Are you in a hurry and just want to know what is currently the best wood lathe? WEN 3421 3.2-Amp Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is a great choice. Read on to find out why.
As a woodworker, some of the more difficult tasks involve shaping a cylindrical workpiece with cuts, grooves, and designs, but a wood lathe can make that process easy. That is why I put together a list of the 10 best wood lathe reviews, highlighting what each one does best, as well as providing a helpful buyer’s guide.
Quick Comparison:
Wood Lathe Buying Guide
To choose the best wood lathe for your workshop, you first have to know what specifications you have to consider to make the best buying decision possible.
Wood Lathe Types
- Benchtop Lathes – Also known as mini lathes, benchtop wood lathes are small enough to fit on top of a workbench and often have holes drilled into the feet to be bolted onto the bench for added stability. More often than not, benchtop lathes are not the most powerful models available, but they can still surprise. What benchtop lathes lack in size and power is that they are made for portability and are able to be more easily transported from place to place if you need them.
- Midi Lathes – While there is technically a larger size than this, my list only covers benchtop (mini) and midi lathes. A midi lathe tends to offer more power than a mini lathe but is still small enough to comfortably house in a standard residential workshop. While these wood lathes are a bit smaller than a cabinet lathe, they are still not all that mobile and can usually be bolted into a concrete floor for additional stability.
Power
The power of a wood lathe may not be quite as important as with some power tools, but it is still one of those specs you do not want to low-ball and regret later. More often than not, wood lathes rate the power of their motor with a couple of different specs, but the two most important ones are horsepower and amps.
Horsepower is better understood as the maximum amount of power that the lathe can generate without a load, that is, without you shaping the wood by a tool. Amps, on the other hand, are a better representation of how much power the lathe can maintain under load while shaping the wood with a tool.
Speed
This is easily one of the more important factors to consider, though it is not necessarily a one-to-one where a faster speed automatically equals a superior lathe. Instead, different speeds work better or worse depending on the material being shaped, with harder materials requiring faster speeds and softer materials needing slower speeds.
The speed of a lathe is measured in rotations per minute or RPMs and refers to how quickly the spindle rotates, though some manufacturers will also provide the RPMs of the motor. The best wood lathes allow for multiple speed settings, allowing you to shape different types of wood or materials as needed.
Capacity
Depending on the type of projects you intend to make, the capacities of a wood lathe are either extremely important or just a nice bonus to have. The most obvious capacity is the distance between the headstock and tailstock, as this will ultimately determine the maximum length of your workpiece.
That said, unless you plan on only shaping pins or other such thin projects, you will also need to consider a wood lathe’s swing-over capacity. The swing-over capacity refers to how many inches from the center of the workpiece a lathe can accommodate, but it is a measurement of the radius– not the diameter.
Stability
Regardless of the type of lathe you choose or the type of projects you intend to work on, stability is generally one of the most important factors to consider. One of the most vital qualities when shaping a workpiece is the ability to apply force with precision, as an unstable wood lathe will ruin your workpiece.
Thankfully, most of the wood lathes I came across use cast iron for the base and as many components as possible to help absorb the vibration generated by the motor and spindle’s rotation. Outside of the general build, the ability to bolt the lathe down to a bench or floor, as well as the inclusion of non-slip feet, also improves stability.
Review Of The 10 Best Wood Lathes:
1. WEN 3421 – Best for Beginners
- Perfect for pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
- Fits workpieces up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide
- 3.2-Amp motor provides over 50% more power than most 8-inch wood lathes
OVERVIEW
WEN may not be the biggest name on my list, but it is generally understood better as a consumer-grade brand. It has been around for over half a century. That said, the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe still fits squarely within the company’s purview as it is not the most powerful model on my list; its motor generates ½ hp and 3 ⅕ amps.
That said, this is almost the ideal wood lathe for beginners as it comes with dual MT1 morse tapers, which are perfect for securing smaller workpieces. On top of that, the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe is extremely stable, all things considered, thanks to its ability to be bolted down to a benchtop or rest atop non-slip feet.
