Best Wood Lathes
Top wood lathes ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
JET JWL-1221VS 12x21 Variable Speed Lathe
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 60 RPM floor is unmatched for sanding and finishing
- Ratchet-style belt tensioning speeds range changes
- 5-year JET warranty
Cons
- Premium price for a benchtop machine
- Bed extension sold separately
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it for large bowl ambitions; 12.5 inches of swing caps your platters before your skills do.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Heaviest, most rigid casting in the midi class
- 50 RPM minimum handles badly unbalanced blanks
- Smooth quiet drive system
Cons
- Shorter between-centers than the JET
- Accessory ecosystem costs add up
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy for long spindle work like table legs; 16.5 inches between centers runs out fast.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Strong value below JET and Laguna pricing
- Digital speed readout aids repeatable cuts
- Wide accessory compatibility
Cons
- 250 RPM floor is higher than premium rivals
- Tailstock alignment needs checking out of the box
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid if rough-turning heavy unbalanced blanks is your focus; the higher minimum speed is a real limitation.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Time-proven design with a loyal following
- Reverse mode noticeably improves sanded finishes
- Patented belt-tensioning system
Cons
- Design has not been updated in years
- Delta parts support has grown spotty
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if long-term parts availability worries you; Delta's support network is not what it once was.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Direct access to NOVA's excellent chuck lineup
- Compact footprint for small shops
- Good mid-range value
Cons
- 3/4HP motor bogs in deep bowl cuts
- Plastic speed-control housing feels cheap
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy for aggressive large-bowl roughing; the motor is the smallest among serious midis.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Full 12-inch swing at a beginner price
- Cast-iron bed dampens vibration well for the cost
- Two-year warranty with responsive support
Cons
- 520 RPM floor is too fast for rough blanks
- Spindle threading limits premium chuck options
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid if you already know turning will become your main hobby; you will upgrade within two years.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Excellent pen and small-project machine
- Digital RPM display at a budget price
- PSI's pen-turning accessory catalog is huge
Cons
- 10-inch swing rules out medium bowls
- Banjo locking lever is awkwardly placed
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if bowls are the goal; buy 12 inches of swing or more from the start.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cheapest cast-iron lathe worth buying
- Fine for pens, ornaments, and small spindles
- Small enough for an apartment workshop
Cons
- 1/3HP motor stalls under modest cuts
- Short 13-inch capacity between centers
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy expecting to turn anything larger than a pepper mill; this is strictly a small-work machine.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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