An excellent machine for turning small parts. The cast iron construction makes the machine very reliable. The powerful motor (1/3 HP) starts smoothly for maximum safety and low noise levels.
May slow down at the outer edge if you press too hard on the cut.
A productive machine with virtually no vibration. Ideal for a variety of turning jobs in laboratories, workshops and garages. It will serve you well in either professional or hobbyist use for years to come.
~0.34 HP
500 - 3200 RPM
Bowl turning capacity: 203 mm
Distance between centers: 305 mm
Spindle Taper: 1MT
Spindle Thread: 1" (8 TPI)
Quill Taper: 1MT
Quill Travel: N/A
150 mm and 300 mm
Cast iron construction. Lock lever to adjust or replace the tool rest. Moving tailstock to adjust proper distances for workpieces.
71 x 21 cm
14.1 kg
1 year
The ergonomic controller allows you to instantly change the speed of rotation of the spindle, preventing sudden jerks and stops. It is also very sensitive, so you can fine-tune the speed in increments of up to 50 RPM.
Little engine power for a machine of this size.
Do you dream of buying a functional machine for infrequent use, but you have a limited budget? Then this machine from Clarke is exactly what you need: its capacity is quite enough to perform work of an average degree of complexity.
0.2 HP
890 - 3190 RPM
Bowl turning capacity: 200 mm
Distance between centres: 325 mm
Spindle Taper: 1MT
Spindle Thread: ¾” UNF, 16TPI
Quill Taper: 1MT
Quill Travel: N/A
170 mm
Cast iron bed, Quick release levers
73.2 x 22.2 cm
21 kg
1 year
A sturdy and reliable machine with an enormous length that will allow you to complete any woodworking project, from bracelet to plate. The included accessories are of high quality, and the 4 different speeds let you choose the best for your particular work.
Tailstock and rod clamps are not very convenient to use.
An excellent entry-level machine for the price / quality ratio. The powerful motor will allow you to easily customize the machine to your needs. A set of 6 chisels helps you create complex parts with ease.
0.2 HP
810 - 2480 RPM
Bowl turning capacity: N/A
Distance between centers: 350 mm
Spindle Taper: 1MT
Spindle Thread: M 18
Quill Taper: 1MT
Quill Travel: N/A
350 mm
6 free wood-turning chisels. Choice of 4 speeds. Extra-long, 1 metre wood lathe
147 x 21 cm
22 kg
1 year
Compact dimensions and an amazingly low weight make it possible to easily place the machine even in confined spaces. And it does not cause inconvenience during storage and transportation.
No possibility of rotation at low rpm (below 1000 RPM).
This model is suitable for people who are fond of making miniature crafts made of wood: a mini-machine from Proxxon with electronic speed control will be your faithful assistant in the lathe business.
0.2 HP
1000 - 5000 RPM
Bowl turning capacity: N/A
Distance between centres: 250 mm
Spindle Taper: 10 mm
Spindle Thread: N/A
Quill Taper: 20 mm
Quill Travel: N/A
80 mm
Thick-walled aluminium bed, Electronic speed control, 6 collets included
55 х 10 cm
2.8 kg
1 year
The no-volt overload safety switch is an important element in terms of safety: it automatically turns off the machine to avoid overheating and prevents the motor from failing.
Some users report a noticeable vibration during operation.
Another lathe that is great for home use: with it you not only can learn the basics of turning, but also get the opportunity to try your hand at complex DIY woodturning projects
~0.34 HP
750 - 3200 RPM
Bowl turning capacity: 200 mm
Distance between centres: 300 mm
Spindle Taper: 1MT
Spindle Thread: ¾”, 16TPI
Quill Taper: 1MT
Quill Travel: N/A
50 mm and 150 mm
Cast iron bed, Quick release levers, No-volt overload safety switch
70 x 17.6 cm
21 kg
1 year
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VEVOR MC330
Professional Quality Lathe
The number one area where a good quality wood lathe is needed is in a professional setting. Doing professional work means you need professional-quality tools to use for the job. This, in turn, means that not just any wood lathe will work in such instances. With the VEVOR MC330 Benchtop Wood Lathe, you won't have to worry about whether or not this tool is up to the task.
