The 10 Best Wood Lathes
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Best Wood Lathe
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best wood lathes currently available.
UPDATED: November 23, 2020.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Delta Industrial 46-460 because it features cast-iron construction, a 12-1/2” swing capacity, and variable speeds.
Whether you are a woodworking veteran or a casual DIY'er, one of these lathes will perfectly complement your workshop.
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The 10 Best Wood Chisels
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If you are just getting started, here is a video that provides a brief overview of the basics of woodturning:
The following wood lathes use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The 10 Best Wood Lathes.
Enjoy!
1. Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Wood Lathe
The Delta 46-460 features a ball-bearing live center, heavy-duty steel knockout bar, and onboard tool storage.
Powered by a one-horsepower, 1,725 RPM motor with variable speeds.
Provides a 12-1/2-inch swing capacity.
Features three pulley-speed ranges and a six-groove belt.
Offers the ability to operate in either forward and reverse.
Equipped with a belt-tensioning system that quickly sets the belt tension and allows for fast speed adjustments.
Constructed from cast-iron for long-lasting durability.
Includes a three-inch faceplate.
Features 6-inch and 10-inch tool rests.
2. Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe
The Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe features a sliding and pivoting headstock and variable speed.
Features a sliding headstock that pivots 360 degrees with 7 positive locking positions at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 270 degrees.
Equipped with variable speeds from 400 to 3000 RPM.
Includes a positive locking tool rest with redesigned clamping.
Offers the ability to add extension bed mounts for larger outboard turning.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the chisels.
3. RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR Midi Wood Lathe
The RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR is powered by a one horsepower motor with electronic variable speed controls.
Features a digital RPM readout for easy viewing.
Equipped with a forward and reverse drive system.
Includes a spur center, three-inch faceplate, and tool rest.
Offers 12-1/2″ Swing and 20″ between centers.
Includes a 24 position index head.
4. JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
The JET 1221VS features a variable speed system from 60 to 3600 RPM.
Equipped with both forward and reverse functionality.
Features a spring-loaded spindle lock.
Includes a ratchet-style belt tension system.
Features 24 integrated indexing positions.
Offers an Acme thread in the tailstock.
5. Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 Wood Lathe
The Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836 features an angled control panel made from anodized aluminum.
Equipped with a steel bed with a cast iron headstock.
Features an electronic variable speed system that offers high torque even at low speeds.
Includes an easy to see RPM readout with electronic adjustments.
Features a quick release handle for fast changes from high to low settings.
Includes rear-mounted headstock and tailstock lock handles.
6. NOVA 46300 Comet II Wood Lathe
The NOVA 46300 Comet II is powered by a 3/4 horsepower electronic variable speed motor with speeds from 250 to 4000 RPM.
Equipped with a forward and reverse switch.
Features a 12" swing capacity over bed and 16.5" between center capacity,
Offers an expandable capacity up to 41" with the optional bed extension accessory.
Includes a reinforced composite guard with a rapid access latch.
Features a three-step pulley system to achieve the speed ranges.
Constructed from cast iron for long-lasting durability.
7. PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Wood Lathe
The PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS powered by a one horsepower variable speed motor.
Features two belt positions:
Position A 500-1800 RPM.
Position B 1950-3800 RPM.
Offers a digital readout that allows for quick and precise readings.
Includes a distance between centers of 18 inches.
Features a swing over bed length of 12 inches.
Features a base with cast iron construction.
Accepts optional extension bed for up to 42 inches.
8. Grizzly Industrial G0462 Wood Lathe
The Grizzly Industrial G0462 can swing 16 in. over the bed, comes with a 2 HP motor and sports a spindle tachometer with a digital readout.
Equipped with a “shift-on-the-fly handle” for quick speed changes.
Offers the ability to loosen the headstock and swivel it up to 360 degrees for outboard turning.
Features a bed and legs constructed from solid cast iron for durability and to minimize vibrations.
Includes a spindle tachometer with a digital readout.
Features quick lock release levers for tailstock and headstock.
Includes 6 inch faceplate, cup live center, and spur center.
9. WEN 3424 Wood Lathe
The WEN 3424 features a 4.5A motor with five operating speeds: 520, 900, 1400, 2150, and 3400 rotations per minute.
Features an MT2 spindle and tailstock taper.
Includes a 7-7/8-inch tool rest.
Features a lever clamping system for easy tool rest and tailstock adjustments.
Includes a headstock spur center, and a tailstock cup center.
Features a 3-1/8 inch faceplate for turning bowls and similar pieces.
10. Mophorn Wood Lathe
The Mophorn Wood Lathe features a 550W motor with a digital RPM display.
Provides 500 to 3800 RPM electronic variable adjustment visible on the display.
Features cast iron construction for long-lasting durability.
Includes rubber feet for stability and to minimize vibration when operating the unit.
I hope this list of the best wood lathes was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
