Mini Lathe Reviews

Part 1:

Introduction

Whether woodworking is your profession or just a hobby, a mini lathe is an essential addition to your toolkit. It allows you to shape, cut, or drill precise pieces of wood or even metal for various projects. This guide offers comprehensive reviews of 10 best-selling mini lathes to help you choose the best one for your needs. Each model will be reviewed on its features, pros, cons, and a detailed breakdown.

Product 1: WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8″ by 12″ Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

The WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is designed for experts and hobbyists who require precision and versatility in their woodworking tasks. It’s compact yet robust, making it an ideal choice for smaller workshops.

Pros:
– Variable speed motor
– Lightweight and portable
– Includes flat wrenches, headstock spur center, and tailstock cup center

Cons:
– Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
– Adjusting the belt for speed variations can be cumbersome

Details: Weighing just 43 lbs, this lathe is easy to transport and store. It’s powered by a 3.2-Amp motor and allows you to adjust speeds from 750 to 3200 rotations per minute. WEN is a reputable brand known for producing reliable tools, and this lathe is no different. It’s an affordable choice for beginners. To buy this product, click here.

Product 2: Grizzly Industrial G8688-7″ x 12″ Mini Metal Lathe

Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe is perfect for fabricators and machinists looking for a high-quality, powerful mini metal lathe for precision works.

Pros:
– Solid construction
– High power motor
– 2-year warranty

Cons:
– Pricey compared to other mini lathes
– Complex operation for beginners

Details: This lathe, made from solid cast iron, weighs 75 lbs. It features a high power 0.75 horsepower motor, allowing you to handle any project with ease. Despite being more expensive than its competitors, the high-quality performance and extended durability offered by Grizzly make it worth the cost. To buy this product, click here.

Product 3: Mophorn 7×12 Inch Precision Mini Metal Lathe

Mophorn Precision Mini Metal Lathe is a highly functional and efficient model, perfect for someone starting out in metalworking or for someone looking for a secondary lathe.

Pros:
– High torque motor
– Multiple controls for speed range
– Durable construction

Cons:
– Some reported quality issues with ancillary components
– Slightly heavier model

Details: The lathe weighs 110 lbs and has a strong motor that is capable of producing high torque. It offers a variable speed range from 50-2500 RPM, which is easily controlled with a readout display. The body is made of high-grade iron, ensuring durability. To buy this product, click here.

Product 4: RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe

RIKON 70-100 Mini Lathe is a favorite among woodworkers for its compact design and high speed, making it ideal for detailed woodwork.

Pros:
– Self-ejecting tailstock to save time
– Easy to adjust speed ranges
– Includes handy accessories

Cons:
– Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
– Quality of manual is insufficient

Details: This model boasts of a powerful 1/2 HP motor and with a weight of 89.5 lbs, this lathe stands firm while in operation. It offers six-speed ranges, and changing between them is simple and fast. The self-ejecting tailstock saves valuable time changing between applications. To buy this product, click here.

Product 5: Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe is an excellent choice for small woodworking projects given its user-friendly features and robust performance.

Pros:
– Compact design
– Variable speed motor
– Solid construction

Cons:
– Limited capacity for larger projects
– Motor might struggle with hard woods

Details: Weighing 48.5 lbs, this mini lathe offers a variable speed motor, ranging from 700 to 3200 RPM. It’s constructed from cast iron, making it sturdy and durable. This lathe is excellent for beginner or hobbyist woodworkers due to its user-friendly features. To buy this product, click here.

Part 2:

Product 6: JET JWL-1221VS 12-Inch by 21-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe

The Jet JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe offers more control and precision for woodworkers looking for constant duty and improved performance.

Pros:
– Unrivalled speed control
– 24 integrated indexing positions for pattern creation
– Solid Construction

Cons:
– Relatively heavy model
– No digital speed readout

Details: This lathe weighs 136.4 lbs and features a completely redesigned motor drive that offers optimum and variable speed, ranging from 60 to 3600 RPM. It provides excellent stability while working, due to its cast-iron construction. Despite being relatively heavy, this industrial-grade lathe outperforms and lasts longer than most other brands. To buy this product, click here.

