A mini lathe is an indispensable asset for any woodturning workshop, particularly suited for light to medium-duty projects. Its precision capabilities allow you to craft intricate workpieces with exceptional accuracy. This versatile woodworking machine can be employed to create an array of items, including pens, chair spindles, table legs, smooth and textured bowls, chess pieces, musical instruments, and even miniature model ships.
The compact benchtop design of a mini lathe makes it an ideal choice for woodworkers working with limited space, as it leaves room for other essential tools like chisel sets or planers on your worktable.
The 7 Best Mini Lathes
When it comes to choosing the right wood lathe for your workshop or home project, there are numerous options available on the market. From compact mini lathes to more robust benchtop models, each one has its unique features and benefits.
In this context, some of the most popular wood lathes that have gained widespread recognition include the WEN 3421 Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe, JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe, RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe, Excelsior Mini Lathe, XtremepowerUS Wood Lathe, and Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe, which is our top pick. The SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe also deserves a special mention for its impressive performance.
Our Top Pick for the Best Mini Lathe
The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe stands out as our top recommendation for the best mini lathe. With its versatility and impressive feature set, this machine is a game-changer for any woodturning project. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Delta Industrial mini-lathe has earned the trust of millions worldwide. Its ability to deliver exceptional results with ease makes it an indispensable tool in any woodworking workshop.
To get your hands on this powerhouse, simply check the current price on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Mini Lathe
Power
Mini lathes typically rely on motors with horsepower ratings ranging from 1/2 to 1.3 HP. It’s crucial to select a motor that can keep up with the demands of your specific project. For basic woodworking tasks, such as spindle turning, a half or three-quarters HP motor is more than sufficient. However, if you’re tackling medium-duty carpentry projects, a 1 or 1.3 HP motor provides ample power for both hobbyists and professionals who require reliable performance.
Speed
The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe, for instance, boasts a variable-speed motor that offers a remarkable range of speeds – from a leisurely 500 RPM all the way up to a speedy 3900 or 4000 RPM. This flexibility in speed allows you to have precise control over your workpiece, making it easier to achieve the desired finish.
Additionally, the forward and reverse speed switch on some mini lathes enables you to effortlessly alternate between different speeds, ultimately resulting in a superior smooth-to-the-touch finish.
Construction
Crafting a mini wood lathe demands meticulous attention, as its construction directly impacts the tool’s longevity and overall performance. Specifically, vibrations must be minimized to ensure precise control and smooth operation. To achieve this, cast iron is often considered the ideal material choice for a lathe, offering a solid and sturdy foundation that, while contributing to the lathe’s weight, provides exceptional durability.
However, this heaviness can make it more challenging to move the lathe around.
Design
When selecting a mini lathe, it’s crucial to consider its overall design and how it will accommodate your wood-turning needs. Specifically, you should think about the distance between centers (headstock and tailstock), as well as the length of the swing-over bed and tool rest. This is essential for ensuring the lathe can handle the length and thickness of the wood you plan to work with. For most projects, a 12½-inch lathe like the WEN 3421 Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe is a great option.
However, if you need to work with longer or thicker pieces, consider a larger lathe, such as the RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe (15-inches or 18-inches). Additionally, some models offer extension tables for added versatility, like the JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right mini lathe for your specific needs and ensure successful projects.
Spindle
Mini lathes typically feature a 1-inch spindle boasting an impressive 8 threads per inch (TPI) configuration. While this size is well-suited for the majority of woodworking applications, it may not be the most suitable choice for particularly demanding projects that require more heavy-duty performance.
Faceplate
When tackling non-spindle projects like turning bowls or smaller wooden creations, a steel faceplate with a 3-5 inch diameter can be an excellent choice. While it’s well-suited for intricate woodturning tasks and craft projects, it’s essential to note that faceplates may not be ideal for reverse cutting operations, finishing, or sanding. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before using one in these applications to ensure optimal results.
Tool Rest
In the world of woodturning, a tool rest is an indispensable feature that offers a convenient spot to store your tools. Mini lathes typically come equipped with 1 or 2 tool rests and a sturdy mounting post that ensures the rest remains securely in place throughout the turning process. A well-designed tool rest should also boast a smooth metal surface that allows your turning tools to effortlessly glide across it, as well as a contoured shape that provides optimal comfort while shaping your wood.
Additional Helpful Features
Mini lathes often arrive with a suite of practical features that enhance their usability and precision. The tailstock might boast a live center, allowing for effortless spinning of workpieces, while the headstock could feature a spur center for added versatility. Furthermore, you may find a tailstock cup center or a lever clamping system to help secure your materials in place.
