The 6 Best Wood Lathe 2026
We looked at wood lathe 2026 using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. JET 12-Inch x 21-Inch Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1221VS) Best Mid Range | |
| 2. NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16.5-Inch Best Mini | |
| 3. Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe Best Delta | |
| 4. Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18-Inch/36-Inch (MLAREVO 1836) Best Laguna | |
| 5. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Turncrafter Commander 10-Inch Variable Speed Midi Lathe Best Midi | |
| 6. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10-Inch x 18-Inch 1/2 HP Mini Lathe Best Budget | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Best Mid Range
1.JET 12-Inch x 21-Inch Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1221VS)
Brand: Jet
ASIN: B00BGBVJCU
Key specs: 12-inch swing, Variable speed 60-3600 RPM, Indexing.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 12-inch swing
- Variable speed 60-3600 RPM
- Indexing
- Cast iron
Strengths
- Cast iron construction significantly reduces vibration compared to WEN
- 12-inch swing for larger bowls than the WEN 3421
- Variable speed from 60 RPM (sanding) to 3,600 RPM (pen turning)
- Indexing wheel for equally-spaced fluting and decorative work
Limitations
- Higher price than WEN entry models
- Still not the swing capacity for large hollow-form turning
Best Mini
2.NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16.5-Inch
Brand: Nova
ASIN: B00C2ASVNY
Key specs: Mini lathe, Variable speed, 10-inch swing.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Mini lathe
- Variable speed
- 10-inch swing
- Nova quality
Strengths
- Nova is New Zealand's premium lathe brand -- higher quality than WEN at the mini price point
- Variable speed with consistent power at low RPM -- correct for starting large, unbalanced blanks
- Compact footprint for small shops
- The correct mini lathe for pen turning, small bowls, and tool handles
Limitations
- Mini form factor limits the size of work
- Higher price than WEN for similar capacity
Best Delta
3.Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe
Brand: Delta
ASIN: B00309ZZRQ
Key specs: 12.5-inch swing, Variable speed, Outboard turning.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 12.5-inch swing
- Variable speed
- Outboard turning
- Cast iron
Strengths
- Outboard turning capability for bowls larger than the swing would normally allow
- Cast iron headstock and tailstock for reduced vibration
- 12.5-inch swing handles large production bowls
- Delta brand history and parts availability
Limitations
- Delta quality has been inconsistent since the brand's manufacturing moved
- Less community support than Jet or Nova
Best Laguna
4.Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18-Inch/36-Inch (MLAREVO 1836)
Brand: Laguna
ASIN: B00YX8162Q
Key specs: 15-inch swing, Sliding headstock, 3 HP.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 15-inch swing
- Sliding headstock
- 3 HP
- Outboard turning
Strengths
- Sliding headstock moves along the bed -- the headstock turns bowl-side outboard without moving the piece
- 15-inch swing at a price significantly below Powermatic
- 3 HP motor with constant speed control
- The most popular upgrade lathe for woodturners moving from entry models
Limitations
- High price for non-professional use
- Requires 240V in some configurations
Best Midi
5.PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Turncrafter Commander 10-Inch Variable Speed Midi Lathe
Brand: PSI Woodworking
ASIN: B01M1CVROH
Key specs: 3/4 HP motor, 10-inch swing, Variable speed, two belt positions.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 3/4 HP motor
- 10-inch swing
- Variable speed, two belt positions
- Steel construction
Strengths
- PSI Woodworking is a long-established midi lathe brand with a strong woodturning-community following
- Two belt positions (500-2,000 RPM and 1,500-3,600 RPM) give a wide practical speed range
- The correct step-up lathe for turners who have outgrown a mini lathe but don't need full-size swing
- Good quality construction at a mid-range price
Limitations
- Less brand recognition than Jet or Nova in general retail
- Fewer accessory options than the larger Jet or Nova ecosystems
Best Budget
6.RIKON Power Tools 70-105 10-Inch x 18-Inch 1/2 HP Mini Lathe
Brand: Rikon · Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
ASIN: B01426DJ78
Key specs: 5 speed, 10-inch swing, Budget price.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 5 speed
- 10-inch swing
- Budget price
- Pen turning capable
Strengths
- Lowest price functional lathe from a recognized brand
- 5 speed selection covers pen turning to small bowls
- Rikon has a good reputation for value tools in the woodworking community
Limitations
- Belt-driven speed changes require stopping to change belts
- Lighter construction than variable speed models
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.