Best Wood Lathe Reviews of 2018

The W1704 is a benchtop lathe from SHOP FOX which tackles pen turning and other small shaping and cutting wood projects. It equipped with a safety paddle switch, 4-1/4” and 7” tool rests, a 5-3/4” faceplate, an MT No.1 spur center, an MT No.1 live center, and a 3/4×16” TPI RH spindle. It is the bestseller on Amazon in Power Wood Lathe category.

Feature of SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe Machine are:

• It has ruggedly built parts and a rigid quality control program which ensure reliable and safe operation
• Powered by a 1/3HP, 2Amp, 110V single-phase motor which generates speed of 700-3200RPM
• It has a swing capacity of 8” over bed and 12” distance between centers
• The cast-iron construction makes it durable and stable during woodworking projects
• The lightweight design and variable speed motor make this benchtop lathe ideal for pen turning and small projects

In the category of the most versatile and innovative lathe in the market today, the NOVA 46301 Comet II is the best wood lathe. This variable speed wood lathe is portable, space saving and delivers the capacity and stability like larger machines.

Features of NOVA 46301 Comet II Variable Speed Wood Lathe are:

• It has a powerful 3/4HP variable speed motor which provides a range of 250-4000RPM speed
• It has a swing capacity of 12” over bed and 16.5” distance between centers
• Made with robust die cast housing
• This upgraded version delivers exceptional wood-turning experience
• With some additional tools, you can turn this lathe into a total woodworking station
• It is the best wood lathe in the market today

The JET JWL-1221VS is a variable speed wood lathe which has a smooth transition from the reverse and forwards with a universal speed control. It has a speed range of 60RPM to 3600RPM and has more variation in the lower RPM settings.

Features of JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe:

• It has a unique feature called as the ratchet-style belt tension system (patent pending)
• It has a swing capacity of 12-1/2” over bed and 20-1/2” distance between centers
• It is a heavy duty lathe which works perfectly for your heavy duty woodworking
• With better design and features, it truly gives an amazing wood-turning experience with a superior control
• It is the best wood lathe for the money as it worth every penny

With the 2-HP motor generating 220-volt power, the Powermatic 3520B is the most efficient wood turning lathes in the market. It has a built-in spindle indexing which drills the hole patterns with a sliding headstock.

Features of Powermatic 1352001 3520B Wood Turning Lathe are:

• Made from heavy-duty cast iron which adds durability and longevity
• It has a swing capacity of 20” over bed and 34-1/2” distance between centers which handles a huge range of various sized projects
• It has a speed range of 50-3200RPM
• It comes with a digital RPM readout which keeps track of the speed and helps you to adjust it according to the wood condition
• The heavy cast iron tailstock supports larger workpieces
• With a weight of 682-pound, this wood turning lathe is rigid and stable against vibrations
• 5-year manufacturer warranty included

The ball-bearing live center, onboard storage for easy access to tools, heavy-duty steel knockout bar; all these features make the Delta Industrial 46-460 a truly versatile wood lathe machine. With variable speeds and consistency with control, it gives you smooth and fast results.

Features of Delta Industrial 46-460 Variable Speed Wood Lathe are:

• The 1HP motor provides a speed of 1,725RPM
• It comes with 6” and 10” tool rests and a 3” face plate
• It has a swing capacity of 12-1/2” over bed, which is the largest in its class
• Forward and reverse functions provide accuracy and precision
• The patented belt-tensioning system offers faster speed changes and a longer life of the tool
• The cast-iron construction provides maximum durability and stability to the wood lathe machine
• Backed by a 5-year company warranty

The TCLC10VS from PSI Woodworking is the best 10-inch class variable speed lathe machine. It will prove the workhorse that you need for all your woodturning needs from pen to 10-inch bowls.

Features of PSI Woodworking TCLC10VS Commander Variable Speed Lathe are:

• The 3/4HP motor generates speed ranging from 500-4100RPM
• Comes with a digital readout which helps to track speeds and adjust as per wood type
• The heavy-duty, ball-bearing tailstock center offers a firm grip with less stress
• It has a swing capacity of 10” over bed and 18” distance between centers
• This woodturning lathe will give you trouble-free and excellent performance for years

The Excelsior 5-speed mini wood lathe is ideal for small table legs, chair legs, and all other decorative wood turning of a creative artist. The Rockler is a highly mobile and efficient mini wood lathe machine providing five specific speeds.

Features of Rockler Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Wood Lathe are:

• It has a powerful 1/2HP motor which provides five distinct speeds; 760, 1100, 1600, 2200, and 3200 RPM
• It has a swing capacity of 10” over bed and 18” distance between centers
• It has a ball-bearing live center on tailstock and a spur center on headstock
• A convenient belt access door for an easy operation
• Comes with cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers

With an included single-phase, 1/2HP electric motor and cast-iron frame, the Grizzly H8259 benchtop lathe does not vibrate while operating. It has an easy-to-adjust drive belt system, which provides 5-speed variations.

Features of Grizzly H8259 Benchtop Lathe are:

• It has a swing capacity of 10” over bed and 18” distance between centers
• The 1/2Hp, 110V motor generates variable speeds; 826, 1205, 1713, 2422, 3337 RPM
• It is featured with a tool rest to keep the turning tools within reach
• The live rolling center compensates center variation without any damage The spur center ensures a strong grip on the wooden piece and wrenches are helpful for quick maintenance and adjustments