Looking for the best lathe machine? Read our reviews to find the top options available. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Get the perfect lathe machine for your needs and take your woodworking projects to the next level.
Looking for the best lathe machine reviews to help you make an informed purchase decision? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the top lathe machines available in the market. With our expert analysis and unbiased reviews, you can easily compare features, performance, and prices to find the perfect lathe machine for your needs. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, having a reliable lathe machine is essential for precision and accuracy in your projects. Our best lathe machine reviews cover a wide range of options, including mini lathes, benchtop lathes, and industrial-grade lathes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Don’t settle for subpar quality – trust our best lathe machine reviews to guide you towards the ideal machine that will enhance your woodworking skills and deliver outstanding results.
| # | Product | Variable Speed | Power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe | Yes | 1 HP | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe | No | 2 HP | 9/10 |
| 3 | Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe | Yes | 1 HP | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Nova 71118 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe | Yes | 3/4 HP | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe | No | 1 HP | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe | No | 1/2 HP | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe | No | 1/3 HP | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | WEN 3420T Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe | Yes | 1/3 HP | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander Wood Lathe | Yes | 3/4 HP | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe | No | 1/2 HP | 6.5/10 |
Contents
- JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe
- Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe
- Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
- Nova 71118 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe
- Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe
- Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe
- SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe
- WEN 3420T Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe
- PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander Wood Lathe
- RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
- How to choose the best lathe machine?
- What are the key features to look for in a lathe machine?
- Which brands offer top-quality lathe machines?
JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe
- Variable speed control
- 12-inch swing over bed
- 21-inch between centers
- Cast iron construction for stability
- Includes a 1/2 HP motor
The JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe is a versatile and reliable machine for woodturning enthusiasts. With its variable speed control, you can easily adjust the speed to match your project requirements. The 12-inch swing over the bed and 21-inch distance between centers provide ample space for turning larger pieces.
This lathe features a sturdy cast iron construction, ensuring stability and durability. It comes with a 1/2 HP motor that delivers smooth and consistent power for precision turning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, the JET JWL-1221VS is a great choice for your woodworking projects.With its variable speed control, you can easily switch between different turning speeds to achieve the desired results for your projects.
Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe
- 20-inch swing over bed
- 34-1/2-inch between centers
- Powerful 2 HP motor
- Digital RPM readout
- Sturdy cast iron construction
The Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe is a professional-grade machine designed for serious woodturners. With its impressive 20-inch swing over the bed and 34-1/2-inch distance between centers, it offers ample space for handling large and complex projects.
This lathe is equipped with a powerful 2 HP motor that provides smooth and consistent power for heavy-duty turning. The digital RPM readout allows you to easily monitor and adjust the speed for precise control. Its sturdy cast iron construction ensures stability and minimizes vibrations, resulting in smoother and more accurate turning.The Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe is known for its exceptional build quality and reliability, making it a top choice among professional woodturners.
Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
- 12-1/2-inch swing capacity
- 16-1/2-inch between centers
- Powerful 1 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Patented belt tensioning system
The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe is a compact yet powerful machine that offers versatility and precision. With its 12-1/2-inch swing capacity and 16-1/2-inch distance between centers, it can handle a wide range of projects, from small bowls to long spindles.
This lathe features a powerful 1 HP motor that delivers ample power for various turning tasks. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 250 to 4000 RPM, providing flexibility for different materials and turning techniques. The patented belt tensioning system ensures quick and easy speed changes without the need for tools.The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe is praised for its user-friendly design and smooth operation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced woodturners.
Nova 71118 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe
- 12-inch swing over bed
- 16.5-inch between centers
- Variable speed control
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor
- Compact and portable design
The Nova 71118 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe is a compact and portable lathe that doesn’t compromise on performance. With its 12-inch swing over the bed and 16.5-inch distance between centers, it offers sufficient space for small to medium-sized projects.
This lathe features a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the speed from 250 to 4000 RPM, giving you the flexibility to work with different materials and achieve desired results. The powerful 3/4 HP motor provides ample power for various turning tasks. Its compact design makes it easy to transport and store, making it a great option for woodturners with limited space.The Nova 71118 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe is highly regarded for its versatility, portability, and user-friendly features.
Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe
- 16-inch swing over bed
- 46-inch between centers
- Powerful 2 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Digital readout for RPM
The Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe is a heavy-duty machine designed for professional woodturners. With its impressive 16-inch swing over the bed and 46-inch distance between centers, it can handle large and complex projects with ease.
This lathe is equipped with a powerful 2 HP motor that delivers consistent power for demanding turning tasks. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 600 to 2400 RPM, providing flexibility for different materials and turning techniques. The digital readout for RPM ensures accurate speed control and monitoring.The Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe is known for its robust construction, reliable performance, and precise control, making it a popular choice among professional woodturners.
Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe
- 12-inch swing over bed
- 16-inch between centers
- Powerful 1/2 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Compact and lightweight design
The Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe is a compact and lightweight lathe that is perfect for small-scale turning projects. With its 12-inch swing over the bed and 16-inch distance between centers, it offers sufficient space for various small-sized projects.
