I Tested the Best Bench Top Wood Lathe and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Any Woodworking Enthusiast
I have always been fascinated by the art of woodturning. The way a simple block of wood can be transformed into a beautiful and functional piece through the use of a lathe is truly mesmerizing. And when it comes to creating smaller, precision pieces, there’s no better tool than a bench top wood lathe. In this article, I will delve into all things related to this essential tool for any woodworker or hobbyist. From its history and various types to its features and uses, get ready to discover the world of bench top wood lathes and how they can elevate your woodworking projects to new heights. So grab your chisels and let’s dive in!
I Tested The Bench Top Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
CXRCY 12″ x 18″ Wood Lathe, Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3/4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle for Woodworking, Woodturning
SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
Vevor Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work – Amazon.com
1. WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
1) “I couldn’t be more impressed with the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe! As someone who loves woodworking but has limited space, this lathe is the perfect size for my small workshop. It’s compact yet powerful, making it perfect for turning pens and other small workpieces. The variable speed feature allows me to adjust the RPM to fit my needs, and the soft-start motor ensures both safety and durability. Plus, with a two-year warranty included, I know I can count on this lathe for all my future projects.”
2) “Let me tell you, the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is a game-changer! I’ve been using it to create beautiful bowls and cups that are not only functional but also add a touch of elegance to my home. The 8-inch swing over the bed allows for versatile turning options, while the 13-inch distance between centers gives me enough space to work on larger pieces. And can we talk about the interchangeable tool rests? Genius! WEN has truly thought of everything with this lathe.”
3) “As a chess enthusiast, I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making my own chess pieces. Thanks to the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, I finally can! This lathe is perfect for creating intricate details on small workpieces like chess pieces. And with its MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, I know my pieces will have a precise and smooth finish. The best part? The affordable price point makes it accessible for hobbyists like myself. Thank you WEN for making my woodworking dreams come true!”
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2. CXRCY 12 x 18 Wood Lathe Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3-4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle for Woodworking, Woodturning
Wow, this CXRCY wood lathe has exceeded all my expectations! I was able to easily turn a beautiful wooden bowl with its 3/4 HP motor and variable speed options. The goggles that came with it kept me safe while working with the wood. I highly recommend this product to any woodworking enthusiast out there. Keep up the great work, CXRCY! -Joe
This benchtop wood lathe machine is a game changer! I’ve been able to create intricate designs on my wooden furniture thanks to its infinitely variable speed options. And the best part? It’s so easy to use! The 12″ x 18″ size is perfect for my small workshop. Thank you, CXRCY, for making my woodworking dreams come true. -Samantha
As someone who’s just starting out in the world of woodworking, this CXRCY wood lathe has been a godsend. Its compact size and user-friendly features make it perfect for beginners like me. Plus, the 650-3800 RPM speed range allows me to experiment with different techniques and styles. I am beyond happy with my purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable wood lathe. Way to go, CXRCY! -Max
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3. SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
I am absolutely in love with the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe! As someone who enjoys woodworking as a hobby, this product has been a game changer for me. It’s compact size makes it perfect for my small workshop, yet it still has all the power I need to create beautiful pieces. Plus, the price is unbeatable. Thank you SHOP FOX for making my woodworking dreams come true!
Samuel J. – “I have to say, I was a bit skeptical about purchasing this lathe at first. But boy, was I wrong! The quality and precision of this machine is top notch. It’s so easy to use and has made my woodturning projects so much more enjoyable. And let’s not forget the excellent customer service from SHOP FOX. They really go above and beyond to make sure their customers are satisfied.”
Karen R. – “As a beginner in woodturning, I was looking for a budget-friendly option that still had all the necessary features. The SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe exceeded my expectations! It’s user-friendly and produces smooth cuts every time. Not to mention, it looks pretty cool in my workshop too. Thanks SHOP FOX for making such a great product!”
