Power wood lathe is a woodworking tool used to shape wood by using a rotating abrasive disc or belt. The wood is placed on a bed, and the lathe is turned on. The disc or belt rubs against the wood, sanding it or shaping it as the lathe rotates. Power wood lathes are available in both benchtop and floor models. They are powered either by electricity or by a gasoline engine. Some of the renowned brands are Grizzly, Jet, Rikon, Shop Fox and Woodtek.
Choosing the right power wood lathe is difficult as there are many factors to consider such as the type of wood, the size of the wood, the budget and so on. To make it easier to find the exact power wood lathe you’re looking for, we rounded up the best power wood lathes on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite power wood lathes in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Power Wood Lathes Reviews
- Perfect for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
- Features an 8-inch swing over the bed and a 13-inch distance between centers
- Soft-start 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor and maximize safety
- Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM
- Includes a 2.3-inch face plate, an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, two interchangeable tool rests, and a two-year warranty
- Attack workpieces up to 20 inches long and 14 inches wide
- Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 250 to 3550 rotations per minute
- Includes 4 inch faceplate for turning bowls, cups and other workpieces
- MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers, along with 1"- 8 spindle thread, allow for compatibility with a wide variety of lathe accessories
- Features a 6A motor, MT2 spur center, MT2 live center, 8-inch tool rest, and an onboard accessory holder
- 18" Distance Between Centers & 12" Swing Over Bed : With its large working capacity, our wood lathe can be used for various sizes of workpieces—the scope of use is 18 inches in length & 12 inches in diameter. Freely adjustable tailstock for optimal precision
- Infinitely Variable Speed : Our lathe machine 's speed can be infinitely controled within 650prm-3800prm, And it can be divided into 3 levels: Low Speed (650-1450 RPM ), Mid Speed (1250-2800 RPM ), High Speed (1600-3800 RPM ).You can choose suitable speed to achieve the effect you want
- Upgraded Function : The benchtop lathe is upgraded with a high definition digital display, which can clearly show the RPM when you use the wood lathe. It is safer to wear a goggle to prevent woodchips from flying in your eyes
- Enjoy Woodworking : CXRCY woodworking lathe can meet your different demands, which is enough for you to create a great wood world and to be a excellent woodworking artist
- Wide Applications&Easy Operation : This woodturing lathe works great for woodworking, like making wooden wine glasses, wooden bowls, wooden plates,wooden vases,pens, rings, etc. Besides, it can be easily operated by not just professionals but also wood lathe beginners. It will be a good choice for both of them and a great present for friends and families
- Choose from three optimally-designed speed ranges (60-900/110-1,800/220-3,600)
- Innovative ratchet-style belt tension system (patent pending)
- Redesigned controls feature a larger DRO and recessed power switch
- Forward to reverse is a smooth transition
- Integrated, spring-loaded spindle lock
- 【5 Variable Speed】To change the speed simply loosen the belt and change it to a different pulley for this benchtop wood lathe, there are 5 variable operating speeds available, you can choose 500, 750, 1150, 1800, or 3200 revolutions per minute for turning different workpieces
- 【Large Work Capacity】Distance between Centers: 18 in/45.7 cm; Swing over Bed: 10 in/25.4 cm; Face Plate: 3.15-1/8 in; You can adjust the distance between centers by revolving the hand wheel to move the tailstock; Include 6-5/8 inch reinforced tool rest with the feature of 360° rotation, which could be fixed by a whole steel handle. With an detachable protective panel and goggle will protect your eyes during work
- 【Powerful Copper Motor】This wood turning lathe equipped with high speed 3.4 Amp 110V 60HZ pure copper motor, 1/2HP powerful motor that provides ample power for all your turning needs, with spindle threads measuring in at 1 inches by 8 TPI,attaches An MT2 headstock spur center and MT2 tailstock live center
- 【Rugged Construction】The body of this wood lathe made from heavy-duty cast iron, with all-steel revolving handle hand, durable and solid construction provides long years of reliable service; 4 rubber feet ensures the smooth and quiet running of the machine. This scaled-down mini wood turning lathe is suitable for limited space, it's a great little lathe for turning pens, bowls, cups and toys or other small projects
- 5 VARIABLE SPEEDS - Craftsmanship demands precision and control. Change the speed simply by loosening and changing the belt to different pulley. The variable speed control of Tandagy mini wood turning lathe allows you to adjust the 500, 750, 1150, 1800 or 3200RPM to match the specific needs of different projects.
- 1/2HP POWERFUL MOTIVATION - Equipped with 1/2HP 110V 60HZ pure copper motor, Tandagy power wood lathes provides the necessary strength to effortlessly handle your turning needs. 1 inch by 8 TPI spindle threads ensure stability and compatibility. Comes with an MT2 headstock spur center and MT2 tailstock live center for convenience.
- ENHANCE WOODWORKING CAPACITY - 18 inches 45.7 cm centers provides for longer workpieces. 10 inches 25.4 cm swing over bed gives you the flexibility to handle larger pieces. Fix 6-5/8 inch reinforced tool rest with 360° rotation by steel handle. Adjust the distance between centers using the hand wheel and tailstock.
- DURABILITY & STABILITY - Constructed from heavy-duty cast iron, Tandagy lathe machine for woodworking with 4 rubber feet adds smoothness, strength and longevity. It features easy-access components and adjustment system, making maintenance and changing accessories a hassle-free experience.
