Best Wood Lathes for Woodworking
- 1. Best Mini Lathe for Beginners - WEN LA3424 Mini Wood Lathe
- 2. Best Midi Lathe for Beginners - PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS
- 3. Best Budget - Shop Fox W1704
- 4. Best Overall - RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Wood Lathe
- 5. Best for Power Users - Delta Industrial 46-460
- 6. Jet JWL 1221VS
- 7. Nova Comet II DR
- 8. Powermatic 3520C
- 9. Grizzly G0766
- 10. Wen 3421 Variable Speed Wood Lathe
- 11. Jet JWL-1440VSK
- 13. Laguna Revo 2436
Choosing the best wood lathe depends on what you plan to turn, your available space, and your budget. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first mini lathe or an experienced turner ready for a full-size machine from Jet, Nova (Teknatool), RIKON, Powermatic, or Laguna, this guide covers the key specifications, real-world trade-offs, and our top picks across every price point.
For more on what tools you'll need alongside your lathe, see our woodturning tools guide. If you're specifically looking for mini lathes, check our dedicated best mini wood lathe guide.
About this guide — I'm Vince, founder of WoodturningOnline. I've tested dozens of lathes over the years in my shop. This guide reflects hands-on experience, not just spec sheets. Where I cite expert sources, I link to the original.
Quick Comparison Table
| Lathe | Class | Swing | Between Centers | Motor | Speed Range | Spindle | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN LA3424 | Mini | 12" | 18" | 3.2A | 750–3200 | 1" x 8 TPI | $ |
| Shop Fox W1704 | Mini | 8" | 13" | 1/3 HP | 700–3200 | 3/4" x 16 TPI | $ |
| RIKON 70-105 | Mini | 12.5" | 16" | 1/2 HP | 430–3900 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$ |
| PSI Turncrafter KWL-1018VS | Midi | 10" | 18" | 3/4 HP | 500–3800 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$ |
| Nova Comet II DR | Midi | 12" | 16.5" | 3/4 HP | 250–4000 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$ |
| Jet JWL-1221VS | Midi | 12" | 20.5" | 1 HP | 60–3600 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$$ |
| Delta 46-460 | Midi | 12.5" | 16.5" | 1 HP | 250–4000 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$$ |
| Jet JWL-1440VSK | Full | 14" | 40" | 1.5 HP | 60–3600 | 1" x 8 TPI | $$$$ |
| Grizzly G0766 | Full | 22" | 42" | 2 HP | 50–3200 | 1-1/4" x 8 TPI | $$$$ |
| Powermatic 3520C | Full | 20" | 35" | 2 HP | 15–3500 | 1-1/4" x 8 TPI | $$$$$ |
| Laguna Revo 2436 | Full | 24" | 36" | 3 HP | Variable | 1-1/4" x 8 TPI | $$$$$ |
Key: $ = under $200, $$ = $200–400, $$$ = $400–800, $$$$ = $800–1,500, $$$$$ = $1,500+
For a complete database of every lathe model and its specifications, see our lathe specs reference.
Best Wood Lathe Buyer's Guide
A wood lathe is an indispensable tool for any woodworker, but selecting the ideal wood lathe can be challenging. Our guide provides tips and advice on what to consider when buying a wood lathe, features to look for, and how to match one to your specific needs. We'll also highlight common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a wood lathe.
How We Evaluate Wood Lathes
Not all lathes are created equal, and spec sheets don't tell the whole story. Here's the framework I use when testing and recommending lathes:
Vibration and Mass (30%) — Heavier castings mean less vibration, especially at low RPM with out-of-round blanks. Fine Woodworking #215 (2011) tested four benchtop lathes head-to-head and found that the heaviest lathe in the group produced noticeably smoother cuts on large bowl blanks. Cast iron beds outperform stamped steel every time.
Speed Range and Control (20%) — Electronic variable speed (EVS) is the single most important convenience feature. Belt-change lathes cost less but require stopping the lathe to switch speeds. The low end of the speed range matters more than the high end — you need 250–500 RPM for large bowls and platters. Lathes that bottom out at 750 RPM limit your bowl size.
