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Best Lathes

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Powermatic
Wood Lathe with RPM Digital Readout, 20x35 Inch
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Bottom Line

For woodturners ready to make the jump from small projects to heavy-duty turning, the Powermatic is a manageable monster of a wood lathe - and it's the best on the market.

Pros

2 HP motor is “the difference between a Chevy Cobalt and a locomotive,” one user commented. Digital display and variable speed motor with easy adjustment between high and low range. Setup is relatively easy for a nearly 700-lb. lathe.

Cons

Head unit threads are 1-¼ inches, not 1 inch. Standard unit is a bit short for some woodworkers, who opted for the manufacturer’s 18-inch extension. Tool rest is a bit small. And get ready to bring in an electrician, as this requires 220-volt power.

Best Bang for the Buck
JET
Variable Speed Wood Lathe, 12x 21 Inch
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Bottom Line

A great lathe for woodturners just starting out – one that is solid and versatile enough for more complex jobs. Users will likely upgrade in time, but they’ll keep this one around.

Pros

Wide speed range, with a 24-setting digital variable speed control that removes the need to change or adjust belts. Solid and heavy at 160 lbs., it must be mounted on a sturdy surface, and runs smoothly for woodwork.

Cons

Length is just 21 inches, but a 42-inch bed extension is available. Drive center and tail stock center arrived out of alignment on some units, possibly due to damage in shipping, but a skilled user can correct. Tool rests aren’t smooth, and spindles are occasionally reported out of alignment.

NOVA
Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe, 12x16 1/2 Inch
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Bottom Line

A small, easy-to-use woodworking lathe with a few limitations typical for smaller lathes. Its minor flaws are balanced by a customer service department that backs this product well.

Pros

Fast shipping and good packaging were important plusses for many users. The unit is a step up from starter lathes with variable speed selection. Good customer service, with defective parts replaced quickly.

Cons

Limited in the size of items that can be turned on the lathe. Tool rest is just 6 inches. Tailstock doesn’t move smoothly. Plastic locking levers seem frail. Some misalignment in the spindle reported.

SHOP FOX
1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
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Bottom Line

For small beginner-level wood turning projects like pens and small ornaments, this is a decent lathe. But it won’t tolerate larger wood projects, and users shouldn’t test its limits.

Pros

Very reliable wood-turning lathe for the price. Low vibration and solid weight means some users didn’t even have to bolt the lathe to a solid surface.

Cons

Small size limits the type of work that can be done on this lathe. Some parts are plastic, and replacement can take months.

Rikon
Mini Lathe, 12x16 Inch
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Bottom Line

Fewer bells and whistles than more expensive models, but Rikon put more emphasis on producing a smooth, powerful unit. Shipping damage is problematic, but parts replacement is satisfactory.

Pros

Responsive customer service, quick warranty replacement. Solid unit provides good power for small turning projects like pens, but motor runs relatively quiet.

Cons

Changing speeds isn’t quick, requiring belt & motor adjustments. Multiple reports of item damaged in shipping, or parts missing on arrival – a problem for mini-lathes in general, due to their weight and standard shipping method.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 7 Models Considered
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 144 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    A high-quality wood lathe is indispensable in wood shops that work on furniture and other round parts. Spinning at fast speeds, the lathe makes it easy to cut or grind away material in a uniform fashion, producing clean, circular curves and decorative surfaces. Coming in different sizes, standard lathes are perfect for furniture parts like table legs. Mini lathes are common in home woodshops for smaller, more detailed projects. On the other end, wide lathes meant for bowls, vases, or plates lack a horizontal rail that limits the width of the piece. Check out different models to find the perfect option with the right power, speed, and size for your intended projects.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Devangana
      Devangana
      Web Producer
    • Heather
      Heather
      Chief Content Officer
    • Samantha
      Samantha
      Writer
    ×

    JET

    Variable Speed Wood Lathe, 12x 21 Inch

    JET

    Variable Speed Wood Lathe, 12x 21 Inch

    A great lathe for woodturners just starting out – one that is solid and versatile enough for more complex jobs. Users will likely upgrade in time, but they’ll keep this one around.
    $864
    ×

    NOVA

    Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe, 12x16 1/2 Inch

    NOVA

    Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe, 12x16 1/2 Inch

    A small, easy-to-use woodworking lathe with a few limitations typical for smaller lathes. Its minor flaws are balanced by a customer service department that backs this product well.
    $444
    ×

    SHOP FOX

    1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

    SHOP FOX

    1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

    For small beginner-level wood turning projects like pens and small ornaments, this is a decent lathe. But it won’t tolerate larger wood projects, and users shouldn’t test its limits.
    $250
    ×

    Rikon

    Mini Lathe, 12x16 Inch

    Rikon

    Mini Lathe, 12x16 Inch

    Fewer bells and whistles than more expensive models, but Rikon put more emphasis on producing a smooth, powerful unit. Shipping damage is problematic, but parts replacement is satisfactory.
    $499
    ×

    Powermatic

    Wood Lathe with RPM Digital Readout, 20x35 Inch

    Powermatic

    Wood Lathe with RPM Digital Readout, 20x35 Inch

    For woodturners ready to make the jump from small projects to heavy-duty turning, the Powermatic is a manageable monster of a wood lathe - and it's the best on the market.
    $4981

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