Woodworking is a timeless craft that has been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most essential tools for any woodworker is a wood lathe. A wood lathe is a machine that rotates a piece of wood on its axis, allowing the woodworker to shape it with a variety of cutting tools.
If you’re new to woodworking, a beginner wood lathe is an excellent investment. It allows you to learn the craft without breaking the bank or investing in a more expensive, professional-grade lathe. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start.
When shopping for a beginner wood lathe, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the size of the lathe. A smaller lathe is ideal for beginners because it’s easier to use and requires less space. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the motor’s horsepower, as a more powerful motor will allow you to work with larger pieces of wood. Finally, you’ll want to think about the lathe’s overall durability and ease of use.
After researching and testing various beginner wood lathes, we’ve identified the ones that offer the best combination of affordability, quality, and ease of use. In the following section, we’ll take a closer look at each of these lathes and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Best Beginner Wood Lathes
If you’re new to woodturning, finding the right lathe can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beginner wood lathes to help you get started. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more advanced machine, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
WEN 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe
If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable wood lathe, the WEN 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe is a great option. It’s perfect for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces. The variable speed can be adjusted anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM, and the soft-start 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor and maximize safety.
Pros
- The WEN Mini Wood Lathe is affordable and perfect for beginners.
- The variable speed can be adjusted anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM.
- The soft-start 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor and maximize safety.
Cons
- The motor stalls on aggressive cuts.
- It’s not powerful enough for larger projects.
- The working area is narrow, and the tailstock moves less than an inch.
The WEN 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Wood Lathe is a great option for beginners who want to try their hand at woodturning without breaking the bank. It comes with an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper to tightly grip workpieces, two tool rests (4-1/2 inch and 7 inch) to provide needed support for chisels and tools during operation, and a 2.3-inch faceplate for non-spindle workpieces. The lever clamping system makes adjustments to both the tool rest and the tailstock simple and precise.
One of the downsides of this lathe is that the motor stalls on aggressive cuts, so it’s not powerful enough for larger projects. Additionally, the working area is narrow, and the tailstock moves less than an inch. However, if you’re just starting out with woodturning and want an affordable option to practice on, the WEN Mini Wood Lathe is a great choice.
Yellowhammer Turning Tools Essentials 8 Piece Lathe Chisel Set
If you’re a beginner or intermediate wood turner and looking for a budget-friendly set of lathe chisels, the Yellowhammer Turning Tools Essentials 8 Piece Lathe Chisel Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 8 essential chisels that meet the majority of your turning needs.
- The chisels have high-speed steel blades that outlast standard carbon blades by 6 to 1.
- The beech handles offer improved grip and control.
Cons
- The chisels need to be sharpened before use.
- The steel is not as robust as more expensive sets.
- The box that the chisels come in is not very sturdy.
The Yellowhammer Turning Tools Essentials 8 Piece Lathe Chisel Set is a versatile set that is suitable for turners of all skill levels. The set includes 1 each of 5/8″ Shear Scraper, 3/16″ Parting Tool, 5/8″ Round Nose Scraper, 5/8″ Skew Chisel, 1″ Skew Chisel, 1/2″ Bowl Gouge, 7/8″ Roughing Gouge, and 1″ Roughing Gouge.
The high-speed steel blades make the chisels durable and long-lasting, while the beech handles offer improved grip and control. However, the chisels need to be sharpened before use, and the steel is not as robust as more expensive sets. Additionally, the box that the chisels come in is not very sturdy.
Overall, the Yellowhammer Turning Tools Essentials 8 Piece Lathe Chisel Set is a great budget-friendly option for beginners and intermediate wood turners.
EVTSCAN Mini Wood Lathe
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful wood lathe, the EVTSCAN Mini Wood Lathe is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Pros
- Unleash your creativity with ease and precision on a variety of materials, from hardwoods to plastics.
- The adjustable rotary speed ranging from 4000 to 7000 RPM provides unmatched control for different projects and materials.
