Wood Lathe Reviews

PART 1:

# Wood Lathe Reviews

Choosing the right lathe for your woodturning projects is crucial. It’s an investment that will influence the quality of your crafted items. In this guide, we review ten top-rated wood lathe models available in the market, detailing their features, pros, cons, and suitability for different types of users. Here, you’ll get all the necessary information needed to make an informed decision.

## Product 1: WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

Perfect for beginners and hobbyists, the WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Lathe is a compact but powerful tool that suits small to medium-sized turning projects.

**Pros:**
– Compact design suited for smaller workshops
– Variable speed control
– Affordable price point

**Cons:**
– Potential lack of power for larger projects
– No reverse function

This lathe boasts a 3.2 Amp motor that delivers speeds between 750 and 3200 RPM, allowing you to tailor the speed to your project. The WEN 3421 weighs 45 pounds and is solidly built with a cast-iron body. Despite its affordability, WEN is reputable for its quality, and this model is no exception. Best for hobbyists and beginners. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

## Product 2: Jet JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe

The Jet JWL-1221VS provides a professional performance, ensuring a seamless woodturning experience, suitable for expert woodworkers.

**Pros:**
– Incredible precision with variable speed control
– Sliding and pivoting headstock
– Digital speed readout

**Cons:**
– Expensive
– Slightly complex to operate for beginners

Weighing 136 pounds, the Jet JWL-1221VS is robust and sturdy, with a cast-iron construction for durability. It has an exclusive ratchet-style belt tension system and 24 integrated indexing positions. For the proficient woodworker desiring precise control, the digital speed readout and variable speed options make this lathe a perfect fit. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.homedepot.com).

## Product 3: Grizzly Industrial G0462 – Wood Lathe with DRO

Grizzly Industrial G0462 stands out with digital readouts and exceptional swing and spindle capacity, making it suitable for professional-grade projects.

**Pros:**
– Digital speed readout
– Large swing and spindle capacities
– Robust build for stability

**Cons:**
– Requires a larger workspace because of size
– High price

The G0462 excels in delivering both high-impact and delicate projects due to its variable speed control, reaching from 600 to 2400 RPM. With a weight of 355 pounds and high-quality construction, the lathe offers superior stability even when handling larger projects. Perfect for professional woodworkers seeking performance and durability. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

## Product 4: Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi-Lathe

Delta Industrial 46-460 offers unprecedented power, speed and precision for a mid-range budget, perfect for intermediate and professional woodturners.

**Pros:**
– Good speed range and power
– Reversible operation
– Five-year warranty

**Cons:**
– Heavier than similar models
– Slightly high-priced

Weighing around 97 pounds, this lathe is optimally balanced and powerful, with its 1HP engine that can reach up to 4000 RPM. It features a Patented belt tensioning system for easy speed changes and longer tool life. With its strong reputation and a five-year warranty, it’s an excellent choice for woodworkers who need a more serious machine without breaking the bank. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.homedepot.com).

## Product 5: SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe

The SHOP FOX W1704 is a reliable and accessible entry-level lathe, a fit for beginners and hobbyists.

**Pros:**
– Affordable pricing
– Compact for smaller workspaces
– Variable speed control

**Cons:**
– Lacks power for more extensive projects
– Absence of digital speed readout

This lathe strikes a balance between its utility and size – while it is lightweight at 45 pounds, it hosts an impressive 1/3HP motor for projects like pens or small bowls. Its 8″ swing over bed and 13″ between centers provide decent working capacities for beginners. A good choice for those who are starting their woodturning journey. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

PART 2:

## Product 6: Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe

With its flexible features and versatility in handling diverse projects, Nova 71118 Comet II Midi Lathe is apt for intermediate-level woodturners.

**Pros:**
– Unique, flexible speed range
– Versatile and expandable
– Good power for its size

**Cons:**
– Consistency issues with longer usage
– Poorly constructed tool rest

Weighing about 82.4 pounds, this lathe offers a unique, three-pulley speed range system and runs powerfully with its 3/4HP motor hitting up to 4000 RPM. Its 12″ swing over bed and 16.5″ between centers can handle a fair range of project sizes. This lathe is for intermediate users requiring versatility. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

## Product 7: RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe

RIKON 70-105 Mini Lathe is a purpose-built pen turner, perfect for crafters and artists who deal primarily with small delicate pieces.

