Best Beginner Wood Lathe: Recommended for 2021

There are tons of wood lathe machines available on the market. Which one would you select? There are wood lathes in different sizes, features, specifications, and brands. This varied option makes it confusing for people to choose the right product, especially if they are a beginner.

When you have just started out your woodturning journey, you will need a wood lathe that is easy to use, lightweight and comes with all the valuable features. However, filtering out your best option can be overwhelming. To make things easier for you, we have reviewed some of the best wood lathes for beginners.

Need a quick choice? Check our top 3 recommendations!

Top 7 Best Wood Lathes for Beginners

1. JET JWL-1221VS Variable-Speed Wood Lathe

The first product on our list is nothing short of a masterpiece. This machine is perfect for beginners as well as professionals. It boasts a one horsepower motor that is capable of spinning at 3600 RPM.

Moreover, the Jet wood lathe comes with a variable speed controller, so you can change the speed with just a turn of the rotating knob. This way, you can avail the speed range that caters to multiple projects.

Moreover, it encompasses a three-step pulley for a more professional turner. The first pull would go from 60 to 900 RPM, the second ranges between 110 and 1800 RPM, and the third pull will give you a speed range from 220 to 3600 RPM. Coming to the design, the company has definitely modified the previous version for the better.

It boasts a ratchet-style belt tension system as well as an unrivaled speed control system. Additionally, the machine offers a forward to reverse feature, which provides a smooth transition. The lathe also features an indexing head with 24 positions. And the manufacturer offers five years of warranty with the product.

Features of the product:

• The product comes with a 24-built in indexing position.
• The user-friendly design allows users to reach the DRO and controls in an easy manner.
• The lathe allows you to choose the speed from 60 to 3,600 RPM.
• It touts an innovative ratchet-style belt tension system.
• With the lathe, the brand offers two handy tool caddies.

2. Shop Fox W1704 Wood Lathe 

Beginners need a reliable lathe to practice, and this wood lathe by Shop Fox excels at the same. It is made using high-quality cast iron to offer adequate sturdiness for users to practice their woodworking project. Moreover, it is designed to fit different kinds of workbench perfectly.

If you are thinking of practicing a woodturning project on a small-scale, then this is a project that you should definitely consider. The machine is powered by a 1/3 HP single-phase motor that offers 110V and 2 Amp.

Moreover, the variable speed offered by the company perfectly complements the size of the wood lathe. You can alter the speed from 600 and 3,300 revolutions per minute. You can do the same just by turning a knob, and it works well on soft as well as hardwood.

The speed control on this machine is exceptional and perfect for beginners to begin their journey of woodturning. Moreover, the product has a swing over the bed, which measures 8 inches and works to add stability to the wood lathe. Along with the wood lathe, the package also includes two tool rests.

Features of the product:

• The product is designed using cast iron.
• The wood lathe comes with variable speed ranging between 600 and 3,300 revolutions per minute.
• There is an 8-inch swing over the bed, which offers stability.
• The lathe is backed by a 1/3 HP, 110V single-phase motor.
• The machine boasts a 12-inch distance between the centers.
• The wood lathe features two tool rests.

3. WEN 3421 3.2-Amp Benchtop Wood Lathe

This best beginner wood lathe would be the perfect investment to start your woodturning journey. You can design bowls, pens, cups, etc., within a wood lathe. It features a 12-inches DBC and 8-inches SOB. Moreover, the lathe weighs just 45 pounds; therefore, you can easily move it from one place to another or store it away when not being used.

The base of this machine is designed using strong cast iron in order to assist absorb the vibration when working on it. The wood lathe is powered by a 1/3 Hp motor, which offers a 3.2-amp motor with variable speed. You can alter the speed between 750 RPM and 3,200 RPM.

Therefore, you can efficiently undertake different kinds of wood projects in an efficient and controlled manner.

