Wood lathes play an important role in the woodturning process and are gradually becoming a must-have tool in every workshop. They can help you make circular elements for wooden furniture parts by rotating wood on its central axis. Numerous lathes have been published in the past; however, do you know which one is better?
Well, in this review, we're going to take you through the 7 best-rated woodturning lathes, including midi and full-size. We know you use this machine not only to make a wooden bowl; thus, we compare these lathes in different aspects so that you can choose the most suitable one according to your requirements and budget.
Considerations When Choosing the Wood Lathe
More and more people are addicted to woodworking DIY, so it's necessary to have your wood lathe. Considering some of you are beginners, thus, before we start to look through these lathes, we list some indispensable aspects when you choose a compatible lathe.
Type
When you choose the type of lathe, the type of project you want to tackle is the first consideration. There are three types of it, mini, midi, and full-size.
- Mini: It's the smallest type of lathe and also the most budget-friendly. Its swing is common between 8 inches to 10 inches, and of course, it's less powerful typically 1/2HP. But it's ideal for dealing with small projects, like pens, chopsticks, ornaments, pulls, etc. If you don't have enough budget or there is no space in your workshop, this type is a way to go.
- Midi: This type is larger and more powerful than the mini but not as big as full-size. It has a great balance between convenience and capability. Its swing starts at 12 inches, and you can add bed extensions. For beginners, this type of lathe is more practical and can tackle pens, chopsticks, bowls, and even larger projects.
- Full-size: The full-size lathe is also called the floor lathe. Its powerful motor and capacity are ideal for tackling large workpieces. This type of lathe is more expensive than the mini and midi ones and needs more space to be placed.
Motor
A powerful motor can keep the speed, especially cutting in a lower RAM. When you turn the workpiece, you need to accord a principle, low RPM with high torque and high RPM with low torque. A larger lathe typically has a more powerful motor. The mini types have 1/2HP, Midi types have 3/4HP or 1HP, and Full-size types have 1.5HP or higher.
Swing
Swing indicates the maximum diameter project the lathe can hold. The distance between the lathe bed and the headstock spindle is the radius of the swing and multiplied by two is the swing.
As long as the motor is powerful enough, the larger the swing and the bigger the workpiece you can turn. But if the swing of a lathe is 12 inches, it doesn't mean you can turn a 12-inch workpiece. The diameter of the workpiece is at least 2 inches less than the swing.
Distance Between Centers (DBC)
DBC means the distance between the headstock and the tailstock, deciding the length of the workpiece you can turn. Some midi lathes allow you to add extensions, which is very useful because some workpieces may not need a full-size lathe.
Speed
The needed speed depends on the size of the project. When turning a large project, a lower speed is needed to keep control and reduce the vibration; when turning a small project, a faster speed is needed to achieve a precise and clean cut. From this, it appears that a lathe with variable speed is more practical than one with fixed speed. So, in this review, all the recommended lathes have variable speeds.
If you don't know the range of the speed you need, measure the diameter of the workpiece in inches first. Then, divide 6000 and 9000 by the diameter. The result is the range of RPM. For instance, to turn a 6-inch bowl, the range should be from 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.