This lathe features a powerful 1/2 HP motor that provides ample power for turning tasks. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 430 to 3900 RPM, giving you the flexibility to work with different materials. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and beginners.The Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe is praised for its affordability, ease of use, and versatility in handling small-scale turning projects.
SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe
- 8-inch swing over bed
- 13-inch between centers
- Variable speed control
- Powerful 1/3 HP motor
- Compact benchtop design
The SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe is a compact and affordable option for woodturning enthusiasts. With its 8-inch swing over the bed and 13-inch distance between centers, it is suitable for small-scale turning projects.
This lathe features a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 700 to 3200 RPM, providing flexibility for different materials and turning techniques. The powerful 1/3 HP motor delivers sufficient power for various turning tasks. Its compact benchtop design makes it easy to set up and store, making it a great choice for hobbyists and beginners.The SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to explore woodturning without breaking the bank.
WEN 3420T Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe
- 8-inch swing over bed
- 12-inch between centers
- Variable speed control
- Powerful 1/3 HP motor
- Compact and lightweight design
The WEN 3420T Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe is a compact and lightweight lathe that is perfect for small-scale turning projects. With its 8-inch swing over the bed and 12-inch distance between centers, it offers sufficient space for various small-sized projects.
This lathe features a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM, giving you the flexibility to work with different materials. The powerful 1/3 HP motor provides ample power for turning tasks. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and beginners.The WEN 3420T Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe is highly regarded for its affordability, ease of use, and versatility in handling small-scale turning projects.
PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander Wood Lathe
- 12-inch swing over bed
- 18-inch between centers
- Variable speed control
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor
- Digital readout for RPM
The PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander Wood Lathe is a versatile and reliable machine for woodturning enthusiasts. With its 12-inch swing over the bed and 18-inch distance between centers, it offers ample space for turning various projects.
This lathe features a powerful 3/4 HP motor that delivers smooth and consistent power for precision turning. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 150 to 4100 RPM, providing flexibility for different materials and turning techniques. The digital readout for RPM ensures accurate speed control and monitoring.The PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Commander Wood Lathe is known for its reliability, precise control, and versatility in handling various turning projects.
RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
- 10-inch swing over bed
- 18-inch between centers
- Powerful 1/2 HP motor
- Variable speed control
- Compact and lightweight design
The RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe is a compact and lightweight lathe that is perfect for small-scale turning projects. With its 10-inch swing over the bed and 18-inch distance between centers, it offers sufficient space for various small-sized projects.
This lathe features a powerful 1/2 HP motor that provides ample power for turning tasks. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 500 to 3900 RPM, giving you the flexibility to work with different materials. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and beginners.The RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to explore woodturning without compromising on performance.
How to choose the best lathe machine?
Choosing the best lathe machine requires considering several factors. Firstly, determine the size and type of projects you’ll be working on to select an appropriate lathe size and configuration. Consider the motor power and speed control options for versatility. Look for a lathe with sturdy construction and good build quality to ensure durability. Additionally, consider the available accessories and attachments that can enhance your woodworking experience.
What are the key features to look for in a lathe machine?
When searching for the best lathe machine, there are several key features to consider. Look for a lathe with variable speed settings, as this allows you to adjust the speed according to the type of material and project requirements. A solid and stable bed construction is essential for smooth operation and precision turning. It’s also important to have a reliable and easy-to-use tool rest and tailstock system. Finally, consider additional features such as digital readouts, indexing capabilities, and spindle thread sizes that match your needs.
Which brands offer top-quality lathe machines?
There are several reputable brands known for producing high-quality lathe machines. Some of the top brands include JET, Powermatic, Delta, Nova, Grizzly Industrial, Rikon, SHOP FOX, WEN, PSI Woodworking, and Laguna Tools. These brands have a proven track record of manufacturing reliable and durable lathe machines that meet the needs of both hobbyists and professional woodworkers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Lathe Machine
When looking for the best lathe machine, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should determine the size and capacity of the machine that suits your needs. Secondly, consider the power and speed options available, as they can greatly affect the performance of the lathe. Additionally, take into account the durability and construction of the machine, ensuring it is made from high-quality materials. Lastly, don’t forget to consider your budget and choose a lathe machine that offers the best value for your money.
Top Features to Look for in a Lathe Machine
When searching for the best lathe machine, it’s important to look for certain features. A solid and stable bed construction ensures precision and accuracy in your work. Variable speed control allows you to adjust the cutting speed according to different materials. Quick-change tool posts make tool changes more efficient. Additionally, a digital readout system can enhance precision and ease of use. Consider these features when selecting a lathe machine.
Tips for Maintaining Your Lathe Machine
To ensure your lathe machine operates smoothly and lasts longer, proper maintenance is crucial. Regularly clean and lubricate all moving parts to prevent rust and wear. Check and tighten any loose bolts or screws. Keep the cutting tools sharp for better results. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance tasks such as belt tensioning or motor lubrication. By taking care of your lathe machine, you can maximize its performance and lifespan.
