Woodturning is a creative and rewarding skill that allows woodworkers to shape and sculpt wood into beautiful and functional objects. One of the key tools used in wood turning is a wood lathe, specifically designed to spin and shape wood.
Investing in a high-quality wood lathe is essential if you’re a professional woodworker or someone who takes woodworking seriously. Here, we will explore the best wood lathes on the market for professional woodworkers and discuss the factors to consider when buying a wood lathe.
Whether you’re turning small projects like pens and bowls or large projects like furniture legs, having the right wood lathe will make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. So, let’s dive in and discover the best wood lathes for professional woodworkers.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Wood Lathe
When buying a wood lathe, there are several factors to consider. Buying a wood lathe can be a game-changer for woodworking enthusiasts. With this versatile tool, you can turn raw pieces of wood into beautiful creations, from intricate bowls to elegant furniture legs. Considering these factors, you can select the best wood lathe that meets your woodworking needs.
- Size: Determine the size of projects you plan to work on and choose a lathe to accommodate them.
- Power: Consider the motor’s horsepower and ensure it is sufficient for your needs.
- Speed Control: Look for a lathe with variable speed control for different turning speeds.
- Bed Length: The length of the bed determines the maximum length of the material you can work on. Choose a lathe with a bed length that suits your projects.
- Construction: Pay attention to the quality and durability of the lathe’s construction materials.
- Accessories: Consider any additional accessories or attachments you may need, such as tool rests or faceplates.
10 Best Wood Lathes On The Market With Bullet Point
When choosing a wood lathe, it’s important to consider factors like speed ranges, power sources, and bed extensions to meet specific needs. The Jet JWL-1221VS is a top choice for pen turners and small projects due to its mini lathe capabilities and variable speed control panel. Powermatic 1352001 is known for turning bigger bowls and spindle work with its 3hp motor and outboard turning options.
Nova 46300 Comet I is suitable for beginners and has a morse taper for various turning needs. Delta Industrial 46-460 offers a good balance of price points and features, making it suitable for those who want a powerful wood lathe without taking up considerable space. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 is a great option for those with specific needs. Here are the 10 best wood lathes.
1.Jet JWL-1221VS
The Jet JWL-1221VS is a powerful tool for small projects and pen turners. With its 3/4 hp motor and variable speed ranges, it offers control panel access and spindle lock. This midi lathe is perfect for turning needs with an outboard turning option and morse taper. The new lathe has great bed extensions and riser blocks, making it suitable for bowl and outboard turning.
The Jet JWL-1221VS is a considerable investment but offers the best options for woodturning enthusiasts, especially for those with specific needs. It may require considerable space but delivers on performance and reliability, making it a popular choice among professionals and hobbyists.
2.Powermatic 1352001
Crafted for professional woodworkers, the Powermatic 1352001 offers a robust 3HP motor and electronic variable-speed control. Its digital RPM readout and 0-3400 RPM speed range provide precision for various turning needs, from small projects to larger, more complex ones. The lathe can pivot 360 degrees for outboard turning with its sliding headstock. Making it a powerful tool for creating larger bowls and spindles.
The Powermatic 1352001 also features a spindle lock and built-in storage to keep your turning tools within reach while taking up considerable space. This lathe offers an impressive blend of power and control. And versatility for woodturners with specific needs, making it one of the best options at its price point. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting woodturning, the Powermatic 1352001 will meet your turning requirements.
3.Nova 46300 Comet I
The Nova 46300 Comet I is a powerful tool with variable speed ranges, making it suitable for a wide range of woodturning needs. Its 3/4 hp motor is ideal for small projects and offers excellent control over the turning process. The mini lathe also comes with a morse taper for smooth and efficient power transmission, catering to the specific needs of turners.
This lathe is a great choice for pen turners and those turning bigger bowls, as it allows outboard turning. The Nova 46300 Comet I provides considerable space for wood turning and offers the option to add bed extensions or riser blocks. It is a fantastic mid-range lathe that can handle most turning tasks effectively.
4.Delta Industrial 46-460
The Delta Industrial 46-460 wood lathe features a powerful 1 HP motor, offering a broad speed range for handling various turning needs. With its 12-1/2″ capacity over the bed and 16-1/2″ between centres, this lathe is suitable for small projects and large workpieces. It also comes with a 6 and 10-inch tool rest for added flexibility.
The electronic variable speed control system allows for precise speed adjustment. The forward and reverse functions make it ideal for outboard turning. Moreover, the Delta Industrial 46-460 has a 1″ x 8 TPI RH headstock spindle and a tailstock with a #2 MT taper, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
5.Rikon Power Tools 70-105
Woodworkers with specific needs should explore the RIKON Power Tools 70-105 when considering a new lathe. With its 1/2 hp motor, this midi lathe offers a mini lathe feel with enough power to handle small projects. The variable speed ranges, controlled through an accessible control panel, make it suitable for turning needs ranging from pen turners to those crafting bigger bowls.
Additionally, the ability to add bed extensions and riser blocks caters to woodworkers requiring a considerable amount of space for their projects. For woodturners interested in outboard turning or bowl turning, the RIKON 70-105 is a powerful tool that offers flexibility at a competitive price.
6.Grizzly Industrial G0462
Grizzly Industrial G0462 offers a robust 1 HP motor and five-speed ranges to accommodate various turning needs. Its compact size makes it suitable for small projects, and the control panel allows easy speed adjustments. With the option of adding bed extensions and riser blocks, this mini lathe can also handle larger turning projects.
The spindle features a standard size for accessories like chucks and faceplates. While the outboard turning facility caters to bigger bowls. The Grizzly G0462 is a powerful tool that doesn’t require much space and is a great option for pen turners or those with specific woodturning needs.
