Best Wood Lathe For Beginners in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

1. JET JWL-1221VS Mini Wood Lathe

The JET 1221VS lathe is different from anything we’ve made before. In truth, it’s different from anything that anybody has ever made before. The design is better. The features are better.

The entire turning experience is better. And it all focuses on one concept, control. Optimally designed speed ranges and integrated spindle lock.

You will also find conveniently located controls and DRO. Included is a handy tool storage caddy on each end of the machine as well as added safety with a removable yellow on/off safety key.

WHAT WE LIKE

This lathe is solidly built from hefty cast iron. The spur and live center line up dead on. It is easy to move the drive belt to change rotational speed ranges for whatever your project requires.

It is so quiet when in operation protecting your ears. The tailstock and tool rest base move easily, lock in place easily, and stay put with no slipping.

It comes with an excellent user manual which is packed full of good information.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

Unfortunately, there is poor quality control with this lathe. The unit is heavy so you will need assistance to move it. The plastic on/off switch housing is weak and tends to crack, this is the same case for smaller plastic parts elsewhere.

Tackle pen turning or other small cutting or shaping projects using the Shop Fox W1704 bench-top lathe from Woodstock International. Made of cast iron, and designed to fit neatly on a workbench, this lathe features a 1/3-horsepower, variable-speed motor and delivers spindle speeds between 700 and 3,200 revolutions per minute (RPM).

It also features a safety paddle switch, an MT No. 1 spur center, an MT No. 1 live center, 4-1/4-inch, and 7-inch tool rests, a 5-3/4-inch faceplate, and a 3/4-by-16-inch TPI RH spindle.

The W1704 includes both a 4-1/2 and 7-inch tool rest for various turning applications and with a 13-inch distance between centers and an 8-inch swing over the bed this lathe is ideal for a variety of turning projects.

The infinitely variable speed from 700-3200 RPM comes in handy when turning hard or soft species of wood. This benchtop lathe includes a 5-3/4-inch faceplate that threads onto the headstock spindle for non-spindle turning.

WHAT WE LIKE

Speeding up or slowing down the lathe by just turning a knob is a big improvement. All 3/4 x 16tpi accessories go right on as expected.

It’s also really quiet. It has just the right amount of weight to it for very unbalanced projects. Having 2 sizes of tool rest is handy. Variable speed control is precise. Great for small projects and easy setup.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

The bed had some issues out of the box – a thin layer of corrosion on the bare metal – easily fixed with some scotch brite and WD-40. The tailstock does not move smoothly along the bed at first, so it is necessary to sand down a few rough spots.

The tailstock handwheel, when you try to turn it, binds both tightening and loosening. The quality of the two tools rests is not great.

The Delta 46-460 provides exactly what you need to achieve your turning masterpiece. This powerful 1 horsepower workhorse produces 1,750 rpm for enough torque and speed to handle even highly figured woods and you can slow it down to 250 rpm for your large creations.

The reversible electronic variable speed with a pulley system minimizes vibration and chatter. The patented belt tensioning system allows easy and quick speed changes and sets the belt at the correct tension for maximum power transfer and longer tool life for fluting and other decorative applications, the indexing pin locks the headstock spindle in 24 different locations.

WHAT WE LIKE

The 12.5” swing is more than you will ever need for most projects. The reverse switch is a fantastic addition to any lathe. Great for sanding and even turning if the piece calls for a different angle of attack.

The quality of the machine is wonderful, changing the belt to various spindles is easy and the variable speed is smooth, set up is simple.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

The short working length is not ideal and it may require the purchase of the bed extension with the lathe to give a much larger working area. The switch location involves reaching across the unit which slows down any emergency response. Delta parts are often unavailable or very expensive if they are available.

The WEN 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe allows you to adjust the variable speed anywhere from 750 to 3200 rotations per minute.

The WEN 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe features an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper to tightly grip workpieces, and two tool rests (4-1/2 inch and 7 inches) to provide needed support for chisels and tools during an operation, and a 2A motor to keep things turning.

A powerful two-amp motor starts gradually to prevent motor damage and maximize safety. An easy-to-use lever clamping system makes adjustments to both the tool rest and the tailstock simple and precise.

The WEN Wood Lathe also includes a flat wrench, a headstock spur center, a tailstock cup center, a knockout rod, and a 5-inch faceplate for turning bowls, cups, and other non-spindle workpieces.

WHAT WE LIKE

For the price, this lathe is super hard to beat. It does exactly what it is meant to do. For its size, it is heavy which adds to its stability. The paint/powder coat job is very nice. Power-wise it is adequate.

Using the specs provided translates to ~1/2 horsepower. Pretty respectable for its size. Speed control is nice and smooth going from low to high and back again.

The motor is nice and quiet. There is no vibration when running without stock in the lathe.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

The metal work could have been debased better. The edges of the machined surfaces are still quite sharp. The tool rest binds quite a bit. The tail stock has a lot of flex when you tighten it into a workpiece.

Also, the plastic handwheel seems a little chintzy but is sturdy and thick. With a little lube, the screw mechanism for the quill smoothed right out.

With its increased capacity, the RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe gives you the opportunity to do more with less space.

This powerful, smooth-running lathe offers unique features like a 12-position index head for accurate pattern work, easy access for quick speed changes, a convenient tool holder, and the ability to add multiple extensions.

The RIKON Mini Lathe features the largest capacity in the industry, and with options for multiple extensions, it allows you to work with larger pieces. With 12 inches over the bed and 16 inches between centers, the RIKON Mini Lathe gives you space to do your work while maintaining a low profile on your workbench. 

Several convenient features make the RIKON Mini Lathe easy to use, such as a flip-up handle for mobility, a nylon face plate washer that prevents accessories from sticking to the spindle, and a tool holder near the back of the machine that gives you easy access to your centers and knockout bars.

With several accessories available to customize the RIKON Mini Lathe, you can tailor this machine to fit your needs.

You can add multiple extensions, use differently sized tool rests and face plates, and mount the RIKON to a stand that adjusts to your working height.

WHAT WE LIKE

The lathe is bigger than expected. The price was great. The range of speed is good, and the power was pretty awesome too. Setup was quick and easy. Centers right on as well. Runs quiet with no vibration. Changing speeds by adjusting the belt is a piece of cake.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

The protective cover that covers the headstock and belts doesn’t seem to close securely. There are some weird assembly defects. The tailstock tends to be a bit weak.