Keep in mind that this wood lathe’s lack of power really shows up if you try to use it all of the time, and it will likely fail if pushed due to not being professional-grade. Still, when you consider that the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe is an inexpensive model that also comes with 2 different sizes of tool rest, it is a solid value all-around.
Pros
- Is extremely portable
- Better for smaller workpieces
- Has two tool rests
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- Not professional use
2. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe
- Motor: 1/3 HP, 2 Amp, 110V, Single-phase, 60 Hz
- 12-inch distance between centers
- 8-inch swing over bed
OVERVIEW
Though Shop Fox positions itself as a professional-grade power tool brand, it is better understood as a mid-tier brand– but that can work out in your favor. The SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe is a perfect example of this, though it is one of the least powerful options I encountered with a motor that only pushes ⅓ hp and 2 amps.
On the other hand, this wood lathe is fairly inexpensive and is another cheaper model that comes with 2 different tool rests of 4 ½” and 7” to increase its value. As if that were not enough, the SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe also comes with a 5 ¾”, which is one of the largest on my list and perfect for irregular designs.
It is worth noting that this wood lathe is not as easy to work as some of the others on my list, with its adjustments requiring more work to set properly. Still, the SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe is fairly lightweight at 52 lbs, and its dual MT1 morse tapers make it ideal for a smaller space to work on smaller projects.
Pros
- Is more powerful
- Has a 5 ¾” faceplate
- Has two tool rests
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- Not the easiest to use
3. JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
- Choose from three optimally-designed speed ranges (60-900/110-1,800/220-3,600)
- Innovative ratchet-style belt tension system (patent pending)
- Redesigned controls feature a larger DRO and recessed power switch
OVERVIEW
JET may have started as a company focused on aircraft heavy machinery, but it has since become a solid professional-grade power tool manufacturer. The JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe is a great example of this, though it is also an expensive option– but you get more for your buck.
For starters, this is the first wood lathe on my list with a little bit more power, its motor able to push 1 hp and 6 amps– both of which allow it to work better under load. On top of that, the JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe comes with one of the widest speed ranges I have encountered, between 60 to 3600 RPMs.
While the maximum RPM is nothing to get excited over compared to the competition, the minimum RPM of 60 is perfect for the softest materials. The only real downside of the JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe is its substandard quality control, but it does come with 2 large tool rests.
Pros
- Has a 12 ½”x20 clearance
- Is more powerful
- Has two tool rests
- Spins at 60-3600 RPMs
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Not the best QC
4. Grizzly Industrial T32536 – Benchtop Wood Lathe
- Safety paddle switch with removable key
- Knurled headstock and tailstock knobs for added grip
- Variable-speed spindle
OVERVIEW
Grizzly is another professional-grade power tool brand with a bit of an up-and-down reputation but generally still performs reasonably well. In this instance, the Grizzly Industrial T32536 Wood Lathe model has a motor that pushes 1/3 HP hp at 750-3200 RPM speeds.
Easily adjust the variable-speed range between 750-3200 RPM with the twist of the spindle speed dial. The weight makes the Grizzly Industrial T32536 Wood Lathe more stable than most benchtop wood lathes.
Another great quality about the wood lathe is its capacity, with a workpiece at 13” and an 8” swing-over capacity. The Grizzly Industrial T32536 Wood Lathe also comes with a large tool rest and a 5-3/4” faceplate.
Pros
- Overall dimensions: 29″ W x 10-1/2″ D x 13″ H
- Variable-speed spindle
- 4-1/4″ and 7″ tool rests
- 5-3/4″ faceplate
Cons
- No handle crank on tail stock for easy drilling
- Tailstock is very hard to operate
- Not very stable
5. Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
- Powerful 1 hp max, 1,725 rpm motor
- Large 12-1/2-inch swing capacity provides the largest capacity in its class. Drive spindle: 1 inch -8 RH TPI thread
- Electronic variable Speed with three-pulley speed ranges provide the required speeds needed to turn a project without changing belt position
OVERVIEW
Of all the brands on my list, Delta is likely the most reputable thanks to its high-end Unisaw and is easily a professional-grade power tool manufacturer. The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe is an interesting option with plenty of great features, though it tends to sit a bit on the pricier side of things.
