If You Had Your Rathers, Would You Rather Get One Of These Top Best Power Lathes That Is Highly Rated In Amazon?
In the past, I was always afraid of damaging my wood pieces while shaping, but thanks to a power lathe, that's no longer an issue.
The lathe is a machine that uses a spinning wheel to cut and shape a piece of wood into whatever shape you desire. You can make bowls, plates, vases, candle holders, trays, etc. It's great for shaping items like boxes, bookends, birdhouses, and more. It's also good for making items where the piece of wood won't be large, like furniture legs, fence rails, etc.
Now that I have a house full of tools and power equipment, I'm thinking about how useful a power lathe might be on some of my home improvement projects.
I've been researching DIY power lathes for years now and even tried to make one myself. But nothing has worked as well as a commercial-grade lathe. So now I want to share with you how you can get a commercial-grade power lathe up and running. It's easy, it's fun and it costs between $100 & $1,000.
Well now that you have decided to get a power lathe, go ahead and check these recommended ones!
How To Choose Which Model Is Best For You
Match the features, capabilities to your budget. Once you have narrowed down, click on the green "Check Price On Amazon" button to get further confidence you have made the right choice by reading some past customers reviews.
Why Would We Want The Best For You
How would a power lathe help me on my home projects? It’s true. I don’t have one yet but it’s something I want to add to my toolkit.
The power lathe is a must-have tool for woodworkers looking to take their skills to the next level. You’ll be able to cut, sand, rout, and shape your own woodwork, no matter how challenging it is.
I can’t stand having to go to my shop to do any power woodworking. It’s great when I need something machined, but it’s so much better when I can do it at home with a power lathe.
Instead, use a power lathe and save yourself hours of work. With just a few minutes, you can spin a piece of wood into shape like you've never seen before.
A power lathe could actually help me build something completely new. It could turn a pile of scrap wood into a new piece of furniture or even an outdoor patio. I could turn logs into planters and create custom made furniture for my garden.
WEN LA3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
Amazon #1 in Power Wood Lathes
Why We Think This Is One Of The Best
(why this item is a must buy)
- Ideal for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
- 8-inch swing over the bed and a 13-inch distance between centers
- 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor
- Variable speed from 750 to 3200 RPM
Things To Know About This Model
(what you should know)
- Weight : 45 lbs
- Size : 8 x 13 inch
- Speed : 750 - 3200 RPM
- Capacity : 3.2 Amp
- Included : 2.3-inch face plate, MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, 2 interchangeable tool rests
JET JWL-1221VS Woodworking Lathe
Amazon #8 in Power Wood Lathes
Why We Think This Is One Of The Best
(why this item is a must buy)
- Easy-to-reach controls with digital readout
- Select from 3 speed ranges (60-900, 110-1800, 220-3600)
- Ratchet-style belt tension system
- Tool storage caddy
- On/Off safety key
- Changing direction smoothly from forward to reverse
Things To Know About This Model
(what you should know)
- Weight : 121 lbs
- Size : 12 x 12 inch
- Speed : 60-900, 110-1800, 220-3600 RPM
- Capacity : 10 Amp
- Included : tools, hardware, tool supports (6" and 10"), 2x tool caddy, knockout rod
SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
Amazon #5 in Power Wood Lathes
Why We Think This Is One Of The Best
(why this item is a must buy)
- 1/3 HP Motor, 2 Amp, 110V, 60 Hz Single-phase
- 12 inch distance between centers
- 8 inch swing over bed
- Cast iron construction with variable speed control
Things To Know About This Model
(what you should know)
- Weight : 49 lbs
- Size : 8 x 13 inch
- Speed : 700 - 3200 RPM
- Capacity : 2 Amp
- Included : MT #1 spur center, MT #1 live center, 4 1/4 inch and 7 inch tool rests, 5 3/4 inch faceplate, 3/4 x 16 inch TPI RH spindle
UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe
Amazon #8 in Power Wood Lathes
Why We Think This Is One Of The Best
(why this item is a must buy)
- 1/3 HP copper motor 4500tr/min
- Variable Speeds of 750 to 3200
- Solid cast iron, stainless steel handle, high speed with low noise, minimal vibration
- Adjust distance between centers by moving the tailstock. Distance between centers: 12 in/30.5 cm. Swing over Bed: 8 in/20.3 cm. Face Plate: 6 in/14 cm.
