A wood lathe for sale can be a great asset to a hobby shop or craftsman’s workshop. But you’ll want to be sure that you get the right tool for the job. Size matters!
Size matters
A wood lathe is a tool that lets you turn wooden objects. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on your needs. Buying the right size can save you a lot of frustration and money.
Woodturning is a fun hobby that can be addictive. Buying the right size lathe will help you make the most of your time and minimize frustration. There are many things to consider, including size, features and capabilities, and your budget. However, the best way to go about it is to know what you want to accomplish with your woodturning endeavors.
To determine what size lathe will be best for your needs, you must decide how much space you have to devote to your new equipment. If you’re limited in space, you might want to invest in a portable model.
Grizzly Industrial H8259 Benchtop Wood Lathe
The Grizzly Industrial H8259 Benchtop Wood Lathe is a handy little piece of woodturning equipment. It has an impressive feature list, is built to last, and comes in an affordable price range.
As the name suggests, the Grizzly H8259 Benchtop Wood Lathe is designed for use on small projects. It features an 18-inch center distance, as well as a 10-inch swing. While it lacks a bit of horsepower, it delivers a speed range of 500 to 3,500 RPMs, making it ideal for simple to complex woodturning jobs.
This lathe has a cast iron bed to eliminate vibration, and a safety lock to keep it in place. A standard one horsepower electric motor generates 1,725 RPMs at its highest settings.
Depending on the pulleys, a different range of RPMs can be achieved. Most lathes come with a faceplate, which is used for turning bowls. Some also have a switch for reversing direction, which is especially useful for sanding or cleaning work.
Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe
The Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Wood Lathe is a well crafted, high performance machine that’s built to last. It’s got a solid cast iron construction and includes a handy array of tools and accessories to make your lathe life a breeze. A two-year warranty is included.
One of the more impressive features of this unit is its versatility. With the optional W1753 extension bed, this lathe can stretch to 38 inches. It is also equipped with a quick-adjust base that minimizes leverage as you go about your work. Also, it is capable of turning a variety of materials from hardwood to softwood.
Another cool feature is the safety paddle switch. Although it may be more than a little redundant, it’s still the best way to make sure that you never forget to lock the unit in place.
JET Tools
Jet Tools is a popular woodworking brand that offers a wide variety of tools. Many of these tools are easy to use and provide great value for the money.
One of the most popular of these tools is the JET Tools wood lathe. This lathe is easy to operate and is suitable for both beginners and experienced woodturners. It is also compatible with many of the accessories available, including a sanding system, a SuperNova 2 Chuck, and exotic wood blanks.
A lathe features a cast iron construction, a sturdy base, and a motorized spindle. It can turn a bowl up to 12 inches, and is equipped with a variable speed control knob and a digital readout.
Lathes from Jet Tools are available in a variety of different sizes and price points. They can be found in both portable and floor-standing models. Some of the smaller lathes are designed for small projects, while larger models are perfect for professional shops.
RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
The Rikon Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe deserves a spot in your shop for all the right reasons. Its five speed capabilities will allow you to tinker away at your latest project without breaking a sweat. The included bed extension is a nice touch, adding an additional 40″ of usable space to the front and rear of the lathe.
In addition to the standard features found on most lathes, the aforementioned model boasts a hefty list of impressive accoutrements. Aside from the standard three-spindle chuck and a spur center, you’ll also get a swanky swivel workbench and a knockout bar. Plus, this small ditty weighs a mere 75 lbs. That’s not bad for a machine made of cast iron.
The aforementioned model comes with a full complement of tools and accessories, including an impressive selection of blades, and an assortment of chisels, cutters, and other fancies. Not to mention, a nifty six-inch tool rest and a set of wrenches.