Build Quality (20%) — Cast iron headstock and tailstock vs. aluminum or stamped steel. Sealed bearings vs. unsealed. Tailstock alignment — does it hold true under pressure? Banjo and tool rest lock-down — does it creep? These details separate a lathe you'll use for decades from one you'll replace in two years.
Value (15%) — Price per feature. Does it include a faceplate? Live center? What's the warranty? A $400 lathe with a faceplate, live center, and spur center included is a better value than a $350 lathe that needs $100 in accessories to start turning.
Ease of Use (15%) — Tool rest height and length adjustability. Headstock swivel (for outboard turning on midi/full-size). Indexing head (for decorative work). Handwheel accessibility. These affect your daily experience at the lathe.
What FWW's Lathe Tests Found
Fine Woodworking has published two major lathe comparison tests that are still relevant:
#215 (2011) — Heavy-Duty Benchtop Lathes: FWW tested the Delta 46-460, PSI Turncrafter Commander, General 25-200M1, and Jet JWL-1220 side by side. Key findings: the heavier lathes (Delta and Jet) produced less vibration on large blanks. Electronic variable speed (on the Delta and Jet) was a clear advantage over belt-change (PSI and General). The Delta 46-460 was the overall favorite for its combination of power, low vibration, and features.
#77 (1989) — Economy Lathes: Alan Platt reviewed budget benchtop lathes and found that even inexpensive lathes could produce good work — but the quality of the tool rest and tailstock alignment varied dramatically. His advice: test the tailstock alignment before buying, and upgrade the tool rest if it's flimsy.
What to Buy After Your Lathe
Once you have your lathe, you need accessories. Ralph Tursini wrote in Fine Woodworking #212 (2011) that the first accessory every turner should buy is a 4-jaw scroll chuck — it replaced the faceplate as the primary workholding method decades ago. After that: a sharpening system (bench grinder with a jig like the Wolverine), then specialty jaws as your projects demand them.
- Lathe chuck types — understanding workholding options
- Sharpening woodturning tools — keeping your tools in cutting shape
- Best woodturning tools — what tools to buy first
What the Turning Community Actually Buys
We analyzed dozens of lathe recommendation threads across r/turning, r/woodturning, and r/BeginnerWoodWorking. Clear patterns emerge:
The consensus starter lathe is the Jet 1221VS. It comes up more than any other model in "what should I buy" threads. Turners praise its build quality, electronic variable speed, and 12" swing. The most common complaint is the price — at around $800, it's more than most beginners want to spend, but owners consistently say it was worth it.
The budget alternative everyone mentions is the Rikon 70-220VSR (or the similar Bauer 14x20 from Harbor Freight). Both offer 14" swing and variable speed for $500-600 — significantly more capacity per dollar than the Jet. Multiple turners report running these lathes hard for years without issues.
The #1 surprise for new buyers: accessories cost as much as the lathe. Thread after thread features someone saying "I didn't realize how much the accessories cost." Budget $500-1,000 beyond the lathe itself for a chuck, tools, sharpening setup, face shield, and wood. As one turner put it: "If $1,500 is your total budget, you can only spend half on the lathe."
Used lathes are strongly recommended for budget-conscious buyers. Turners advise watching Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for deals — full-size machines sometimes sell for $200-500 when spouses are clearing workshops. The community's advice: check tailstock alignment and avoid tube-bed lathes (solid cast iron beds only).
"Buy once, cry once" is the dominant philosophy among experienced turners. Those who started with a mini lathe almost universally wished they'd gone bigger. As one r/turning member summarized: "Big lathes can turn small things. Small lathes can't turn big things."
Best Wood Lathes
With that information in mind, let’s get to the lathes!
1. Best Mini Lathe for Beginners - WEN LA3424 Mini Wood Lathe
1. Best Mini Lathe for Beginners - WEN LA3424 Mini Wood Lathe on AmazonThe WEN LA3424 is a mini wood lathe designed to provide a range of features at a budget-friendly price, making it an ideal choice for beginners or hobbyists seeking a versatile machine for smaller projects.
