finished good gets an optimum quality.
Sometimes, in order to give the product or the finished good its desired shape the operator has to position in a way that he or she has to move a lot whilst running the operation. But in this case, the machine will take of it and there is a switch for this forward and reverse function. If you pull it, your job is done. It comes with a patented technology of belt tensioning system which helps to enhance the life of the machine and also for faster and quicker operations.
Pros
- Powerful engine with 1 horsepower capacity
- Variable speed function with the pulley motion system
- Largest swing of 12-1/2 inches
- Includes faceplate and different tool rest of 6 and 10 inches
- Five years warranty
- Comes with a lot of additional tools such as knockout bar, wrenches, live center, etc
- Durable and optimum quality performance
- Made of full cast iron
- Patented technology
Cons
- No extra features for stronger grip or support of the wood pieces
Tech Specs:
Weight: 97 pounds
Product Dimension: 36 x 11 x 17.8 inches
Other Features:
- Includes a manual book for safer and accurate operation
- Extra tools and accessories provided in the box
- Six groove belt system
- Accurate and precise finishing
- Ball-bearing live center
- Designed for heavy-duty operations
2. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe
This particular wood lathe machine offers you a very prominent feature that is specialized in small cutting projects, which means the accuracy of giving shapes and forms for finished goods which will be rather smaller than the regular size. And when it comes to shaping small sized products it gets a little tough to maintain the accuracy to give the proper feature due to the spindle machine and lack of adjustments, but not in this case. This machine is designed to tackle pen turning making relevant things.
The whole body is made of pure iron which ensures quality and smoother performance with possible less vibration and proper fitting on a workbench. It has two tool resets, using which you will be able to perform different turning performance and the eight-inch swing ensures the variations of turning different projects. The benchtop lathe machine has a face plate which helps to make things that include non-spindle turning. To be specific, it is more feasible to make bowls and relevant kind of goods because these kinds of things can not be made if you have a tailstock in your machine. The variable speed motor also ensures that you have an accurate speed distribution suitable for each different task.
Pros
- Ideal for making variations of turning projects
- Faceplate, specially designed for making bowls and relevant goods
- Tackles pen turnings
- Accuracy maintenance to give desired shapes and forms to smaller sized projects
- Makes perfect fit on the workbench
- Has a safety paddle switch for ensuring the avoidance of any possible accidents
- Made of cast iron
- Two years warranty
- 8-inch swing and 12-inch space between centers
- Powerful motor
Cons
- No advanced safety features except for the paddle switch (no competitive advantage)
- No knockout Rod
- No additional tools provided
- Single Phase
Tech Specs
Weight: 50.8 pound
Product Dimension: 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches
Other Features:
- Variable or adjustable speed motor ensuring powerful performance
- 1/3 horsepower and 2 Amp with 110V
(We have published a complete review article about SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe. In there you can know details about this wood lathe. Check it out by clicking on here.)
3. WEN 3420 8″ by 12″ Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
This wood lathe machine gives you complete freedom when it comes to adjusting the variable speed from the given rotation (750-3200 per minute) and is very flexible when it comes to giving your desired shape to the woods. The MT1 spindle has a strong grip over the wood pieces and other tools are there to make sure the support sustains throughout the whole operation. Comes with a variation of supportive tools and accessories such as faceplate tailstock cup center, headstocks par center, etc.
It comes with a motor that has a power capacity of a good 2 amp, which starts in a processing manner which leads to performing at its peak without causing damage to the motor due to excessive pressure from the engine. The MT1 spindle and tailstock provide 100% support and adjustable speed function makes sure that you get the flexibility of controlling the speed, rotation and turn with the help of the speed knob in order to get the shape more accurately and so that the finished goods are satisfactory.
Pros:
- Adjustable and variable speed functions
- Additional tools are provided
- Accurate and stronger grip support or control (MT1 spindle and tailstock)
- Lever Clamping System
- Powerful 2 amp motor
Cons:
- Might be just a little time consuming as the machine starts gradually instead of at a full-speed start.
