Whether you are a professional carpenter or a novice DIY, without the best wood lathe, no woodworking shop is complete. It is a machine that gives various shapes and structures from any wood that is attached to the machine. Good wood lathes offer a range of features, all of which work together, giving incredible results. Lathes are commonly used to make vases, bowls, baseball bats, spindles, or other items that are rounded.
However, choosing the best Wood Lathes can be a challenge because there are many lathes, and each one of them comes with different features. With that, we have spent a lot of time researching and studying many options out there to get the best lathe that will suit your needs. We have compiled a list of the top 10 best Wood Lathes in 2024 for you. Have a look below!
List of 10 Best Variable Speed Wood Lathes in 2024
#10. Grizzly Industrial 12 x 18 inches Variable Speed Wood Lathes
We start our recommendation list with this easy-to-use and powerful Wood Lathe by Grizzly Industrial. It is an exceptional product that comes with top-notch functions to accelerate and simplify all of your woodturning projects. It features a powerful 110V, 3/4HP Motor and has 14 inches swing over bed. The distance between centers is 18 inches and has a Variable speed of between 300 to 3300 RPM.
Ideally, this machine features built-in carry handles on the sides for easy transportation from one place to another. Moreover, it has all cast iron construction for durability and adjustable rubber feet. Overall, this product is designed for professional woodworkers.
- Built-in carry handles on both ends
- Has variable spindle speeds
- 15° indexing spindle
- Generous 8″ tool rest
- Adjustable vibration-reducing rubber feet
- All cast iron construction
#9. WEN Variable Speed Wood Lathes 12-Inch by 18-Inch
Are you a novice in this woodworking field? WEN 34018 Wood Lathe is easy to use and budget-friendly machine for you. It can handle woods up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. It has an adjustable variable speed of about 450 to 3500 rotations per minute and features an onboard digital speed display that shows the current RPM. In addition to that, the Wood Lathe likewise features tailstock taper and MT2 spindle for compatibility with all your favorite centers and chucks.
This wood lathe has a spacious 8-inch tool rest that offers support for your tools and chisels. The lever clamping system is very easy to use and adjusts both the tailstock and the tool rest simple and precise.
- Adjustable speed from 450 to 3500 rotations per minute
- Boast a 4.5A motor
- Easy-to-use lever clamping system
- Attack workpieces up to 12” wide and 18” long
- Includes a digital speed display
- Comes with a two-year warranty
#8. PSI Woodworking Variable Speed Wood Lathes
PSI KWL-1018VS is another incredible wood machine ideal for performing various kinds of woodturning activities. It is equipped with a powerful 3/4 hp variable speed motor. Moreover, it has 2 belt positions where option a delivers 500-2000 rpm, and option b delivers 1500-3600 rpm. The swing over the bed is 10 inches, and the distance between the centers is 18 inches. Buy this product with confidence as Intertek certifies it, and it is ETL listed.
What’s more, the wood lathe has a convenient built-in handle that allows you to move this machine easily. The product is included with safety goggles, tailstock handle & bolt, Philips screwdriver, knockout rod, tailstock live center, 3″ faceplate, 6″ tool rest, and more.
- Powered by 3/4 HP high performance motor
- ETL Listed and certified by Intertek
- Convenient built-in handles
- Two belt positions
- Safety Goggles included
- The motor may run faster/slower
#7. Jet JWL-1015 Wood Lathe
The Jet has been well known for many decades for making reliable wood making tools. JWL-1015 Wood Lathe is perfect for beginners who are searching for a user-friendly and affordable first lathe. It is also ideal for the professional and advanced enthusiasts who want to add a full-featured wood lathe to the shop. It has 15-1/2 inches between centers and features 6 spindle speeds, including 3975, 2630, 1800, 1240, 840, and 500. Has an improved tensioning system allowing easier access to the belts.
This smooth-running, sturdy 15 inches mini-lathe has the versatility, precision, and power to turn out a different number of projects and has integrated 24 position indexing. Its wider bed way will offer increased rigidity.
- Integrated 24 position indexing
- Six spindle speeds
- 15-1/2″ between centers
- An ideal choice for novice wood-turner
- Smooth-running 15″ mini-lathe
- Improved tensioning system
#6. Mophorn 10 x 18 Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathes
Mophorn wood lathe is an excellent choice for many woodworkers out there. It is a 10 inches x 18 inches wood lathe that comes with a powerful 550W powerful motor and adjustable speed, allowing you to work with precise speed. It features 18 inches distance between centers, 10 inches swing over bed, 6 inches tool rest and live center, top drive, and 3 inches faceplate. This heavy-duty Wood Lathe has rubber feet that offer smooth operation and increased stability.
Ideally, all shafts and gears in headstock have been hardened and precisely grounded for longer service life. The Wood Lathe is applicable in different places such as workshops, labs, education, and engineering.