7.Laguna Tools Revo 1836
Laguna Tools Revo 1836 offers a powerful tool with a 3hp motor, making it suitable for larger and more demanding projects. It provides a wide range of speed ranges to accommodate various turning needs. The control panel is conveniently located at the front for easy access during operation. Additionally, it features a morse taper in the tailstock, ensuring excellent work holding.
The bed extensions and riser blocks make it a versatile option for turners with specific needs. Its outboard turning and own legs further enhance its capabilities, allowing for the turning of bigger bowls. With its exceptional features and sturdy build, Laguna Revo 1836 is a top choice for woodworkers looking for the best options in wood lathes.
8.Shop Fox W1758
Crafted with precision and power, the Shop Fox W1758 is a wood lathe that caters to the specific needs of professional woodworkers, offering considerable space for woodturning. With a powerful 2 HP motor and speed ranging from 600 to 2400 RPM, this lathe easily handles small projects and larger turning needs. The control panel provides easy access to speed adjustments, making it ideal for pen turners, bowl turning, and outboard turning.
Additionally, the morse taper and spindle provide flexibility for using various turning tools, including the bowl gouge. With its bed extensions, riser blocks, and outboard turning, the W1758 offers versatility for turning bigger bowls. This mini lathe from Shop Fox is one of the best options at its price point, delivering exceptional performance without compromising quality.
9.Wen 3420t
For woodworkers searching for a versatile and budget-friendly option, the WEN 3420T offers a powerful 2-Amp motor, providing variable speed ranges for optimal precision in turning. Its durable cast iron construction ensures stability, while the compact size makes it perfect for small workshops or home use.
The adjustable tool rest and tailstock cater to specific turning needs, catering to various projects from mini lathe applications to pen turners. This midi lathe also includes a spur centre, live centre, and knockout bar for the swift removal of turned pieces, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable woodturning option.
10.Psi Woodworking Kwl-1218vs
With its variable speed feature, the PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS offers greater control and precision for turning different wood types. The digital readout display facilitates easy speed adjustment, while the 12-inch swing capacity and 18-inch centre-to-centre distance make it ideal for large projects.
This versatile wood lathe also boasts an adjustable tool rest and tailstock, adding flexibility for turning various wood shapes and sizes. Additionally, the 5-year warranty ensures peace of mind, making it a reliable choice for woodturning enthusiasts with specific needs and projects of varying sizes.
Benefits Of Using A Wood Lathe For Woodworking
Using a wood lathe for woodworking offers a range of benefits. Wood lathes are an essential tool for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. They allow craftsmen to shape and create intricate designs on wooden pieces, turning them into works of art, including:
- Versatility: Wood lathes allow for various woodturning projects, such as bowls, spindles, and furniture legs.
- Precision: With a wood lathe, you have full control over the shaping and detailing of your workpiece, allowing for precise and intricate designs.
- Efficiency: The rotating motion of the lathe allows for faster and more efficient material removal than traditional hand tools.
- Creativity: Wood lathes provide endless opportunities for creativity and experimentation, allowing woodworkers to explore different techniques and create unique pieces.
- Skill Development: Using a wood lathe requires practice and skill, making it an excellent tool for honing your woodworking abilities.
Tips For Using A Wood Lathe Effectively And Safely
Using a wood lathe can be a rewarding and creative experience, but it is important to use the machine effectively and safely. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using your wood lathe effectively and safely while creating beautiful pieces of work. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your wood lathe:
- Wear appropriate safety gear like safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask.
- Before beginning any project, familiarize yourself with the controls and features of your specific wood lathe model.
- Start with a smaller piece of wood to practice your skills before moving on to larger or more complex projects.
- Take time when shaping the wood, using light pressure and making gradual cuts.
- Keep your hands behind the tool and rest away from the spinning wood to avoid injury.
- Regularly check the condition of your tools and sharpen them as needed for optimal performance.
- Clean up any wood chips or debris around the lathe to maintain a safe working environment.
Conclusion
Investing in the best wood lathes is crucial for professional woodworkers who want to achieve precision and efficiency in their craft. The market offers a wide range of options, each with unique features and benefits. From the Jet JWL-1221VS with its variable speed control to the Powermatic 1352001, known for its durability, there is a wood lathe for every need and budget.
Using a wood lathe allows you to create beautiful and intricate designs and enhances your overall woodworking experience. Consider factors such as horsepower, size, and brand reputation when deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Is A Good Brand Of Wood Lathe?
Popular brands like Jet, Nova, Powermatic, and Grizzly are highly recommended when choosing a wood lathe. However, the best brand will depend on your specific needs and budget. Look for a wood lathe with a sturdy construction and variable speed control, and consider factors like warranty and customer support.
2.What Is A Good Wood Lathe For Beginners?
A good wood lathe should be affordable and easy to use for beginners. Look for one with adjustable speed settings and a swing size of at least 10 inches. Some recommended options include the WEN 3420T, Delta Industrial 46-460, and RIKON 70-100 lathes.
3.What Is A Good Horsepower For A Wood Lathe?
A wood lathe with good horsepower is typically between 1/2 and 2 HP. The required horsepower depends on the size of the workpiece and the type of wood being turned. Choosing a wood lathe with sufficient power ensures smooth operation without stalling or damaging the machine.
4.What Is The Best Wood To Use On A Wood Lathe?
Different types of wood have unique characteristics that make them suitable for use on a wood lathe. Softwoods like Pine and Cedar are great for beginners to practice on, while hardwoods like Maple and Oak are better for more experienced turners.
5.Which Wood Lathe Is Best?
When finding the best wood lathe, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some highly-rated options for professional woodworkers include the Jet JWL-1440VSK and the Powermatic 3520C.
