In A Rush? Here's our winner for 2020 is...
Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe with Legs
Top Reasons to Buy
- 360-deg sliding headstock
- Variable speed from 400-3000 RPM
- Redesignd clamping
- 5 year limited warranty
Feature list
- Dimensions: 87 x 57 x 38 inches
- Horsepower: 1 HP
- Weight: 400 Pounds
- Max Swing: 14 1⁄2 inch
Creating elegantly turned legs and other wood pieces is easy with the use of a lathe. Though some still rely on old-fashioned tools with a hand crank, others prefer the speed that an electronic lathe can provide. With one simple machine, you can make controlled cuts and add to the finished design as the machine turns that wood post for you. Wood lathes let you make everything from table legs and wood decorations to useful bowls and wood pens. Check over a simple list of what to look for and how to choose the best wood lathe for your needs before looking at the top 10 wood lathes on the market.
60 HOURS OF RESEARCHING
52 MODELS CONSIDERED
1 WINNER
Quick Comparison Chart
Image | Product | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Jet JWL-1440VSK  | Jet JWL-1440VSK Top Overall Choice
| Top Overall Choice | |
Jet JWL-1221VS  | Jet JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe
| Variable Speed Wood Lathe | |
Shop Fox W1836  | Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe
| Bench Top Wood Lathe | |
NOVA 46300 Comet II  | NOVA 46300 Comet II Mini Lathe
| Mini Lathe | |
Shop Fox W1758  | Shop Fox W1758 Wood Lathe
| Wood Lathe | |
Shop Fox W1752  | Shop Fox W1752 Mini Lathe
| Mini Lathe | |
Woodtek 829806  | Woodtek 829806 Midi Lathe
| Midi Lathe | |
Grizzly G0462  | Grizzly G0462 Wood Lathe
| Wood Lathe | |
PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS  | PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Variable Speed Midi Lathe
| Variable Speed Midi Lathe | |
General International 25-200M1  | General International 25-200M1 Top Maxi-Lathe
| Top Maxi-Lathe |
10 Best Wood Lathes – Reviews
1. Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe - Best Overall Pick
Popular Features
- Headstock slides for maximum versatility.
- Redesigned clamping.
- Speed range from 400-3000 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 87 x 57 x 38 inches.
- Motor Power: 1 HP.
- Weight: 400 pounds.
- Warranty: 5 Year.
Though the price on this Jet model is more than the others on our list, it earned the top spot for its amazing features and for its perfect reviews from users. This JET JWL-1440VSK produces one-horsepower and has one of the easiest to use designs we saw. You can use the hand crank on the top to change the speed at which it turns the wood, and you can even adjust its RPM up to 3000. It comes with seven locking positions that will keep your wood pieces from moving or sliding and a design that gives you 360-degree access.
Pros
Cons
2. Jet JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe
Popular Features
- Unrivaled speed control.
- Innovative ratchet style belt tension system.
- Speed range from 60-3600 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 32.8 x 14.6 x 21.2 inches.
- Motor Power: 1 HP.
- Weight: 129.8 pounds.
- Warranty: 5 Year.
Though this Jet model lacks some of the features found on our number one choice, it still delivers high speeds and comes loaded with good features. Its variable speed motor can produce between 60 and 3600 RPM, making it a great choice for anyone who works on a variety of wood lathe projects. Unlike other similar models that make you take your wood out and turn it around to work on the opposite side, this one has a reverse mechanism that makes it easy to transition to a reverse setting. It also comes with an adjustable belt system for tightening or loosening the belt.
Pros
Cons
3. Shop Fox W1836
Popular Features
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction.
- Electronic speed spindle control with digital RPM readout.
- Continuous speed control from 500-3800 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 38.5 x 15.5 x 17 inches.
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP.
- Weight: 85 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 Year.
A 3/4-horsepower and 110 volt motor is just one of the things you’ll like about this Shop Fox bench top wood lathe. Designed for use with a bench top of your choosing, it comes with all the components and accessories you need for securing it to that surface. A digital RPM readout on the very top shows you the exact RPM setting you currently use and helps you quickly move to a lower or higher setting. It also features two different RMP setting ranges: one with a maximum speed of 1800 RMP and a second with a max speed of 3800 RPM.