Tech Specs
Size: 8 x 12 inches
Weight: 44.1 pounds
Product Dimension: 26 x 10 x 12 inches
Other Features:
- A faceplate of five inches
- Two tool rests of 4.5 inches and 7 inches
- A knockout Rod
- A flat wrench
- Headstock spur center and tailstock cup center available
- Two years warranty
4. Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B 20×35-Inch Wood Lathe
This wood lathe machine is designed to assist with a range of products. It can be used by both novice users and by seasoned veterans because of the machines extreme adaptive capability and flexibility. It has a powerful 2520B motor with twenty inches swing. It is specially designed for making bigger sized projects. There is an additional pin that can be attached to the spindle and it will work even more promptly for prior creative projects and accurate finishing.
The machine is completely built of pure iron casting. Its advantage is that because of the structure, the machine will last longer and will work more productively. And because of the structure of pure iron, it is completely an anti-vibration machine, which is very comfortable when you are working because all those vibration whilst working can really be distractive and stressful.
The headstock of the machine is carefully designed so that the adjustments according to the speed to give the proper shape to the product is accurate. Since the machine is for producing larger sized goods, the role of adjustment is very important. The tailstock of the machine is made of pure iron as well. And it comes with built-in storage that can accommodate other accessories and supportive tools which to are available with the package. This lathe is made by Powermatic.
Pros
- Ideal for producing bigger sized materials
- 2 horsepower and 6.2 amp (very powerful motor)
- Ideal for high torque
- Three-phase motor
- Can work up to 24 indexing positions
- Digital RPM technology
- Perfect balance and electronic variable speed
- Five years warranty
- A huge supply of supportive tools and accessories
Cons
- No extra feature for a stronger grip
- The product cannot be home delivered as it is too heavy
- The machines weights a lot
Tech Specs
Weight: 682 pounds
Product Dimension: 55 x 27 x 31 inches
Other Features:
- Includes a manual book for safer and accurate operation
- Assembly required heavy-duty performance machine
- Keeps track of the speed
- Two range multi-groove pulley
- ergonomic chrome-tipped handwheels
5. JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS Woodworking Lathe
This product is by JET comes with a super strong engine that is equivalent to 1-1.5 horsepower, which is very powerful for a wood lathe machine. It has a wide swing of sixteen inches and forty-two inches between the center parts and also comes with a variable or adjustable speed of 0-3,200 rpm. The body and legs are made of solid iron and it comes with a lot of additional supportive tools, such as tool rest, faceplate, spur center, live center, knockout bar, tool storage rack and many more. A 460 pounds suppressed vibration is also another great feature of this particular wood lathe machine.
The three-phase engine or motor with the advantage of an inverter ensures a powerful performance in terms of cutting and shaping the woods into the desired form. Also, the speed is adjustable and you can turn them according to your accurate position as well. This feature ensures quality for the finished good. Also, the inverter helps with the variation and adjustment of the frequency and speed. The iron cast machine has the advantage of performing a heavy duty task and that to vibration free and with utmost accuracy and smoothness as well.
It comes with a user-friendly guideline which will help you operate the machine in a more accurate way. Along with the advanced features and offerings, this particular product is providing, it has some unique safety features as well for your protection and also the avoidance of damage to the machine, such as heavy gauge wire guard which is located and the back of the headstock. It makes the mounting of the objects easier to perform that lessens the risk of falling off. It works as a barrier between the task and the performer.
