Best Mini Wood Lathes Reviewed & Rated
Wood lathes are undeniably an essential part of a woodworker’s toolbox, assisting them in the production of perfect symmetrical products. However, for turning wood and other materials around the house, the mini wood lathe is a more suitable and worthy alternative, packing identical features and delivering the same performance as its full-size counterparts. They are ideal for accomplishing a broad range of home projects and are more reasonably priced compared to those at the top of the line. Considering that there are several models on sale throughout the world, it is imperative that you consider a few factors to allow for the making of an informed choice. In the next sections, we delve into some of the criteria worth taking into account before making a purchase, followed by a compilation of ten mini wood lathes that come highly recommended and lastly a few FAQs.
Our Top 3 Picks
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Mini Wood Lathes
Performance
While there are several and more equally important factors to consider when you are out shopping for your first mini wood lathe or looking to upgrade, performance should come at the very top of your list. Consequently, you may want to pay particular attention to the size of the motor and the range of swing over the bed, or as it is sometimes known, the spindly, of the machine you are considering. A majority of mini wood lathes have motor power ranging from as low as 1/8-horsepower to a maximum of 2-horsepower. If you intend to work with different materials of varying thickness and hardness, consider getting a lathe with a variable speed feature to best match the demands of your material.
Capacity
Convenience
It would be useless to have a powerful mini wood lathe but one that is also practically unusable. Which is why your consideration should go beyond performance and capacity. The height should be appropriate such that the center of the tool is at the same height with your elbows. Any shorter or taller and you will experience considerable problems moving or maneuvering. You also want a perfect balance between weight and performance. While lightweight mini wood lathes can be relocated with utmost ease, you also need a little extra weight for purposes of balance. The weight similarly absorbs most of the vibrations ensuring you have a quiet and smooth turning experience.
10 Best Mini Wood Lathes
1. Delta Industrial 46-460
Consequently, the system conveniently eliminates the need to manually increase or decrease the tension on the belt to set a preferred speed, thereby saving the user consideration effort and time. The feature is especially useful for people who want a hassle-free operation. There is also a switch for spinning your stock in clockwise and counter clockwise direction for that added convenience when dealing with bowls and other complex designs.
The base of the Delta Industrial 46-460 Mini Wood Lathe is constructed out of cast-iron, which has a reputation for being very durable and lightweight while remaining rugged enough to take on more challenging projects with ease. The materials also considerably reduce the severity of vibration for a smooth and quiet operation.
In all, the Delta Industrial 46-460 Mini Wood Lathe is a top model tool for turning wood. It has a forward and reverse variable speed feature for flexibility and versatility and a large adjustable swing. Its solid construction means it will not be breaking down anytime soon and even with several hours of continuous use, it won't show even the slightest indication of aging. The tool comes with a 60-month warranty for the replacement and repair of worn out parts so you can work stress-free.
Exceptional build quality
Powerful 1-HP motor delivering 1720 rotations per minute
Hugely accommodative swing over bed
Hassle-free belt changing system
Convenient dial for quick change of speed
None
2. Jet JWL-1221VS
It has a powerful 1-horsepower motor that consistently delivers exceptional performance. It takes pride in offering its users an outstanding speed control mechanism. It provides you with a variable speed range of between 60 rotations per minute and 3600 rotations per minute. The 60 RPM actually creates some distance between the tool and other mini wood lathes as it is an implication of the tool's astounding amount of torque.
In spite of its small stature and lightweight design, the mini wood lathe is quite proficient at processing considerably large stocks of woods, hard or soft. To achieve more versatility and flexibility, you have the choice of using the optional extension that makes it possible for you to double the length of the bed. The Jet JWL-1221VS offers you a 3-speed setting to make it easy to turn woods of various types and densities. A unique highlight of this machine is its option of setting your preferred minimum speed for turning easily breakable workpieces, a feature that is rare to find in other mini wood lathes of its class. The tool also comes with an innovative ratchet system allowing for the effortless loosening and straining of the V-belt in a fraction of the time it takes to accomplish the same on other mini wood lathes. The same system is responsible for the hassle-free and quick shifting from forward to reverse gear and vice versa with minimal vibration.
