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The 8 Best wood lathes of 2024

Are you trying to find wood lathes among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling wood lathes on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 16 hours of research and did 29 wood lathes tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best wood lathes you can buy today

No. 1
WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
  • Attack workpieces up to 20 inches long and 14 inches wide
  • Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 250 to 3550 rotations per minute
  • Includes 4 inch faceplate for turning bowls, cups and other workpieces
  • MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers, along with 1"- 8 spindle thread, allow for compatibility with a wide variety of lathe accessories
  • Features a 6A motor, MT2 spur center, MT2 live center, 8-inch tool rest, and an onboard accessory holder
No. 2
Grizzly Industrial T32536 8" x 13" Benchtop Wood Lathe
  • Safety paddle switch with removable key
  • Knurled headstock and tailstock knobs for added grip
  • Variable-speed spindle
  • Precision-ground cast-iron bed
  • Right hand spindle 3/4" x 16 TPI
SaleNo. 3
CXRCY 12" x 18" Wood Lathe, Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3/4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle & 3 Chisels for Woodworking, Woodturning
  • 【18" Distance Between Centers & 12" Swing Over Bed】-With its large working capacity, our wood lathe can be used for various sizes of workpieces—the scope of use is 18 inches in length & 12 inches in diameter. Freely adjustable tailstock for optimal precision.
  • 【Infinitely Variable Speed 】-Our lathe machine 's speed can be infinitely controled within 650prm-3800prm, And it can be divided into 3 levels: Low Speed (650-1450 RPM ), Mid Speed (1250-2800 RPM ), High Speed (1600-3800 RPM ).You can choose suitable speed to achieve the effect you want .
  • 【Upgraded Function】-The benchtop lathe is upgraded with a high definition digital display, which can clearly show the RPM when you use the wood lathe. It is safer to wear a goggle to prevent woodchips from flying in your eyes.
  • 【Wide Applications&Easy Operation】- This woodturing lathe works great for woodworking, like making wooden wine glasses, wooden bowls, wooden plates,wooden vases,pens, rings, etc. Besides, it can be easily operated by not just professionals but also wood lathe beginners. It will be a good choice for both of them and a great present for friends and families.
  • 【Professional Warranty Service】Our power wood lathe enjoys One-Year Warranty and lifetime technical support. Besides, If there is any problem during the purchase period,please contact us at any time, and we will provide the most professional and timely service(within 24 hours).
No. 4
Mophorn Wood Lathe 14" x 40", Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work
  • 1/2 Horse Power Motor- 1/2 Horse Power Motor, Voltage: 120V. The Powerful&Nbsp; Motor Starts Softly Offering Motor'S Maximize Safety And Low Noise.
  • 4 Grade Speeds- The Adjustable Belts Can Be Adjust With Ease And Accuracy Within 3400 Rpm, 1100, 1600, 2300, 3400Prm Available.
  • Large Work Capacity- 40" (1000Mm) Distance Between Centers, Cutting Diameter 14" (350Mm). High Concentricity. Moving Tailstock To Adjust Proper Distances For Workpieces.
  • Solid Steel Construction- Solid Steel Constructed Wood Lathes For Durability And Strength, Providing Increased Stability And Smooth Operation, Reducing Vibration.
  • Wrenches & Chisels: 3 wrenches are for easy using and maintainance. 3 chisels provided also, 1 x Skew Chisel, 1 x Shear Scraper and 1 x Spindle Gouge.
