The Most Powerful Mini Wood Lathes 2018
With all the product offerings in the market today, zeroing in on a suitable mini wood lathe for you is no walk in the park. The decision gets even more challenging when you’re tight on the budget. You certainly don’t want to get way over your head on a sales blitz without proper due diligence on your side.
A mini wood lathe is a can’t-do-without instrument. That’s assuming you’re particular about awesome designs. If all you want to achieve with your wood projects is build a table and a chair, then there certainly is no need for you to get the best lathe in the market.
Fact is you may not need a lathe at all.
It’s therefore paramount on your part to do some introspection. What kinds of projects are you looking to accomplish? How much workload are you expecting? And most importantly, how inherently complex will these projects be?
If you’re targeting to achieve more with wood, then the lathe should be a must-have. It’s true; getting one will make your output a lot more stunning. And a lot more appealing.
You can try to do all the things that can be done with wood by yourself. Without any lathe machine doing your bidding. But it would cost you time. Tons of it.
And there may not be an assurance you can make it all happen.
Not so, with the best mini wood lathe. Which should mean the best midi lathe. Yes, it’s often interchangeable. With most wood turner relying on the midi lathe do get jaw-dropping designs out.
Should you be sitting on the fence, not knowing what to do, then read on. Your desire for an outstanding wood output starts here. For we’ve scoured the field to give you the most reliable midi lathes this side of the planet has seen.
Even better, we’re showing you each of these products stack against one another. So you can come up with a more educated decision on which is best for you. And get the most bang for your buck.
Grizzly H8295 bench Top Wood Lathe
Definitely not a big lathe you got here from Grizzly. Yes, with just a ½ HP motor, this one’s deserve to be one of the mini wood lathes. But as mini as this one is, it’s a powerhouse. No doubt about that.
First stop, you’re looking at a motor that can generate as much as 3,337 RPM. For a mini-motor that’s tough to beat indeed. Put in the mix all the other things you get when you do this one and not getting this one’s a tough sel. Tool rest, spur center and even your needed wrenches. Imagine that!
Jet JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
This 137-pound beast may not be what many would call as gargantuan. Definitely a mini lathe by any standard. But you can’t discount the fact that this one is one powerful machine that is hard to resist.
And best of all, you have unprecedented controls here. Making this one truly a great buy – should you go on ahead to get it. To note, this may be the only machine in the list that can go as low as 60 RPM. That’s one low rotation, truly. But that’s just for starters.
If you notice this Jet can soar up to 3600 RPM. Imagine all that power. But what’s head-turning is you’re in total control. Even with the wide range of speed, you can go from forward to reverse without hitch. It’s one smooth transition that is worth your precious dollars.
PSI TCLC10VS Woodworking Midi Lathe
This red model from PSI should stand out right from the beginning. Its color can certainly the human eye. No doubt about that. But you got raw power that for a Midi Lathe could be unmatched. Telling you this one shouldn’t be placed last on your list.
You have a ¾ HP motor here that gives you perhaps the strongest RPM in the list. That motor churns as much as 4100 RPM. No, kidding! That’s a lot for any mini wood lathe. Add the digital read-out and you know, you got precision right from Day 1 when you work on this one. Then again, this one may not be on top of your list if you’re particular about the price.
Jet JWL-1015VS Woodworking Lathe
Should your primary concern be that you get a good lathe minus the exorbitant price, then this Jet should win hands down. This one’s not pricey at all. And may in fact be in the running as the cheapest of the bunch.
But definitely top of the line. Even with its less hefty price tag, you got a long list of reason to consider this a great buy. Note that the ½ HP machine may not be the most powerful but it is still capable of winning your heart. Why? This motor can give you as low as 200 RPM but as high as 3600 RPM. That’s a lot of range. Add its widely-integrated 24-position for indexing and you know this one’s a treasure find. Minus the heavy price tag.
Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe
Well, if you’ve been wowed by the cheapest in our list, then you should jump for joy seeing this one. This Shop Fox we have here is so cheap, you might think you’re buying a vacuum cleaner. No kidding!
But it’s all filled with prowess and powerful features. The 1/3 HP motor here as much as 3,200 RPMs. Imagine that. Best of all you don’t get just one but two tool rests. Telling you this one is tough to beat – especially if you’re tight on the budget.