**Pros:**
– Ideal for pen turning
– Easy speed change
– Sturdy construction

**Cons:**
– Limited to small projects
– Speed range isn’t as variable

Weighing 74 pounds, this mini lathe offers five speed ranges between 500 and 3200 RPM. It’s designed with a 12″ swing over bed and 18″ between centers, making it perfect for turning pens or other small items. If you’re a crafter who does smaller, delicate projects, this is the lathe for you. To buy this product, [click here](http.org).

## Product 8: POWERMATIC 1352001 Model 3520B Wood Lathe

POWERMATIC 1352001 Model is a top-tier professional-grade tool enlisted for its remarkable resilience, consistency, and precision.

**Pros:**
– Excellent stability
– Sliding headstock
– Powerful and consistent

**Cons:**
– Heavy and large
– Very high price

Weighing a hefty 682 pounds, this lathe is remarkably powerful with its 2HP motor and provides excellent stability during use. Powermatic’s renowned build quality ensures the lathe performs consistently at its maximum speed of 3200 RPM. If you’re a professional user looking for top-performing equipment, this is the one. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.homedepot.com).

## Product 9: Grizzly Industrial G0838 – 16″ x 24″ Variable-Speed Wood Lathe

The Grizzly Industrial G0838 is a home-shop friendly lathe that packs excellent capacity, adjustability, and robust performance.

**Pros:**
– Impressive power and capacity
– Inbuilt digital speed indicator
– Adjustable headstock

**Cons:**
– Bit high-priced
– Could be challenging for beginners

This lathe weighs 242 pounds, with a 16″ swing over bed and 24″ between centers. With its sturdy build, it handles intricate and larger projects efficiently at the maximum speed of 3200 RPM. Great for woodworkers who need a capable lathe at their home shop. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

## Product 10: PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Turncrafter Commander

Ideal for beginners to intermediates, PSI Woodworking’s Turncrafter Commander model delivers a good balance of power, size, and ease of use.

**Pros:**
– Easy speed change
– Affordable price
– Sturdy and balanced

**Cons:**
– Lack of inbuilt digital speed readout
– May struggle with larger projects

Weighing 82 pounds, this lathe runs with a 3/4HP motor achieving up to 4500 RPM. It has an 18″ swing over bed and 10″ between centers. It is a good option for woodworkers who are just venturing out into woodturning or slightly more experienced turners. To buy this product, [click here](http://www.amazon.com).

## FAQ Section

**Q1: Why is variable speed important in a wood lathe?**
A: Variable speeds allow you to tailor the lathe’s speed to the particular project you’re handling. Certain projects require slower speeds, while others work better at higher speeds.

**Q2: What are the differences between a mini, midi, and full-size lathe?**
A: The key difference is in the size and power. Mini lathes are compact and ideal for small projects, midis are intermediate, suitable for most hobbyists, while full-size lathes have the highest capacities and power, apt for professional use.

**Q3: What is a decent motor power for a beginner’s lathe?**
A: A motor power between 1/3HP and 1HP is generally good for beginners.

**Q4: Is the weight of the lathe important?**
A: Yes, a heavier lathe usually provides more stability, reducing vibrations and improving the quality of work.

**Q5: How important is the swing capacity of a lathe?**
A: The swing capacity determines the maximum diameter of the workpiece the lathe can accommodate. It influences the size of the projects you can undertake.

## Conclusion

Choosing the right wood lathe goes a long way in determining the success of your woodturning endeavors. Weighing features like power, speed, and stability against your budget is crucial, bearing in mind your skill level and project needs. The Jet JWL-1221VS, Delta Industrial 46-460, and POWERMATIC 1352001 seem to stand out in different categories for seasoned woodturners. However, beginners might find the WEN 3421 or PSI Woodworking’s Turncrafter Commander more suitable. Always remember, a good lathe makes for a great turning experience. Happy turning!