Additionally, the wood lathe features two interchangeable tool rests that measure 4 inches as well as 7 inches. There is also a 2.3-inch faceplate that is used when working on the non-spindle pieces that need to be hollowed out.

There is one flat wrench, one tailstock cup center, one headstock spur center, one knockout rod, and a faceplate workpiece of 2.3-inches. The manufacturer offers two years warranty with this wood lathe.

Features of the product:

• The wood lathe is designed to accommodate a workpiece measuring up to 12 inches in length and 8-inches in width.
• The 3.2 amp motor offers more than 50% more power in comparison to the majority of 8-inch wood lathes.
• It comes with a faceplate of 2.3 inches; two interchangeable tool rests, one MT1 spindle as well as tailstock taper.
• It offers a variable speed of motor between 750 and 3200 RPM.
• There is a two years warranty on this product.

4. Laguna Tools 220v Revo Lathe 

Take your woodturning quest to another level. With 220V Revo Lathe, Laguna has left everyone impressed. One of the first features that will catch your attention is its ergonomically angled control panel designed using anodized aluminum. Additionally, the blue hue of the DRO is accompanied by a decent knurled control knob with a rubber grip signal.

These valuable features reflect the quality build and performance of this machine. Its bed is manufactured using steel, which enables the cast iron headstock to move seamlessly. Due to the steel construction, you can ascertain the strength and durability of the machine.

Moreover, the machine is integrated with VFD, which allows electronic variable speed that transforms 1 phase to 3 phase output. Therefore, even at lower settings, you will acquire a substantial quantity of torque. Altering from low to high setting is extremely easy; all you have to do is use the quick release handle.

Additionally, tailstock and headstock lock handles are positioned on the back in order to mitigate any interruptions during your work. The handles are designed ergonomically and leverage a cam lock, thereby offering a firm feel without any deflection.

Features of the product:

• The wood lathe features 2HP, 60HZ, 220-volt motor.
• It comes with a spring-loaded spindle lock that offers a maximum outboard swing of 32-inches.
• It boasts a three-phase output poly-groove drive belt that offers EZ access.
• The variable speed of the machine ranges between 135 RPM and 3500 RPM.

5. Grizzly Industrial Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe 

If you are looking for the best customizable and versatile wood lathe, then this heavy-duty benchtop lathe by Grizzly is the one to consider. Additionally, the machine boasts a ½ HP, 6A, 110V single phase motor decent power to get the work done.

A feature that will leave you impressed is the distance between the centers as the distance is greater than many other models on the market.

It offers a distance of 18 inches between the two centers. This allows you the capability of fitting larger wood pieces inside the lathe. Additionally, it is one of the lightweight wood lathes, which beginners will appreciate.

This wood lathe is capable of offering variable speeds. You can change the speed between 650 and 3,800 RPMs. This allows you to perform woodturning projects with utmost ease and efficiency.

Furthermore, since it is a benchtop wood lathe, you can easily place it on top of your workstation to get better access. One of the impressive features of this wood lathe is the integrated safety features.

The machine indicates the speed at which it is operating, thereby allowing you more precision for various tasks. With the kind of features and specification it holds, this wood lathe is worth the investment.

Features of the product:

• The product is powered by ½ HP, 6A, 110 single phase motors.
• The machine offers variable speeds between 650 and 3800 RPM.
• The lathe comes with a tool rest, live center, and a digital spindle speed indicator.
• There is an 18-inches distance between the centers.

6. Mophorn 4 Speed Wood Lathe 

The next product on our list is by a popular brand Morphon. This wood lathe is powered by a 1/3 horsepower motor that offers 120v of voltage. It offers a powerful start yet maintaining low noise. Additionally, the adjustable belts are integrated to offer accuracy and ease within RMP of 3400, 2300, 1600, 1100, and 3400.

There is a 40-inches speed between the centers, and the cutting diameter is measured at 14 inches. This is impressive as it is only seen in well-built lathe machines.