No. 5
JET 16" x 40" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1Ph 115V (JWL-1640EVS)
  • Extended spindle nose houses dual headstock spindle bearings
  • Improved tailstock quill locking mechanism incorporates an anti-rotation key
  • Tailstock features ACME threads for smooth and durable movement
  • Banjo uses non-marring, positive locking wedge system to securely hold tool post
  • Spindle lock latch frees up both hands
  • 36 integrated indexing positions
  • Inverter is enclosed for added protection
No. 6
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
  • Attack workpieces up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide
  • Switch between five different speeds: 520, 900, 1400, 2150, or 3400 RPM
  • Includes 3-1/8 inch faceplate for turning bowls, cups and other non-spindle workpieces
  • MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers allow for compatibility with a wide variety of lathe accessories
  • Features a 4.5A motor, an MT2 headstock spur center, an MT2 tailstock live center, an 8-inch tool rest, and an onboard accessory holder
No. 7
RIKON Power Tools VSR MIDI Lathe (RIK-70-150VSR)
  • Powerful 1HP DC Motor provides ample power for all turning needs
  • Electronic variable speed controls, wider range of operating speeds, digital RPM readout for forward and reverse rotation speeds.
  • Pivoting belt cover for easy access when changing belt speeds
  • Ball-bearing construction for smooth, precise spindle operation
No. 8
RIKON Power Tools VSR MIDI Lathe (RIK-70-220VSR)
  • 1HP motor delivers all the power you need for turning spindles to large bowls or platters.
  • Big turning capacity of 12-1/2" diameter swing and 20" between centers.
  • 24 Postion Index head allows accurate pattern or design work on projects.
  • Electronic variable speeds 250-3850RPM with LED display and forward/reverse functions.
No. 9
Mini Wood Lathe Machine Multi-Purpose Type Desktop Lathe Supports Wood Sawing, Polishing, Grinding The Professional Set Of Accessories Comes With Instructions For Easy Learning And Use
  • 🗜Easy to make your small wooden decorative gadgets🗜 be
  • ⚖Multi-purpose woodworking lathe ⚖can easily achieve turning, cutting, grinding, fine grinding, polishing,
  • 🛠 Exquisite woodworking lathe tools 🛠 Professional micro woodworking lathe turning tools,
  • 🛠Wide range of processing🛠Mini woodworking lathe set of accessories, you can process wood,
  • 🎞 Beginner Support 🎞 If you need support with wood lathe machining,
No. 10
UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe 1/3HP Benchtop Wood Lathe 8” x 12” Wood Turning Lathe Variable Speed 750-3200rpm for Beginners/Professionals to Make Pens, Bowls, Cups, Small Workpieces
  • Infinitely Variable Speeds: This wood lathes with solid structure, runs smooth and quiet, and its very easy to adjust the speeds from 750 to 3200 rpm for your requirement by turning the knob, its a great woodworking Lathe machines fit for beginners or professional woodworkers.
  • 1/3HP Copper Motor: Upgrade chip control box, which has the function of power-off protection to prevent the machine overload. The woodworking lathe equipped with high speed 110V 60HZ pure copper motor, 1/3 horsepower provides enough power for turning pens, bowls, cups, salt and pepper shakers and other small projects with threads measuring in at 1 inches by 8 TPI, MT1 headstock spur center, an MT1 tailstock live center.
  • Sturdy Construction: The body of this wood lathe made from solid cast iron, with stainless steel handle, strong and rugged construction provides long years of reliable service. Compact and small size design make it ideal for working in a limited space, has the features of high speed of low noise, slight vibration, high durability.
  • Easy & Secure Use: Distance between Centers: 12 in/30.5 cm. Swing over Bed: 8 in/20.3 cm. Face Plate: 6 in/14 cm. You can adjust the distance between centers by moving the tailstock. Two tool rests are included, which could be fixed by a whole steel handle. With elastic protective goggle will protect your eyes during work.
  • Our Service: We provide lifetime free replacement for the belt and 2 years warranty for our benchtop lathe, free return or replacement within 30 days, please feel free to contact us if there will be any problems, we will give you a satisfying solution ASAP.
