Most Sought-after Grizzly Wood Lathe Review 2018
Chances are when you want a quality wood lathe, a Grizzly wood lathe would appear on your list. It’s not because it has endured that’s why it’s quality. Rather it’s quality that’s the reason it has endured. As any Grizzly wood lathe review is bound to tell you.
A wood lathe is an indispensable tool for any serious wood worker. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a serious solo-preneur wanting to make things happen, getting the powerful turner should be worth looking into. While you may be able to achieve certain success with wood with other tools, you wouldn’t be as efficient and as effective as a lathe.
It’s true. A quality wood lathe would cost you. Some hard-earned money. But it’s an investment well worth it.
Think of how many baseball bats you can make. Or table legs. Or for that matter, candle holders.
It’s for this reason that you should assess your situation before even going to look at the various product offerings in the market today. You should do your due diligence.
Ask yourself: What kind of projects would I want to get done for the months to come? Even better, for the years to come.
Turning is your answer when you want those furniture pieces. Turning is your answer when you want those many large-diameter wood projects to happen. You simply can’t do it otherwise. Any wood lathe reviews will tell you that.
And if you do, then there’s definitely a lot more reason why you should look into Grizzly. A leading lathe manufacturer that has been noted for its quality and strength.
Should, by any chance, you be confused about it all, fret not. We’ve worked the field and done our research. First stop, we’re showing you the best Grizzly wood lathes this side of the planet has seen. Even better, we’re giving you a lowdown on what makes each one tick. So you can get to an educated decision fast.
And get more bang for your buck. Read on.
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1440VSK
Ah, this Jet should be top of your list and we wouldn’t wonder why. Note that you have a CSA certified product here. That should give you a sigh of relief. It’s really hard to find quality wood lathes these days, of all the products available in the market today. But certifications make it a lot easier.
Just take into consideration you have a powerful motor under your immediate supervision. You got one that rotates from 400 up to 3000 RPM. Imagine that! Add the sliding headstock to your watchlist. You see you have one that is capable of pivoting full 360 degrees. With as much as not 2 not 3 but 7 positions for locking.
Then again, prepare to pay premium. Quality product such as this don’t come cheap. But this will definitely get you your money’s worth. Or more.
General Maxi-Lathe International VS Variable Speed
If you’re looking for a good wood lathe to get started, this General should be worth the salute. Yes, indeed. And the best part’s this one doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Meaning: This could be the product you’ve been waiting for if you’ve been wanting to save some dollars.
Note, your headstock pivots 360-degrees here. That shows that indeed this one can perform at par with the best. And the ¾ HP motor should give you all the power that you need. You have here 3 speed ranges that can be varied. You can slow start with the 300-900 RPM or get into the action with full throttle at 1200 -3600 RPM. So what are you waiting for? Add the digital speed display and you you’re looking at a winner here.
Nova Comet II Mini Lathe
Indeed you may call this mini lathe but this one’s as powerful as you want it to be. You certainly can’t bully this one as this is no pushover. Looking at the ¾ HP motor should give you that guarantee. Plus, the speed range should be enough for your needs. You got a 3-step system of pulley that gives you not just low but middle and hi-speed options.
For motor power, know you can start as low as 250 RPM a speed you can increase to as much as 4000 RPM. Imagine that. Put in the mix it’s LOW, LOW price and you know this one is simply too hard to resist.
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1221VS
This Jet isn’t really the cheapest in the bloc but it’s also not the most expensive. So that should be worth noting if you’re particular about money. As for performance, you can rest assured this one may give you the best performance yet.
For starters, you have a speed of operation that can go as low as 60 RPM. That should put it the lowest in the bunch. But it doesn’t stop there. And with some adjustments, you can enjoy full speed of 3600 RPM. Should be enough for everyone.
The thing is you get unmatched speed control here. So much so that if you can do a forward-to-reverse and still get everything working in smooth transition.
Shop Fox Wood Lathe W1836 Bench Top
Wow! This Shop Fox should be worth the attention. First stop, you’re looking at a price that’s within reach here. You may say this is a bargain given the power of the machine that’s waiting for you here.