Robust construction ensuring indiscernible vibrations
3-speed settings for increased versatility
Comes with the game-changing ratchet style belt tension system
Effortless changing between forward and reverse gear
Lacks safety equipment in delivery package
Loose headstock
3. Shop Fox W1704
Because of its very low-speed settings of 700 rotations per minute, it has the incredible capacity of effortlessly turning thick and raw lumber within a fraction of the time it would take most top models. Changing the speed on the model is an easy and stress-free exercise, and novices, in particular, will fall in love with it, as it just requires adjusting the belt to a speed of your choice.
Owing to the manufacturer's inclusion of a large bed, you have a lot of space to do your turning and to easily manoeuvre the mini wood lathe when you are dealing with relatively bulky stock. Since the working area is constructed out of cast iron, there is less vibration to distract you from your cutting, therefore allowing you to achieve increased accuracy when cutting. Lastly, because you can quickly adjust the tailstock, matching the size of your workpiece is a quick and easy exercise only requiring that you turn the on the large metal hand wheel. To summarize, the Shop Fox W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe is a lightweight and compact machine with a weight of just 45 pounds that offers you reliability and exceptional performance at a reasonable and realistic price.
Accommodating customer service
Perfect combination of power and weight for stability and indiscernible vibrations
Robust and long-lasting build
Sufficiently large headstock
Powerful 1/3-HP ideal for a multitude of projects
Wears out the belt quick
The speed control is not very helpful
4. Rikon 70-100
The Rikon 70-100 similarly features a variable speed system allowing for the turning of the indexing pin from a minimum speed of 430 rotations per minute to a maximum speed of 3900 rotations per minute. Because it has a 6-speed setting, the other speeds in between 430 and 3900 RPM are 810, 1230, 1810, and 2670 rotations per minute. The flexibility of the machine's speed enables you to work with a broad array of materials and therefore undertake several projects with exceptional ease. The feature also increases the efficiency and professionalism of the whole process. Additionally, the Rikon 70-100 mini wood lathe has a total of twelve indexing positions allowing you to choose the pre-programed position on which to lock your workpiece to achieve greater efficiency and speed.
In all, this is an excellent tool that is suitable for professionals and enthusiastic Do-It-Yourselfers in search of a tool offering versatility and top-notch performance at a pocket-friendly price. It comes with a robust and long-lasting construction that can easily last you a lifetime with proper use and maintenance.
Powerful 1/2-HP motor for flawless operation
Self-injecting tailstock
High-quality construction and finishing
Excellent and perfect alignment of components and parts
Smooth and vibration-less turning
Difficulties changing speeds with the belt
5. Rockler Excelsior
You don't have to worry about this mini wood lathe being difficult to use, as is the case with other tools out there. Other than the clearly and simply written instructions on the user manual, the machine is quite easy to use. It is equipped with a useful ON/Off button with a removable key and, to increase stability, the feet are fitted with slip-resistant rubber.
It has a total length, width, and height of 30-inches, 7-3/4-inches and 15-inches, respectively and weighs just 81 pounds. On adding the optional extension, the length and weight increase to 22-inches and 19 pounds respectively. It is rugged and ultra-strong mini wood lathe that soaks up a great portion of the vibration giving you a smooth and quiet operation.
Powerful and reliable motor
Consistency in performance
Long-lasting construction
Ideal for light to heavy-duty woodturning projects
Convenient ON/Off switch
Poor balancing
6. PSI Woodworking TCLC10VS
For the much-needed longevity assurance, it is safely and securely enclosed in a durable and ultra-strong cast iron frame that protects it from some devastating consequences of an accidental drop. In case you drop it, don't be surprised if you do not see any dents. The mini wood lathe also comes with a 36-month limited warranty from the manufacturer from the day of purchase, thereby guaranteeing you an out-of-pocket repair or replacement of parts that malfunction or wear naturally during that period. Consequently, with proper use and regular and thorough maintenance, it is bound to provide you with years and years of reliable performance.