Additionally, many mini lathes come equipped with an on/off switch featuring a safety lock to prevent accidental start-ups, as well as a convenient belt access door that makes maintenance and replacement of the drive belt a breeze. Other useful inclusions might include a knockout bar for efficient removal of waste material and a faceplate wrench for effortless tool changes.
These thoughtful touches can significantly streamline your workflow and contribute to the overall value of these compact machines.
7 Best Mini Lathes – Reviews
WEN 3421 Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe
The WEN 3421 Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for precision woodturning. With its robust 3.2 amp motor, it delivers 50% more power than most 8-inch wood lathes on the market, making it an ideal choice for creating intricate designs in small workpieces such as pens, bowls, cups, and chess pieces. The lathe’s variable speed control allows you to adjust the RPM from 750-3200 with a simple twist of the knob, ensuring precise control over your project.
The on/off switch features a safety lock to prevent accidental start-ups, providing an added layer of security during use. Built to last with sturdy cast iron construction, the WEN mini lathe is designed for durability and longevity. Its compact size makes it easy to fit onto a benchtop, leaving ample space for other tools and projects. The 1-inch spindle accommodates wood pieces up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide, while the 2.3-inch faceplate is perfect for turning non-spindle workpieces.
The lathe’s spindle and tailstock provide a secure grip on your project, allowing you to focus on precision and detail. Additional features include two interchangeable tool rests for added support during operation, as well as an easy-to-use lever clamping system that simplifies adjustments to the tool rest and tailstock. A comprehensive accessory kit includes a headstock spur center, tailstock cup center, knockout rod, and flat wrench.
WEN backs its mini lathe with a 2-year warranty, providing added peace of mind for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts alike.
JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe
For woodworkers of all levels, the JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe is an excellent choice. This mini lathe boasts a robust design and impressive performance capabilities. Its cast iron construction ensures stability and durability, while its wide bed provides extra rigidity for precise control. The 1.2 HP motor features six spindle speeds ranging from 500 to 3975 RPM, offering versatility for various tasks.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced woodworker, this lathe is easy to use and produces consistent results. Its powerful motor delivers a smooth and quiet performance, making it ideal for small workspaces. The JET mini lathe can handle a variety of projects, including turning bowls, furniture legs, chair spindles, and shaping hollow vessels.
The lathe’s 15½-inches distance between centers allows you to work with longer workpieces, while its integrated 24 position indexing system is perfect for cutting fluting and veining. The improved tensioning system enables quick belt changes, and the live center in the tailstock provides added precision. Weighing only 77lbs, this lathe is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to move around your workshop. You can even add an extension table for working with even longer pieces.
JET’s commitment to quality is reflected in their 5-year warranty on the mini-lathe. The pros of this lathe include its high-quality construction, great value for money, ease of use, and consistent results. Its sturdy cast iron design, wider bed ways, and seven-5/16-inches swing-over tool rest also make it a great choice. The six spindle speeds and integrated 24 position indexing system add to its versatility.
On the downside, this lathe is on the pricier side, and some users may find the lack of reverse speed a drawback.
RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
The RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe is specifically designed to cater to the needs of pen turners, offering a sturdy, dedicated machine for their craft. This mini lathe boasts a strong and smooth-running ½ HP motor, providing ample power with its versatile speed range of 500-3200 RPM. Built to last, the cast iron construction minimizes vibration, unlike other lathes made of aluminum.
With a generous 10-inch swing-over bed and 18-inch between centers, this lathe is perfect for performing a wide range of woodturning tasks such as boring barrel holes, roughing out pen billets, turning, shaping, or finishing wood. Additional features include a self-ejecting tailstock, a 6-inch tool rest, a live center, a knock-out bar, and wrenches. RIKON Power Tools stands behind the quality of this mini lathe with a 5-year warranty.
The pros of this product include its high quality, great value for money, perfect suitability for any woodworker, and ideal usage for tasks such as boring barrel holes, roughing out pen billets, turning, shaping, and finishing. Furthermore, it has a strong motor that provides ample power, five speeds from 500-3200 RPM, smooth running performance, minimal vibration, sturdy cast iron construction, and generous dimensions.
However, some may find the price of this product to be pricey, while others might consider it lacking in power for large projects. Nevertheless, its quality and versatility make it an excellent choice for many woodworkers.
Excelsior Mini Lathe
The Excelsior Mini Lathe is an exceptional tool for woodturning enthusiasts, offering superior performance and precision. Its robust cast iron construction and non-slip feet ensure a stable turning experience, while its powerful motor with five speeds (760-3200 RPM) allows for seamless project completion. Newcomers to woodturning will appreciate the lathe’s ease of use and minimal vibration, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
The Excelsior Mini Lathe is versatile, capable of handling projects such as turning bowls up to 10 inches in diameter and spindles up to 17¾ inches in length. The lathe features a range of innovative design elements, including a ball-bearing live center on the tailstock for improved wood finishing, a removable safety switch for enhanced safety, and cam-locking ratcheting adjustment levers for effortless adjustments.