Pros
- Variable speed function
- Additional supportive tools provided
- Large diameter spindle machine
- The whole body of the machine is made of pure iron
- Safety measurements and safety features
- Powerful 3 phase motor
- Five years warranty
Cons
- No extra features for stronger grip or support of the wood pieces
Tech Specs
Size: 42 inches
Weight: 454 pounds
Product Dimension: 64 x 20 x 50 inches
Other Features:
- Ball-bearing live center
- Stability features such as large tailstock
- Built-in indexing
- Stable and smooth operation
- Electronic inverter
6. Excelsior Mini Lathe
The Excelsior Mini Lathe is a good looking small wood lathe. It is one of the best budget wood lathe. There is a spur center on the headstock and ball-bearing live center on the tailstock. The heavy-duty knockout bar for spur center. Cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers. There is a removable safety switch.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Fits in any workstation
- Variable speed
- Compact size
- Accessories included
Cons
- Motor is weak
- Some parts aren’t very durable
- The power cord isn’t very sturdy
Tech Specs:
Weight: 83lbs (According to Rockler)
Dimensions: 30 x 8 x 15 inches
Others:
- Distance Between Centers: 18″
- Turning Diameter: 10″
- Motor: 370W
- Powerful 1/2 HP motor
- Base Material: Solid Cast Iron
- 6″ Tool Rest
- 3″ Face Plate
- 1″ x 8 TPI spindle
7. Goplus 1/2HP 4 Speed 40″ Power Wood Turning Lathe
Another powerful wood lathe machine for a perfect solution when it comes to finishing a quality product out of the wood pieces. This particular machine is capable of performing different types of woodturning projects and it has four adjustable speeds, which ensures accuracy and efficiency. Adjusting speed is an important feature when it comes to giving a proper shape to the wood. It has a motor of 1 horsepower and is single phase. The sewing bed is about fourteen inches and space or gap among the centers is roughly forty inches.
Variable spindle speed offers you to perform more accurately and it helps to decide what speed is needed and when because it differs from project to project.
Pros
- Adjustable speed
- 1 horsepower motor
- Multiple spindle speed
- Lightweight
Cons
- No warranty
- Not made of pure iron cast
- Vibration may be a problem
- No extra supportive tools with the package
- No extra feature for a stronger grip of the wood
- No safety measures
Tech Specs
Weight: 55 lbs
Product Dimension: 57.2″ x 9″ x 14.9″
8. RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe
This particular wood lathe machine by Rikon, specializes in easy access to changing speed. Which gives away the fact that the adjustable or variable speed feature of this machine is highly commendable and it is a very important one as it is crucial to have the specific speed for different projects that vary from size to size. It comes with a self-ejecting tailstock, which means that you would not have to use the specific knock out bar to get rid of the center, and moreover, it gives you the flexibility to add more than one extensions as well.
It comes with a good 12 positioning index head which ensures that the wood pieces get and remained locked in their respective positions which will lead to an accurate finishing. The self-injecting tailstock will save an ample amount of time as you wouldn’t have to change the knock out bar from time to time. The tailstock also has the option to detach itself from the lathe if needed so. This machine has the largest capacity with 12 inches bed 16 inches gap between centers. The locking arm and tension release lever also make sure that the speed adjustment is in order and the machine is working to its full potential.
Pros
- Largest mini lathe machine in the market
- Easy access
- Is quick and fast when it comes to changing speed direction
- Self-ejecting tailstock
- Relevant accessories available
- Two years warranty
- Convenient and user-friendly
- Many modern features
Cons
- No safety features
- No stronger grip feature
Tech Specs
Weight: 91.4 Pounds
Product Dimension: 33.8 x 18 x 11.5 inches
Other Features
- 12 position indexes
- Separate lock spindle for removal of accessories
- Ideal for detailed pattern work and projects
9. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10″ x 18″ 1/2 hp Mini Lathe
It has a ½ powerful motor that is ideal for all sorts of turning requirements when performing an operation. The whole body is made of pure and heavy cast iron, which ensures the durability of the machine, finer performance and also, very importantly will reduce vibrations that causes hindrance and distraction during work. The alignment between the machine bed and the going components are in perfect order. It helps to finish up a wood piece into a finely detailed product and is suitable for sturdy kind of work and pen turning projects.
Pros
- 5 speed ranges available
- Supportive additional tools available
- 1 / 2 powerful motor
Cons
- No safety features
- No stronger grip feature
- No warranty
- Relatively fewer features than of the other products
Tech Specs
Weight: 74 Pounds
Product Dimension: 35.5 x 10.5 x 14.8 inches
10. SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe
Another mini wood lathe machine that focuses on easy access and changeable speed features. The swing over bed is around ten inches and it includes tool rest, live rolling center, spur center and other necessary materials of adequate and standard measurement. The structure of the machine is fully cast of iron that ensures higher durability, better performance and not to mention the reduction of vibration. The machine comes with a cam action clamping system that makes sure that the tool rest is safely fit and secured with the lathe bed.
The locking handles ensure flexibility and adjustable tool rest provides accuracy in the operation in terms of support and comfort. The motor is also powerful so the smooth operation of the machine kind of goes without saying.
