Best Wood Lathe in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

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Wood lathes are key tools for woodworkers everywhere, of all types, whether they’re a beginner or professionals. If you plan on doing any work as a woodworker, then it’s crucial that you have this tool. 

However, it’s sometimes challenging to find a good wood lathe from the many different kinds that are available. Also, with the money invested into this tool, there’s just not much room for error. 

That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of the best wood lathes that are easy to find both online and in hardware stores. In this guide, I compare the different brands and list their features as well as their pros and cons. 

COMPARISON CHART

IMAGE PRODUCT
1. POWERMATIC MODEL 3520B
  • Made of heavy-duty cast iron.
  • Digital RPM readout.
  • Many accessories included.
CHECK PRICE
Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18"/36" Induction 1725RPM Motor w/Variable Speed Frequency Drive - Model MLAREVO 1836, Black 2. Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP
  • Emergency stop button.
  • Speed display.
  • Cast iron legs.
CHECK PRICE
JET JWL-1840EVS, 18" x 40" Wood Lathe, 230V 1PH, 3,200 RPM (719600) 3. JET JWL-1840EVS
  • Secure holding.
  • Convenient safety.
  • Four-inch cast iron risers.
CHECK PRICE
SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe 4. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
  • Variable speed motor.
  • Cast-iron construction.
  • Safety paddle switch.
CHECK PRICE
Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch,Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe Variable Speed 500-3800 RPM,Mini Wood Lathe Regulation Digital Display,Benchtop Lathe Strong Power 550W 5. Mophorn Wood Lathe
  • Large work capacity.
  • Professional tool rests.
  • Cast Iron Construction.
CHECK PRICE

1. POWERMATIC MODEL 3520B

Specification

Weight682 pounds
StyleLathe
Length50x24x44-inches
Type of LathesFull size
Variable Speed220-volt
Reverse DirectionN/A
RPMsYou can choose from two-speed ranges: 125-3500 RPM or 50-1500 RPM
Swing20-inch swing

Features

  • Made of heavy-duty cast iron. 
  • Digital RPM readout. 
  • Many accessories included.

This wood lathe is made of heavy-duty cast iron and provides a large work area, giving you the opportunity to complete a wide range of projects. Their digital RPM meter is simple to read and it includes various accessories as well. This extremely powerful tool never bogs down, but its only downside is that it has an extreme weight of 682 pounds, making for a challenging assembly.

Size and Weight

It provides you with a large 20 x 35-inch work area. 

Base

This wood lathe uses a cast-iron base.

Headstock and Tailstock

It has a cleverly designed headstock for easy adjustments and a tailstock that includes built-in storage.

Power and Speed

It’s powered by a 2-horsepower, 220-volt, variable-speed motor.

Capacity

It provides 35-inches of the distance between centers and a 20” swing.

Tool Rest

Has a tool rest swing of 15-3/4″.

Safety

This powerfully built motor enhances safety, with its handy feature designed to eliminate surging, by preventing them from occurring.

Accessories

The accessories included are a guard, tool rest, knockout rod, wrench, faceplate, and spindle lock.

Horsepower

It features a 2HP motor.

PROS

  • Digital RPM readout.
  • 2HP motor.
  • Heavy-duty cast iron.
  • It has several accessories included.
  • 5-year warranty.
  • High RPM.
  • 35” of the distance between centers.
  • 20” swing.

CONS

  • 682 lbs.

2. Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP – Best for professionals

Check Price

Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18"/36" Induction 1725RPM Motor w/Variable Speed Frequency Drive - Model MLAREVO 1836, Black

Check Price

Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18"/36" Induction 1725RPM Motor w/Variable Speed Frequency Drive - Model MLAREVO 1836, Black

Check Price

Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18"/36" Induction 1725RPM Motor w/Variable Speed Frequency Drive - Model MLAREVO 1836, Black

Specification

Weight610lbs
StyleLathe
Length40 x 36 x 50 inches
Type of LathesFull size
Variable Speed135-3500 rpm motor
Reverse DirectionHas a reverse switch
RPMsThe highest is 135-3500 and the lowest is 50-1300
Swing​​24″

Features

  • Emergency stop button.
  • Speed display.
  • Cast iron legs.

The Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 is recommended to experts and professionals and features a powerful 2HP, 220-volt electric motor. It has a swing capacity of 32” and a 41.5” distance between centers, so you won’t need to worry about any extensions for even large projects. It’s a sophisticated system with maybe one of the best build quality and attention to detail of many products on the list. 

Size and Weight

It weighs 610 lbs at ‎40 x 36 x 50 inches.

Base

This has a steel bed with cast iron legs.

Headstock and Tailstock

This machine has a tailstock and sliding headstock to accommodate smaller working areas.

Power and Speed

It offers a quiet, smooth-running motor and variable speed control. 

Capacity

It has a 24″ swing and 36″ between the centers.

Tool Rest

It comes with a standard tool rest of 12″.

Safety

This has a highly visible emergency stop button that will lock in the OFF position when fully depressed.

Accessories

No accessories included.

Horsepower

This powerful wood lathe is of 2HP.

PROS

  • Ergonomic, angled control panel design.
  • Steel bed.
  • Headstock and tailstock lock handles to ensure uninterrupted work time.
  • Digital readout that gives accurate RPM readings.

CONS

  • Potentiometer issues.
  • Relatively heavy.