Size and Capacity
In terms of size and capacity, this benchtop wood lathe offers ample space with a swing over bed of 12 inches and a distance between centers of 18 inches, making it suitable for small to medium-sized projects.
Power and Speed
The lathe comes equipped with a powerful 3.2-amp motor that delivers variable speeds ranging from 750 to 3200 RPM, giving woodworkers the flexibility to work with different wood types.
Construction and Durability
Constructed with a sturdy cast-iron frame and featuring a tailstock and a headstock made of metal, this benchtop wood lathe is built to last, ensuring durability and longevity.
Ease of Use
The lathe is also user-friendly, boasting features such as an easily adjustable tool rest, a spindle lock for quick accessory changes, and a digital readout for precise speed settings.
Budget and Skill Level
The WEN LA3424 is an affordable option for beginners or hobbyists looking for a budget-friendly benchtop wood lathe that can handle a variety of projects. It offers a range of features at a fraction of the cost of more advanced mini wood lathes, making it an excellent value for those just starting with woodturning tools.
In summary, the WEN LA3424 mini wood lathe is an excellent investment for woodworkers of all skill levels looking to get started in woodturning without breaking the bank. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, while its powerful motor, variable speed control, durable construction, and user-friendly features make it a versatile machine that can handle a variety of projects.
2. Best Midi Lathe for Beginners - PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS
2. Best Midi Lathe for Beginners - PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS on AmazonThe PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS is a mid-range wood lathe designed for beginner and intermediate-level woodworkers.
Size and Capacity
It has a 10-inch swing capacity and an 18-inch distance between centers, making it suitable for small to medium-sized projects like pens, small bowls, and similar items.
Power and Speed
The lathe is equipped with a 3/4 horsepower motor and variable speed that can be adjusted from 500 to 3800 RPM to match your project's specific requirements.
Construction and Durability
The PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS is well-built and designed to last, with cast-iron construction that provides stability and durability.
Ease of Use
Its pivoting headstock and built-in tool storage rack make it user-friendly and easy to use.
Budget and Skill Level
It is priced in the mid-range, making it an excellent value for its features and capabilities.
The PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS is an affordable and reliable lathe that provides a good balance of size, power, and features for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. It is an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate-level woodworkers who want a durable and easy-to-use machine to develop their skills. However, it may not have the power or capacity needed for larger or more complex woodworking projects.
3. Best Budget - Shop Fox W1704
3. Best Budget - Shop Fox W1704 on AmazonThe Shop Fox W1704 is an affordable and compact midi wood lathe that is perfect for small woodworking projects such as pens, bottle stoppers, and small bowls.
Size and Capacity
With an 8-inch swing over bed and a 13-inch distance between centers, this midi lathe is suitable for small projects.
Power and Speed
Featuring a 1/3 horsepower motor, this Shop Fox midi wood lathe provides sufficient power for small projects. However, it may struggle with larger or harder woods.
The variable speed ranges from 700 to 3,200 RPM, providing flexibility for a variety of projects. Keep in mind that slower speeds may be more appropriate for larger, out-of-balance projects.
Construction and Durability
The Shop Fox W1704 midi lathe is well-built with cast iron construction, providing stability and durability. It can withstand the heavy use and vibrations that come with wood-turning.
Ease of Use
Designed to be user-friendly with intuitive controls and easy-to-use features, including a tool rest and tailstock for added convenience, this Shop Fox midi wood lathe is an excellent choice for beginners. While it may take some time to get the hang of the controls, beginners should be able to get started with this midi lathe fairly quickly.
Budget and Skill Level
Priced in the affordable range, this Shop Fox wood lathe offers excellent value for its features and capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
To summarise, the Shop Fox W1704 is a solid choice for small woodworking projects. It is well-built, user-friendly, and offers excellent value for its price. Keep in mind that its small size and limited power may not be suitable for larger or more complex projects. If you are planning to take on larger projects, consider a larger and more powerful lathe. For small and medium-sized projects, the Shop Fox W1704 is an excellent option.
