People normally perceive woodworking as an innate talent, although many experts will disagree. It actually takes several years of meticulous practice before truly mastering this skill – not to mention a ton of blood, sweat, and tears. Of course, having the right tools at your disposal will be a big boost. Therefore, aside from a jointer and planer, you may also want to consider investing in a wood Lathe.
This instrument serves a very specific purpose in carpentry. It is primarily used to sculpt wood into various shapes and sizes, particularly those that have to be customized. This includes bowls, vases, and other forms of decorative items. Just attach the wood to a spinning arm and mold it according to your liking, with the help of other sharp tools. A wood lathe may still seem quite complicated now, but it’s guaranteed to cut work time in half and create more precise finishes than manual jobs.
If you’re in the market for an implement similar to this, try reading our best wood lathe review. We’ll be enumerating the top 11 options on the market and determine which one best fits your needs. Please read further to learn more.
Wood Lathe Comparison Table
Wood lathe | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Powermatic 3520B Wood Lathe | - A 2-horsepower variable speed Motor offers enough power for all types of projects - Its digital RPM reader displays the speed as it changes | 4.9/5.0 | |
2. Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe | - The sliding headstock can move in any angle within a 360-degree radius - Produces speeds from 400 to 3000 RPM with the turn of a dial | 4.0/5.0 | |
3. Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe | - Speed adjustments can be made either manually (through a pulley) or automatically, using a control knob - It take on work pieces with up to 12.5 inches in length; the bed can also be extended up to 25.5 inches | 5.0/5.0 | |
4. Rikon 70220VSR Midi Lathe | - Offers 24 different headstock positions to match your needs - An LED display screen perfectly exhibits the rate you are going | 4.2/5.0 | |
5. Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 Revo Lathe | - An all-black, solid-steel exterior is both stylish and sturdy at the same time - Users can choose between two speed settings depending on the task | 3.0/5.0 | |
6. Nova 71118 Comet II Midi Lathe | - Its motor speed ranges from 250 all the way to 4000-RPM - Functionally designed so that all key features are found in a single area | 4.3/5.0 | |
7. Grizzly T25926 Variable Speed Wood Lathe | - The 0.5-horsepower motor reaches a maximum speed of 3800-RPM for each use - Both its spindle and turning radius can both be extended until 16.75-inches and 10-inch respectively | 3.3/5.0 | |
8. PSI Turn Crafter Commander KWL-1218VS Midi Lathe | - A digital readout screen accurately displays the exact speed you choose - Its 1-horsepower motor comes equipped with two setting you can access depending on the job | 5.0/5.0 | |
9. Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe | - 5 settings found on its 0.5-horsepower motor allows you to customize the strength for every task’s requirements - The cast-iron body and rubber feet are there to keep the wood lathe firmly in its place | 4.3/5.0 | |
10. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe | - Provides enough might and spinning speed for its 0.33-horsepower motor - Sports a frame that is ergonomically designed for easy mobilization, transport, and storage at home | 4.4/5.0 | |
11. 34018 Cast-Iron Wood Lathe | - A 4.5-AMP motor, cast-iron frame, and illustrious design makes woodworking more simple and efficient - Almost all of its parts have been made compatible with other accessories currently on the market | 4.8/5.0 |
Wood Lathe Reviews
1. Powermatic 3520B Wood Lathe
Not all consumers prefer complicated models. Some just want a unit that’s efficient and no-nonsense. This simple selling point is enough to keep users happy and loyal towards a particular brand. If this is what you seek, then the Powermatic 3520B Wood Lathe could be a perfect fit.
There are several reasons why this option is so popular. For one, its body is made out of heavy-duty cast iron, while the other parts have been fortified further. This setup aims to minimize vibration and all forms of shaking, offering better control as you work. The only downside is its bulkiness, which at 682-pounds, can be very difficult to move around.
At its core, this wood lathe is equipped with a potent 2-horsepower speed variable motor. Besides being high-powered, it has also been fully enclosed inside a casing to prevent injuries. Additionally, a specialized inverter allows this machine to be used either as a single-phrase or triple-phase input. This feature is instrumental in conserving electricity by adjusting the settings according to your requirement.
Finally, a digital RPM readout helps you keep track of the speed. This is important so you can better manage each working session while making proper modifications. A moveable headstock is likewise present for easy tweaking of this tool’s angle, to perfectly fit your preference.
All these qualities help create a wonderful working environment for you or whoever decides to purchase this product. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best wood lathes available to consumers.
Pros
Cons
2. Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe
Arguably the best thing about the Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe is its flexibility. It comes armed with a sliding headstock that moves anywhere in a 360-degree angle. You are even given the liberty to lock it in one of seven distinct positions for maximum variability and optimal user comfort. As such, it puts you in your most favorable positions when creating wonderful wood fixtures.
A reinforced motor has been included to help meet the growing demands of sculpting wood. Currently, the Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe can now reach speeds of 3000-RPM, which is at par with the majority of top-tier models. This is especially remarkable considering the large difference in cost between them. As a result, you’ll be spending far less for an item that offers the same spinning strength.
Furthermore, this model also delivers a 14-inch swing with a maximum length of 40 inches. Having this reach allows you to take part in a wider range of tasks, such as crafting furniture pieces or stair railings. Those who consider themselves professionals will greatly appreciate the versatility this wood lathe brings.
These three features are just some of the reasons to love this product. Its ease of use and various safety precautions only show how in-tune the company Jet is with your needs. So if you’re looking for a model that not only understands but also simplifies the rigors of woodworking, then you should strongly consider the JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe.
