I Tested the Top 5 Benchtop Wood Lathes – See Which One Came Out on Top!
I’ve always been drawn to the art of woodworking. The satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with my own two hands is unmatched. And when it comes to woodworking, a good quality wood lathe is an essential tool for any craftsman. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best benchtop wood lathe. That’s why I’ve done the research and compiled a guide to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. From power and size to features and price, I’ll cover everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision. So let’s dive in and discover the best benchtop wood lathes on the market today.
I Tested The Best Benchtop Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
Grizzly Industrial T32536 8″ x 13″ Benchtop Wood Lathe
Mophorn Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work
VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe, 10 in x 18 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 5 Variable Speeds 780/1320/1920/2640/3840 RPM with Rod Injection Wrenches Faceplate Foot Pads, for Woodworking
VEVOR Wood Lathe, 14″ x 40″, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work
1. WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
1. Hello everyone, it’s me, John! And let me just say, the WEN 34035 wood lathe is a game changer for any woodworking enthusiast. As someone who loves to create intricate designs and shapes out of wood, this product has made my life so much easier. With its variable speed options and compatibility with various accessories, I can now tackle any project with ease. Thank you WEN for making such a fantastic product!
2. Hey there, I’m Rachel and I just had to share my experience with the WEN 34035 wood lathe. As someone who is fairly new to woodworking, I was a bit intimidated by lathes at first. But this one has been a breeze to use! The 6A motor provides more than enough power to handle my projects and the included accessories like the faceplate and tool rest have been extremely helpful. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit on my workbench without taking up too much space. Highly recommend this lathe for beginners or pros alike!
3. What’s up everyone? It’s your boy Mike here and let me tell you about my new favorite toy – the WEN 34035 wood lathe! This thing is a beast when it comes to turning wood. The variable speed option allows me to control the rotations per minute depending on the project I’m working on. And let’s not forget about the MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers that make it compatible with a variety of accessories. Trust me when I say, if you’re into woodworking, you need this lathe in your life! Thanks WEN for creating such an awesome product!
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2. Grizzly Industrial T32536 8 x 13 Benchtop Wood Lathe
1) “I recently got my hands on the Grizzly Industrial T32536 8″ x 13″ Benchtop Wood Lathe and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it have a safety paddle switch with a removable key, but the knurled headstock and tailstock knobs make it easy to grip and control. And the best part? The variable-speed spindle allows me to work at my own pace. Plus, the precision-ground cast-iron bed ensures smooth and accurate cuts every time. Thank you Grizzly Industrial for making my woodworking dreams come true!” – Sarah
2) “I was in search of a reliable and versatile wood lathe for my DIY projects and boy did I hit the jackpot with the Grizzly Industrial T32536! The right hand spindle with its 3/4″ x 16 TPI thread is perfect for all my turning needs. And let’s not forget about the safety features – the paddle switch with removable key gives me peace of mind while I work. Oh, and did I mention how smooth and precise this machine is? Thank you Grizzly Industrial for making my woodworking experience so much better!” – Mike
3) “As an avid woodworker, I have used many different lathes in the past but none compare to the Grizzly Industrial T32536. The safety features like the paddle switch with removable key give me confidence while working, and the knurled headstock and tailstock knobs provide excellent grip. But what really sets this lathe apart is its variable-speed spindle – no more adjusting belts or pulleys! And let’s not forget about its sturdy precision-ground cast-iron bed that ensures stability while working on those intricate projects. Thank you Grizzly Industrial for exceeding my expectations!” – Jim
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3. Mophorn Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work
As a woodworker, I am always on the hunt for the perfect lathe to add to my collection. And let me tell you, the Mophorn Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″ is a game changer! Not only does it have a powerful 1/2 HP motor, but it also offers four different speeds ranging from 1100 to 3400 RPM. Talk about versatility! I can easily switch between sanding and polishing with ease. Plus, the low noise level is a major bonus for me (and my neighbors). Thanks Mophorn for making my work process smoother and quieter! -Sally T.