Product 7: NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe

NOVA 46300 Comet II Mini Lathe stands out for its variety of features. It is ideal for those searching for a balance between kit flexibility, capacity, and versatility.

Pros:
– User-friendly digital readout
– Lightweight and portable
– Extension accessories available

Cons:
– Tool rest could be longer
– Speed changes require manual belt adjustment

Details: This lathe weighs just 77.2 lbs and includes a powerful ¾ HP electronic variable speed motor. Speed can be varied from 250 to 4000 RPM, providing ample power and precision for a variety of woodturning projects. Despite few minor drawbacks, its overall ease-of-use and flexibility make it a favorite among both beginners and professionals. To buy this product, click here.

Product 8: Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe

The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe impresses woodworkers with its incredible power, patented belt tensioning system, and large swing capacity.

Pros:
– Large swing capacity
– Forward and reversing function
– 5-year warranty

Cons:
– Only one tool rest included
– More expensive than other midi lathes

Details: This hefty lathe weighs 97 lbs and is backed by a powerful 1 HP max, 1,725 RPM motor. It provides a 12-1/2-inch swing capacity, which is the largest in its class. The forward and reversing function makes it perfect for achieving a superior finish. Its higher price point is justified by the product’s quality and features. To buy this product, click here.

Product 9: Grizzly G0632 Variable Speed Wood Lathe

The Grizzly G0632 Wood Lathe is a favorite for professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike because of its variable speed and robust motor.

Pros:
– High speed variation
– Strong motor
– Large size capacity

Cons:
– Heavy to move around
– Expensive

Details: This 354 lbs lathe is powered by a robust 2 HP motor. It offers variable speed from 100 to 3200 RPM, and its capacity of 10 inches by 22 inches means it can handle a wide range of woodturning projects. Although it is heavy and on the expensive side, the number of features and power it offers are well worth the investment. To buy this product, click here.

Product 10: LAGUNA TOOLS MLAREVO 1836 Revo Lathe

The LAGUNA TOOLS MLAREVO 1836 Revo Lathe sets the standard high for lathes with its exceptional design, innovative controls, and powerful motor.

Pros:
– Extremely powerful motor
– Innovative control system
– Built for large projects

Cons:
– Very expensive
– Not suitable for small workspaces

Details: Weighing 546 lbs, this mammoth lathe is powered by a 2HP motor which offers 50 to 3500 RPM. The combination of its weight and power makes it perfect for tough woodturning applications. Its high price and large size may be a barrier for some, but for those who can afford it and have the space, this large lathe offers a premium woodturning experience. To buy this product, click here.

FAQ

Q: How does a variable speed control benefit your woodworking projects?
A: Variable speed control helps to adjust the speed of the lathe to suit different materials and project requirements, providing optimal results.

Q: What are the key factors to consider while buying a mini lathe?
A: Key factors include power, variable speed, construction, ease of use, durability, and customer reviews.

Q: What is the use of the tailstock in a lathe?
A: The tailstock in a lathe supports the end of the workpiece with a center, allowing it to be turned at high speeds without bending under the cutting force.

Q: What is a mini lathe primarily used for?
A: A mini lathe is generally used for small woodworking or metalworking projects where precision, speed, and intricate detailing are required.

Q: Can a wood lathe be used for metal?
A: Wood lathes are specifically designed for woodworking. While they can turn soft metals like brass or aluminum, they’re not the best choice for hard metals.

Conclusion

Choosing the best mini lathe should now be easier with our comprehensive product reviews. Among the top picks, the WEN 3421 and Shop Fox W1704 stand out for their affordability and ease of use, making them excellent for beginners. For professionals or enthusiasts looking for sturdier and more feature-rich models, the Delta Industrial 46-460 or the Grizzly Industrial G8688 are ideal. Always remember, your selection should primarily depend on your specific project requirements and budget. As the old saying goes, “The right tool for the right job makes all the difference.” Happy crafting!