Let's Compare The Most Powerful Mini Wood Lathes 2018
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Price | Product Dimension | Total Review | Product Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Grizzly H8295 bench Top Wood Lathe | 33 x 17 x 12 pounds | 77 pounds | ||
Jet JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe | 32.8 x 14.6 x 21.2 inches | 137 pounds | ||
PSI TCLC10VS Woodworking Midi Lathe | 40 x 19 x 14 inches | 89.45 pounds | ||
Jet JWL-1015VS Woodworking Lathe | 35 x 18.1 x 14.6 inches | 73 pounds | ||
Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe | 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 pounds | 50.75 pounds | ||
Nova 46301 Comet II Midi Lathe | 33 x 9 x 18 inches | 81 pounds | ||
Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe | 36 x 11 x 17.8 inches | 97 pounds | ||
Shop fox W1752 Mini Wood Lathe | 37.3 x 18 x 12.3 inches | 100.2 pounds | ||
Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe | 33.8 x 18 x 11.5 inches | 91.4 pounds | ||
Excelsior Mini Lathe |
Grizzly H8295 bench Top Wood Lathe
Short review
First on our list is a Grizzly product that is of solid construction. This mini wood lathe is well-built with the right features that gives it an amazing structure. Which is why this unit right here is an expert at withstanding so much stress.
Also, with its single phase motor this unit is able to move at different speeds. It has varying speeds from 826 rpm to 3337 rpm. And with this you would be able to have better control of the wood lathe.
At the same time you would be able to get a better output with your project.
Normally you would think that something this small wouldn’t be able to withstand so much vibration. But that isn’t the case. This guy right here makes little or no noise while you use. And if offers a vibration free operation.
At least this way you would be able to gain better control of the work piece while you work on it.
Some customers though have complained about this mini wood lathe. And the complaint is that the motor gets heated up fast. It gets so hot that you wouldn’t be able to touch it.
But still given its unique features this is one of the best mini wood lathes in town.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Jet JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
Short review
Next on our list is an amazing Jet product. This Jet model is known to be one of the best mini wood lathe that you can ever come across. Which is why so many customers are raving about this particular product.
We wouldn’t be surprised if you decide to opt for this particular product on the long run.
Since this unit is quite portable you would expect it to perform in its small capacity. But no, this guy right here works more than its size. With a very strong motor this unit offers varying speeds.
The speed varies from 60 rpm to 3600 rpm. With this you are given a better opportunity to control how fast your wood lathe would be moving. And with this you wouldn’t have a problem getting a better result.
Also if you are just getting a wood lathe for the first time then this would be a good option to opt for. The reason is because it allows for you to easily control it. And even as a beginner using it would be very easy.
One problem though that some customers had with this unit is that it wasn’t well-packaged upon arrival.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
PSI TCLC10VS Woodworking Midi Lathe
Short review
You don’t need a third eye to know that this is one of the best mini wood lathe that you can ever use. And this because this particular product is well-built with features that make your work a lot easier. Its parts are put in place for the right purposes.
One unique feature that this product has is its digital readout. And this is because not every mini wood lathe you find out there has a digital readout. With this digital readout you would be able to easily control the varying speeds.
With this unit you have varying speeds ranging from 150 rpm to 4100 rpm. This way you are able to gain better control while shaping and cutting your work piece. And at the same time it makes your work a lot easier.
It also has a work light that makes it easier for you to see while you work. Especially when it’s a bit dark. This way you wouldn’t make mistakes while doing your work. And this in turn provides a better output for you.
Even though this known as one of the best mini wood lathe in town it still has its flaws. One of which is that it isn’t durable. Some customers have complained about it not being able to withstand a lot of stress and compression.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Jet JWL-1015VS Woodworking Lathe
Short review
We have right here another Jet product. And just like every other Jet product out there this one is also known for its quality and durability. But if you think this is just like every other one you’ve come across then you must be mistaken. This one right here is unique in its features.
You would expect something so powerful to make so much noise right? Well that isn’t the case for this guy right here. Although it is so powerful when it comes to working it makes little or no noise while you use it.
So you can be sure that while you work you wouldn’t be disturbed or even disturb people around you.
At the same time it has a comprehensive manual that can guide you on what to do when you want to use this unit right here. Which is why this model is very suitable for beginners that have no idea on how to operate a mini wood lathe.
Also, with its easy to access on and off switch you wouldn’t have a problem using this piece. This as a whole makes it very easy for you to operate and handle this unit right here.