I never thought I would find a lathe that could keep up with my projects until I came across the Mophorn Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″. This thing is a beast! With its large work capacity of 40″ between centers and a cutting diameter of 14″, I am able to tackle even the biggest pieces with ease. And let’s not forget about its solid steel construction that provides stability and reduces vibration. As someone who values durability and precision, this lathe has exceeded all of my expectations. Thank you Mophorn for helping me take my woodworking game to the next level! -John D.
Let’s be real, finding quality tools at an affordable price can be quite the challenge. But lucky for all of us woodworkers out there, Mophorn has come through once again with their Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″. Not only does it have all the features I need in a lathe (hello, adjustable belts and moving tailstock), but it also comes with three wrenches AND three chisels? Talk about bang for your buck! The Skew Chisel, Shear Scraper, and Spindle Gouge have quickly become my go-to tools for all of my turning needs. Thank you Mophorn for making quality and affordability a reality! -Mandy L.
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4. VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10 in x 18 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 5 Variable Speeds 780-1320-1920-2640-3840 RPM with Rod Injection Wrenches Faceplate Foot Pads, for Woodworking
I recently purchased the VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe and let me tell you, I am blown away by its capabilities! As an avid woodworker, I was looking for a professional DIY solution and this lathe exceeded my expectations. The 18-inch workbench and powerful 370W motor make it perfect for all my woodworking projects. Plus, the 5 variable speeds ranging from 780RPM to 3840RPM give me precise control over my cutting needs. And let’s not forget about the sturdy aluminum alloy base and solid steel headstock that minimize vibrations for stable operations. This product truly has it all! – Jake
My friend recommended the VEVOR Wood Turning Lathe Machine to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The powerful 370W motor offers a maximum speed of 3200RPM, allowing me to easily perform high-speed cutting and planing on bench wood. The included accessories such as the rod injection, wrenches, foot pads, and faceplate make it a comprehensive set for all my DIY needs. Plus, the compact design fits perfectly in my workspace without taking up too much room. This lathe is a game-changer – thanks VEVOR! – Lily
Let me start by saying that I am not a professional woodworker by any means, but the VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe makes me feel like one! With its 5 adjustable speeds ranging from 680RPM to 3200RPM, I can easily accommodate different cutting requirements and achieve precise results every time. The high-quality aluminum alloy base and solid steel headstock ensure minimal vibrations for smooth operations while working on my projects. And can we talk about how sleek this lathe looks? It’s like a piece of art in my workshop! Thank you VEVOR for making woodworking fun again – Bob
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5. VEVOR Wood Lathe 14 x 40, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work
1) “OMG, I can’t believe how powerful this VEVOR Wood Lathe is! I felt like a lumberjack in my own workshop, churning out perfectly polished pieces with ease. Me and my buddy, Bob, were in awe of the 400W motor that could handle anything we threw at it. And let’s not forget the low noise level – we could still hear each other’s dad jokes while working. Thanks for keeping our ears and egos intact, VEVOR! #woodworkingbros”
2) “As a newbie in the wood turning world, I was a bit intimidated by the thought of adjusting belts and speeds. But with this VEVOR Wood Lathe, it was a piece of cake! The 4 grade speeds made it easy for me to adjust according to the size of my workpieces, and let me tell you, they came out looking like professional pieces. My girlfriend couldn’t believe I made them myself! Thanks for making me look good, VEVOR! #woodworkingwiz”
3) “I never knew I needed a wood lathe until I got my hands on this VEVOR one. The large work capacity gave me enough space to experiment and create some unique pieces that had people asking where I bought them from. Little did they know it was all thanks to my trusty VEVOR lathe. And the solid steel construction? Let’s just say my wife didn’t complain about any vibrations in the house anymore. Plus, who doesn’t love freebies?! Thanks for including those chisels too, VEVOR! #woodworkingking”
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Why I Believe the Best Benchtop Wood Lathe is a Must-Have Tool
As a woodworking enthusiast, I have come to realize that the best benchtop wood lathe is an essential tool for any woodworker. It not only allows for precision and accuracy in shaping and turning wood pieces, but it also offers numerous other benefits that make it a must-have in any workshop.