4. Best Overall - RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Wood Lathe
4. Best Overall - RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Wood Lathe on AmazonThe RIKON Power Tools 70-105 is a high-quality and versatile mini wood lathe suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
Size and Capacity
With a 12-1/2-inch swing capacity and a 16-inch distance between centers, this RIKON wood lathe is ideal for small to medium-sized projects such as pens, bowls, and other similar items.
Power and Speed
Featuring a 1/2 horsepower motor, the RIKON Power Tools 70-105 provides plenty of power for most small to medium-sized projects. The motor is also quiet and smooth-running.
The variable speed that ranges from 430 to 3900 RPM provides flexibility and is effortless to adjust, making it simple to match the speed with the job requirements.
Construction and Durability
Built with high-quality materials, this RIKON wood lathe's cast iron construction provides stability and durability. It also has a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer, which speaks to its quality.
Ease of Use
Built to be user-friendly, the RIKON 70-105 mini lathe has intuitive controls and easy-to-use features, including a tool rest and tailstock for added convenience. The lathe bed is easily adjustable and can be locked into place quickly.
Budget and Skill Level
Priced in the mid-range, the RIKON 70-105 is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality lathe without breaking the bank.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers, the RIKON 70-105 is a superb choice for those who are new to woodturning, while its power and durability make it a reliable choice for experienced woodworkers.
In summary, the RIKON 70-105 is a high-quality mini wood lathe that offers excellent value for its price. Its size, power, and speed make it ideal for small to medium-sized projects, and its durability and ease of use make it a reliable and user-friendly choice. If you're looking for a high-quality lathe that's versatile and durable, the RIKON 70-105 is an excellent choice.
5. Best for Power Users - Delta Industrial 46-460
5. Best for Power Users - Delta Industrial 46-460 on AmazonThe Delta Industrial 46-460 is a midi lathe with a 1 horsepower motor, wide speed range, durable cast-iron construction, user-friendly features, and mid-range pricing suitable for both beginner and experienced woodworkers.
Size and Capacity
The Delta Industrial 46-460 is the perfect size for medium-sized projects such as bowls, platters, and small furniture parts, thanks to its 12-1/2-inch swing over bed, and a distance between centers of 16-1/2 inches.
Power and Speed
The lathe has a powerful 1 horsepower motor that can handle most turning tasks with ease, and it features variable speed that ranges from 250 to 4000 RPM, allowing you to adjust the speed to match your project's specific requirements.
You can quickly and easily adjust the Delta Industrial 46-460's speed through its speed dial, making it simple to find the perfect speed for your project without having to stop the lathe.
Construction and Durability
The lathe's high-quality materials and cast-iron construction make it both stable and durable. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Ease of Use
With intuitive controls and easy-to-use features, including a patented belt-tensioning system, the Delta Industrial 46-460 is user-friendly and easy to operate, even for beginners.
Budget and Skill Level
Although it's priced at the higher end of mid-range lathes, the Delta Industrial 46-460 offers excellent value for its features and capabilities.
This lathe is ideal for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Its user-friendly features make it simple to use for those just starting to turn wood pieces, while its power and flexibility make it a reliable choice for experienced users.
To conclude, the Delta Industrial 46-460 is a high-quality and durable midi lathe that provides an excellent balance of size, power, and features for woodworkers of all skill levels. Its ease of use, wide range of speeds, and excellent value for money make it a great choice for those in search of a high-quality midi lathe.
6. Jet JWL 1221VS
6. Jet JWL 1221VS on AmazonThe Jet JWL 1221VS is a popular wood lathe that provides woodworkers with a range of features and capabilities suitable for a wide variety of projects.
Size and Capacity
Regarding its size and capacity, this compact mini lathe boasts a 12-inch swing capacity and a 20-1/2 inch distance between centers, making it suitable for small to medium-sized projects, such as turning bowls, spindles, and other small objects.