- Cast iron constructed wood lathe
- 10 x 18″ wood lathe
- Has 550W powerful motor
- Regulation Digital Display
- 18″ distance between centers
- All gears are hardened for longer service life
#5. RIKON Variable Speed Wood Lathes 12 Inch-by-16-Inch
RIKON 70-100 is another product from the well-known RIKON Company, and most people love this wood Mini Lathe for its great power and features. It will let you change speeds from 3,900, 2,670, 1,230, 810, and 430. Moreover, it has a 12-position indexing head that enables you to lock a piece of wood in various positions for enhanced accuracy. The machine is powered by a 1/2HP Motor and has Self Ejecting Tail Stock; hence, there is no need to utilize knock-out bars to remove the center.
The Mini-Lathe enables you to efficiently perform detailed patterns woodwork such as layout, drilling, grooving, straight fluting, and more. For easy mobility, the machine has flip-up handle. The nylon face plate washer will prevent accessories from sticking to the spindle.
- 1/2hp motor
- Ability to add multiple extensions
- Self-ejecting tail stock
- Easy access speed change
- 12-position indexing head
- Flip-up handle for mobility
#4. Nova Variable Speed Wood Lathes
Are you professional woodturners and you require a powerful wood lathe machines for your projects? Then Nova 71118 Midi Lathe is a perfect choice for you. The machine features 3/4 HP variable speed motor and has a speed ranging between 250 RPM to 4000 RPM. In addition to that, it features a three-way pulley system that allows you to dial in high, medium, and low ranges while offering maximum flexibility. It has a self-injecting tailstock.
The solid cast iron construction offers optimum rigidity and strength while absorbing any vibration. This product is packed with 6” tool rest, 3” faceplate, live tailstock center, spur-drive center, and a knockout bar. To sum up, this lathe comes with a full one-year full warranty for replacement on the motor.
- Self-ejecting tailstock
- Solid cast iron construction
- 3 step pulley system
- 3/4 HP electronic variable speed
- Forward and reverse switch for flexibility
- Speed range of 250-4000 rpm
#3. JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed 12-Inch by 21-Inch
This is another high quality wood lathe machine that usually comes at a lower price. The features are better, the design is better, and the entire turning experience is better. Ideally, this Wood Lathe has unrivaled speed control and has a variable speed that ranges between 60 to 3600 RPM. The wood lathe has a conveniently located DRO and controls, and it is integrated with a spring-loaded spindle lock.
The machine is included with a variable speed engine helping you to modify the rates without having any delay in your work. It is easy to use, and adjusting is also easy and simple. Order it today, and you will never regret it.
- Optimally Designed speed ranges
- Conveniently located DRO and controls
- Spring-loaded spindle lock
- Unrivaled speed Control
- 60 to 3600 RPM variable speed
#2. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe
For intermediate users and novice woodworkers, the SHOP FOX W1704 offers the powers and precision you need to handle all kinds of projects. It tackles pen turning, small cutting, and other shaping projects. The machine comes with 1/3 HP 60 Hz motor and delivers spindle speeds between 700 RPM and 3,200 RPM. This benchtop lathe has a 5.75-inch faceplate with headstock spindle for making bowls or any other item that can’t be supported by tailstock.
The whole machine has a cast iron construction and features infinitely variable speed control. Because the machine is intended to be used on the benchtops, it has rubber feet on the bottom to makes it more stable when you are working on different surfaces.
- 8-inch swing over bed
- Designed to fit neatly on the workbench
- Cast-iron construction
- Variable speed motor
- 12-inch distance between centers
- Ideal for small projects and pen turning
#1. Delta Industrial 12.5 Inch Midi Lathe with 46 to 460 Variable Speed
Another helpful wood machine that will certainly satisfy your desires. To start with, the Midi Lathe comes with a powerful 1725 RPM motor that will allow you to run your tasks smoothly with no inconvenience. What’s more, it has a large 12.5-inch swipe capacity and offers large capacity. The forward and reversing function enables the turner to achieve a superior finish. Moreover, the machine has a stable and durable all cast-iron construction; thus, it will serve you for a long time.
The machine features 3-pulley speed that offers the needed speeds turning a project without changing the position of the belt. Lastly, the device has a belt tensioning system allowing quick and stress-free speed changes for maximum power transfer as well as longer tool life.
- Cast-iron construction for durability
- Belt tensioning system
- 1725 rpm motor
- Forward and reversing function
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Our Advice On How to Buy the Best Variable Speed Wood Lathe
For the best Variable Speed Wood Lathe, you are advised to look out for the following factors.
