The 5 Best Wood Lathes 2023 | by Trusted Shopping Guide

Features

Build quality

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer satisfaction

Brand reputation

Specifications

Weight: 377 lbs
Size: ‎57" x 31" x 28”
Material: Cast Iron, Steel
Power Source: ‎AC
Voltage: 115V

What we like

High-quality Tailstock: The tailstock is designed for improved movement, accuracy, and setup, utilizing a high-quality and time-tested Acme thread. It incorporates a new wedge-locking system that firmly and securely attaches to the lathe.
Strong Headstock: Powered by a robust 1.1-kilowatt motor, the headstock delivers excellent torque across a wide range of speeds, enhancing precision cuts. With 36 indexing points, it enables carving with exceptional geometry and patterns.
Extended Spindle Motor: The extended spindle nose ensures a strong grip and increased stability, featuring dual bearings that ensure your workspace is suitable for handling any type of wood.
Comfortable Speed Regulation: The frequency inverter includes an integrated EMI filter and a user-friendly digital display on the headstock's front side, facilitating effortless speed adjustments.

Things you should know

Please note that this model does not have a rotating head, which means you'll need to slide your items in from the edges. If you frequently work with fragile objects, some workshop enthusiasts suggest considering a separate extension attachment for added convenience and safety.

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JET JWL-1840EVS Wood Lathe

Discover the JET JWL-1840 EVS, a highly regarded lathe favored by professional woodworkers for its user-friendly controls and exceptional performance. It boasts an anti-rotation key seamlessly integrated into the improved tailstock quill-locking system, allowing for easy and secure operation. Thanks to the spindle lock latch, you can enjoy hands-free or one-handed convenience.

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Features

Build quality

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer satisfaction

Brand reputation

Specifications

Weight: 418 lbs
Size: ‎57" x 31" x 28”
Material: Cast Iron, Steel
Power Source: Electric
Voltage: 230V

What we like

Comfortable and Versatile: Achieve maximum comfort when working with large pieces by adjusting the lathe's height using four-inch cast iron risers. The headstock's sliding and acme threads ensure smooth and effortless movement, accommodating left-handed users or those with different operating preferences.
Extended Spindle Nose Housing: The dual headstock spindle bearings are housed in the extended spindle nose, ensuring exceptional resistance to radial and single-directional axial forces, resulting in sleek and precise shaping.
Multiple Locks and Protection: It features a non-marring, positive locking wedge system to firmly secure the tool post. The inverter is enclosed with post-locking mechanisms, preserving the strength and longevity of all components.
Safe and Convenient: The lathe bed is equipped with a remote emergency stop button, an easily accessible digital readout, a versatile leg-mounted tool holder, and a modern headstock locking handle operable from the front, minimizing the need for constant readjustment after use.

Things you should know

Please note that the original package does not include a drill chuck. If you intend to use other cutting instruments, be sure to choose the option with a drill chuck to suit your needs perfectly.

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SHOP FOX Benchtop Lathe

Introducing the Shop Fox Benchtop Lathe – a reliable and powerful tool designed to cater to the needs of woodworkers and metalworkers alike. This versatile lathe is a perfect addition to any workshop, offering precision and efficiency in a compact and user-friendly package.

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Features

Build quality

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer satisfaction

Brand reputation

Specifications

Weight: 49.5 lbs
Size: 7.1" x 27.9" x 13.7”

What we like

Sturdy Construction: The Shop Fox Benchtop Lathe is built with high-quality materials and features a robust design, ensuring stability and durability during operation. Its solid construction minimizes vibrations, allowing for smoother and more precise turning.
Variable Speed Control: With its variable speed control mechanism, this lathe enables users to adjust the spindle speed according to the specific requirements of different materials and turning tasks. This feature enhances flexibility and ensures optimal results for various projects.
Reversible Spindle: The lathe's spindle can be easily reversed, allowing for convenient and efficient sanding operations without the need for manual adjustments or changing the setup. This time-saving function is especially useful when working on multiple pieces.
User-Friendly Controls: The Shop Fox Benchtop Lathe is designed with intuitive controls, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth learning curve and comfortable operation.
Compact Size: As a benchtop lathe, it boasts a space-saving design, making it ideal for workshops with limited space. Despite its compact size, this lathe delivers powerful performance for various turning tasks.

Things you should know

Some users may find the absence of a built-in work light inconvenient, especially when working in dimly lit or poorly illuminated spaces. An external light source may be necessary for improved visibility.

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PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Midi Lathe

Discover the delightful surprise that is the PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Midi Lathe, a versatile and comprehensive package that will elevate your crafting experience. Right out of the box, you'll be pleased to find a 3-inch face plate, knockout rod, Phillips screwdriver, tailstock handle and bolt, as well as convenient built-in handles and safety goggles, ensuring seamless workflow without the need to constantly shuttle between your workspace and tool shelf.

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Features

Build quality

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer satisfaction

Brand reputation

Specifications

Weight: 106 lbs
Size: 32" x 11" x 10”
Voltage: 110V

What we like

Strong Horsepower: The three-fourths high-performing horsepower engine, along with the SBC CPU designed for automotive applications, guarantees precise control and long-lasting reliability.
Easy to See Details: Even when working on complex pieces, the convenient work light attached to the 18-inch flex cable allows you to develop and maintain a sharp eye for accurate craftsmanship.
Secure and Convenient: With 24 indexing positions and a spindle lock, your work area remains secure while you create intricate shapes and patterns. Additionally, the optional extension bed and sturdy cast iron base enable you to turn projects up to 43 inches.
Digital Measure: Equipped with a digital readout, this lathe ensures you stay on track with your project and easily adjust the speed to your preference.

Things you should know

Please be aware that while this unit offers variable speed, it does not operate automatically, requiring manual power adjustments. If you're not familiar with the optimal speed for the type of wood you'll be working with, we recommend using some trial materials first to find the most suitable speed.

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ROCKLER Excelsior 5-Speed Mini Lathe

The Excelsior Mini Lathe, if it hails from the '80s, would undoubtedly embody the idiom "Small but terrible." Despite weighing less than 1 pound, it packs a punch with its 6-inch tool rest, 3-inch faceplate, and 1-inch spindle, delivering surprisingly impressive results. This model is also equipped with a spur center on the headstock, a ball-bearing live center on the tailstock, and cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers.

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