This model is a productive machine that produces virtually no vibration while working, letting you focus on getting the best cuts possible instead of having to keep the machine and table steady. Due to its industrial design, this wood lathe is ideal for a variety of turning jobs in laboratories, workshops, and garages. It will serve you well in either professional or hobbyist use for years to come, no matter in which setting you are using this product.
The machine is made of a cast iron construction that uses extremely durable parts that will last you for quite a long time without wearing out. Despite its sturdy construction, though, the tool is actually quite light, measuring in at just 14 kg. This makes it easily the lightest wood lathe on our list. Its compact size also makes it easier to move to a different location if necessary, and this portability does nothing to detract from its stability.
Excellent for Turning Small Parts
Due to its size and portability, this wood lathe probably isn't the ideal one for use with larger items, although it is perfect for turning small wood items that require a high degree of precision. The machine comes with 150 mm and 300 mm faceplates, so you aren't just stuck with just one size to work with. Also included on this wood lathe is a lock lever to adjust or replace the tool rest. In addition, the moving tailstock allows you to adjust proper distances for workpieces, making your job much easier to do, especially for precision work.
As for this machine's power, you will be pleased to learn that despite its smaller size, it is actually one of the more powerful models in our review, thanks to the ~0.34 HP motor. The spindle rate is variable, letting you adjust it for speeds ranging from 500 to 3200 RPM, so there is plenty of power and variability to work with here.
We have had a hard time finding any negatives with this particular model, although if we are allowed to nitpick here for a moment, we can say that the machine may slow down at the outer edge if you press too hard on the cut. The same is true for a lot of other models, though, so it is hardly fair to single out this model for this fault. Overall, this professional-quality wood lathe is simply one of the best models on our list.
| Last updated price | £181.47 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B081RXPDYG |
Clarke Variable speed
Lightweight Lathe
Wood lathes tend to come in many different sizes, with many high-end ones being large and made specifically for larger projects. Those who are on a budget can be a little overwhelmed when seeing the prices of the models that are geared more towards professional work, and many hobbyists may not know where to turn to for something more appropriate and affordable for them. Fortunately, for anyone who fits in this category, you are not alone, and you don't have to look far to find what you're looking for!
The Clarke Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe is made for the budget-conscious hobbyist in mind, especially for those who are more interested in smaller homemade projects. Anyone with a small workshop with limited space will be pleased to see a wood lathe that takes these attributes in mind. The lightweight body of this wood lathe makes transporting it and placement easy, and it shouldn't be difficult to find a workspace to place it. It also has enough heaviness to stay sturdy, and surprising exhibits very little vibration while in use. The small size of the lathe makes it ideal for projects such as drilling, turning, facing, boring, and threading, so the uses of this lathe are not limited despite its small size.
Ideal for Small Projects
Beginners to wood working often need smaller tools to learn how to work properly with wood before turning to larger projects. This Clarke wood lathe is perfect for those in this situation. The distance between the centres is 325 mm, and it has a turning capacity of 200 mm. The .2 HP motor is rather slow and underpowered for serious work, but is great for those learning how to use a lathe, and it even includes variable speeds ranging from 890 to 3190 RPM. The high-quality cast iron bed provides a surprising amount of stability for its small footprint, and vibrations are kept to a minimum, which allows for those using it to focus on the woodwork rather than on keeping the lathe steady.
One of the few downsides to this particular model is that it doesn't have much in the way of accessories, including a chuck, and other parts can be difficult to find. However, this shouldn't be much of a problem for those who work on small projects and have other tools to use in conjunction with the lathe. Overall, this lathe is not made for the professional in mind. It is made specifically for smaller projects, and its small footprint and stability make it an ideal choice for those who are beginners at woodworking.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £229.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01MYMZGJ4 |
MonsterShop Variable Speed
Excellent Value for the Price
Just as with any other tool or appliance, the cost of an item needs to be justified by just how good the item is. This may sound like a simplistic statement, but anyone with lots of experience using wood lathes can tell you that not all models are the same. Many of them cost quite a bit of money, and when you're spending that much money on any kind of tool (especially for woodworking), you want to make sure that the price is worth it. With the MonsterShop Variable Speed Wood Lathe, you can rest easy knowing that your money has been put to good use.