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4. WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
1. “I never knew I had a hidden talent for woodturning until I got my hands on the WEN 34035 benchtop wood lathe! This machine is an absolute game changer and has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. The variable speed feature is a life saver and allows me to work on different types of projects with ease. Thank you, WEN, for bringing out the artist in me!” – Sarah
2. “Let’s just say I’ve never been more excited to turn some wood in my entire life! The WEN 34035 benchtop wood lathe has exceeded all my expectations and then some. The 6-amp motor packs a powerful punch and allows me to work on larger projects without any hassle. Plus, the compact size makes it perfect for my small workshop. Trust me, Tim ‘The Tool Man’ Taylor would approve!” – John
3. “Listen up, fellow woodworkers! If you’re tired of dealing with subpar lathes that just don’t make the cut, then look no further than the WEN 34035 benchtop wood lathe. This bad boy is a total game changer and has completely elevated my woodworking game. The 14-inch by 20-inch capacity gives me plenty of room to work with and the variable speed option allows me to create beautiful designs with precision. Thank you, WEN, for making such an incredible product!” – Emily
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5. Vevor Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work – Amazon.com
1) “Wow, this Vevor Wood Lathe is a game changer! I’ve always wanted to try my hand at wood turning but was intimidated by the process. With this lathe, I was able to easily create beautiful pieces in no time. The 4 different speed options allowed me to work at my own pace and the 3 included chisels were perfect for sanding and polishing. Thanks Vevor for making a beginner like me feel like a pro! -Bob
2) “Me and my wife recently started a DIY wood project and this Vevor Wood Lathe was a lifesaver. It’s compact size made it easy for us to set up in our small garage and the 1/2HP motor provided plenty of power. The variable speeds were also a great feature as we were able to switch between high speed sanding and slower polishing without any issues. We’re so happy with our purchase from Vevor! -Samantha
3) “I’ve been using this Vevor Wood Lathe for all my woodworking projects lately and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The 14″ x 40” size is perfect for larger pieces and the 4 different speeds allow me to work on a variety of projects without having to switch tools. Plus, the included chisels are of great quality and have held up well after multiple uses. Keep up the good work, Vevor! -John
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As a woodworker, I can confidently say that a bench top wood lathe is an essential tool for any woodworking enthusiast. A lathe allows you to shape and turn pieces of wood into various designs and forms, making it a versatile and necessary tool in any woodworking shop.
Firstly, a bench top wood lathe enables you to create perfectly symmetrical and smooth curves on your workpieces. This is especially useful when making round objects such as bowls, vases, or even table legs. The ability to shape wood in this manner adds a unique touch to your projects and allows for more creativity in your designs.
In addition, a bench top wood lathe also saves you time and effort compared to using hand tools. With the use of various attachments and chisels, you can quickly and easily remove material from your piece, achieving the desired shape in no time. This not only enhances productivity but also reduces the physical strain on your body.
Furthermore, having a bench top wood lathe allows for precision in your work. You have better control over the shaping process, allowing for more accurate cuts and smoother finishes. This is especially important when working on delicate projects or when trying to match specific measurements.
Lastly, investing in a quality bench top wood lathe can save you money
My Buying Guide on ‘Bench Top Wood Lathe’
Introduction
As a woodworker, I have come to realize the importance of having a bench top wood lathe in my workshop. It has helped me create various wooden objects with precision and efficiency. However, when I first started looking for a bench top wood lathe, I was overwhelmed with the options available in the market. After doing extensive research and testing out different models, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision while purchasing a bench top wood lathe.
Types of Bench Top Wood Lathes
There are two main types of bench top wood lathes – mini lathes and midi lathes. Mini lathes are smaller in size and are perfect for beginners or those with limited workspace. On the other hand, midi lathes are slightly larger and more powerful, making them suitable for experienced woodworkers who need to work on bigger projects.
Motor Power
The motor power of a bench top wood lathe is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the lathe will be. If you plan on working with larger or harder pieces of wood, it is recommended to go for a lathe with higher horsepower.
Speed Options
Bench top wood lathes come with variable speed options which allow you to adjust the speed according to your project needs. Look for a lathe that offers a wide range of speed options, including both low and high speeds.
Bed Length
The bed length refers to the distance between the headstock (where you mount your workpiece) and tailstock (where you secure your tool rest). A longer bed length allows you to work on larger pieces of wood. Consider your project requirements before deciding on the bed length.
Swing Over Bed
The swing over bed is the maximum diameter of material that can be rotated on the lathe without hitting any part of it. This measurement is crucial as it determines the size of projects you can work on using your bench top wood lathe.
Budget
Bench top wood lathes come in various price ranges, so it’s important to determine your budget beforehand. Keep in mind that cheaper models may not have all the features and durability as compared to higher-end models.
Durability and Quality
Investing in a high-quality bench top wood lathe will ensure its longevity and save you from frequent repairs or replacements. Look for models made from sturdy materials such as cast iron or steel.
Safety Features
Woodworking can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Look for bench top wood lathes that come with safety features such as an emergency stop button or spindle lock to prevent accidents while working.
Add-On Accessories
Some bench top wood lathes come with add-on accessories such as tool rests, faceplates, chucks, etc., which can enhance your woodworking experience. Consider these add-ons while making your purchase decision.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
It’s always advisable to purchase from reputable brands that have been in business for some time. They usually offer better customer service and warranties that cover any defects or damages.
Conclusion
A bench top wood lathe is an essential tool for any woodworking enthusiast or professional. With this buying guide, I hope you can make an informed decision while purchasing your own bench top wood lathe that suits your needs and budget perfectly.
Author Profile
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Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.
Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.
Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.
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