Note that when you put this under your wing, you have a powerful ¾ HP motor to do your bidding. And that shouldn’t be too hard for you to see its raw power. Imagine a machine that can go as fast as 3800 RPM. Double that with its 2-speed range (500-1800 RPM and 1000 – 3800). Yes, no doubt this one can perform.
What will make your eyes pop is its price. You simply have one that’s unbelievably easy-to-bring-home unit here. No kidding!
Let's Compare the Most Sought-after Grizzly Wood Lathe Review 2018
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Price | Product Dimensions | Total Reviews | Product Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1440VSK | 87 x 57 x 38 inches | 400 pounds | ||
General Maxi-Lathe International VS Variable Speed | 36 x 19.5 x 17 inches | 144 pounds | ||
Nova Comet II Mini Wood Lathe | 33 x 9 x 18 inches | 82.4 pounds | ||
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1221VS | 32.8 x 14.6 x 21.2 inches | 137 pounds | ||
Shop Fox Wood Lathe W1836 Bench Top | 38.5 x 15.5 x 17 inches | 85 pounds | ||
PSI Midi Lathe Commander | 26.4 x 16.9 x 54.3 inches | 29.8 pounds | ||
Shop Fox Lathe Bench Top W1704 | 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches | 50.75 pounds | ||
Shop Fox Mini Wood Lathe W1752 | 37.3 x 18 x 12.3 inches | 100.2 pounds | ||
Grizzly Wood Lathe Bench Top H8259 | 33 x 17 x 12 inches | 77 pounds | ||
Woodtek Lathe Midi 143009 | 14.75 x 33.5 x 9.5 inches | 89 pounds |
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1440VSK
Short review
Our trusted reviews have said that Jet 1440VSK pays you with a packed of a lot of power. This grizzly wood lathe beautifully crafted with high end and great quality materials.
It has a sliding and pivoting head that works swiftly in 360 degrees without breaking a sweat. It has seven locking positive positions that you can use to maximize your usage and comfort.
It is also packed with variable speed that rounds up from 400 to 3000 RPM. But we find that the 400 RPM isn’t sufficient as the lowest option. There are a few things that require lower than that but needless to say, it is still awesome to work with. It only varies on how you use it and on what.
Jet also redesigned the clamping and they also got the RPM display that makes it easier to work with. It also has optional extension mounts in three different and separate positions to boost you productivity.
However, this powerful tool is one of the most expensive that we got here on the list.
Things We Liked
- Powerful
- Versatile
- Easy to work with
Things We Didn't Like
- Expensive
General Maxi-Lathe International VS Variable Speed
Short review
The General Wood lathe is packed on a pallet which is a good packaging. With its hefty price tag, we could say that this isn’t come with a nice bunch of additions which is a bummer.
First off is the swivel head stock. If your primary use is to turn the small diameter objects—typically around 10 inches, this bug guy wouldn’t fit your needs. But if you need it for big operation, this could be ideal tool.
You have an option to load a spring pin on front of its headstock and you can rotate in 90 or in 180 degrees. Both options are possible and we think it is a sweet bonus.
One more thing that is nice to look for is the electronic display for the variable speed. To adjust, you need to move the belt to get into the speed that you like. The fancy thing is that the front knob is fantastic to dial the exact RPM that you want. It is fast and reliable to use.
There are also a few cons that are worth to watch out though. The package should have a work lamp or even a tool holder will suffice. A face shield and a nicer safety glass will also do the nice touches. Without all of this stuff, we think that the value that is required to pay isn’t enough.
Our trusted reviews have mentioned that the banjo isn’t secure to lock in. Nevertheless, this is a good wood lathe that could last a lifetime.
Things We Liked
- Reliable
- Quick and easy to use
- Efficient
Things We Didn't Like
- Should have come with a couple additions
Nova Comet II Mini Lathe
Short review
For someone who just starts out in wood turning, Nova Comet II is enough for a trick. It has variable speed and reversing mode that gives you mobility and versatility to make simple pens or medium-sized bowls.
