10 Best Wood Lathes (Review) In 2020

Anyone looking for a high-powered piece of equipment that happens to shape wood into a beautiful work of art is in luck. With the use of its powerful motor and variable speed control, the Delta Industrial Variable-Speed Midi Lathe is a lean mean wood lathe tool. Behind its high-level efficiency are a 1-horsepower max, a 1,725-rpm motor, and a 12-1/2-inch swing capacity that make it the largest in its class. Additionally, it is fitted with a forward and reverse feature that allows easy handling and makes for a top-notch finish. It is also fitted with a patented belt-tensioning system which makes it easy for quick speed changes. All in all, it is loaded with features that make the finished product look as sleek as can be. For more amazing tools for your workshop, check out our guide to the best drill presses.

Coming from a world-renowned brand certainly does count for something. So, it is no surprise that this device is fitted with sturdy, high-quality parts that do not only produce quality but also ensure user safety. The SHOP FOX Horsepower Benchtop Lathe is your go-to device for small projects. To make this an all-around efficient process, it is made of sturdy cast iron material that makes it suitable to be mounted on a portable workbench. All in all, it runs on ⅓ horsepower and is fitted with a highly functional motor. The speed motor itself falls between the range of 700 and 3200 RPM. In addition to being fitted with a total of two 7-inch tool rests, it also has a safety paddle switch, a spur center, a faceplate as well as a spindle. To crown it all up, it is equipped with a distance of 12-inches between centers.

Turning pens has never been so easy, and now more than ever woodworkers can do it in the comfort of workspaces. With the highly adjustable speed of 750 to 3200 rotations per minute, the WEN Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe is considered more than average wood lathe tools. In its corner, this device has a highly effective MT1 spindle coupled with a tailstock taper. All in all, this helps to tightly grip all workpieces involved. In addition to all this, it comes with two handle tool rests which go a long way to provide the optimum support that other little tools needed during the process. It is equally stocked with handy accessories that make all the difference.

With the straightforward lever clamping system, users can make adequate and precise adjustments to areas like the tool rest as well as the tailstock. All this is powered by a highly efficient 2A motor. Our guide to the best angle grinders features more useful tools for your collection, so check them out.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this is a highly efficient piece of equipment with an edge of its own. The manufacturers of this product pride themselves in the fact that it is completely unlike anything that anyone has put out there before. The JET 21-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe is packed with a wide range of features that make it one of the best out there. It’s superior design, among other things, contribute to the superior experience it offers up. All of this is centered on the concept of control which is what every good woodworker needs to get that turning done right. Its variable speed ranges from 60-3600 RPM, a fact that can only be topped by its unrivaled speed control. In addition to all this, it is fitted with a spring-loaded spindle lock and easy to reach controls and DRO. Our guide to the best random orbital sanders features more handy tools like this.

The name of this product alone is a clear indicator of its speed and accompanying accuracy. It may be small but you best believe that the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe packs a mean punch when it counts the most. So, despite its size, it can get the job done even better than some bigger models out there. The versatility it offers up is second to none, whether you want to employ a low speed or an ultra high speed, this wood lathe is more than up to the task. 

To make all this possible, it is fitted with a 12-inch swing capacity overbed as well as an additional optional bed extension accessory. So what has really changed in this new and improved product? It has a stronger composite guard as well as a new On/Off switch which makes the power-up process a whole lot smoother and safer. It even has an accompanying no-vault release feature to further ensure safety. For more essential tools for your workbench, check out our top picks of the best bench vises.

Great things tend to come in small sizes and there is no doubt that this is one of them. Regardless of its size, the SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe is as an epitome of efficiency and convenience. As long as it is used for the right magnitude of projects, this lathe has the ability to deliver on the highest level. One of the main features which make it stand out in the crowd is the easy access it provides to speed changes. It also has a total of six levels of speed which range from 480 to 4023 RPM. This offers up the highest level of flexibility for any project at hand.

In addition to this, its overall design features a sturdy cast iron construction and it has a ½ HP motor to thank for all its powering needs. The stability it offers up is unrivaled and thanks to that it can easily turn bowls which are equipped with a 10-inch diameter. For more useful products for wood, check out our guide to the best wood glues.

Advanced technology that is somehow incredibly easy to use poses quite the paradox. Nevertheless, this product is a smooth blend of these two attributes and they work seamlessly together to give you the perfection that is the PSI Woodworking Variable Speed Midi Lathe. Being the easiest lathe to use in its class is no easy feat, but this is not all that this device has going for it. First, it is powered by a 1 hp high-performance induction motor as well as an SBC microprocessor. This makes it altogether an accurate and reliable lathe. The addition of a handy digital readout screen allows turners to easily check and gauge their speed levels. The distance between the centers is quite impressive, with a whole 18inches, users have the allowance to produce the quality of work they desire. In addition to being highly efficient, this wood lathe tool comes with a number of accessories which propel the work to a whole other level. Our guide to the best nail guns features more awesome tools for carpenters, so check them out.

There are certain go-to features every turner looks out for when it comes to quality wood lathes and this device undoubtedly has them all. Its powerful ¾ HP motor in combination with its electronic spindle control is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Shop Fox Benchtop Wood Lathe. It is also fitted with a digital RPM readout screen which keeps turners informed throughout the entire process. As if that is not convenient enough, it happens to have up to 24 index positions for increments and the rest.

Thanks to its heavy-duty line center, no one has to wait that long to start turning spindles. Also, the tailstock itself can be adjusted speedily and it is as easy as ABCs. When adjusted, it can easily accommodate workpieces that are up to 15 inches in length. All of this is held in place by a sturdy cam-action clamping system. For further convenience, it is fitted with a tool holder, so turners can have easy access to all sorts of extra tools needed to make their vision a reality. For more amazing options for storing smaller tools, check out our guide to the best tool backpacks.

More often than never, versatility and flexibility is a serious issue with these kinds of devices. But that is far from the case with the Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe as it offers up the kind of experience that makes man and machine become one. There is really no limit to its all-around efficiency, and it can be used for a variety of projects. In order to see these projects into fruition, it is fitted with a number of features that make it stand out in the crowd. The presence of its pivoting headstock coupled with that of its make it the go-to product for turners everywhere.

With this lathe, users have the advantage of being immersed in the woodworking process in a way that is different and unique. You may also like some of the best electric hand planers from our list, so don’t forget to check them out.

It may be last on the list, but it is in no way the least, there is no doubt whatsoever that this stellar device offers turners the opportunity to create beautiful work. For delicate workmanship like no other, the go-to product is the Mophorn Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe. It is made of sturdy cast iron constructed wood and is fitted with rubber feet that offer up all the stability and balance needed to successfully complete a project. All the gears and shafts embedded within the headstock itself have been specifically grounded to ensure that this product is a lasting part of your collection.

All this is powered by a highly efficient 550W motor which ensures high-quality work through and through. Our guide to the best track saws features more tools you can add to your collection.