No. 11
JET 14" x 40" Benchtop Woodworking Lathe, Variable Speed, 1Ph 115/230V (JWL-1440VS)
  • Sliding headstock pivots 360 degrees with 7 positive locking positions (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 270 degrees)
  • Variable speed from 400-3,000 RPM
  • Positive locking tool rest with redesigned clamping
  • Acme thread in tailstock
  • Improved tailstock quill locking with anti-rotation key
  • Easy-to-read RPM display
  • Optional extension bed takes the capacity to 60" between centers
SaleNo. 12
VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe, 10 in x 18 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 5 Variable Speeds 780/1320/1920/2640/3840 RPM with Rod Injection Wrenches Faceplate Foot Pads, for Woodworking
  • Professional DIY: Our benchtop wood lathe is designed with an 18-inch workbench and powerful capabilities, meeting the needs of professional woodworkers and providing a convenient solution for your woodworking projects.
  • Sturdy & Stable: Featuring a high-quality aluminum alloy base and a solid steel headstock, our wood lathe minimizes vibrations, ensuring precise and stable operations.
  • Powerful Motor: Equipped with a 370W high-frequency motor, our wood lathe offers a maximum speed of 3200RPM. Users can easily perform high-speed cutting and planing on bench wood lathe, which improves work efficiency and processing quality.
  • 5-Speed Control: Choose from five adjustable speeds ranging from 680RPM to 3200RPM, easily accommodating different cutting requirements and enabling precise control over your woodworking projects.
  • Professional Accessories: Complete with 1 x rod injection, 2 x wrenches, 4 x foot pads, 1 x faceplate, and more, our wood lathe provides a comprehensive set of accessories to meet all your DIY needs. Enjoy the convenience and embark on an unlimited creative journey in woodworking.
No. 13
Powermatic 14" x 20" Woodworking Lathe with Stand, 1 HP, 1Ph 120V (Model PM2014)
  • 24 positive locking indexing positions simplifies the indexing process
  • Magnetic control box, with digital display, can be placed anywhere on the lathe body
  • Cast iron bed reduces motor vibration for decreased noise and added precision
  • Attached tool caddy holds centers, wrenches, and accessories
  • Ergonomic, chrome-trimmed handwheels provide a comfortable feel
  • Acme threads on tail stock for smoother operation and longevity
  • Lathe easily disassembles for better portability
SaleNo. 14
SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
  • Motor: 1/3 HP, 2 Amp, 110V, Single-phase, 60 Hz
  • 12-inch distance between centers
  • 8-inch swing over bed
  • Cast iron construction and infinitely variable speed control
  • Includes two tool rests
No. 15
UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10" x 18" Wood Lathe Machine 5 Variable Speeds 500/750/1150/1800/3200RPM Mini Wood Turning Lathe for Woodworking 1/2HP Multifunctional Power Wood Lathe
  • 【5 Variable Speed】 To change the speed simply loosen the belt and change it to a different pulley for this benchtop wood lathe, there are 5 variable operating speeds available, you can choose 500, 750, 1150, 1800, or 3200 revolutions per minute for turning different workpieces.
  • 【Large Work Capacity】 Distance between Centers: 18 in/45.7 cm. Swing over Bed: 10 in/25.4 cm. Face Plate: 3.15-1/8 in. You can adjust the distance between centers by revolving the hand wheel to move the tailstock. Include 6-5/8 inch reinforced tool rest with the feature of 360° rotation, which could be fixed by a whole steel handle. With an detachable protective panel and goggle will protect your eyes during work.
  • 【Powerful Copper Motor】 This wood turning lathe equipped with high speed 3.4 Amp 110V 60HZ pure copper motor, 1/2HP powerful motor that provides ample power for all your turning needs, with spindle threads measuring in at 1 inches by 8 TPI,attaches An MT2 headstock spur center and MT2 tailstock live center.
  • 【Rugged Construction】 The body of this wood lathe made from heavy-duty cast iron, with all-steel revolving handle hand, durable and solid construction provides long years of reliable service. 4 rubber feet ensures the smooth and quiet running of the machine. This scaled-down mini wood turning lathe is suitable for limited space, it's a great little lathe for turning pens, bowls, cups and toys or other small projects.
  • 【Our Service】 We provide 3 years warranty for our mini benchtop wood lathe, free return or replacement within 30 days, please feel free to contact us if there will be any problems, we will give you a satisfying solution ASAP.
