Small Wood Lathe

If you are in the market for a small wood lathe, you have a lot of choices to consider. While you’ll want to take your time to shop for the right model, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the more popular models are the Jet JWL-1015, the Excelsior EL-90, the Rikon 70-105, and the WEN 3424T. Each of these offers its own benefits and drawbacks, so you need to be sure you choose the right model for your needs.

Jet JWL-1015

The Jet JWL-1015 is one of the best mini wood lathes on the market. It’s got all the basics, including a wide bed, an adjustable tool rest, and a clever tailstock. And, it runs on a half-horsepower motor, which is actually pretty quiet compared to some other mini lathes. If you need more room, you can get a small extension table.

Aside from the impressively large bed, the JWL-1015 also features a variable speed motor with six speeds to choose from. There’s also a handy speed control box to limit your access to the lower pulley. As a bonus, it’s made from full cast iron, which helps it keep its cool.

While you may not be able to find this particular model in your local hardware store, it’s a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re looking to up your game.

WEN 3424T

The WEN 3424T small wood lathe is a sturdy, well-built mini wood lathe. It has a solid construction and an 8″ rotating working area. This model features a 5″ face plate, a knockout rod, a flat wrench, and an impact bar. These features make it a great choice for DIY projects.

The machine is powered by a 4.5A 1/2 HP motor that delivers maximum torque. In addition, it comes with a soft-start mechanism to help ensure smooth starting and less engine wear.

Other features include a 3-1/4″ face plate, a headstock spur center, tailstock cup center, and a knockout rod. This makes the WEN lathe a versatile and affordable option for any hobbyist. Moreover, it is backed by a two-year warranty and a network of skilled service technicians throughout the United States.

BACHIN

If you are in the market for a mini wood lathe, the BACHIN is probably the best option. It has a DC motor, a variety of tools, and an array of sandpapers. However, it may not be sturdy enough to handle medium to hard woods.

When shopping for a mini wood lathe, you want to consider the dimensions of the unit. The size of the work bed and the distance between the headstock and tailstock are both important, and will affect how large a project you can accomplish.

Another feature to look for is a variable speed control. These allow you to choose the speed of the spindle, which can make a smooth finish.

A variable speed is also helpful in sanding operations. This feature looks like a dial and allows you to set the speed from 400 to over 3000 RPM.

Excelsior

The Rockler Excelsior mini lathe is a compact wood turning machine that is perfect for beginners. It comes out of the box almost fully assembled and ready to go. It is a sturdy mini lathe with solid cast iron construction.

This compact lathe measures 30″ x 7-3/4″ x 15″. With a weight of just 81 pounds, the Excelsior mini lathe can easily handle small projects like pen handles and legs for tall tables.

The lathe comes with a cast iron bed extension. The bed extends out of the way and allows for smooth turning of longer stock.

The mini lathe has a hollow spindle that runs through all five speeds. The spindle is benched on dual ball bearings for added durability.

Rikon 70-105

The Rikon 70-105 Mini Wood Lathe is a compact no-frills mini lathe designed for the beginner wood turner. Featuring a six inch tool rest, a live center, and a sturdy construction, it’s a great starter machine.

It’s also easy to maneuver thanks to its 10″ swing, which makes it a perfect fit for a variety of turning projects. You can even expand its capacity to 41 inches with the bed extension accessory.

The lathe is powered by a two-amp soft-start motor, which minimizes risk of damage to the motor and provides more power for greater performance. The motor is rated at a variable speed range of 826 to 3,337 RPM.

While the Rikon 70-105 has no frills, it’s still a well-built machine that is capable of producing a number of impressive results. For the price, it’s a good deal on a small wood lathe that will give you many years of satisfaction.