Power and Speed
This Jet mini wood lathe features a 1 horsepower motor that provides ample power for most turning tasks, and with its variable speed, users can adjust the speed from 60 to 3600 RPM, depending on their project's specific requirements.
With a wide speed range, this lathe can be adjusted quickly through the use of a speed dial and has a digital readout, allowing users to monitor their speed while working.
Construction and Durability
Durability is an essential aspect of any wood lathe, and this Jet wood lathe is well built with a cast-iron bed that provides stability and durability. For added peace of mind, it also has a five-year warranty.
Ease of Use
The Jet JWL 1221VS is designed to be user-friendly, featuring intuitive controls and easy-to-use features, including a patented belt-tensioning system that makes changing belts quick and simple.
Budget and Skill Level
Jet prices this wood lathe in the mid-range, making it an excellent value for its features and capabilities, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. It has a range of features that make it easy to use for those just starting to turn wood, while also providing the power and flexibility that more experienced users require.
The Jet JWL 1221VS is a well-designed and well-built lathe that provides a good balance of size, power, and features for woodworkers of all skill levels. It is durable, easy to use, and provides excellent value for the price.
7. Nova Comet II DR
7. Nova Comet II DR on AmazonThe Nova Comet II DR is a versatile and compact midi wood lathe designed for both beginner and intermediate woodworkers.
Size and Capacity
It has a 12-inch swing capacity and a 16.5-inch distance between centers, making it suitable for turning small to medium-sized projects like pens and bowls.
Power and Speed
Its powerful 3/4 horsepower motor with variable speed can adjust the speed from 250 to 4000 RPM to match the requirements of your project.
Construction and Durability
This midi lathe is well-built and designed to last with its high-quality materials and cast-iron construction, providing stability and durability.
Ease of Use
It is user-friendly with intuitive controls, easy-to-use features, and compact size that makes it easy to store.
Budget and Skill Level
Priced in the mid-range, it's an excellent value for its features and capabilities.
In summary, the Nova Comet II DR provides a good balance of size, power, and features for woodworkers of all skill levels. It is a durable and easy-to-use midi lathe that provides good value for its price, designed to meet the woodworking needs of both beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
8. Powermatic 3520C
8. Powermatic 3520C on AmazonThe Powermatic 3520C is a heavy-duty wood-turning lathe designed for professional woodturners who require a machine that can handle large and demanding projects.
Size and Capacity
With a 20-inch swing capacity and a 35-inch distance between centers, it's suitable for turning furniture legs, bed posts, and other large items.
Power and Speed
This large wood lathe features a powerful 2-horsepower motor with variable speed that allows you to adjust the speed from 15 to 3500 RPM to match the specific requirements of your project.
Construction and Durability
The lathe is built to last, with heavy-duty cast-iron construction that provides stability and durability. It also comes with a five-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Designed for professional use, it has a range of features that make it easy to use, including a pivoting headstock and an ergonomic control panel.
Budget and Skill Level
Although priced at the high end of the market, the Powermatic 3520C large wood lathe provides excellent value for the price. It's not a machine for beginners, and its size and complexity may be overwhelming for those who are not experienced with woodworking machinery.
Overall, the Powermatic 3520C is a high-powered and versatile full-size wood lathe that is perfect for professional woodworkers who require a machine that can handle demanding projects.
9. Grizzly G0766
9. Grizzly G0766 on AmazonThe Grizzly G0766 is a heavy-duty wood lathe specifically designed for professional use.
Size and Capacity
Its impressive 22-inch swing capacity and 42-inch distance between centers make it ideal for large-scale projects, such as furniture legs and bed posts.
Power and Speed
With a powerful 2-horsepower motor and variable speed, the Grizzly G0766 can be adjusted from 50 to 3200 RPM to suit your specific project requirements.
Construction and Durability
Its heavy-duty cast-iron construction ensures stability and durability, and it also has a five-year warranty, adding extra peace of mind.
Ease of Use
While the Grizzly G0766 has a range of features that make it easy to use, including a digital readout and adjustable speed dial, it is a complex and sizeable machine that may require some experience to use effectively.