- The convenient on/off switch and chuck clamping range of 0.6-6.0mm make it easy to operate and adjust.
Cons
- The maximum processing diameter of 50mm and length of 145mm may not be sufficient for larger projects.
- The 100W brushed motor may not be as powerful as some other models on the market.
- The product is relatively new and has limited reviews.
The EVTSCAN Mini Wood Lathe is a versatile and user-friendly machine that comes with everything you need to get started, including a grinding machine, plate, drill clamp, and hex wrench. The compact size and efficient 150W motor make it easy to handle and store, while the swivel diameter of 50mm enables even more versatile creations.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the EVTSCAN Mini Wood Lathe is a great investment for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and craft exquisite designs from a variety of materials.
Vevor Wood Lathe
If you’re a beginner looking for a wood lathe, the Vevor Wood Lathe is a great option to consider. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor and four adjustable speeds, making it easy to find the right speed for your project.
Pros
- The powerful motor starts softly, offering maximum safety and low noise.
- The adjustable belts can be adjusted with ease and accuracy within 3400 RPM, 1100, 1600, 2300, 3400 RPM available.
- With a 40″ (1000mm) distance between centers and a cutting diameter of 14″ (350mm), this lathe has a large work capacity.
Cons
- The solid steel construction makes it heavy, so it’s not as portable as some other lathes.
- The included chisels may not be the highest quality, so you may want to purchase additional tools.
- Some users have reported issues with the motor being weak or the belt falling off at high speeds.
Overall, the Vevor Wood Lathe is a solid choice for beginners who want a reliable, powerful lathe at an affordable price. With some additional tools and accessories, you can tackle a wide range of woodworking projects with ease.
CXRCY 8″ x 12″ Wood Lathe
If you’re looking for a beginner wood lathe that’s easy to use and comes with all the necessary tools, the CXRCY 8″ x 12″ Wood Lathe might be just what you need.
Pros
- The lathe has a large working capacity, allowing you to work on various sizes of workpieces up to 12 inches in length and 8 inches in diameter.
- The speed of the lathe can be infinitely controlled within 750-3200 RPM, allowing you to choose the right speed for the job.
- The lathe comes with additional tools like chisels, a knockout rod, an open-end wrench, and a faceplate, making it a complete package for beginners.
Cons
- The torque of the lathe is not enough for larger or tougher projects, and it’s easy to stall the machine.
- The headstock and tailstock are slightly misaligned, which can affect precision.
- Some customers reported issues with threaded holes and tool rests that are too tall, making it difficult to turn wood.
Overall, the CXRCY 8″ x 12″ Wood Lathe is a good option for beginners who want a complete package at an affordable price. Just be aware that it might not be suitable for larger or tougher projects.
UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe
If you’re looking for a beginner wood lathe, the UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe is a great option.
Pros
- Infinitely variable speeds for your requirement
- 1/3HP copper motor provides enough power for turning small projects
- Sturdy construction provides long years of reliable service
Cons
- Distance between centers is only 12 inches
- Only suitable for small workpieces
- No reviews available yet
The UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe is easy to use and adjust, with a solid structure that runs smooth and quiet. The infinitely variable speeds make it a great woodworking lathe machine fit for beginners or professional woodworkers. The upgrade chip control box has the function of power-off protection to prevent the machine overload.
The body of this wood lathe is made from solid cast iron, with stainless steel handle, strong and rugged construction that provides long years of reliable service. The compact and small size design make it ideal for working in a limited space, with the features of high speed of low noise, slight vibration, and high durability.
You can adjust the distance between centers by moving the tailstock. Two tool rests are included, which could be fixed by a whole steel handle. With elastic protective goggles, you can protect your eyes during work. The UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe provides lifetime free replacement for the belt and 2 years warranty for our benchtop lathe, free return or replacement within 30 days.
If you’re a beginner or a professional woodworker looking for a compact and reliable wood lathe machine, the UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe is definitely worth considering.