It has plenty of power that works great to do small crafts. It has a speed range of 250 RPM and can goes up to 4000 RPM. The swing over bed is 12 inch and 16.5 inch between its centers.
Its pulley system can be set up in three speed ranges: low, medium and high. It is specifically designed to be compact and space saver but its capacity and stability can rivaled on its larger machines competitors.
It is also noticeable that its overall constructions have improved from its predecessor. However, this can’t be used in bigger tasks since it has under power issues. The unit will shut down while in work and it will require you to reset it.
Things We Liked
- Great for beginners
- Compact
- Space saver
- Has variable speed
Things We Didn't Like
- Can’t be used in large tasks
Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1221VS
Short review
Jet 1221VS has also designed to have optimal speed ranges. You can freely switch from 60 to 3600 RPM variable speed.
It has a smooth transition of forward and reverse. Along with that, the speed control has also improved and made it unrivaled to its predecessors.
Reviews have shown that this fella is great for beginners who have just starting out. It has enough power and capability to do most of the small crafts and easily enough.
The centering is just right but it is heavy. It main highlight is the great speed changeover. This ratcheting system is top-notch. Just a few clicks and you are off to roll.
The only thing that is a setback is that it occasionally reads the RPMs wrong on its digital reading. According the research and trusted reviews, this happens because of the low voltage.
Things We Liked
- Great for beginners
- Has variable speed
- Has smooth transition
Things We Didn't Like
- Heavy
- Occasionally wrong digital readings
Shop Fox Wood Lathe W1836 Bench Top
Short review
The Shop Fox is a great option for beginners who knows nothing and wants to try out the wood lathing. It is a basic tool that makes the most of small things but not good to work with large projects.
It is packed with ¾ motor with an excellent variable speed and a precise RPM digital readout. It also features speed control to ensure its accuracy. The swing over head is 12 inch and its two spindle ranges are 500 to 1800 RPM and the other one is 1000 to 3800 RPM.
Shop Fox also added an optional bed extension to offer you an option for larger lathe in a fraction of its price. With this, you can handle pieces up to 38 inch long; a great extension who loves to work on balusters and baseball bats.
The price is great for its value but its workmanship is a bit of a disappointment. The construction is made from China and it pretty hinders the work. Due to this, the accuracy and quality control suffers with it.
Things We Liked
- Great price for its value
- Good option for beginners
- Has variable speed
- Versatile
Things We Didn't Like
- Workmanship is a bit disappointing
PSI Midi Lathe Commander
Short review
PSI Midi Lathe allows you to work on very precise speeds thanks to its digital readout. Its variable speeds are 150 to 4100 RPM.
For a first-hand experience, this tool is a great choice. In fact, PSI has won several editors’ picks because of its great value and experience.
This lathe is a bit smaller than its other similar products. PSI has incorporated an extension bed and you can use it by choice. It also includes two tool rests. The first one is pretty short that is great to work on smaller spaces and for detailing. The other one is very large that is best used in work on the length of the spindle to rough it in.
One thing that ruins all the fun is that the customer service isn’t reliable. There are several reviews and complaints that had manufactured issues but didn’t handle it with care.
Things We Liked
- Has variable speeds
- Compact
- Great for beginners
- Has two tool rests
Things We Didn't Like
- Customer service isn’t reliable
Shop Fox Lathe Bench Top W1704
Short review
Shop Fox W1704 is a lovely and very smooth running lathe. It is made out of top quality materials and also has a variable speed feature.
For someone that wants to have a tool that works great to make pens and all the small adorable stuff, this is enough to do the work. Both speed and power is enough to make the small stuff in good shape.
You can adjust the RPM with its turning knob and you don’t have to open to change the belts. Not to mention, all those features fit the bill with the right price.
One more thing worth to note for is that this mini lathe got the accessories that is hard to find if you need or want them. In the package, you can expect that the bed extension and its curved tool rests will not last long. Thus, if you are going to grab for this guy, you will need to have a spare or two on your rack.