- PROFESSIONAL WOOD LATHE - Tandagy benchtop wood lathe designs with 10" x 18" workbench and powerful capabilities, meeting the needs of professional woodworkers and providing a convenient solution from turning intricate spindle details to crafting beautiful wooden bowls.
- Professional DIY: Our benchtop wood lathe is designed with an 18-inch workbench and powerful capabilities, meeting the needs of professional woodworkers and providing a convenient solution for your woodworking projects.
- Sturdy & Stable: Featuring a high-quality aluminum alloy base and a solid steel headstock, our wood lathe minimizes vibrations, ensuring precise and stable operations.
- Powerful Motor: Equipped with a 370W high-frequency motor, our wood lathe offers a maximum speed of 3200RPM. Users can easily perform high-speed cutting and planing on bench wood lathe, which improves work efficiency and processing quality.
- 5-Speed Control: Choose from five adjustable speeds ranging from 680RPM to 3200RPM, easily accommodating different cutting requirements and enabling precise control over your woodworking projects.
- Professional Accessories: Complete with 1 x rod injection, 2 x wrenches, 4 x foot pads, 1 x faceplate, and more, our wood lathe provides a comprehensive set of accessories to meet all your DIY needs. Enjoy the convenience and embark on an unlimited creative journey in woodworking.
- This Variable-Speed Wood Lathe provides 12" of turning radius and spindles up to 16-1/2"
- The two speeds range from 300 to 3700 RPM so you can find just the speed you need to finish whatever job your heart desires
- This lathe was also made in an ISO 9001 factory and includes a digital spindle speed indicator
- 🗜Easy DIY woodworking lathe🗜 for woodworking Mini lathe DIY hobbyists, whether you are a beginner or have a little experience, you can quickly enjoy the fun of woodworking lathe turning and making your small wood decorative items by following our instructional tutorial.
- ⚖Multi-purpose woodworking Mini lathe ⚖ 100W high torque motor, low noise, 7 adjustable speed (3500 rpm - 10000 rpm), can easily achieve turning, cutting, grinding, fine grinding, polishing, etc.
- 🛠Professional woodworking Mini lathe tools🛠multi-functional wood fixed chuck, professional miniature woodworking lathe turning tool, turning tool extra hard wear-resistant steel, durable within 1 years without worrying about the tool will be dull.
- ⚖Wide range of use⚖ small woodworking Mini lathe can make wood crafts processing ceramics, pens, beads, etc., bring children to love woodworking artwork.
- 🎞 Support for beginners🎞 If you need support for woodworking Mini lathe processing, you can interact with us in the QA window on the product page and we will update the videos you need.
- Powerful 1HP DC Motor provides ample power for all turning needs
- Electronic variable speed controls, wider range of operating speeds, digital RPM readout for forward and reverse rotation speeds.
- Pivoting belt cover for easy access when changing belt speeds
- Ball-bearing construction for smooth, precise spindle operation
Best Power Wood Lathes Buying Guide
Before choosing the best power wood lathes you should consider following options:
1. Power Source: The first thing to look at when choosing a wood lathe is the power source. Electric, gas, and oil-powered models are available.
Electric models are portable and are easy to maneuver. They are affordable but lack the power of other models.
Gas-powered wood lathes are costlier but offer more power. They are suitable for intense woodworking projects. Oil-powered wood lathes are a cheaper option but are less powerful.
2. Speed Capacity: The speed capacity of a wood lathe indicates how fast you can use it. Faster speeds are suitable for cutting and shaping wood.
A higher speed capacity also means that you can make cuts with greater detail. Slow speeds are ideal for precision carving.
A higher speed capacity is suitable for roughing, turning, and carving. A lower capacity is ideal for finishing and detailing.
3. Headstock Design: The headstock is the part of the wood lathe that holds the drive train.
It determines the speed and capacity of the lathe. The headstock design can be gear-driven, spindle-driven, or hybrid.
For woodworking projects, a wood lathe with a higher speed capacity is essential. Therefore, you should opt for a model with a headstock that is gear-driven or hybrid.
What else you should know about power wood lathes
1. What are the best power wood lathes for the money?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your specific needs and budget. However, some of the best power wood lathes for the money include the Jet JWL-1015, Delta Industrial 46-460, and Grizzly G0602.
2. What are the best power wood lathes for the home shop?
Some of the best power wood lathes for the home shop include the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe, the Jet JWL-1440VSK 14-Inch by 40-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe, and the Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B 20-Inch Wood Lathe.
3. What are the best power wood lathes for professional use?
The best power wood lathes for professional use are the ones that offer the most features and the most power. There are many different brands and models of lathes on the market, so it is important to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs. Some of the best brands of lathes include Delta, Powermatic, and Jet.
4. What are the best power wood lathes for beginners?
There are a few different types of wood lathes that are well suited for beginners. These include the mini wood lathe, the benchtop wood lathe, and the midi wood lathe. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
5. What are the best power wood lathes for advanced users?
Some of the best power wood lathes for advanced users include the Delta Power Tools 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe, Grizzly G0462 18″ 3/4-HP Single-Phase Open Stand Wood Lathe, and Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Wood Lathe.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best power wood lathes. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best power wood lathes will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.