YWY Mini Lathe Machine Tool
If you’re a beginner looking for a small and portable lathe machine, the YWY Mini Lathe Machine Tool could be a great option for you.
Pros
- Specially designed for the home DIY enthusiasts and hobbies, small and portable size with strong power.
- Super large torque ball bearing motor, maximum rotating speed up to 8000RPM providing ultra strong cutting power with low noise, you can use it at home.
- Transparent organic dustproof glass cover with super convective cooling hole, the welding line is covered with a full heat shrinkable tube.
Cons
- Limited by low torque, so you may be limited in what materials and sizes you can use.
- Some accessories may not be useful.
- Not suitable for metal materials.
This mini lathe machine is perfect for small woodworking projects, such as ring and jewelry making. It comes with a large torque ball bearing motor that provides strong cutting power with low noise. The transparent organic dustproof glass cover with super convective cooling hole ensures that the machine stays cool while you work.
The YWY Mini Lathe Machine Tool is designed for home DIY enthusiasts and hobbies, making it a great option for beginners. It’s small and portable, so you can use it at home without taking up too much space. The machine also comes with 7 levels of power adapter, so you can adjust the rotating speed easily to meet different cutting speed.
One downside of this machine is that it’s limited by low torque, so you may be limited in what materials and sizes you can use. Additionally, some of the accessories may not be useful for your projects. Finally, it’s important to note that this machine is not suitable for metal materials.
Overall, the YWY Mini Lathe Machine Tool is a great option for beginners who want a small and portable lathe machine for woodworking projects. It’s affordable, easy to use, and comes with a variety of accessories to help you get started.
DEEFIINE Carbide Tip Wood Lathe Turning Tool Kit
If you are looking for a reliable and efficient wood lathe tool kit, the DEEFIINE Carbide Tip Wood Lathe Turning Tool Kit is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Sharp and easy to use
- High-quality CNC machining for durability
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
Cons
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty projects
- Requires proper maintenance for longevity
- May take some time to get used to the different cutters
The DEEFIINE Carbide Tip Wood Lathe Turning Tool Kit is designed to provide a smooth and clean cutting effect for any workpiece on your lathe. With four types of cutters for different grinding effects, you can easily replace the blade when it becomes dull, saving you a lot of time when grinding and honing.
Made of high-quality CNC-machined square stainless steel, the tool kit is stronger, harder, and rolls less than round shaft tools, ensuring durability and longevity. The square shaft also allows the knife to be used with a flat back, keeping the shelf flat and flush with the floor.
The indexable carbide tool blade can be rotated or replaced to provide a new cutting edge when needed, making it easier to use for different projects. The turning tool is also equipped with a frosted handle that fits comfortably in the hand and an extension handle that can be used in deeper scenes, aluminum oxide alloy handles for grip, comfort, and durability, making it a safe choice.
The kit includes one handle and one extension bar, three tool bars with carbide cutters (round, square, diamond), one swan neck carbide cutter hollowing tool, one T15 wrench, one Allen wrench, and one aluminum storage case.
Overall, the DEEFIINE Carbide Tip Wood Lathe Turning Tool Kit is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable and efficient tool kit for their lathe. With its ergonomic design, high-quality CNC machining, and sharp and easy-to-use cutters, this tool kit is a great investment for any woodworker.
Mophorn Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable beginner wood lathe chisel set, the Mophorn Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set is a great option. The set includes 8 essential chisels made from high-speed steel and comes in a beautifully crafted wooden box for easy storage and transportation.
Pros
- The chisels are made from high-speed steel and feature a sharp edge and fine grinding, making them durable and accurate.
- The set includes 8 essential chisels, including gauge chisels, skew chisels, round nose scraper, standard parting, and diamond parting, as well as a free 5/8″ chisel.
- The handles are made from solid red eucalyptus wood, which is ergonomically designed for comfortable turning jobs.