- 2 tool rests can be fixed by whole steel handle
Things To Know About This Model
(what you should know)
- Weight : 42 lbs
- Size : 8 x 12 inch
- Speed : 750 - 3200 RPM
- Included : 4.5" tool rest, 7" tool rest, MT1 live center, knock-out bar, wrench, MT1 headstock spur center
BILT HARD Wood Lathe
Amazon #26 in Power Wood Lathes
Why We Think This Is One Of The Best
(why this item is a must buy)
- Turn material 10" diameter and spindles up to 18" length
- 5 Variable speed 690 RPM, 1000 RPM, 1400 RPM, 1980 RPM, 2700 RPM
- Easy access to the belt
- Made of Cast iron for minimal vibration, stable turning and maximum durability
- Easy start design with forward and reverse switch
- Quick-action controls
- Nonslip rubber feet for reduced vibration
Things To Know About This Model
(what you should know)
- Weight : 42 lbs
- Size : 10 x 18 inch
- Speed : 690, 1000, 1400, 1980, 2700 RPM
- Capacity : 7.5 Amp
- Included : Tailstock Taper MT-2, Faceplate Size 3"
Power Lathe FAQ
People are always asking us questions about the power lathes, and there are so many of them.
It can be hard to find good information about getting the right tools, especially if you had not used them before or not sure where to look. Or worse, you might end up with bad information that should have been to make your home projects much easier.
We know you are a seasoned handyperson or a trade professional looking for a replacement but for the benefit of new users, these power lathes can make your DIY projects a whole lot easier.
We've done the research for you! Here are the most frequently asked questions about power lathes and our top answers:
What is a good horsepower for a wood lathe?
Lathe power ranges from 3/4 hp to 2 HP, and small lathes are usually 3/4 HP.
If you using a small lathe, it might take longer to finish it. However, if you have a heavy duty lathe, it will allow you to work faster and finish projects more efficiently.
What are the two types of lathes?
A bench lathe is the smallest of all bench lathes and is perfect for small and accurate work.
Automatic lathe machines are for mass production. They are used to produce parts automatically and they perform work automatically.
What is the average cost of lathe?
The 5 lathes we featured here ranges from $100 to $1,000 to suit all budgets.
Industrial lathes can cost up to $60,000, and CNC lathes are up to $500,000.
What size lathe do I need for table legs?
To turn most table legs you’ll need a lathe that has 36 inches between the centers.
There are many types of sizes, but the most popular size is between 10-20 inches long.
A lathe is typically denoted by the diameter of the stock that can be turned over the bed.
What are the main types of lathe?
The main types are speed lathes, engine lathes, turret lathes, CNC lathes and tool room lathes.
The most common is the speed lathe used by hobbyist primarily for woodturning, metal spinning and polishing by a high-speed spindle.
What can you make with a lathe?
Woodworking lathes are commonly used for woodworking projects ranging from bowls to furniture. They are also commonly used for making pen bodies and other small items.
There are a variety of turning methods, with two basic turning types: spindle turning and faceplate turning.
What does swing over bed mean on wood lathe?
The maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned over the bed of a lathe without hitting it is called swing over bed.
The best way to measure swing over bed is to measure from the center of the spindle to the top of the bed and then double the result.
How do I choose a lathe?
Choose a lathe for the diameter of the project you have in mind.
Do you want a basic model or an advanced one? You may want to think about how often you will use this machine; if you anticipate using it infrequently, a basic model might be just what you need
How is lathe size determined?
An engine lathe’s size is determined by the largest piece of stock that can be machined.
When making a workpiece, it is important to consider the following measurements before you start machining: the diameter of the piece that will swing over the lathe, and the length between lathe centers.
What is the best wood for turning?
Turning is easiest with wood like beech, cherry, ebony, and rosewood are good woods for turning.
These woods are elastic and versatile, so they will not creak or become damaged when using a lathe.
Where can I get accessories for my power lathe?
Get your power lathe chuck and other power lathe accessories HERE.
We hope this article has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy using your purchase!