Pros
- Cast iron tailstock
- Locking handles
- 1 / 2 horsepower motor
- Adjustable speed
- Great features that include safety measurement of operation and the machine itself.
- Two years warranty
- Includes a rubber foot for comfort
Cons
- No focus on the grip
- No additional supplies of tools included
Tech Specs
Weight: 99 Pounds
Product Dimension: 37.3 x 18 x 12.3 inches
Buying Guide:
Needless to say that before buying a hefty machine like this, that would put quite a bit pressure on your pocket, will need some proper research and maybe a little market visit as well. We can not help you with the visit to the market, but we can help you to fill you with information that you should be looking into before you buy one of these machines. So here is a list of the things that you need to keep into account before owning a wood lathe machine.
1. Foundation: The base is the key for any machine really, and in this case, a wood lathe machine must have a good foundation or base. Basically, the bed of the machine is what we are talking about. It is very important that you make sure that the bed of the wood lathe machine is made or cast of pure iron and is heavy. Because an iron cast bed ensures that there is no vibration and it is a must because you can not afford to have your machine vibrate when there is wood placed on the bed.
It does not matter what size of machine you are buying, but it definitely matters whether it is cast of iron. The height of the lathe matters as well and the spindle should be of the size of your elbow when you are standing. The length is also a matter of concern. If the headstock is placed in one end of the bed, the tailstock should be on the opposite end. For larger sized projects, buying a full-sized machine would be feasible, but for regular work, midi-lathes are more than good enough, and what is more, is that they can be extendable as well.
2. Headstock and Motor: As we all know that the larger the engine the more productive or heavier duty of work done. The horsepower usually ranges from 1-4 and the RPM is about from 500-4000. Nevertheless, you chose the motor capacity according to the kind of work you will be doing. And for the headstock, there are regulations regarding the movement and rotation of the headstock in terms of big bowls or smaller sized ones. So, keep those in mind when buying and feel free to know more from the store supervisor.
3. Tailstock: It is a rotating pin. It is located on the opposite of the headstock and its duty is to make sure that the spindle is centered where it should be and is rotating evenly and within a fixed pattern. There will be many turnings in making a product or during the operation when there is a case of giving shape or correcting position. The tailstock is there to lock and secure any position that is being fixed and will allow you to have one hundred percent accuracy and flexibility when you are working and finishing up with the product.
4. Tool rest: The most important part of the lathe machine after the iron cast bed, is the tool rest. One thing needs to be kept into account that you should always rest your tool against the tool rest before you start a turning. Make sure that the tool rest itself is also locked into that position so that it does not move. In case of turning larger sized spindles or bowls, it is advised to have multiple (two or three) tool rests as you go. But make sure that they are locked into their positions because a loose tool rest is even more dangerous than having no tool rests.
5. Power Switch: The size and placement of the power switch is another thing that you should look into. Sometimes what workers do is use a paddle switch near and when working, they just use their kegs to switch on and off if their hands are busy. Regardless of that fact, please have a feasible power switch and place it in a way that it is easier to get access to the switch and also keep it a safe place as well so that it does not get in the way.
6. Speed: It is very much recommended to go with wood lathe machines that offer various speed ranges or variable speed adjustments. Because you will need a different kind of speed to operate on different sized and kind of projects, so it is very important that the speed acts accordingly otherwise the operation will not be satisfactory as it will not be able to give the desired shape that you were looking for the lacking of the appropriate speed range.
7. Bench: A bench is very much needed for comfortable work. Sometimes these wood lathe machines come with their own bench, which is fine, but you can also buy one according to your preference. When buying a bench, keep in mind that it needs to match with your turning pattern and requirement. The more you will turn, the more spacious bench you will need.
A few other things that need consideration are different kinds of gauges. For example, roughing, spindle, and bowl gauges. All three kinds are designed to work with different types of woods, for example, roughing gauge is for a square to round-shaped woods. Spindle gauge for turning and adjusting.
A center finder is needed to focus on the middle easily. Whether it is round or square it will help to pinpoint the center for an easy measure of the operation. Then comes a scraper. A scraper is essential for any woodturner machine. The tip of the cutting edge is used and it is used without bevel rubbing.