Pros
Cons
4. NOVA 46300 Comet II
Popular Features
- Compact design for users who require portability.
- Continuous speed control from 250 - 4000 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 33 x 9 x 18 inches
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP.
- Weight: 82.4 pounds.
- Warranty: 1 Year.
The NOVA Comet II has the most impressive RPM speed range of all the wood lathes we examined. It can move from just 250 RPM when working on a simple table leg all the way up to 4000 RPM for making intricate designs and pieces. You can use the simple pulley system to easily move from a lower speed up to a higher one. NOVA mini lathe added a variable speed motor that helps you quickly adjust the speeds without pausing in your work. It also comes with a dependable warranty that covers the motor for one year and all other components for two years.
Pros
Cons
5. Shop Fox W1758
Popular Features
- Cast iron construction and infinitely variable speed control.
- 16-inch swing over bed.
- Includes three-way adjustable tool rests.
- Continuous speed control from 600 to 2400 RPM
- Product Dimensions: 64 x 18 x 16 inches.
- Motor Power: 2 HP.
- Weight: 338 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 Year.
This Shop Fox W1758 comes with a cast-iron base that has the durability you need. That heavy-duty metal will withstand years of use in even the busiest of shops and will keep your lathe more stable when using it with larger or heavier woods. We also like the paddle switch that the manufacturer designed with safety in mind that keeps the lathe from accidentally turning itself on or shutting itself down as you work.
Pros
Cons
6. Shop Fox W1752
Popular Features
- Quick access speed changes.
- Includes tool rest, live rolling center, spur center and 3-Inch face plate.
- Variable speed ranges from 480-4023 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 37.3 x 18 x 12.3 inches.
- Motor Power: 1/2 HP.
- Weight: 99 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 Year.
This mini lathe from Shop Fox is our choice for the best wood lathe for the money. It's cheap but it's great for beginners and those who work on smaller projects like pens. Its swing over bed lets you work with pieces that have a diameter of up to 10-inches, which is extremely impressive for such a smaller tool. It also has a tailstock that adjusts to more than three-inches and a tool rest on the very front. Use that rest to store your chisels and any other woodworking tools you need for your current project. Though small in size, this Shop Fox model can handle more jobs than you might expect.
Pros
Cons
7. Woodtek 829806
Popular Features
- Full Feature Cabinet Style
- Solid cast iron construction.
- Weight: 411 pounds.
- Warranty: 1 Year.
Featuring bright shades of green and yellow, this Woodtek lathe is one that anyone will see and recognize when walking into your shop. Designed for use on smaller projects, it’s suitable for creating perfectly turned table legs and for designing wood pens of your own. It has an easy to reach belt for convenient replacing and a tool rest for easy switching between tools. While it doesn’t have nearly as many features as some of the larger or more expensive models do, it’s simple and basic features makes it the best wood lathe for beginners. You’ll even get a manual that shows you how to use it.
Pros
Cons
8. Grizzly G0462 Wood Lathe with DRO
Popular Features
- Includes tool rest, live rolling center, and spur center.
- Variable speed range from 600 – 2400 RPM
- Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 63.2 x 20 inches.
- Motor Power: 2 HP.
- Weight: 354 pounds.
- Warranty: 1 Year.
The reason this Grizzly model make it on our list is because it comes with a 2-horsepower motor that can compete with the motors found on some of the higher ranking models. That 110V motor and 16-inch long work space are perfect for creating simple bowls, cups and pens. While you can’t use it on traditional table legs or other projects, you can use it on any types of projects because of its variable RPM speeds. Like other smaller models, this Grizzly G0462 also comes with a tool rest for storing and organizing tools your tools as you work.
Pros
Cons
9. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Midi Lathe
Popular Features
- SBC microprocessor technology delivers pinpoint control and reliability.