This wood lathe is an excellent entry-level machine for the price / quality ratio, meaning that you get quite a powerful and durable wood lathe for a price much lower than many other comparable models. The powerful 0.2 HP motor will allow you to easily customize the machine to your needs, letting you adjust it to work on virtually any type of items that you need it to. Of course, woodworking often requires more than just a wood lathe in itself, and this model has you covered here as well. A set of 6 chisels included with the purchase helps you create complex parts with ease, while also negating the need to purchase additional tools in order to work on your projects.
Work on Any Size Projects
One of the problems that people encounter when searching for a good wood lathe is that any particular machine may not be suitable for certain sizes of projects. Again, though, with this wood lathe from MonsterShop, this just won't be a concern that you will have to worry about. This model is a sturdy and reliable machine with an enormous length that will allow you to complete any woodworking project, ranging from bracelets to plates. The included accessories are of high quality and will last you for at least as long as the lifespan of this device, and the 4 different speeds let you choose the best for your particular work.
This model comes with a 350 mm faceplate, giving you a large size to work with while also being suitable for smaller items as well. This wood lathe does have a rather large footprint and is pretty heavy as well, weighing in at 22 kg, so this isn't exactly a portable model that you will want to carry around. Of course, wood lathes aren't typically used in this fashion, and what this model does provide is an extreme amount of stability while you are working. Just be aware that the tailstock and rod clamps are not very convenient to use. Outside of this one issue, though, we are certain that this wood lathe will provide you with an extremely solid and useful tool that is easily the match of much more expensive models.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £169.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07SFJV3QV |
Proxxon Micromot DB 250
Compact and Lightweight
Many hobbyist wood workers like working with miniatures, creating small items with beautiful, intricate details. Wood turning, in particular, tends to be a very pleasant hobby for them, and as such, finding the right wood lathe for small projects is highly desirable. Many of the larger models tend to be too high powered and ill-suited for working with smaller works of craftsmanship, so a small, lower powered home wood lathe is perfect for this purpose. The Proxxon Micromot DB 250 MICRO Woodturning Lathe has been made for the amateur small project wood turner in mind. Featuring a small, compact, precision-made design, it is easily transportable and can be stowed away in tight spaces when not in use, which makes it perfect for those with a limited workspace. The low powered .2 HP motor also makes it very well suited for woodturning smaller items without worry of breakage or causing damage to the item, while remaining powerful enough for most requirements. The small distance between spaces means that smaller items won't feel out of place on this lathe. The bed is made of thick walled aluminium, which gives the lathe a lightweight feel while still remaining stable enough for serious work.
Plenty of Features and Accessories
Despite the small size and light footprint of this wood lathe, it is certainly not lacking in features, which should please any hobbyist woodturner, especially those who want some flexibility in the use of the lathe. It includes an electronic speed control which allows for the selection of speeds between 1000 to 5000 RPM. While this is a great selection of speeds for such a small wood lathe, it might disappoint those who require slower speeds. However, the speed range should be suitable for most projects. For those who may want to turn some larger items, a faceplate is included which allows the lathe to be used for this purpose.
This lathe includes collets ranging from 2 to 10 mm, which are used to secure workpieces while in use. A stable tool rest is included, and is adjustable in all directions, so you can be assured that this wood lathe has plenty of flexibility in its use. A drive centre, live centre, faceplate and the 6 different sized collets are included with the lathe, so this is pretty much a complete package that is ready to go. Anyone who is in need of a small, stable wood lathe for use with small intricate pieces should be delighted with the feature set and quality of this model.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £168.27 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B000PJ6W4O |
Draper 60988
Great for Home Use
When looking for any kind of tools for use at home, most people tend to run into low-quality items that are cheap and often not very well made. This can be problematic, as low-quality tools can, in turn, result in low quality work. Anyone serious about doing woodturning obviously doesn't want their work quality to be affected by their tools, so it is very important to find a good wood lathe that is high quality and constructed for serious work, while still being good for home use. Even those looking for a wood lathe for beginners should find these same attributes appealing.
Many of the standard tools provided by Draper are specifically marketed towards home users and DIY hobbyists, and the Draper 60988 300 mm Mini Wood Lathe is certainly no exception. Those who are looking for a high-quality wood lathe should be well pleased with the feature set of this wood turning lathe, and for a good reason. It is built with a heavy duty cast iron body, which allows for extremely stable use on a workbench while remaining free from vibrations, which can distract or even cause problems with your work. The extreme stability and heavy weight make it ideally suited for workbenches, so those who have a proper workbench should find this model ideal.