One thing though that can be improved are parts that are of low quality. If these parts are replaced with high quality parts then this model would be a lot better.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe
Short review
Next on list is another amazing mini wood lathe. This Shop fox product is one of the best amongst its kind. And you can be sure that you wouldn’t getting this unit.
With its cast iron construction, this unit is strong. This material allows for the durability of this wood lathe. Which is why it is able to withstand so much stress and tension and still remain intact.
That way you can be sure that this unit would last for a very long time. Just going customers reviews you can tell that they used this unit for quite some time. And yours wouldn’t be an exception.
Well, this mini wood lathe is particularly good for beginners. The reason is because the motor power isn’t so strong. For experts this might be a great disadvantage though.
Not to digress, this weak motor power allows for you to easily control this unit. Also, once it comes in contact with a work piece that it can’t handle it stops. For beginners that’s a lot better than having a wood lathe that you wouldn’t be able to handle.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Nova 46301 Comet II Midi Lathe
Short review
This next mini wood lathe on our list is known to be one of the most versatile and innovative wood lathes in town. It is able to perform a wide range of functions. And the good thing is that it does it within a short period of time.
So if you’re looking for a mini wood lathe that would be able to accommodate different types of projects this is a good option to opt for.
With this you can be sure that you would have better and greater outputs.
One other thing about this wood lathe is that even though it is so small it delivers the stability and capacity of a large wood lathe. Yeah, you heard that tight. This guy right here performs way more than its size.
So if you’re looking for a wood lathe that wouldn’t compromise its small size with its performance then you are at the right spot.
At the same time this comes at a really affordable price. So you wouldn’t have to break into a bank just to have this in your workshop.
One issue though that some customers had with this product is its headstock. If this can be improved then it would receive more acceptance from customers.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe
Short review
For a Delta product you would expect much. Well, you would be right to think that this product right here can offer a lot. Because it actually does. And with its unique features it has crept into the hearts of so many.
It has a powerful motor that helps move this lathe at a very fast rate. With this strong motor this unit is able to take on many projects. And not just any project but heavy duty jobs.
At the same time it is able to provide variable speed. This allows for consistency and also precision. So while working you can be sure that you would be able have precise cuts. Which in turn gives you an amazing output.
This is one of the many reasons why this unit right here is one of the best midi lathe in town.
One thing though that Delta lacks is quality control. And this has been the complaint of some customers.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Shop fox W1752 Mini Wood Lathe
Short review
When it comes to ease of use this is one of the best mini wood lathes in town. It has features and controls that are easy to access. And with this you wouldn’t have a problem using this wood lathe.
Also, it has an adjustable tool rest that provides the necessary support for the turning tool you will be using. This rest can be easily adjusted to your desired height. And this can be done with the use of locking handles that are easy to use.
Similarly, this tool is very durable. So it can withstand so much stress and external force. And it would still remain intact for a long time.
One problem though is that getting spare parts for this unit is quite difficult.
Even with this it still remains one of the best midi wood lathe you can ever use.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe
Short review
Mere looking at this mini lathe you would know that this is one of the best in town. Interestingly this is known as the largest min wood lathe in the industry. And when you talk of features, it is known to have unique features. Which is why you would always find it on every review list for the best min wood lathe in town.
First, this unit has the ability to change speed easily and fast. This way you wouldn’t have a problem controlling the wood lathe. And at the same helps you save a bit of time while you’re working.
Also, when it comes to ejecting the tailstock you have nothing to worry about. This unit’s tailstock is self-ejecting. You wouldn’t have to use a knock-out bar before it comes off. And with this you can be sure that you wouldn’t waste so much time doing that.
One thing though that can be improved is the way the parts are assembled. Some customers have complained about having assembly defects which isn’t so good.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Excelsior Mini Lathe
Short review
The last on our list is this Excelsior product, but it’s certainly not the least. With this mini lathe you would be able to perform a wide range of functions. This way you are able to attend to more customers.
Also its chrome finish allows for it to withstand rust and chemicals. This way it remains intact even after a long period of time. And with this you wouldn’t have to buy a replacement anytime soon.
Similarly, purchasing this unit is quite easy. It’s affordable and also accessible. So you wouldn’t have to pay through you nose to have one of this in your workshop.
One thing though that customers have complained about is that the motor isn’t strong enough. And this limits the amount of work you can do on this mini wood lathe.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
ADVANTAGES
Top Ten Factors to Put Into Consideration before Purchasing a Wood Lathe
Going shopping isn’t something so easy. Especially when you’re the picky type. You would sure find things that are close to what you want but will not fit exactly. That’s the thing, there isn’t any perfect item out there.