Budget and Skill Level
Priced at the high end of the market, it is a significant investment for professional woodturners.
In summary, the Grizzly G0766 is a high-end, heavy-duty lathe that provides an exceptional level of power and capacity for professional woodturners. Its durability, ease of use, and excellent value for the price make it a top contender. However, it is not recommended for beginners due to its size and complexity, and it is best suited for experienced woodworkers who require a large, powerful machine to handle their demanding projects.
Also of Note
These last options are also worth keeping in mind. Even though we can't provide as much information as we have for the other wood lathes on this list, we would like to make sure they get your attention too.
10. Wen 3421 Variable Speed Wood Lathe
10. Wen 3421 Variable Speed Wood Lathe on AmazonThe Wen 3421 variable-speed wood lathe is a compact and affordable option with a 12-inch swing capacity and an 18-inch distance between centers, making it ideal for small to medium-sized projects. It features a 1/3 horsepower motor with variable speed, easy-to-use features, and durable cast-iron construction. The Wen 3421 is a great value for beginners and those on a budget, but may not have the power or capacity for more complex projects or experienced woodworkers.
11. Jet JWL-1440VSK
11. Jet JWL-1440VSK on AmazonThe Jet JWL-1440VSK is a high-quality, mid-sized wood lathe designed for professional and intermediate level woodworkers. It has a 14-inch swing capacity, a 1.5 horsepower motor with variable speed, and heavy-duty cast-iron construction. The lathe is user-friendly and has a built-in tool storage rack, but it is not recommended for beginners. It is priced in the mid to high range and is a great investment for those who require a larger, more powerful machine for demanding projects.
12. Wen 3424T Five-Speed Wood Lathe
1. Best Mini Lathe for Beginners - WEN LA3424 Mini Wood Lathe on AmazonThe Wen 3424T is a mid-range wood lathe that is ideal for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. It has a 12-inch swing over bed and an 18-inch distance between centers while featuring a 4.5 Amp motor with five-speed settings that range from 520 to 3200 RPM. The lathe is well-built and designed to last, with a cast-iron construction that provides stability and durability. It is easy to use and priced in the mid-range, making it a good value for both beginner and intermediate-level woodworkers. However, it may not have the power or capacity needed for larger or more complex projects.
13. Laguna Revo 2436
13. Laguna Revo 2436 on AmazonThe Laguna Revo 2436 is a large, premium wood lathe designed for professional use, with a 24-inch swing capacity and a 36-inch distance between centers. It features a powerful 3-horsepower motor with variable speed and is built to last with heavy-duty cast-iron construction and a five-year warranty. The Laguna Revo 2436 is a significant investment for professional woodworkers, but it provides excellent value for the price and is designed for experienced woodworkers who require a large, powerful machine to handle demanding projects. It may be overwhelming for beginners due to its size and complexity.
14. Rockler Excelsior Mini Lathe 10x18
The Rockler Excelsior mini lathe 10x18 is a compact and affordable lathe designed for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. It features a 10-inch swing capacity, a 1/2 horsepower motor with variable speed, and cast-iron construction for durability. The lathe is user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginner and intermediate-level woodworkers. It provides a good balance of size, power, and features for its price, but may not be suitable for larger or more complex projects.
Conclusion
The best wood lathe is the one that matches your projects, space, and budget. A quality lathe holds its value well on the secondhand market, so it's worth stretching your budget for the right machine. Whether you choose a mini, midi, or full-size lathe, pair it with a good chuck, sharp tools, proper safety equipment, and a good LED lathe light, and you'll be turning beautiful pieces in no time. New to lathe specs? Learn about lathe swing and the differences between wood and metal lathes.
For individual model reviews, see our detailed reviews of the Jet JWL-1440VSK, RIKON 70-100, WEN lathe, and Shop Fox W1758.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Vince
Vince is a woodturner and the founder of WoodturningOnline. He writes tool reviews, buying guides, and turning tutorials to help woodturners at every level make informed decisions about their craft and equipment.