Comparison Table of the 7 Best Woodturning Lathes
| Brands | Types | Verdicts | Prices |
| Marchorool FL1221 | Midi | 3/4 HP motor provides two-speed changes from 300 to 3500 rpm. | $509.99 after 19% off on the Spring Sale at FindBuyTool |
| JET JWL-1221VS | Midi | 1 HP motor provides three-speed changes from 60 to 3600 rpm. | $849.99 at Amazon |
| Grizzly T25920 | Midi | 3/4 HP motor provides speed changes from 300 to 3700 rpm. | $469 at Grizzly |
| Harvey Turbo T-40 | Midi | The servo motor (up to 3HP at its peak) provides two-speed changes from 60 to 4300 rpm. | $2,099 with sale at Harvey |
| Woodfast WL520A | Full-size | 2 HP motor provides speed changes from 50 to 3890 rpm. | $2,576 after 18% off at Beyond Tools |
| Laguna Revo 1836 | Full-size | 1.5 HP motor provides speed changes from 50 to 3500 rpm. | $2,699.10 after 10% off at Acme Tools |
| Powermatic 4224B | Full-size | 3 HP motor provides speed changes from 40 to 3500 rpm; equipped with protection cover and 2 work lamps. | $7499.99 after 15% off at Acme Tools |
Marchorool FL1221 Wood Lathe
Recently, the sub-brand under FindBuyTool, Marchorool, published its new product, Marchorool FL1221 Wood Lathe, which is ideal for cutting hardwood and tough materials. Built with heavy-duty cast iron and equipped with rubber feet, it can reduce the vibration to provide a stable cutting environment. After turning off the machine, you can use the forward and reverse switches to adjust the spindle rotation direction. This tool allows users to change the speed, 300-1200 rpm and 750-3500 rpm. At 300-1200 rpm, it's more suitable for delicate carving; at 750-3500 rpm, it's more suitable for material removal.
Technical Details
- Type: Midi
- Spindle Speed: 300-1200 rpm/750-3500 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP
- Swing: 12 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 21 inch
- Weight: 78 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It can mount extra guideways to produce longer workpieces. | Hard to mount the extra guideways. |
| Lose speed no more than 20 rpm. | Matching a long rod to change the chuck makes it easy to break. |
| Convenient tool caddy. |
Price:
- $509.99 (19% off on Spring Sale) with free delivery at FindBuyTool.
- $509.99 (15% off) with free delivery at Amazon.
JET JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
(image source: JET)
No doubt that JET 1221VS is top-notch in numerous benchtop lathes. According to the official, this machine is different from anything they've made before. It has three speed ranges: 60-900/110-1800/220-3600 rpm, and you can choose depending on the demand of your project. Equipped with an innovative ratchet-style belt tension system, it offers strong security for users. The cast iron base can minimize the vibration and provide stable cutting. Besides, it can achieve a smooth transition from forward to reverse.
Technical Details
- Type: Midi
- Spindle Speed: 60-900 rpm/110-1800 rpm/220-3600 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 1 HP
- Swing: 12 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 21 inch
- Weight: 121.25lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Innovative ratchet-style belt tension system. | It's too heavy to move by oneself. |
| An integrated, spring-loaded spindle lock can prevent the piece from rotating. | If the switch fails, you must open the cover to repair it. |
| 5-year warranty |
Price:
- $849.99 with free delivery at Amazon
-
$849.99 with free delivery at The Home Depot
Grizzly T25920 Wood Lathe
(image source: Grizzly)
Grizzly has published various wood lathes, including midi and full-size, but we recommend Grizzly T25920, an entry-level wood lathe with a high price-performance ratio. It is equipped with a standard 3/4 HP motor and can adjust the speed from 300 to 3700 rpm, which is shown on the digital RPM tachometer. The quick release on the rest and tailstock can help you secure or remove the workpiece. Besides, you can add the optional 22-inch bed extension to turn up to 40 inches between centers.
Technical Details
- Type: Midi
- Spindle Speed: 300 to 3700 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 3/4 HP
- Swing: 12 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 18 inch
- Weight: 84 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick release on rest and tailstock. | The tailstock tends to break after a few months. |
| Higher speed setting. | Only a 2-year warranty. |
| Allow to add the bed extension. |
Price:
- $469 with paid delivery at Grizzly
Harvey Turbo T-40
(image source: Harvey)
If you want a high-end lathe for fine woodworking, the Harvey Turbo T-40 is the right choice. Equipped with a servo motor that can provide up to 3HP at its peak, this machine has a 300% overload capacity. The powerful motor can respond to the speed change from 60 to 4300 rpm in 2 microseconds. Its live center is made of carbon alloy tool steel, achieving more stability and accuracy.