The bench top lathe has a 5 to ¾ faceplate that thread along the headstock spindle that is necessary for non-spindle turning. This feature will be helpful in making bowls and other such items that cannot be made on the tailstock. Its infinite variable speed spans from 700 to 3200 RPM; it is the ideal speed to turn on the hard and soft wood varieties.
Our trusted reviews mentioned that this product comes with a couple of issues. For one, the lock on its tool rest and the other is the tail stock slipping loose. They felt rigid and have slight mechanism errors but manageable.
Things We Liked
- Has variable speed
- Great features
- Made out of good quality
Things We Didn't Like
- Accessories are difficult to find
- Has slight mechanism errors
Shop Fox Mini Wood Lathe W1752
Short review
Fully constructed in iron, the Shop Fox W1752 has plenty of motor power and capable to turn 10 inch diameter bowls and can spindles 15 and a half inch long. You can set this guy up in six speeds ranging 480 to 4023 RPM.
Along with that, it also comes with an adjustable tool rest for proper support and also cam action clamping system for security when it an item is placed on the lathe bed.
Shop Fox keeps in mind the safety of its users so they redesigned their safety switch with their new removable lock-out key. It also comes with rubber feet that ensures easier leveling in stable way and has lessened the vibrations that it emits.
Its only drawback is that it is hard to find and order spare parts.
Things We Liked
- Efficient
- Powerful
- Upgraded features
Things We Didn't Like
- Hard to find and order spare parts
Grizzly Wood Lathe Bench Top H8259
Short review
Let’s start on the downside. First, the motor gets hot in constant use. It may be a big thing for you or some but it is all up to the user. The last one is that the tailstock’s lock down isn’t secure and tight enough. It gradually slips even if you manually tightened it.
Overall, the construction is very nice and solid. It works very quiet with no vibration. It has variable speeds as well.
Things We Liked
- Great construction
- Quiet
- Has variable speed
Things We Didn't Like
- Motor gets hot
- Tailstock’s lock down isn’t secure
Woodtek Lathe Midi 143009
Short review
The Woodtek Midi Lathe 10” is what anyone might say a “very well kept secret.” It has a very nice iron cast body and it surprisingly, aesthetically nice to look at. It has a pleasant round built and have vibrant color that is easy to the eyes to stare into.
This equipment is great also to work on pens and ornaments and such. Also, the price itself is great for its value.
They are not so much reviews about this grizzly wood lathe and we think that it is a bummer. From its form and features, we must say that it the Woodtek Midi is top-notch.
Things We Liked
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Great features
- Reasonably priced
Things We Didn't Like
- Not many people knows this
ADVANTAGES

5 Quick Essential Tips to Maximize a Lathe
With all the awesome things a wood lathe can produce, it's not hard to understand why woodworkers find the machine a must-have. It's like talent. You either have it or you don't. But if you have a lathe, that would mean making a baseball bat, a table's legs or a custom travel mug.
It's the "mother of all power tools". And this notion certainly holds water when you're talking about the lathe. Also dubbed as the oldest power tool in history, the wood lathe has made possible art on wood. Fact is the potter's act of shaping the clay while turning the material is an elementary example of how the wood lathe operates.
Now, as in everything else in your woodworking craft, you will have to learn the basics to master lathe operation. Before you fall into any untoward events, here are 5 helpful tips to guide your wood-turning. So you come up with great wood designs at lesser time. And with no incidents whatsoever.
1. Know the parts well
For you to effectively and properly use a lathe you would have to know that parts well enough. Once you know the parts very well then you wouldn’t have a problem handling the machine.
Stand and bed
Obviously from the name you can easily tell that the function of the stand is to hold the wood lathe. The type of stand a wood lathe has would determine its stability. The stand also helps raise the bed to different height.
The interesting thing is that most wood lathes have stands and beds. While those that don’t have are mounted on a table or workbench.
Power source
Every wood lathe has a power source but the power varies. Anyway, in modern wood lathes the power is driven by a belt or even a gear drive. That sure wasn’t the case with traditional wood lathes. They were actually driven by a flywheel or a treadle.
Most times the motor is located in the stand or is located in the headstock. Either way the wood lathe would still function effectively.