3. JET JWL-1840EVS – Best for beginners

Check Price

JET JWL-1840EVS, 18" x 40" Wood Lathe, 230V 1PH, 3,200 RPM (719600)

Check Price

JET JWL-1840EVS, 18" x 40" Wood Lathe, 230V 1PH, 3,200 RPM (719600)

Check Price

JET JWL-1840EVS, 18" x 40" Wood Lathe, 230V 1PH, 3,200 RPM (719600)

Specification

Weight418 pounds
StyleLathe
Length73 x 52-1/2 x 20 inches
Type of LathesFull size
Variable Speed40–3200 RPM
Reverse DirectionN/A
RPMs40 to 3,200 RPM
Swing18 ½”

Features

  • Secure holding.
  • Convenient safety.
  • Four-inch cast iron risers.

This simple yet firm wood lathe is perfect for woodturners just beginning, as it’s both solid and versatile enough for more complex jobs. The Jet JWL-1840EVS is designed to be versatile as it features a headstock that slides the full length of the bed. It also includes four-inch cast iron risers, which allow you to easily choose the working height that maximizes your comfort.

Size and Weight

It weighs 418 lbs at 73 x 52½ x 20 inches.

Base

This is designed with a steel bed and cast iron risers.

Headstock and Tailstock

It has a newly designed headstock and improved tailstock.

Power and Speed

The motor is of high power with 2HP and a variable speed from 40–3200 RPM.

Capacity

The distance between centers is 40” with a swing of 18½”.

Tool Rest

It contains a tool rest. 

Safety

There’s a remote emergency stop button that can be situated along the lathe bed.

Accessories

It comes with a lathe, legs, riser blocks, tool rest, tools, and hardware.

Horsepower

The motor is 2HP.

PROS

  • Wide speed range. 
  • Digital variable control. 
  • Has a 24-position indexing headstock. 
  • Solid build.
  • Runs smoothly for woodwork.

CONS

  • Tool rests aren’t smooth.
  • Spindles are occasionally reported out of alignment.

4. SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe – Best for small projects

Check Price

SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Check Price

SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Check Price

SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Specification

Weight52lbs
StyleLathe
Length7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches
Type of LathesBenchtop
Variable Speed3200RPM
Reverse DirectionN/A
RPMs700 – 3200 RPM
Swing8”

Features

  • Variable speed motor.
  • Cast-iron construction.
  • Safety paddle switch.

This is an ideal choice for beginners, DIYers, hobbyists, and students. It’s portable, reasonable, and can be used only for turning small pieces of wood. This wood lathe features a 12-inch working area for performing small projects. There are two tool rests for several turning applications and the engine speed is variable. It has a durable cast iron construction and only weighs 52 lbs. The downside is that the SHOP FOX W1704 is not very powerful and could possibly bog down as you work on small projects. 

Size and Weight

Weighs approximately 52 lbs at 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches.

Base

It’s made of cast iron construction.

Headstock and Tailstock

It contains a headstock and tailstock with a faceplate threaded onto the headstock spindle.

Power and Speed

It delivers speeds between 700 and 3,200 rpm and a ⅓ HP.

Capacity

There’s a swing of 8” and a distance of 12” in between its centers.

Tool Rest

It ​​includes two tool rests.

Safety

It features a safety paddle switch.

Accessories

It comes with many additional accessories like a tool rest and faceplates.

Horsepower

It has a motor of ⅓ HP.

PROS

  • Cast iron construction.
  • Two tool rests.
  • 700 – 3200 RPM.
  • 52 lbs.
  • Variable speed.
  • 12” between centers.
  • 8” swing.

CONS

  • Knobs come loose.
  • Not very powerful.

5. Mophorn Wood Lathe – Best Budget

Check Price

Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch,Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe Variable Speed 500-3800 RPM,Mini Wood Lathe Regulation Digital Display,Benchtop Lathe Strong Power 550W

Check Price

Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch,Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe Variable Speed 500-3800 RPM,Mini Wood Lathe Regulation Digital Display,Benchtop Lathe Strong Power 550W

Check Price

Mophorn Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Inch,Bench Top Heavy Duty Wood Lathe Variable Speed 500-3800 RPM,Mini Wood Lathe Regulation Digital Display,Benchtop Lathe Strong Power 550W

Specification

Weight81 lbs
StyleLathe
Length10″ x 18″
Type of LathesBenchtop
Variable Speed500-3800 RPM
Reverse DirectionN/A
RPMs500-3800 RPM
Swing10”

Features

  • Large work capacity.
  • Professional tool rests.
  • Cast Iron Construction.

This 81-pound machine can deliver from 760-3,200 RPM and is well suited for creating chair legs and other similar projects. It features a durable cast iron construction that will last for many years and also features 6-inch tool rests for working the wood. One of the downsides is that it also doesn’t contain much power and will bog down more often than you may be willing to put up with. The horsepower isn’t listed, but the Mophorn performs like most engines under one horsepower. Also, there are no instructions included in the package to help you get started if you’re new to using this kind of machine. 

Size and Weight

It weighs 81lbs at 10″ x 18″.

Base

It’s built from extremely sturdy cast iron construction.

Headstock and Tailstock

It has a headstock and moving tailstock to adjust proper distances for workpieces.

Power and Speed

There’s a 550W Power motor with a turning speed of 500-3800 RPM.

Capacity

There’s an 18″ distance between centers with a swing over bed of 10″.

Tool Rest

It has professional tool rests for easy replacement. 

Safety

The powerful motor starts softly to offer motor maximize safety.

Accessories

No accessories included. 

Horsepower

The horsepower is not listed.

PROS

  • 500 – 3,800 RPM.
  • 18” between centers.
  • 10” swing.
  • Cast iron construction.
  • 6” tool rests.
  • Lightweight.

CONS

  • Poor instructions.
  • Very underpowered.

Conclusion

When deciding on which wood lathe to purchase, we recommend considering something with high RPMs and enough room between centers. Our top choice, the POWERMATIC MODEL 3520B, offers both, with 35-inches between centers and a powerful motor of up to 3500 RPMs. For more information, visit our website or contact us today.

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