The benefit of Buying The Product:
After all that research, and when you are at the last step of making the big decision, let us give you an extra push that will help you make your mind. There are actually a handful of benefits of buying a wood lathe machine. So, rest assured, unless you are not buying anything that didn’t follow our buying guide, there is no chance for you to regret your decision. Here is a small discussion of the ways you will be benefited if you buy one of these wood lathe machines:
A few key points are accuracy, limitless outputs, waste reduction, better profitability, less exhaustion, modification and experiments, quality finished products.
Now let’s go into a little more details. The first point is accuracy. Throughout the article, we have talked on and on about the kind of accurate the results are. It is because the machines are highly equipped to ensure that that you finish up with a good product and you make that product according to the way you like it. Almost everything about the machine is designed in such a way that you would be able to adjust it. And thus the accuracy.
Limitless outputs refer to the endless production and productivity. As long as you are up for it, there will be no end of production. It is also linked to the profitability that will come out of more production. With the help of this machine, the amount of wastage will come down in half. The machine is designed in a way that you place the piece of the wood on the bed and start your operation by adjusting the speed and turns. As a result, the wood is being cut in a proper manner where everything is happening in a measured way. So no piece of cut wood will go to waste and all of the pieces will bring the desired outcome.
With the help of this machine, the physical exhaustion and the strain that your body used to go through will be reduced or even gone. Which will lead you to perform more tasks and with more tasks, of course, more profitability. Since the machine is very flexible, it is possible to experiment with any of your projects. You can try out any idea that you have in mind and make the product accordingly. If you know when and how to do what to reach where you want to go with your ideas, there is no stopping you. And because of this feature, any customization or any type of modification on any given product is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Does the motor also have a reverse feature?
Answer: Yes, the motor also has a reverse feature, and all of the functions are adjustable too.
Question: What happens if the spur center and the faceplate of the machine cannot be removed or fail to remove?
Answer: The spur needs to be used with the faceplate itself. In this situation, you are to drive the spur from the faceplate and you should do it using a brass punch and a hammer. The spur should be removed from the threaded end.
Question: what is the weight of both the headstock and the lathe bed? Are all of them more or less the same?
Answer: It varies from machine to machine and it is not a fixed weight. Please ask the store supervisor or see the packaging details of the product, all information should be available there.
Question: I was hoping to buy a chuck which I could attach to it so that I can carve the inside of a bowl or a vase, would it be possible?
Answer: Yes it would be possible. Some companies provide the chuck along with the machine as well. You will also need an adapter for the chuck to attach to the machine.
Question: I am a beginner and wondering if I would be able to use the machine. Is it user-friendly?
Answer: Both positive and negative. You would be able to use it if you are aiming for really basic or small projects, for example, spindle. In that case with the help of the manual book, you should be okay. However, for bigger and complex projects, you are bound to have some experience and also should have the hang of the machine’s technical functionality. So it is not advised.
Question: Is it possible to download a manual from the internet.
Answer: Please check online, however, make sure that the product model matches with the manual instructions.
Question: Is t possible to turn a bowl without having to buy a chuck?
Answer: It would be possible if you use the included faceplate that has been provided to you with the machine. Although a chuck would have been more productive but there are alternatives for that.
Question: What kind of chucks are recommended to make a bowl through the machine?
Answer: A Nova mini chuck is quite popular among the consumers and quite trusted as a brand as well. You could go for that or look around the market or do some online research as well.
Summing Things Up:
It is pretty obvious that you would not be spending all those money over a machine like this from time to time which qualifies this kind as a one time buy a product. Which is also why it is very important that you invest on a product that will give you a 100% satisfaction in terms of performance, output, quality, maintenance and of course, most importantly, durability.
Throughout this feature, we have tried to bring out the best of options, things to look out for when you are buying and the benefits that you will get out of this in a precise but accurate manner. We are hoping that you will not regret your decision if you follow everything mentioned and act and choose accordingly.
Make sure that your money is well spent and the product is well used.
(Do you want to know more about wood lathe? Then, check this article by clicking on here. You can know about Best Wood Lathe Chuck of 2020 by clicking on here.
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