With its specs and features, the mini wood lathe is capable of handling any project you through at it, whether it is pen turning or smoothly and efficiently finishing a 10-inch bowl task. For more versatility and flexibility, the design of the tool's base allows for the attachment of bed extensions to a maximum of 43-inches. Unlike most mini wood lathes on this list, the PSI Woodworking TCLC10VS comes with a factory-fitted LED light on an 18-inch long cable for an additional illumination in poorly lit workstations to allow for the smooth completion of the most meticulous and intricate turnings.
It also features a spacious rack to enable you safely keep your other accessories close-by for when you might need them. Consequently, you won't be experiencing any significant slowdowns when changing the belt drive system. This is, by all means, and measures, a most suitable mini wood lathe for performing a broad array of your wood turning projects.
Quick assembly with minimal fine tuning
Ideal for light-duty woodturning projects
Sufficiently heavy to ensure stability and fewer vibrations
Powerful motor for exceptional performance
Practical and functional speed control feature
Low torque at lower speed settings
7. Nova 46300
As already mentioned, it comes with a 3/4-horsepower motor, meaning that it is sufficiently powerful to take on a broad range of woodturning tasks. It can comfortably achieve a speed range of between 250 rotations per minute and 4000 rotations per minute without it stalling. The mini wood lathe additionally features an all-cast iron construction with which not only increases its ruggedness but also makes it sufficiently heavy at 77 pounds to soak up most the resultant vibration, hence offering the user a smooth and quiet operation.
Upon receiving the Nova Comet II Mini Lathe, you can almost literally dive straight into turning because the lathe is nearly completely assembled. You still have to do a little fine tuning and like attaching the hand wheel, rubber feet for that additional stability, and the tool rest for keeping tools you aren’t using while turning. Plus you are covered by the manufacturer’s 24-month warranty in case any of the components naturally malfunction from everyday use.
Wide speed range of between 250 and 4000 RPM
Exceptionally powerful 3/4-HP yielding smooth and high-quality finishes
Quick assembly
Ideal for light to medium-duty woodworking projects
Compact and lightweight
Inadequate tool rest at just 6-inches
8. Shop Fox W1752
Furthermore, its tail stock is considerably longer at 3-1/4-inches which additionally increases its suitability for handling materials measuring 10-inches or smaller.
Nevertheless, it features a relatively high power 1/2-horsepower motor that can handle nearly all types of material irrespective of their density and it will not stall. Softwood and hardwood pose no real challenge to the sheer power of this mini wood lathe's versatility and power. The tool comes with six pre-programed variable speed mechanism making it possible for the Shop Fox W1752 to achieve a speed range of between 480 rotations per minute and 4023 rotations per minute for additional versatility. A maximum speed of 4023 rotations per minute means that the lathe is one of the fastest mini wood lathes reviewed on this list. Such an astounding speed is vital to attaining a smooth and polished final result.
The Shop Fox W1752 has an impressively large tool rest area measuring 6-1/4-inches meaning that you have at your disposal plenty of space to allow for the expert handling of wider areas using a chisel. Furthermore, with a 24 indexing position which decreases the effort and time it will take you to correctly position your workpiece and for increased precision.
In all, given that the W1752 is a powerful and versatile tool sporting a lightweight and compact design for more manoeuvrability, it should, in all honesty, be your first and only consideration. It has an impressive maximum speed of 4023 rotations per minute capable of generating s smooth and polished finish on any all types of materials. If you want to do minimal post sanding, this is the tool for you.