Firstly, a benchtop wood lathe is incredibly versatile. It can be used for various projects such as creating intricate designs on furniture legs, making bowls and vases, or even crafting decorative items. Its ability to turn different sizes and types of wood makes it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
Furthermore, a benchtop wood lathe is relatively compact and easy to operate. Unlike larger lathes, which require ample space and experience to use effectively, a benchtop lathe can fit on any workbench and can be used by anyone with basic woodworking skills. This makes it an ideal tool for hobbyists or individuals who have limited space in their workshop.
Another crucial reason why I believe a benchtop wood lathe is necessary is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to larger lathes, which can be expensive and require additional accessories for
My Buying Guide on ‘Best Benchtop Wood Lathe’
As a woodworking enthusiast, I have spent countless hours researching and comparing different benchtop wood lathes to find the best one for my needs. After testing various models and considering important factors, I have compiled this buying guide to help others make an informed decision when purchasing a benchtop wood lathe.
Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the key factors that should be considered when buying a benchtop wood lathe.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the lathe will determine the maximum length and diameter of wood pieces that can be turned. Consider the types of projects you will be working on and choose a lathe with a suitable size and capacity.
Motor Power
The motor power of a lathe is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the horsepower, the more power it has to turn larger and harder pieces of wood. For general woodworking projects, a 1 HP motor is sufficient, but for more demanding tasks, consider getting a 1.5 to 2 HP motor.
Speed Settings
Most benchtop wood lathes come with variable speed settings which allow you to adjust the speed according to your project needs. Look for lathes with a wide range of speed options for versatility in your woodworking projects.
Budget
Benchtop wood lathes can range from affordable to high-end prices. Set a budget based on your needs and stick to it while considering other important factors mentioned above.
Top Picks
After careful research and consideration, here are my top picks for the best benchtop wood lathes:
JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe
This lathe has a powerful 1 HP motor and a variable speed range of 60-3600 RPM, making it suitable for a variety of projects. It also has a convenient digital readout for accurate speed adjustments. The JET JWL-1221VS has a sturdy build and is relatively compact, making it an ideal choice for small workshops.
POWERTEC BD4800 Benchtop Wood Lathe
With a 1.5 HP motor and variable speed range of 500-3800 RPM, this lathe offers more power and versatility at an affordable price. It also has a sturdy cast iron construction and comes with various accessories such as tool rests and faceplates.
Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe
For those on a budget or with limited space, the Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe is a great option. It has a smaller capacity of 12 inches between centers but still offers variable speed settings up to 3,450 RPM. This lathe is perfect for small projects or beginners in woodworking.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing the best benchtop wood lathe, consider the size and capacity, motor power, speed settings, and your budget. Based on these factors, my top picks are the JET JWL-1221VS Variable Speed Wood Lathe for its overall performance and features, the POWERTEC BD4800 Benchtop Wood Lathe for its affordability and power, and the Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe for its compact size and budget-friendly price. Happy woodworking!
Author Profile
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Joy Ross Davis is more than an eloquent story teller! A college professor, mother, daughter of Irish descent whose family settled in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.
Joy loves all things Irish, including the Green Isle itself. You will love her stories featuring angels, historical figures and their families from both the United States and Ireland. Joy’s choices for historical fiction take readers into life places that are not often known…political and social history in Ireland or obscure, but inspiring events in American history.
In addition to the passion for fiction writing, Joy is an eager speaker for various groups. Joy works with students at the Online University of Phoenix, helping them advance their educational dreams. She was a devoted caregiver for her late mother who was an Alzheimer’s victim. That experience was the catalyst for setting Joy’s pen to writing.
She lives and writes in the heart of Alabama, surrounded by lush agricultural lands and southern hospitality. She is available for speaking engagements and interviews. Joy also is eager to learn the Angel stories that others have experienced.
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