- Two belt positions
- Variable speed from 500-2000 RPM RPM / 1500-3600 RPM
- Product Dimensions: 32 x 9 x 17 inches.
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP.
- Weight: 82 pounds.
- Warranty: 3 Year.
Thanks to a brightly lit digital readout screen, this product from PSI Woodworking lets you see your current speed and keep an eye on the speed as it changes. A lower speed of around 500 RPM is perfect for finishing a wood piece, while a speed in the 2000 to 3,600 RPM range is great for shaping that same piece. It also comes with a flexible work light attached to the top for working in lower light conditions and two carrying handles at the top for taking it to the job site or moving it around your shop.
Pros
Cons
10. General International 25-200M1 Wood Lathe
Popular Features
- Headstock pivots 360° with 180° positive stop.
- Quick lock control levers easily position tool rest.
- Variable speed from 300 - 3600 RPM.
- Product Dimensions: 36 x 19.5 x 17inches.
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP.
- Weight: 144 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 Year.
With a frame, headstock and tail all made from cast iron, this General International 25-200M1 does a great job of reducing vibrations. It also has a lever that lets you adjust the tension in the belt and an adjustable RPM range of 300 to 3600. Small metal feet on the base of the lathe let you place it on any workbench or surface without worrying that it might slip off that table. As an electric lathe, it comes with a long cord that lets you plug it into any available outlet around your shop for convenient use.
Pros
Cons
Our Wood Lathe Winner
Jet JWL-1440VSK
After looking at features like speed, strength, price, and durability, we picked the Jet JWL-1440VSK 1 hp with Legs as the Best Wood Lathe on the market today. Its simple design lets you slide and pivot the different features to customize its overall shape and design for your own use, and it has a locking feature that keeps the attached legs from moving while using the lathe. It also has a variable speed that lets you quickly adjust the RPM produced from a minimum of 400 up to a maximum of 3000. You'll also love its simple design and easy to use the hand crank.
How to Choose the Perfect Wood Lathe - Buying Guide
Choosing a wood lathe can seem difficult,
but there are really just a few key things you should look for when shopping online. We created a list of the top things you should look for in a wood lathe.
Project Use
The first thing you should consider is the type of projects you want to do. For similar and smaller projects, a tabletop lathe is best. These wood lathes actually attach right to the surface of your worktable to help you keep an eye on your projects. If you want to work on larger projects like wood furniture, you need to invest in a power lathe or an electronic lathe. These wood lathes use power from any electrical outlet to turn the wood.
Speed
The speed of the lathe depends on whether it has a manual or electronic design. Manual lathes require that you make adjustments with your own two hands to control how quickly it moves, which means it will take longer to turn a piece of wood. Electronic designs can move the wood much faster. Manual options are generally best for beginners and those just starting out.
Lathe Height
Few people realize that they should also check the overall height of the lathe. You generally want the middle or the center of the lathe to sit right at or near your elbows. If the lathe is a little too tall or short, it will impede your movements and may make using the lathe harder.
Overall Weight
Unlike other power tools, where you want something more lightweight, you usually want a lathe that weighs more. The heavier it is, the more balanced it will provide as you work. That weight can also help cut down on the vibrations that would otherwise cause your hands to slip off.
Bench
If space is at a premium in your shop, you’ll prefer a wood lathe that works with any bench. With a few turns of the included components, you can temporarily attach that lathe to your bench. If you have more space though, consider a lathe that comes with its own workbench. As the lathe remains permanently attached to that bench, you won’t worry about it possibly coming loose in the middle of a project.
Possible Accessories
Depending on the projects that you do, you might take a look at some of the accessories available from the manufacturer of your lathe. Those accessories can help you easily create bowls and other items for your kitchen, work with larger wood pens and legs or create unique projects. Those that use a taper size of Morse #2 may work with accessories from other manufacturers as this is a standard or base size.
Manufacturer
Don’t forget to look for best wood lathes from the top manufacturers. Companies based in the United States and those that have facilities in America often have facilities that can make repairs to your lathe nearby, which cuts down on the time you spend without a working machine.