Extremely Stable and Feature Rich
One of the best and most important features that this wood lathe has that tends to sadly be missing from other models is the no-volt overload safety switch. This very important feature helps make this lathe one of the safest and most reliable models to use, as it helps to prevent any safety issues in the case of overheating, and also helps maintain its reliability by saving the motor from failing in such cases. Many other home wood lathes seem to be missing this feature, so those who are most concerned with safety should find this very reassuring.
The features don't stop there, however. This lathe is fitted with a 200-mm swing over bed, and includes variable speed settings ranging from 750 to 3200 RPM, so any wood turning speed that is required for your projects should be covered. Also included with the lathe are two different faceplates of sizes of 50 mm and 150 mm, giving you options in regards to the size of the projects you are doing. A 175-mm tool rest and a 3/4-inch drive spur are also included, so this model should provide a complete package. For home and hobbyist wood turners, this wood lathe should provide a great kit for anyone ranging from beginners to seasoned veterans of wood turning.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £196.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01BMIERES |
What Is a Wood Lathe?
High-quality wooden items are in demand at all times. Finely turned and intricately decorated wooden items are always very highly valued. Moreover, wood has its own vibe. If you need to make a truly nice wooden object, common joinery tools might be insufficient. In this case, a wood lathe is evidently the best assistant. The range of capabilities wood lathes offer is overwhelming. These tools can be used for making furniture, dishware, toys, processing and shaping wooden pieces, and a lot more.
Wood lathes work by providing an axis for turning a tool in order to perform certain actions on wood, such as cutting, drilling, carving, sanding, or other actions necessary for shaping wood. The turning action of a wood lathe allows for the creation of many different items from wood, including bowls, candlesticks, various pieces of furniture, and even artistic works. Anyone who works with wood, whether it be on a hobbyist or professional level, can always find some good use for a woodturning lathe, regardless of whatever items you make with wood.
If you are either a hobbyist or professional wood worker, you may also want to check out our reviews of the best tile saws, as well as of the best grinders available.
What Features to Compare
Performance
You should be guided by some important aspects for choosing a wood lathe that is right for you. First of all, pay attention to the performance features, particularly the motor power and spindle speed range. The motor power may vary from 1/8 HP up to 2HP and higher. If you need a lathe for home use, a 1/2 to 1HP model will be enough. The wood lathes for industrial use are usually quite powerful. As for the spindle speed range, the picture is clear. The more speeds a lathe has, the better. Both high and low speeds are applied depending on the hardness of the wood and turning needs. So, a variable speed can be crucial for some users of wood lathes.
Capacities
Capacities are the next important point when choosing a wood lathe as they determine the size of pieces a lathe can process. Here, you need to consider a few parameters including the swing over bed, swing over tool rest, the distance between centres, faceplate diameter, spindle travel, and the type of quill and spindle. So, choose a lathe that has the capacity to conform to your workpieces and the items you’re going to make.
Conveniences
The conveniences of a wood lathe are also important. They include such aspects as special materials, the components a wood lathe are made of, comfortable control elements, etc. These aspects affect the lathe control-ability as well as its wear resistance and durability. After all, the size of a wood lathe matters too. Commercial-grade wood lathes are usually quite big, yet some models (those for home use) are small and can be installed in tight workspaces.
Did you know?
Getting Started With a Wood Lathe
Wood lathes are well-known tools used for woodworking, but they tend to not be the most straightforward tools to learn how to use. While it isn't practical to give full instructions for woodturning for beginners here, there are some tips that we can provide that should help get you started with using a wood lathe. For anyone who is serious about learning how to craft their own items with a wood lathe, there are plenty of tutorial videos on the Internet that show the basics.
Find a Suitable Lathe - The first step for woodturning is to find a lathe that can be used for the projects that you want to do. This means that before you even buy a wood lathe, you should have a good idea of what kind of projects you wish to work on. As wood lathes come in many different sizes, and the range of accessories and features can vary wildly, finding the right wood lathe is a necessity. For instance, make sure you check such features as the bed length, the swing, the horsepower of the motor, revolutions per minute (RPM), and even the build and composition of the wood lathe. These features can all dictate what kind of projects the lathe is best suited for.