Technical Details
- Type: Midi
- Spindle Speed: 60-2800 rpm/90-4300 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 1 HP
- Swing: 14 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 24 inch
-
Weight: 176 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| A powerful motor can deal with almost any kind of difficult cut. | Too expensive, |
| The upgraded live center provides more stable cutting. | Too heavy to carry. |
| Complete with all mounting hardware. |
Price:
- $2,099 (on sale) with paid delivery at Harvey
Woodfast WL520A Wood Lathe
(image source: Woodfast)
If you want a full-size lathe and don't know which one to choose, just choose the classic one-Woodfast WL520A. This machine is designed in a traditional configuration to support large capacity and heavy work. The invert converts the single-phase supply to three-phase, enabling smooth and stepless adjustments from 50 to 3890 rpm. The headstock, tailstock, and bed are designed with cast iron that can provide stable cutting. Besides, the splayed legs also provide further stability.
Technical Details
- Type: Full-size
- Spindle Speed: 50-3890 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 2 HP
- Swing: 20 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 36 inch
-
Weight: 225 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Dust collection port design. | It is not very outstanding among lathes of the same price. |
| The motor is inside the cabinet rather than on the headstock. |
Price:
- $2,576 (18% off) with paid delivery at Beyond Tool
- AUD5,195 with paid delivery at TIMBERBITS (Including AUD472.27 GST inc.)
Note: Although the Official reference price is AUD4,895, you can't purchase on its official website but dealers.
Laguna Revo 1836 Lathe
(image source: Laguna)
Referring to the floor lathe, Laguna might come to your mind first. Their classic product must be the Laguna Revo 1836 Lathe, which is designed with an angled control panel from anodized aluminum. Different from other lathes, the bed of this machine is made from steel, ensuring its stability and durability. The 1.5 HP motor supports two speed changes: 50-1300 rpm and 135-3500 rpm, which is very suitable for tuning big workpieces.
Technical Details
- Type: Full-size
- Spindle Speed: 50-1300 rpm/135-3500 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 1.5 HP
- Swing: 18 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 36 inch
-
Weight: 427 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Vacuum accessory. | The motor is smaller than the other two floor lathes. |
| Ergonomic height-adjustable legs. |
Price:
- $2,699.10 (10% off) with paid delivery at Acme Tools
- $2,699.10 (10% off) with $199 Freight Rate at Southern-Tool
- $2,999 at Amazon (No stock right now. And for other details should contact customer support.)
Powermatic 4224B Woodturning Lathe
(image source: Powermatic)
Without a doubt, Powermaitic is the most representative brand in a series of heavy-duty floor lathe manufacturers. Among them, the Powermatic 4224B Woodturning Lathe is the largest and most powerful in the Powermatic lineup. It has a convenient remote on/off switch and a hands-free spindle lock. Equipped with a 15Amp quad receptacle that you can use with other powered accessories. The headstock has a built-in indexing ring that can provide up to 98 indexing positions. Differing from other lathes, it is much safer because it features a ballistic protection cover. Compared to the lathes mentioned above, this machine tends to be a professional lathe. If you think the midi or full-size lathe can't match your needs, try this one.
Technical Details
- Type: Full-size
- Spindle Speed: 40-3500 rpm
- Taper: MT2
- Motor Power: 3 HP
- Swing: 24 inch
- Distance Between Centers: 42 inch
-
Weight: 945 lbs
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| A fully integrated vacuum system helps chuck bowl blanks quickly. | More practical for professional woodturning rather than for the common. |
| The air nozzle cleans chips and dust to keep your working environment clean. | Too expensive. |
| Two 100W work lamps provide lighting. |
Price:
- $7499.99 (15% off) with free delivery at Acme Tools
FAQ About Wood Lathe
#1 What is the wood lathe?
It is a machine that rotates wood on a central axis and creates cylindrical objects. It can usually be used for cutting, drilling, sanding, turning, etc.
#2 What are the best lathe brands?
Traditional brands include Marchorool, JET, Grizzly, Laguna, and Woodfast. Harvey and Powermatic are also very famous but tend to be high-end lineup.