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10 Best Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Powermatic 20" x 35" Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 220V 1Ph (Model 3520C)
The Powermatic 3520C Woodworking Lathe is a robust and versatile machine designed for serious woodworking enthusiasts. One of its main strengths is its powerful 2 HP motor, which runs on 220V and provides a broad speed range, maintaining speeds as low as 15 RPM for detailed work. The swing over bed is 20 inches, and the distance between centers is 35 inches, offering ample space for larger projects.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#2
JET 16" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 1-1/2 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWL-1640EVS)
The JET 16" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe is a strong contender in the woodworking lathe category, especially for hobbyists and semi-professional woodworkers. Its key strength lies in its electronic infinitely-variable speed, ranging from 40 to 3200 RPM, which offers a great deal of versatility for various turning tasks. This feature allows users to tailor the speed to the material and complexity of the project, which is essential for achieving quality finishes. Additionally, the lathe is built from cast iron and steel, providing a sturdy base that helps reduce vibrations during operation, enhancing precision.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#3
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
The WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe is a versatile and robust option for both beginners and intermediate woodworkers. One of its main strengths is the ability to handle workpieces up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, making it suitable for a variety of projects. The lathe offers five different speed settings (520, 900, 1400, 2150, and 3400 RPM), providing flexibility for different types of woodturning tasks.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.9 score
Powermatic 20" x 35" Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 220V 1Ph (Model 3520C)
Powermatic 20" x 35" Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 220V 1Ph (Model 3520C)
Swing Over Bed: 20 inches
Distance Between Centers: 35 inches
Motor Power: 2 HP
Speed Range: 15 RPM and up
Bed Construction: Cast Iron
Tool Rest: non-marring, pinch-style clamp
Chosen by 1421 this week
JET 16" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 1-1/2 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWL-1640EVS)
JET 16" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 1-1/2 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWL-1640EVS)
Speed Range: 40 to 3200 RPM
Bed Construction: cast iron, steel
Tailstock and Headstock: improved tailstock quill lock
Tool Rest: non-marring banjo lock
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
Swing Over Bed: 12 inches
Distance Between Centers: 18 inches
Motor Power: 4.5A
Speed Range: 520 to 3400 RPM
Tailstock and Headstock: MT2
Tool Rest: 8 inches
Powermatic 14" x 20" Woodworking Lathe, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 120V 1Ph (Model 2014)
Powermatic 14" x 20" Woodworking Lathe, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 120V 1Ph (Model 2014)
Swing Over Bed: 14 inches
Distance Between Centers: 20 inches
Motor Power: 1 HP
Speed Range: Variable
Bed Construction: Cast Iron
Tool Rest: 8 inches
Grizzly Industrial G0769-8" x 16" Variable-Speed Combination Lathe/Mill
Grizzly Industrial G0769-8" x 16" Variable-Speed Combination Lathe/Mill
Swing Over Bed: 8-1/4"
Motor Power: 600W (3/4 HP)
Speed Range: 50-1000 RPM, 100-2000 RPM
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JET 14" x 40" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1440VS)
JET 14" x 40" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1440VS)
Swing Over Bed: 14 inches
Distance Between Centers: 40 inches
Motor Power: 1 HP
Speed Range: 400 to 3,000 RPM
Bed Construction: Cast Iron
Tailstock and Headstock: Sliding headstock pivots 360 degrees
Tool Rest: Positive locking tool rest
JET 18" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1840EVS)
JET 18" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1840EVS)
Speed Range: 40 to 3200 RPM
Bed Construction: excellent
Tailstock and Headstock: improved tailstock quill locking mechanism
Tool Rest: banjo's non-marring, positive locking wedge
WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
Swing Over Bed: 8-inch
Distance Between Centers: 13-inch
Motor Power: 3.2-amp
Speed Range: 750 to 3200 RPM
Tailstock and Headstock: MT1 spindle and tailstock taper
Tool Rest: two interchangeable tool rests
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
Swing Over Bed: 12-1/2 inches
Distance Between Centers: 16-1/2 inches, extendable to 42 inches
Motor Power: 1 HP
Speed Range: 250-4,000 RPM
Bed Construction: all cast-iron
Tool Rest: 3-inch face plate, 6-inch, 10-inch
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Buying Guide for the Best Wood Lathes
Choosing the right wood lathe can significantly impact the quality and ease of your woodworking projects. A wood lathe is a machine used to shape wood by rotating it against various cutting tools. When selecting a wood lathe, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your woodworking tasks.Swing Over BedThe swing over bed is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned on the lathe. This spec is crucial because it determines the size of the projects you can work on. If you plan to turn large bowls or platters, you'll need a lathe with a larger swing over bed, typically 16 inches or more. For smaller projects like pens or spindles, a swing over bed of 10-14 inches may suffice. Consider the types of projects you intend to work on to choose the appropriate swing over bed size.
Distance Between CentersThe distance between centers is the maximum length of the workpiece that can be mounted on the lathe. This is important for turning long items such as table legs or baseball bats. Lathes with a longer distance between centers, such as 36 inches or more, are suitable for these types of projects. For shorter items, a distance of 18-24 inches may be adequate. Think about the length of the pieces you plan to turn to determine the right distance between centers for your needs.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in horsepower (HP), affects the lathe's ability to handle different types of wood and the size of the workpieces. More powerful motors, typically 1 HP or higher, are better for turning larger and harder wood pieces. For smaller, softer wood projects, a motor with 0.5-0.75 HP may be sufficient. Consider the types of wood and the size of the projects you will be working on to choose the appropriate motor power.
Speed RangeThe speed range of a wood lathe, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), determines how fast the workpiece rotates. A wider speed range allows for greater versatility in turning different types of projects. Lower speeds (around 500 RPM) are ideal for larger, unbalanced pieces, while higher speeds (up to 4000 RPM) are better for smaller, detailed work. Look for a lathe with a variable speed control to easily adjust the RPM to suit your project requirements.
Bed ConstructionThe bed construction of a wood lathe affects its stability and durability. Lathes with cast iron beds are generally more stable and reduce vibrations, which is important for achieving smooth finishes. Steel or aluminum beds are lighter and may be suitable for smaller, portable lathes. Consider the importance of stability and the type of projects you will be working on when choosing the bed construction.
Tailstock and HeadstockThe tailstock and headstock are essential components that hold and support the workpiece. The tailstock should be easily adjustable and lock securely in place. The headstock should have a robust spindle with a standard thread size for compatibility with various accessories. Ensure that both the tailstock and headstock are well-built and provide the necessary support for your projects.
Tool RestThe tool rest is where you position your cutting tools while turning. It should be adjustable and provide a smooth surface for tool movement. A sturdy and easily adjustable tool rest enhances control and precision during turning. Consider the ease of adjustment and the quality of the tool rest when selecting a wood lathe.