Still, this wood lathe packs more than enough punch with a motor that can push 1 hp and 8 amps, meaning it handles work under load better than most. Unfortunately, the Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe often runs into electrical issues that the company often does not honor under warranty.
Still, this wood lathe is one of the few I encountered with automated controls, making it much easier to use than most– though that is often where the electrical issues come from. On top of that, the Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe boasts the largest speed range on my list, between 250 to 4000 RPMs.
Pros
- Is more powerful
- Spins at 250 to 4000 RPMs
- Has two tool rests
- Has automated controls
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Has electrical issues
6. Nova 71118 Comet II DR Midi Lathe
- Speed Range - This Nova Lathe has a speed range of 250-4000 RPM with its powerful electronic variable speed motor.
- Forward and reverse switch - Forward and Reverse Switch offers additional flexibility with the Nova Lathe and allows you to achieve a superior finish.
- Capacities of 12” swing over bed and 16.5” between centers, expandable to 42“with an available bed extension accessory.
OVERVIEW
Nova power tools may not be the most well-known on my list, but they have plenty of experience and are noted for innovations, particularly in wood lathes. The Nova 71118 Comet II DR Midi Lathe is a touch expensive, but the company will also nickel and dime you with optional components that allow you to get the most out of the lathe.
In terms of its raw performance, this wood lathe ties my list for the widest speed range that can move from 250 to 4000 RPMs– perfect for any kind of material. On the other hand, its actual power rating is a bit difficult to determine given the company does not provide an amperage rating and states the ¾ hp can be raised higher.
One thing to keep in mind is that this wood lathe works well when assembled, but that can be a bit trickier than with some of the competition, thanks to shoddy quality control. Still, the Nova 71118 Comet II DR Midi Lathe is the only option on my list with a digital readout which makes its precision significantly better.
Pros
- Has a 12”x16 ½” clearance
- Has a digital readout
- Spins at 250 to 4000 RPMs
- Can be upgraded
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Not the best QC
7. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
- Rikon mini lathe: This Rikon mini lathe features a ½ motor that provides ample power for all turning needs. With a 10” swing and 18” between centers, this mini lathe also has a self ejecting tail...
- Sturdy and Dedicated: Designed specifically at the request of pen turners who wanted a sturdy, dedicated machine for their craft. This scaled-down, basic mini lathe is made from cast iron, so...
- 5 speed ranger: This mini lathe has a 5 speed range that covers the bases for boring barrel holes, roughing out pen billets, turning to shape and finishing.
OVERVIEW
RIKON is another company that may not be the most well-known, but it has been around for over a decade and a half and focuses on consumer-grade power tools. The RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe is an odd model in that it uses parts for large and small projects without committing to one or the other.
For example, this wood lathe is nothing special in terms of the power it generates with a motor that pushes ½ hp and 3 ⅓ amps. On the other hand, the RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe also employs MT2 morse tapers, which are designed for larger workpieces than you would expect for a motor of that size.
This wood lathe also gooses its capacities a bit above its motor’s general expectations, with a maximum length of 18” and a swing-over capacity of 10”. While the maximum speed is average, the minimum speed of 500 RPMs expands its versatility a bit, though this is one of the few wood lathes I encountered that does not include a faceplate.
Pros
- Has a 10”x18” clearance
- Has a minimum speed of 500 RPMs
- Is somewhat portable
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- Does not have a faceplate
8. Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe
- Motor: 3 HP, 220V
- Swing over bed: 22", distance between centers: 42"
- Variable speed: 100–3200 RPM
OVERVIEW
Though Shop Fox may nominally be considered a mid-tier brand, that does not preclude the company from stepping into professional-grade water on occasion. The Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe does just that with some of the best specs on my list, but that also comes with a fairly high price tag.