Operations - Next, you want to determine exactly what kind of operations you'll need to do with the lathe. Using a lathe is often referred to as "woodturning", as the operations involved often require the piece of wood being worked on to be turned. This usually means that cylindrical or round objects are what are best made with a wood lathe.
Corner Cutting Tools - Wood lathes are often not the only tool required for completing a project. Often, some kind of a tool referred to as a chisel is required for adding detail to an item. What kind of details that you want to add will require different kinds of chisels. Some of the most commonly used chisels for woodturning are gauges, skews, spoon cutters, and scrapers. If you are not familiar with what exactly these tools are used for, you should be able to find instructions on how to use them and what exactly they can do through many different resources.
Lathe Components - Becoming familiar with the components of your lathe is a very important step to getting started with woodturning. Being able to clearly recognize each component and know what it is used for is essential to getting the most out of your wood lathe.
These steps are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to woodturning, but following these should help get you started in the right direction.
Safety Rules
A wood lathe isn't the most dangerous machine in the world. Yet, you should follow some safety precautions while using this tool.
1. Start processing a workpiece only when the spindle reaches a full speed. Feed a tool bit gradually and slow the feed down while turning twigs.
2. Make sure your workpiece is free from nails and other metal inclusions before you chuck it, otherwise the processing might become dangerous.
3. Inspect the gears of your lathe regularly and clean and grease them when necessary.
4. Turn your lathe off as soon as abnormal noise, knocking, or vibrations appear.
5. Never stop the spindle manually.
Complying with these safety recommendations, you will protect yourself and extend your lathe's lifespan as well.
FAQ:
Q: What is "woodturning"?
A: Woodturning is the action used by a wood lathe for creating wooden objects. The name comes from the fact that the objects are often made through a piece of wood being turned on a lathe.
Q: What kind of objects can be made with a wood lathe?
A: Wood lathes are perfect for creating wooden items that have a cylindrical or circular shape, which includes bowls, cups, pots, candlestick holders, pens, and even furniture.
Q: How does a wood lathe work?
A: Wood lathes work by using some kind of motor to spin a piece of wood that is held by components of the lathe in a fast spinning motion, which, in turn, allows circular shapes and designs to be made from the wood.
Q: Are wood lathes easy to use?
A: Most wood lathes, especially those made specifically for beginners, tend to be pretty easy to operate. However, the art of using a wood lathe to the best effect is a skill that requires lots of patience and practice in order to master it.
Q: What kind of wood lathe is best for a beginner?
A: With a large variety of wood lathes that are available, it can be confusing to find the right wood lathe for your needs. This is especially true for beginners. Those who are new to woodturning should probably start off with a small wood lathe with a simple feature set, and should focus on creating smaller objects. Over time, once the basics of using a wood lathe are mastered, you can move on to using a larger lathe to create larger projects.
Q: Are wood lathes safe for a beginner to use?
A: Most wood lathes, especially those meant for smaller objects and for beginners, are pretty safe to use. However, any kind of tool that uses fast or rapid motions can present its own set of safety issues. When using a wood lathe, it is best to take any and all safety precautions to prevent accidental injury.
Q: How can I learn to master the art of woodturning?
A: As mentioned before, although lathes are pretty straightforward and easy to use, the art of woodturning can take a lot of time and practice to master. For anyone who has never tried their hand at it before, there are numerous websites as well as videos online that show the basics of woodturning. Along with this, purchasing a wood lathe that is suitable for beginners is a great way to be able to try your hand at it. Furthermore, many areas have woodworking clubs that are open to new members, and many experienced woodturners are happy to help newcomers master the art of woodturning. Finding one of these clubs in your local area would be a great way to help get you started with woodturning, and being able to make your own homemade items.
Sources:
1. How to Select a Lathe, Instructables.
2. How to Choose the Right Size of Lathe, eBay. March 3, 2016.
3. How to Select a Lathe, wikiHow.
4. Choosing a Woodworking Lathe for Your Woodworking Project, DoItYourself.com.
5. Lathe, Wikipedia. November 16, 2016.
6. Chris Baylor How to Buy and Use a Wood Lathe, About. December 28, 2015.
7. Skill Set: Understanding the Lathe, Makezine.
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