But with the right features you can turn it into something perfect for you.
The same goes with buying a wood lathe. It’s a bit difficult to make the right choice. Especially when it’s your first time. So we have come up with 10 factors you have to put into consideration before buying your wood lathe.
Once these factors are put in place then you would be able to get a very good wood lathe, read on.
1. Ease of use
As a woodworker this is one of the most important factors that you have to put in place. And this is because this would determine how well you can use the unit.
When getting a wood lathe you must ensure that its features are easy to use. And also easy to access. This way you wouldn’t have a problem getting an accurate result.
Also you must ensure that it’s efficient enough to handle so many tasks. And that’s with it being simple even in design.
You could actually test different machines to ensure that it’s comfortable to use and also easy to use. That way you have a wider variety to pick from.
2. Weight
As much as using a lightweight wood lathe is advantageous, it could also be a disadvantage. And the reason is simply because it wouldn’t be able to handle so much work. Also, you would need to use so many other things so that it would be balanced while you’re using it.
But with a heavyweight wood lathe that isn’t the case. It is usually very stable while using it. And is also able to handle so much work.
A lightweight wood lathe would be advantageous if you always have projects to do on different jobsites. And a heavyweight wood lathe wouldn’t be so suitable for that job.
So you have to put all these into consideration before getting your wood lathe.
3. Speed
The speed is also very important for a wood lathe. Because it is what would determine how many projects you would be able to handle per day. And this would automatically determine how many customers you can attend to.
So you have to make sure that it works at an amazing speed. This way you are sure that you would be able to attend to a lot of projects. And at the same time you wouldn’t have any delay when it comes to meeting deadlines.
4. Power
A wood lathe that isn’t powerful is apparently useless. And this is because its power would determine how well it can work. For a wood lathe that is very powerful handling heavy duty jobs wouldn’t be a problem.
But on the other hand when it isn’t powerful you wouldn’t expect much from it. It wouldn’t be able to handle heavy duty jobs. And at the same time it wouldn’t be able to work at an amazing rate.
5. Motor
In any machine a motor is its driving force. Normally a motor is like the most important part of a machine. And that’s because it wouldn’t function without its motor. That’s why you have to make sure that the motor is good enough for the job.
For a wood lathe the motor is very important because this would determine the load of work it can take. If the motor isn’t the strong it would keep going off while doing your work. And that’s because the work load is usually too much for a weak motor.
But with a strong motor you can save yourself from all these problems. It would be able to take on a large work load without going off. This way you get to work a bit faster and also save time.
6. Vibration
Most wood working machines out there are known to be an expert at vibrating. But the truth is that there are still some that offer vibration free operation. And that’s what you need for a smooth operation.
Well, some manufacturers indicate that the machine is vibration-free while some don’t. So it’s your duty to do a bit of research on the wood lathe. And find out if it’s something that you can comfortably work with.
7. Noise
The same goes with the amount of noise your wood lathe goes. Most wood lathes out there are also well-known for the amount of noise they make. But some still make little or no noise. Which is what you need.
You might presently think it doesn’t really matter but it does. When your wood lathe doesn’t make so much noise it’s easier for you to concentrate. And also you would have to disturb others that are working around you.
8. Price
Here is another great factor you would have to put into consideration. There’s a budget when you want to buy something. And it’s important that you work within that budget to get what you need.
Anyway, it’s true that most quality products out there are expensive but not all. There are actually some quality products that come at affordable prices.
Don’t be deceived by the price tag on that wood lathe. It might not be as good as you expect.
Instead make enough research about the wood lathe. Ensure it’s up to standard. And also make sure that it is work every penny.
9. Types of wood
The type of wood you specialize in would determine the type of wood lathe you would want to get. With different types of wood lathe out there you would not want to get one that wouldn’t suit your need.
So ask around for that specific one that would suit your needs. That way would be able to maximize using your wood lathe.
10. Size
The type of projects you want to make with your wood turner would determine its size. And this is because different sizes can handle different project sizes.
For a small project a mini lathe would do. While for larger projects you would have to opt for a floor lathe.
The thing with floor lathes is that they are a lot more powerful than the mini lathes. But they take up quite an amount of space.
So you would have to weigh the features and determine which one would best suit you.