Brand: Which is your favorite brand when it comes to Variable Speed Wood Lathes? Some folks prefer buying from certain brands due to the quality or affordability. Besides this, one may be recommended by friends to purchase from a brand. When you have no preference for any given brand, you need to get online and check on the top-rated and best-ranked sellers on Amazon. Such brands with positive reviews and higher ratings are recommended by most online shoppers; hence a perfect place to order the Variable Speed Wood Lathes.
Price: Away from the brand, you also need to check the price of the units. Are they too costly or affordable within the budget range? Some of these products are relatively costly because of their unique and high-quality features. Besides this, some with the same features come at relatively affordable prices. Despite the different costs, make sure to buy what fits within your budget.
Rating and Feedback: In the process of getting more information on the Variable Speed Wood Lathe to buy online, never fail to check for the various feedback and rating of the units. You will need to get what different customers who have bought the Variable Speed Wood Lathe say about the efficiency and durability. Still, the rating of the product also determines the performance.
Information of Product: What kind of information is available about the product? How has the Variable Speed Wood Lathe improved compared to the previous model? You need to find reliable information on the product you need to buy before making the order. Such information is available on the Variable Speed Wood Lathe’s website plus sellers’ sites like Amazon. By learning on more information about the product aids you to pick from different models and brands.
The Functionality of Product: Why do you need the product? How many of these products do you require? When looking at the functionality of the product, make sure to ask yourself some questions that will aid you to get reliable knowledge of how the product functions. Through this, you get to make a better decision on the ideal Variable Speed Wood Lathe to buy. Go for the best Variable Speed Wood Lathe that will handle the tasks within the shortest time possible and increases productivity.
Variable Speed Wood Lathe Buying Guide
To buy the best Variable Speed Wood Lathe, you will need to look for different things, which comprise functionality, durability, and much more. Ensure that you get to know what are the unique features of the products and why does it stand out among others.
To add more, you should consider the ideal price that will suit your budget. Buying from the best brand on the market implies that you find the ultimate option required. For the cost of the product, buy what you can afford with the best features for top-notch functionality.
Still, you need to know how the Variable Speed Wood Lathe has evolved from the previous models. Go for the ideal piece that has evolved with the latest features to offer better functionality. Also, the unit must be ergonomic for simple and easy operation.
Speed: The speed of the wood lathe machine depends on whether it has an automatic or manual plan. When it comes to manual lathe machines, it necessitates that you cause changes with your own 2 hands to control the speed. Automated machines can move the wood quickly. Manual alternatives are ideal for beginners and trainees.
Weight: Dissimilar to other working tools that need something lightweight, you should look for a lathe machine that is heavy and has more weight. This will ensure that it is stable and balanced when you are working with it. Moreover, weight can also help to cut down the vibrations that can probably make your hands to slip off.
Noise Level with a Lathe: The best wood lathes are the reasonably quiet one. This will prevent excess noise that can be annoying whenever you are working near it. Secondly, the person utilizing the tool needs to hear the lathe interact and cutting tool to determine whether they are working the way it should be.
Wood Lathe Capacity: The capacity of a lathe is determined by the distance between the centers and the maximum swing. Wood lathe with a large distance between centers allows large pieces of wood to be turned. Besides that, wood lathe with greater swing enable it to turn wood blanks with a larger diameter to avoid the risk of contracting the components of the lathe.
The Benefits of Having Variable Speed Wood Lathe
The products offer different benefits to the users, which makes them ideal investments for most users. Here are the various benefits of buying the units.
Ease of Use
The products are ergonomically designed, which implies that you can comfortably hold and use them. This brings about amazing functionality and reliability. Still, they have lightweight designs that you can easily operate for top-notch use.
Save Your Time
Still, these products are a great way of handling the tasks within a shorter time. They are efficient units that will take the least time to finish the tasks. Due to this, you will spend less time handling the tasks. Through this, you get to boost the productivity level for a better outcome.
Increased Productivity
More interestingly, these products are highly efficient and reliable to boost productivity levels. They are great for delivering the tasks within the shortest time to ensure that you gain higher production. You will spend less time getting more output and thus will offer amazing services.
Safety
To add more, these products are very safe and efficient. Due to the ergonomic designs and built-in safety features, you will find them ideal for all your tasks. The Variable Speed Wood Lathes are designed with safety in mind to ensure that you operate safely with no chances of injuries. Due to this, you will find them the ultimate options for your daily chores.
Variable Speed Wood Lathe FAQ
Q: Why Should You Choose the Variable Speed Wood Lathe?
Picking on the best Variable Speed Wood Lathe provides different benefits to the users. You will need them for handling the operations within the shortest time possible. Besides this, the Variable Speed Wood Lathes are very safe and convenient to aid in increasing the productivity level.
Conclusion
These are some of the best wood lathes that you can find in the market. They are made of high quality materials for durability and comes with great features for more effortless functionality. Take a look at each product’s features and find the one that fits what you are looking for. With that, you will end up with the machine you need to get your work done efficiently and quickly.