Moreover, the machine encompasses high concentricity, which allows moving tailstock in order to adjust the right distance for the workpieces. Additionally, solid steel construction of the wood lathe ensures strength and longevity.

The machine is capable of impressively reducing the vibration in order to offer stable and smooth operations. Along with this quality wood lathe, you will also get three wrenches, one skew chisel, three chisels, one spindle gouge, and one shear scraper.

Features of the product:

• The product is powered by an ½ HP motor, which offers 120V of voltage.
• It boasts a 4-grade speed, which allows you to get RPM of 3400, 1600, 1100, 3400, and 2300.
• There is 40 inches distance between the centers and 14-inches of cutting center.
• The machine is designed using strong steel for added strength and durability.
• Along with the wood lathe, the package includes three wrenches, one skew chisel, three chisels, one spindle gouge, one key chisel.

7. Shop Fox W1836 Benchtop Wood Lathe

This best beginner lathe is powered by ¾-horsepower accompanied by a 100-volt motor, which is one of the best parts of this machine. It is designed with a benchtop so that you can place it over your workstation and work efficiently.

The product comes with all the accessories and components that you will require to secure the machine on top of a surface. Moreover, there is a digital RPM readout on the top, which displays the accurate RPM setting that is currently being used.

And, it also helps in quickly moving to the higher or lower setting. This wood lathe comes with two different settings of RMP – one with a maximum speed of 3800 RPM and a maximum speed of 1800 RPM.

Features of the product:

• There is a 12-inch swing over the bed.
• The motor is backed by ¾ HP, 110V, universal single-phase motor.
• The machine comes with electronic variable-speed spindle control featuring a digital RPM readout.
• There are two spindle speed ranges – 1000-3800 RPM and 500-1800 RPM.

What Should A Beginner Lathe Make?

If you have just started a woodturning journey, then there are many easy and creative ideas that you can try out. These are simple crafts to do and will be a lot of fun:

Wooden Bangles 

This is a design, which will hone your skills in woodworking. These are simple to make yet will give you a sense of accomplishment. Although the first couple of attempts might not turn out to want you to want them, it is a part of a learning curve.

Bottle Stoppers 

This is a design, which is more advanced yet easy. Once you have gotten the basic designs right, you can move onto making a bottle stopper to take your skills a notch higher. For this design, you will need more than just wood. You will have to invest in a bottle stopper kit. 

Flowerpots 

While this project appears complicated, it is not that hard. And if you manage to get it, this will leave a great impression on your guests. The hole inside is merely drilled and wide enough to put in stems of a couple of small flowers. Although you will not be able to put water inside it, the flowers will look good for a couple of days.

Bowls 

A majority of woodturners would try to make bowls as they are quite interesting to design. Ensure that you do not try to develop something too big or ambitious. Simple bowls can be graceful and elegant, and this is a design that can help you improve your skills significantly.

Pens 

These are among the classic items that beginners would love to try on mini wood lathes. Once you have gotten used to the basics of turning pens, you can move to more advanced structures.

 Why Are Lathes So Expensive?

Woodturning is a distinctive art, and lathes are an expensive machine. A lathe that is made from quality material and is of the right size in order to ensure safe and accurate results will certainly cost more money. Isn’t it better to pay with your money rather than paying with your fingers?

This unique art form requires you to be precise with the design, and it can be rewarding if you do it right. However, wood that is rotating at a fast pace and sharp tool pushing against to carve the intricate design and smoothen the sides can be dangerous on a regular machine.

And wood lathe is designed to ensure that you are able to carve designs with utmost safety and precision. So the high price you are paying for the wood lathe is for the features and specifications.

Final Thoughts 

We have reached the end of our article, and we hope that you have found best wood lathe for beginners to start your woodturning journey. Make sure to thoroughly go over the features of the products in order to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

There are many wood lathe machines in the market, and each one comes with a different set of features and specifications. So make sure you read through the details carefully to make an informed decision.