No. 16
WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
  • Perfect for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
  • Features an 8-inch swing over the bed and a 13-inch distance between centers
  • Soft-start 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor and maximize safety
  • Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM
  • Includes a 2.3-inch face plate, an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, two interchangeable tool rests, and a two-year warranty
SaleNo. 17
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
  • Powerful 1 hp max, 1,725 rpm motor
  • Large 12-1/2-inch swing capacity provides the largest capacity in its class. Drive spindle: 1 inch -8 RH TPI thread
  • Electronic variable Speed with three-pulley speed ranges provide the required speeds needed to turn a project without changing belt position
  • Forward and Reversing function allows the turner to achieve a superior finish. Sanding a turned piece with the grain causes the wood fibers to lay down and remain rough.
  • Patented belt tensioning system for easy and quick speed changes and sets the belt at the correct tension every time for maximum power transfer and longer tool life
SaleNo. 18
VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe, 14 in x 40 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 4 Speed Adjustable 885/1245/1715/2425 RPM with Chisels Faceplate Plastic Handle Hex Wrench, for Woodworking
  • Professional DIY: Our benchtop wood lathe is designed with a 40-inch workbench and powerful capabilities, meeting the needs of professional woodworkers and providing a convenient solution for your woodworking projects.
  • Sturdy & Stable: Featuring a high-quality aluminum alloy base and a solid steel headstock, our wood lathe minimizes vibrations, ensuring precise and stable operations.
  • Powerful Motor: With a 0.5 HP high-frequency motor, the wood lathe reaches a maximum speed of 2425RPM, allowing the user to easily perform high-speed cutting and planing on the bench wood lathe, thereby enhancing work efficiency and processing quality.
  • 4-Speed Control: With four speeds ranging from 885RPM to 2425RPM, adjusting the speed is a breeze. This enables users to meet various cutting speed requirements, achieving precise control over woodworking projects.
  • Professional Accessories: The wood lathe variable speed has a full set of accessories such as 1 x Hex wrench,1 x faceplate, 3 x chisels, and more, effortlessly meeting your DIY needs. It's time to embark on an endless journey of creative woodworking.
No. 19
Benchtop 14" Variable Speed Wood Lathe w/induction motor
  • Wahuda Tools has listened to many people’s suggestions and integrated the most desirable features into our 14” Midi Lathe. Our lathe is 830 mm long x 330 mm wide x 430 mm high and is portable, but big enough, to satisfy the needs of beginners to advanced users.
  • The exceptional 1HP AC motor that is perfectly paired with an inverter that maintains a higher and more consistent output torque which is not found on most of the competitive models in today’s market This is especially effective when running at speeds as low as 30RPM and maintaining the output torque of the spindle at or near 100% which is beneficial for users who need to work at low speeds to make certain projects.
  • The Midi Lathe has three speed ranges (30-800, 150-1,700, and 350-3,700 RPM) which can be easily changed with a quick release lever on the motor to release belt tension. The spindle speed can conveniently be viewed on the front window of the lathe’s digital display.
  • Even though this is a bench top lathe, Wahuda uses a 1’’ diameter toolrest which is a common size used on medium and large lathes which allows it to be able to use many of the different toolrests on the market.
SaleNo. 20
JET 10" x 15" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1Ph 115V (JWL-1015VS)
  • 15-1/2" between centers
  • Integrated 24-position indexing
  • Three variable-speed ranges (200–1,050/300–1,750/600–3,600)
  • Wider bed ways for increased stability
  • Improved tensioning system with easier access to belts
  • Live center in the tailstock

How to choose a good wood lathes

Does the idea of finding a fantastic wood lathes make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in wood lathes. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top wood lathes products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top wood lathes on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top wood lathes brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top wood lathes based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the wood lathes were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good wood lathes, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your wood lathes.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting wood lathes for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our wood lathes. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what wood lathes should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on wood lathes.