Cons
- The blades are tightly connected to the handle by durable brass ferrules, which can be challenging to remove for sharpening.
- The chisels may require frequent sharpening, especially when working with hardwoods.
- The set may not include all the chisels needed for advanced turning projects.
The Mophorn Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set is an excellent choice for beginners looking to get started with woodturning. The set includes all the essential chisels needed for basic turning projects and comes in a beautiful wooden case for easy storage and transportation.
The high-speed steel blades are durable and accurate, ensuring a smooth and precise turning experience. The handles are ergonomically designed for comfortable use, making it easy to work on turning projects for extended periods.
One of the downsides of the set is that the blades are tightly connected to the handle by durable brass ferrules, which can be challenging to remove for sharpening. Additionally, the chisels may require frequent sharpening, especially when working with hardwoods.
Overall, the Mophorn Woodworking Lathe Chisel Set is an excellent investment for beginners looking to get started with woodturning. It is affordable, reliable, and comes in a beautiful wooden case for easy storage and transportation.
Buying Guide
When choosing a wood lathe as a beginner, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look out for:
Size and Weight
Consider the size and weight of the wood lathe you want to purchase. If you have limited space, a smaller lathe may be more suitable. However, if you plan to work on larger projects, a heavier and more robust lathe may be necessary.
Motor Power
The motor power of a wood lathe is an essential feature to consider. A higher horsepower motor will allow you to work with more substantial pieces of wood and perform more challenging tasks. However, if you are a beginner, a lower horsepower motor may be more appropriate.
Variable Speed Control
Variable speed control is a feature that allows you to adjust the speed of your lathe to suit the type of wood you are working with. This feature is useful for beginners who are still learning how to work with different types of wood.
Bed Length
The bed length of a wood lathe is the distance between the headstock and the tailstock. A longer bed length will allow you to work on more extended pieces of wood. However, if you have limited space, a shorter bed length may be more suitable.
Accessories
Consider the accessories that come with the wood lathe. Some lathes come with a range of accessories, such as chisels, faceplates, and tool rests. These accessories can be useful for beginners who are just starting.
In summary, when choosing a wood lathe as a beginner, consider the size and weight, motor power, variable speed control, bed length, and accessories. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a wood lathe that is best suited to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential features to look for in a beginner wood lathe?
As a beginner, you want to look for a wood lathe that has a sturdy construction, a variable speed control, and a good range of speed options. A lathe with a swing of at least 12 inches and a distance between centers of at least 16 inches is recommended. You should also look for a lathe with a tailstock that can be easily moved along the bed, and a tool rest that can be adjusted to different angles.
How much should I expect to invest in a starter wood turning setup?
The cost of a starter wood turning setup can vary depending on the quality and features of the lathe, as well as the accessories you choose to purchase. Generally, you can expect to invest anywhere from $300 to $1000 for a good quality beginner wood lathe and basic accessories such as a chuck, live center, and tool rest.
Which wood species are recommended for those new to lathe work?
When starting out with a wood lathe, it’s best to work with softer woods such as pine, cedar, and basswood. These woods are easier to turn and will allow you to get a feel for the lathe and the tools. As you gain more experience, you can move on to harder woods such as maple, oak, and walnut.
Can you suggest any simple projects for a woodworking novice with a lathe?
For a novice woodworker, simple projects such as a wooden pen, a small bowl, or a spinning top are great projects to start with. These projects will allow you to practice basic lathe techniques and gain confidence in your skills.
What horsepower is adequate for a wood lathe used by beginners?
For a beginner wood lathe, a motor with 1/2 to 1 horsepower is adequate. This will provide enough power to turn small to medium-sized projects without overloading the motor.
What are the best value wood lathes available for under $1000?
Some of the best value wood lathes available for under $1000 include the Jet JWL-1015, the Rikon 70-100, and the Delta Industrial 46-460. These lathes offer a good balance of features and quality at an affordable price point.