Headstock
The headstock is actually located on one end of its bed. And it also contains spinning bearings that are highly precise. The spindle is actually located within these bearings.
Speed changing mechanism
The headstock actually has parts that help convert motor speed into different spindle speeds. That way the wood lathe is able to move at a controlled speed. And with this a better result is obtained.
Tailstock
They are also known as loose head. It’s quite simple, by loosening a locking nut you can easily position the tailstock on any part of the bed. Once you’ve moved it to where it’s comfortable for you then you can now re-lock it.
2. Understand the basics
Every wood worker knows the importance of a wood lathe when handling projects. But not all wood worker knows the necessary steps and guides to take while using it.
Once you have a wood lathe in your workshop it’s advisable to go through the manufacturer’s manual. Get a glimpse of how to operate it. Things you have to do and things you must not do. That way it’s a lot easier for you.
At the same time you would have to go through the safety guides. So that when working you wouldn’t make a mistake that can cause you any form of injury.
Here are some of the basic steps you have to take.
Select the right tools
With so many brands and types out there you wouldn’t want to make the mistake of getting a tool that wouldn’t be useful for you. When you have a project at hand it’s important that you get the right tools.
First, choose the right wood lathe that would work well for that project. Depending on the type of finishing you want. Sometimes the size of the work piece would determine the size of the wood lathe.
Next, choose tools that would help in giving you a better result. With good tools you can be sure that your work will be a lot easier.
Now to the work piece. Choose the right dimension and thickness for your work piece. That way you wouldn’t overwork your wood lathe.
Prepare the wood
Once you have the work piece with you, you would have to prepare the wood for turning. In doing this you would have to square the stock and bevel its corners. That way it helps reduce the amount of wood to be removed.
Now you can cut the work piece into a desired length. It’s important that you cut the work piece according to the size of the wood lathe. That way it’s easier for the wood lathe to turn it.
Position the work piece
One thing you have to do is to position the work piece well on the wood lathe. You would have to push the tailstock until it’s positioned on the tail end of the stock.
Also the tool rest should be made parallel to the length of the work piece. It should be a bit close but not too close so that the stock would be able to move without hitting the tool rest.
Start turning
At first make sure that the wood lathe is in the lowest speed setting. Then you would have to place the chisel on the cutting edge and make sure that it’s clear of the work piece that’s rotating.
From time to time you would have to check on the progress of the cutting process. You have to clear away debris that accumulate while turning. At the same time you have to ensure that the diameter and length of the stock are even.
Finish the piece
One other thing you would have to do is finish the piece. You would have to do this using a sander. Smoothening out the surface of the wood provides for a very good finish. And gives the work piece a better look.
3. Maintain the wood lathe
One important thing you would have to do when using an equipment or machine is keeping it in good shape. If you fail to do this the equipment would suddenly stop working one day.
Before you use a wood lathe it’s important that you check for adjustments and lubrication. Ensure that everything is in order. Make sure that all the parts are well-lubricated. And that the bolts and nuts are not loose.
That way you are sure that the wood lathe would function properly.
The extent to which you use the wood lathe would determine how frequently maintenance should be. For frequent users you would have to worry about maintaining it frequently.
One thing you should always ensure as a user is that your lathe is always clean and free of grit.
4. Always take safety precautions
One thing a wood worker must always bear in mind is that staying safe is the most important thing while working. Since wood working deals with a lot of tools it’s important that you always protect yourself.
You would have to put on the necessary safety precautions wears. This way you know that you’re a bit safe while using the wood lathe.
At the same time don’t wear loose clothes while using a wood lathe. It can be very dangerous. Also wearing dangling jewelry as well could be very dangerous.
You have to put all these into consideration if you don’t want to harm youself while working.
5. Sharpen the tools
As much as you use the tools you would have to keep them sharp. Using blunt tools can be very annoying, stressful and also time consuming. So if you don’t want to go through all that always keep the tools sharp.
Also, for turning tools it’s a lot more delicate. The edges of the tools does not last long.
You could actually sharpen it yourself with a stone but it takes times and also requires skill. But with a dry grinder that isn’t needed. It easily sharpens the tools with ease.