Additionally, the convenient belt access door and 6-inch tool rest provide a smooth turning experience. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stands behind their product with a 100% 90-day money-back guarantee. The Excelsior Mini Lathe is an excellent value for its price, offering unparalleled performance and durability. Some minor drawbacks include the power cord’s tendency to come loose easily and the limited duration of the warranty.
XtremepowerUS Wood Lathe
The XtremepowerUS Wood Lathe is a powerhouse for woodworking enthusiasts with larger projects to tackle. Its solid steel frame reduces vibration during use, allowing for smooth and accurate turns. The lathe’s compact design makes it perfect for workbenches of all sizes, yet it still delivers high-capacity performance and stability comparable to larger machines.
The ½ HP motor offers adjustable speeds ranging from 1100-3400 RPM, providing the flexibility to tackle tasks that require low, medium, or high speeds. Whether you’re creating pens, bowls, or intricate wood patterns like straight fluting, grooving, drilling, or other projects, this lathe has got you covered. Key features include a 14-inch swing-over bed capacity and an impressive 40-inch distance between centers.
The package also includes a faceplate, spur center, live tailstock, and tool rest for added versatility. Additionally, XtremepowerUS offers various accessories to customize the lathe to your specific needs. What’s more, the company stands behind its product with a 30-day no-hassle return guarantee. While some users may find the speed adjustment slightly awkward or the lathe heavy, the benefits of this powerful and versatile tool far outweigh any minor drawbacks.
Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
The Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe is an exceptional choice for both woodworking enthusiasts and professional carpenters seeking to achieve high-quality results. Its robust construction, powered by a powerful 1 HP motor spinning at 1,725 RPM, ensures consistent and smooth woodturning performance, even with complex projects like turning pens, bowls, or fashioning furniture legs.
The three pulley-speed ranges allow for effortless speed adjustments, while the unique belt tensioning system enables longer tool life and maximum power transfer. With a swing capacity of 12½-inches and an extension bed that can reach up to 42-inches, this mini-lathe offers ample space for projects of varying sizes. The forward and reverse functions enable precise control, allowing users to achieve a superior finish with ease.
The package includes a 3-inch chrome faceplate, two tool rests (6- and 10-inches), a live center, a heavy-duty steel knockout bar, wrenches, and an easy-to-follow manual. Delta’s commitment to quality is reflected in its five-year warranty on the mini-lathe. While some may find it slightly expensive, many will appreciate the value this machine offers. The main drawbacks are its bulkiness and higher price point compared to other options available.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a reliable and high-performance mini-lathe, the Delta Industrial 46-460 is an excellent choice.
SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe
The SHOP FOX W1704 8 x 13-inch Benchtop Wood Lathe is an excellent tool for woodcrafters, offering a perfect blend of power and versatility. Crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, this mini lathe boasts exceptional durability and stability, thanks to its sturdy feet that ensure it stays firmly in place on your workbench. The compact design makes it easy to accommodate multiple workpieces and tools alongside the lathe.
The 1/3 HP variable motor provides ample power for small tasks, with a wide spindle speed range of 700-3,200 RPM allowing you to tackle projects involving both softwoods and hardwoods. What’s more, the intuitive knob-operated speed control makes it easy to adjust your pace as needed.
With its array of features, including a safety paddle switch, an 8-inch swing over bed, a 12-inch distance between centers, a spur center, a live center, two tool rests, a 5-¾-inch faceplate, and a 3/4 x 16-inch spindle, this lathe is designed for a wide range of applications – from turning bowls to spindles to decorative wood items. One of the major selling points of the SHOP FOX mini lathe is its value for money.
With a price point that’s hard to beat, it offers exceptional quality and performance at an affordable price. Additionally, the manufacturer backs their product with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for customers. While this lathe may not be ideal for heavy-duty use and can exhibit some minor wobbling, its many advantages make it an excellent choice for woodcrafters looking to create stunning wooden pieces.
Our Top Pick for the Best Mini Lathe
When it comes to choosing the best mini lathe, our top recommendation is the Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe. This versatile tool has earned the trust of millions of industry professionals worldwide, and for good reason. With its impressive feature set, you’ll be able to tackle even the most ambitious woodturning projects with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this mini lathe is an essential addition to any workshop.
And if you want to get your hands on one, check out the current price on Amazon.