Exceptionally high construction quality
Lightweight and compact design
Very versatile and stable machine
High torque for thick workpieces and stocks
Not sufficiently heavy
Costly
9. Jet JWL-1015VS
Because of the intuitive belt drive system, you have the option of selecting between three-speed settings: between 200 and 1050 rotations per minute, between 300 and 1750 rotations per minute and lastly speeds ranging from 600 and 3600 rotations per minute. There are a total of 24 indexing positions for greater accuracy and productivity on your part. The design of the bed aims at enhancing user friendliness by incorporating broader bed ways to make it more rigid in comparison to those other mini wood lathes in its class. All these additions to increase ease of use, practicality and functionality do make the Jet JWL-1015VS Variable Speed Wood-Working Lathe a less powerful or not ideal for doing heavy-duty woodworking projects. The mini wood lathe is a capable machine offering the same impressive performance to professional woodworkers, avid Do-It-Yourselfers, and beginners alike.
In consideration of the features highlighted in the review of the Jet JWL-1015VS Variable Speed Wood-Working Lathe, it is clear that the tool is more suited to people who prioritize versatility and ease-of-use over power. Consequently, you can use it to perform a multitude of wood turning projects, and while it lacks a powerful motor, it offsets the drawback by offering exceptional efficiency, accuracy, and productivity with its 24 indexing position.
Easy to change speeds
Smooth turning experience
Strong and durable construction
60-month warranty for repair and replacement of parts
Poorly written user manual
Not ideal for more demanding turning tasks
10. Grizzly H8259
The Grizzly H8259 features a sturdily-constructed and ultra-strong cast iron frame that firmly holds the motor in place and additionally absorbs most of the machine's vibrations, leading to a smooth and enjoyable turning experience. The unit comes with a 5-Speed setting allowing you to choose the most appropriate one between 826, 1205, 1713, 2422, and 3337 rotations per minute. Changing from one speed to another is made considerably easy with the innovative, time and energy-saving drive belt system. With speeds as low as 826 rotations per minute at your disposal, you will have an easy time turning thick workpieces at a greater torque while the highest speed, 3337 RPM, is perfect for achieving a smooth and precise finish when undertaking more intricate projects.
To summarize, this is a must-have tool for any serious professional woodworker or extreme DIYer looking for precision, power, and accuracy. With a weight of just 77 pounds and its lightweight and compact design, this mini wood lathe will take up only a small portion of your storage space and can be used on different workbenches with great ease.
Ease of changing belt configurations
Easy to shift between reverse and forward function
Efficient and powerful motor
Robust construction
Bulkier and heavier than competitors
Difficulty working on delicate and complex woodturning applications
FAQs
Q: My mini wood lathe vibrates a little too vigorously. Is this an indication of an underlying problem and can is it possible to rectify?
A: The most common and likely cause of the excessive vibrations is wrongfully placing your cutting piece a few inches away from the center of the mini wood lathe’s working area. The second and easily rectifiable cause of the problem is using higher speed settings. In case the first diagnosis is right, all you have to do is switch off the mini wood lathe and ensure the work piece is centrally placed before resuming with your turning. This should adequately resolve the irregularity.
Q: Does working with one expose to me any danger?
A: While lathing accidents are rare, they can nonetheless happen if you disregard the manufacturer’s instructions. Make it a point always to wear protective gear like eye protecting goggles, gloves, appropriate clothing and if you are concerned about losing your hearing sensitivity, use ear plugs. As common sense would dictate, refrain from using a tool that is not subjected to regular and thorough maintenance.
Q: What are the causes of wood splintering?
A: In simple words, failure to maintain speeds of between 2400 and 3000 rotations per minute is a principal reason. Any slower or faster and your wood will be splintering in no time. Secondly, using a defective and poorly maintained tool could also cause wood splintering and last, be sure to sand your work piece after shaping it to make the surface as smooth as possible.
Conclusion
You may be looking to buy a mini wood lathe because you are a professional woodworker, an enthusiastic Do-It-Yourselfer or looking to make woodworking your hobby. Irrespective, picking up a mini wood lathe that best suits your needs will be the most important factor in influencing the level of success you will achieve. You also need to understand that just because a machine has a small stature does not mean it is a compromise as manufacturers these days make an effort of producing tools that are not only lightweight but also compact in design. Consequently, you should prioritize performance and a richness of features over size, especially when it comes to mini wood lathes. We wish you the best of luck in choosing the right tool.