Know the Parts and Save Your Time
When you’re new to a certain skill it takes time to grow and be an expert. And that’s particularly true for any skill you are trying to learn. But the fact is that once you’re familiar with the tools you wouldn’t have a problem wrapping your hands around it.
The same goes for woodworking. It’s an art that is particularly good at using so many tools. And you would have to know these tools so that working would be a lot easier.
So to save you from the agony of surfing the internet to search for these tools, we have a compilation. Here you would find out about the necessary tools. And with this you would be able to spend lesser time while work. Let’s have a quick look at these tools.
1. Drill chucks
This is one important tool that you should know when you’re using a wood lathe. What a drill chuck does is to hold in place the bit while you’re working. The hold the bit tightly in place and don’t loosen it.
The good thing is that it still holds it in place even when there’s a large amount of torque.
The thing is that most lathe drill chucks out there come with removable jaws. And they are usually tightened by a special tool. That tool is a chuck key. With this chuck key each jaw is tightened separately.
2. Boring bars
This next tool is used for drilling in woodworking. It is usually static in shape and at the same time it is used for making circular plunge cuts.
Actually this is one of the many attachments that come with a wood lathe.
So when you want to buy your wood lathe you can also check for other wood lathe attachments. There you would be able to find a boring tool. But when you’re getting it ensure you get a holder for it.
It’s important you get a holder so that your tools would be a lot more organized.
3. Center Finder
Here is another important tool that you must have when using a wood lathe. And this is because it makes your work a lot easier.
A center finder obviously from its name helps find the center of a stock. Why is it even important to find the center of the stock? Well, that’s to make the cutting process a lot easier.
Now, back to a center finder, there are actually many versions of this tool. One side of the tool would detect the diagonal line of a square stock. While the other side would detect the diagonal line on a round stock.
You can easily find the center by locating two opposite diagonal lines.
4. Tenon tool
This tool right here is very suitable for delicate turnings. You can get a clean sharp and accurate turn with a tenon tool.
There are actually many types of tenon tools. And their use vary from type to type. So depending on the purpose for which you want to use it for you would have to make that decision.
5. Chisel
This is the last tool that you should know as a woodworker. But it’s not the least. This is like the most common tool among wood workers. And even people that aren’t familiar with wood works.
A chisel tool has a cutting edge. And with this you can carve or cut hard materials. Some chisel types have metal or wooden handle.
With a chisel you would have to force the blade into the wood. You can either use your hand or a hammer to force the chisel into the material.
A gouge which is a type of chisel is suitable for woodworking, sculpture and woodturning.
The good thing about chisels is that it can be used to shape out a wood. But the thing is that it’s stressful. Unlike a wood lathe you would have to exert so much effort while using it.
There are actually many types of chisel. Ranging from corner chisel, carving chisels, butt chisel and also many other. So you have a wide variety of options to use from.
And depending on the type of project you have you would have to make the choice on which chisel would best suit your need.
CONCLUSION
As a beginner, getting the mini wood lathe will sound very timely. It should be within your budget. Needless to say, bigger lathes would cost you more. Especially if you’re projects are not that big. It’s just logical.
Or your working space is limited. All of this should tell you to proceed with caution.
Before you decide on buying a mini wood lathe which more often than not take you to the best midi lathe, you should take time to consider things well. We call this due diligence.
Without doing such you could be in for a lot of trouble. To tell you, bigger lathes can accommodate both small wood being turned as well as the bigger ones. A smaller mini wood lathe wouldn’t be able to function as well. And in fact is severely limited to smaller projects.
If you’re looking at accomplishing lighter duty like making candle holders then the midi lathe would be spot on. But if you’re looking at making table legs or baseball bats, then these diminutive lathes are way out of their league.
Then of course, there’s the amount of workspace that you have. These power tools occupy space.
With all these things considered, it’s understandable why we tip our hats to Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe. For sure, all the product presented herein are worth looking into. Some of them should catch your fancy.
But sheer logic dictates, the product that has produced the best results should supersede the rest. And when it comes to results, there has been none that has caught so much praise and attention as this one.
You can gauge the effectivity of a medicine by how much it has given comfort to the one who took it. On the same token, you can gauge the effectivity of a wood lathe by how happy the users have become after using it.
And this one has produced the most in terms of happy faces. You can second-guess its results. You may not believe it’s true. But experience over time cannot be made up. Especially when people are shouting the merits from the top of their voices.
Given these circumstances, we believe it’s best to take heed.