6 Most Practical Safety Tips to Steer Clear of Injuries While Woodworking
Losing just strands of hair at times can be very disheartening for ladies. A part of their body is now gone. The full, good looking hair is becoming that scanty rough hair. A solution is the next thought that pops out of their minds.
Well, that’s actually understandable. Nobody wants to lose any part of the body.
But with woodworking so many workers are prone to so many injuries. And that’s actually because of the tools and equipment that is being used.
Is it possible to steer clear from all the injuries you could get in a workshop? Of course that’s possible. That’s why we’ve come up with this section.
Here you would find out 6 safety tips that would help you out. Read on.
1. Always pay attention
As much as driving is very interesting it could also be very dangerous. With driving there are a lot of rules to abide by. And not following one single rule out of the many could actually be very dangerous.
The same goes for woodworking. That’s why as a woodworker one skill you would have to learn is concentration. Not concentrating on your work can cause an injury.
If you’re a music lover, playing your favourite album could help a bit. But if not, then you would have to opt for other options.
2. Be at alert
It’s dangerous to drive when you’re feeling sleepy. You could hit someone or even run into a packed vehicle. That’s also how woodworking is.
Well, woodworking could be very tiring. But you have to make sure that you aren’t depriving your body of rest. You would have to rest well so that while working you’re at alert.
Not being at alert when using a table saw could cost you a finger. Especially if the table saw doesn’t have any mechanism to stop the saw from working when it comes in contact with your skin.
Once you feel sleepy you should just go get enough rest.
3. Follow the rules
As difficult as it is to follow the rules at times it’s also very important. If you don’t follow the rules then you should be ready to face the consequence.
The interesting thing is that rules are set in place to avoid these injuries. So to remain save you have to follow them strictly.
4. Use safety features
Wearing safety wears could also help save you from injuries. You have to put on the proper safety glasses, ear protection and hand gloves. That way you know that is anything is about the happen the safety wear would be attacked first before you.
5. Maintain machines and also tools
Even though this is very stressful you still have to do it. Once your tools and machine are in good shape they wouldn’t malfunction. As long as they don’t malfunction it reduces the risk of you getting injured.
With dull tools you would have to exert so much force. And the truth is that more force means less control. And once you lose control that can be very dangerous.
6. Give listening ear to your fear
In a workshop your fear isn’t your enemy instead it’s the other way round. When you feel something isn’t right stop what you’re doing and try to check. Check the bolts, screws and also other parts of the machine or tool.
Also if you don’t have the confidence to use a machine a tool then don’t use it. You might not be able to control it. And that can lead to an injury.
CONCLUSION

You really can’t put a price on quality. As any Grizzly wood lathe review will tell you, quality output is beyond the realm of just money. It gives you a satisfaction that simply can’t be bought.
So far, there are but a handful of names in the lathe industry that has made their mark. Attracting consumers by droves. Because of their unprecedented craftsmanship.
And you can count Grizzly as a top brand. Worldwide. Many wood lathe reviews point that out.
Some people may doubt that. But those who have tried the topnotch brand and have seen the results, cannot be dissuaded. The quality they’ve seen is more than enough for them to vouch for the strength of the brand.
When you are in the prowl for a distinct wood lathe that can serve your purpose, it’s wise to do a step-back before anything else. If you rush into the scene, into the marketplace head-on without looking thoroughly at your needs you could be in for a disaster.
Even with Grizzly lathes, there are a lot of models. You would be left at a great disadvantage if you don’t assess your situation as earnestly as possible.
Still, it’s with great pride that we tip our hats to Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1221VS
. All of the product offerings we’ve featured here are awesome in their own way. They’ve been vetted; they’ve proven their worth time and again.
But no product may have risen to the top than the Jet JWL Wood Lathe 1221VS. You judge a ball pen by how well it can produce quality writings. For a lathe, you judge it by how well it churns quality wood products.
And this model has fared a lot better than any on the planet. The proof is in the using. You see, there are more people who sing praises to this model than any other.
It speaks volume on the kind of Grizzly that awaits you here. Nothing but the best.
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