Still, you do not have to worry about a lack of power with this wood lathe as its motor ties my list, pushing 3 hp and 15A. As if that were not enough, the Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe also boasts a 6” faceplate, though the size of the motor makes this one of the least mobile options as well.
Thankfully, you can put that power to good use as this wood lathe ties my list for capacities with a maximum length of 42” and a swing-over capacity of 22”. To make sure that it can handle this kind of power, the Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe also comes with its own stand, though it has a smaller speed range of only 100 to 3200 RPMs.
Pros
- Motor: 3 HP, 220V
- Very powerful
- Has a 6” faceplate
- Comes with a stand
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Is extremely heavy
9. Bachin Mini Wood Lathe
OVERVIEW
Bachin is easily the newest company on my list, having only been founded last year, though it at least focuses on woodworking power tools. Still, Bachin is a bit of a mystery as most of its specs do not provide anything resembling the kind of detail that you find in its competitors.
One thing that is known is that it is not the most powerful wood lathe I have encountered with a motor that can only push 3 amps– one of the weakest on the list. That said, the Bachin Mini Wood Lathe surprises a bit with its capacities as it boasts a maximum workpiece length of 22” and a swing-over capacity of 11”.
It is also worth noting that this wood lathe is more portable than most, weighing in at only 57 lbs– though this comes with its own issues. Specifically, the Bachin Mini Wood Lathe is one of the few models I found that does not include non-slip feet nor can bolt down, though it is easier to use than most.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Has an 11”x22” clearance
- Is fairly portable
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- The brand is relatively unknown
10. Mophorn Wood Lathe
- 【550W POWERFUL MOTOR】- The powerful motor starts softly ensuring motor's maximize safety and low noise. 370W provide great power for the lathe operation.
- 【UNRIVALED SPEED CONTROL】- Turning speed control knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the speed freely within 760-3200 RPM. MT2 Spindle.
- 【LARGE WORK CAPACITY】- 18" (460mm) distance between centers, swing over bed 10" (254mm). High concentricity. Moving tailstock to adjust proper distances for workpieces.
OVERVIEW
Mophorn is another company without that much experience. It was founded a few years ago and does not even specialize in power tools- let alone woodworking tools. Still, the Mophorn Wood Lathe surprises by offering a relatively average product that does not come with some issues found with more prestigious and experienced brands.
The main issue with this wood lathe is that if you do have issues, you will have a devilishly difficult time getting customer service to assist you in any meaningful way. Thankfully, being a relatively unknown company pushes the Mophorn Wood Lathe towards the lower end of the pricing range.
While it is not the most powerful wood lathe I have come across, this option still meets the average standards for both the motor’s power and the lathe’s speed. It is also worth noting that the Mophorn Wood Lathe is reasonably stable with non-slip feet and the ability to bolt down– not to mention it is easy to use.
Pros
- Has a 10”x18” clearance
- Is fairly stable
- Is easy to use
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- Has poor customer service
The Final Spin
- Perfect for pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
- Fits workpieces up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide
- 3.2-Amp motor provides over 50% more power than most 8-inch wood lathes
Ultimately, the best wood lathe will heavily depend on the type of projects you have in mind, but I think the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe is the perfect option for beginners and advanced woodworkers alike. It also does not hurt that this wood lathe is inexpensive while still coming with enough specs to justify its price.
Keep in mind that the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe is better for smaller woodworking projects, but the MT1 spindle and tail tapers are perfect for this. While it is not the most powerful wood lathe that I have come across, it is still more than powerful enough for most smaller projects, offering excellent value.
You also do not have to worry about stability with the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe as it comes with sturdy, non-slip legs or the ability to bolt it down to your workbench. If you do leave it unbolted, this wood lathe’s cast-iron build will help reduce any wobble, making sure that you can accurately shape the wood.
Its smaller size also allows you to take the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe anywhere, including other job sites, as it is the lightest model on my list. Finally, this wood lathe provides multiple tool rests, so you do not have to feel locked into a single size of tool, though they will still likely be smaller in size.
