Best Mini Wood Lathe for Turning Wood

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Turning wood is a specialized form of wood crafting, and while some people merely learn to do it to expand their overall woodworking skills, it is not necessary for one to have prior experience in order to be successful at it. The best mini wood lathe for turning wood will depend on more than one factor which will be covered in this post.

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Best Mini Wood Lathe

Finding the best mini wood lathe for your projects is lot easier if you know what to look for, and if you have other lathe tools. Our recommendations are great for the tasks they are meant for, but in order to get a better idea on what you need check out the “About” section below before reading these reviews.

The WEN 3420T 2-amp mini lathe has similar features with most high end lathes, but for a fraction of the cost. It is one of the most popular models for pen turning since it provides more than enough power for the job and tools to get it done efficiently.

There are many details that make this one of best wood turning mini lathes available. The variable speed feature, powered by the 2-amp slow start motor, allows you to adjust its rotation speed anywhere from 750 to 3,200 RPM’s, which is fast enough for any work piece that fits within the lathe’s capacity.

The MT1 spindle and tailstock taper is included which we found to be perfect for tightly fastening in pieces, and prevents wobbles during rotation. This, used in conjunction with the 4 1/2″ x 7″ tool rests (two included) provided a stable and supportive work space to comfortably work on projects. Additionally, you’re able to make precise adjustments to both the tool rest and the tailstock with the lever clamping system. Other features include a flat wrench, headstock spur center, tailstock cup center, knockout rod, and a 5″ faceplate for working on non-spindle type projects.

Key takeaways:

• The 2-amp motor is perfect for turning small workpieces like pens or cups, but the cast iron bed tends to wobble for medium to large sized pieces.
• Variable speed adjustment dial help maintain complete control over rotations while the MT1 spindle & tailstock tape grips the workpiece tightly in place.
• Cost is slightly less than average mini lathe options due to workpiece compatibility, meaning you aren’t able to work with slightly larger pieces, but receive similar features that are paralleled with high ticket models.

JET has garnered a lot of positive responses with the JWL-1221VS. By all accounts, it is a fantastic lathe for wood turning. At the end of the day, it has significant advantages over most competing options, and the cost is a sure reflection of that.

If you’re looking for the most robust machine you can possibly find that is the most compatible with the widest range of workpieces, JET is able to manage stability control for bigger pieces better than any other option here. The main contributions to its unparalleled control are its variable speed (60 – 3,600 RPM), spring loaded spindle lock, forward to reverse transition, and cast iron bed. Even at high volume rotations with bowl size workpieces, the JWL shows no wobble.

The emphasis on “control” because pretty obvious with the conveniently placed variable speed controls, digital read out, and the directional control (forward/reverse) switch for easy adjustments during a project. The spindle itself is has an industrial style pre-loaded bearing. Using this in conjunction with the spring loaded spindle lock make taking workpieces on and off really simple to do.

Speaking of simple, the belt system lends itself to the idea of keeping things “stupid simple” for the convenience of operations. The ratchet style belt system lets you make change and making necessary adjustments by opening two latches: one at the top, and one on the side. Next to the top latch is an adjustable knob for indexing, which has 24 positions to do so.

Key takeaways:

• Most dynamic and robust mini lathe available which allows an extensive list of controls for precise wood turning
• Variable speed and directional control options (forward & reverse) are available that rotate between 60 to 3,600 RPM which displays on a digital read out.
• Construction model is sturdy yet simple for consistent and easy adjustments while working.

Whatever RIKON lacks in convenient controls, makes up for in life expectancy. Its price is a direct result of the quality, and by extension its shelf life, as opposed to the amount of features it offers. If you have no issue with multi-speed options, and just want the best mini wood lathe to last as long as possible, we highly recommend the RIKON 70-100 mini model.

In addition to its quality, RIKON has the largest capacity for a workpiece than any other mini lathe offers. The distance between centers is 16 inches while the swing over bed is 12 inches. This will give you plenty of extra room for working and keeping a low profile on your workbench. Multiple extensions are compatible with this model as well.

For changing speeds, an access panel can be opened for adjusting the drive belt, and comes with a spindle speed chart to help you decide which is best for the task. This method for alternating speeds is not so much foreign as it is tedious, and could be a deal breaker to some. However, the process is pretty quick and it’s easy to do.

The indexing head has 12 positions that can be used for locking the spindle in place for improved accuracy. This not only helps with removing face plates, chucks, or other accessories, but also makes detail work a lot easier to perform. Since there’s no need for a knock-out bar for removing the center, a self ejecting tail stock feature has been utilized with this model. The tail stock’s mobility even extends to moving along the lathe bed by loosening the lock lever, and then tightening it in the preferred position.

Key takeaways:

• Utilizes multi-speed function with an easy access panel to adjust the drive belt, a spindle speed chart, and locking arm & tension-release handle for controlling the speed.
• Greatest capacity space for a mini lathe for extra room to work with.
• 12-position indexing head locks workpiece in multiple positions for detailing

Shop Fox W1704 is a professional mini wood turning setup at a price that meets you right in the middle. For about half of the price as the RIKON, you get a little less power, and a little less capacity, but all the same quality and shelf life.

With a lathe capacity of 12 inches between centers, and an 8 inch swing over bed, the W1704 is designed for small sized pieces. The 1/3 horse power variable speed motor allows enough power to rotate between 700 and 3,200 RPM evenly at high speeds only for those types of projects. If you attempt to apply it to anything bigger, you’re sure to either get a slight wobble, or it will struggle to perform.

Here’s a few specs on other features included:

• safety paddle switch
• MT No. 1 spur center
• MT No. 1 live center
• 4-1/4 inch & 7-inch tool rests
• 5-3/4 inch faceplate
• 3/4 x 16 inch TPI RH spindle

The cast iron material keeps the bones of the apparatus sturdy enough to handle the bulk of any job. Even though it has a limited range of applicable project sizes, it is the best mini wood lathe for beginners to test the waters without having to spend so much.

Lastly, the Nova Comet II is a portable mini model that, similar to the RIKON, has an exceptional lathe capacity. Both models have striking similarities aside from the slight difference in price. For small/medium workpieces like bowl turning, the Nova is a reliable option to choose.

The Nova Comet’s portability does not diminish its stability when put to work, it is made of solid cast iron after all. The swing over bed is 12-inches and distance between centers is 16.5-inches, and has a 3/4 horse power, 230v single phase, variable speed motor. With a speed range of 250 to 4,000 RPM, it is the perfect option for anyone wanting more power, and a larger lathe capacity for optimal workpiece compatibility. Also, at an additional cost, there is a 42-inch extension bed that can be attached for turning long projects.

Pushing the max capacity of a lathe is not recommended. Eve though it is powerful enough to handle, allowing a little extra room by at least a half inch is encouraged. Like other high quality variable speed models, Nova Comet comes with directional options for forward and reverse turning, and a digital read out with a speed adjustment knob for accuracy.

Key takeaways:

• Best for small and medium sized projects, and a 42″ extension bed that can be bought separately for large pieces.
• Directional turning available as well as a digital read out for controlling speeds.

About Small Wood Lathes

Lathes come in several sizes (mini, midi, and full sized), and all of them correspond with the size of their motor. In short, minis are used for small projects, and full sized lathes are used for any size project. It is best to get the right one straight away if you’re sure you will use it. Lathes can run a pretty penny, so you shouldn’t find yourself in a situation where you have to purchase more than one lathe because it wasn’t powerful enough to do the job you wanted it to from the get go.

To add to this, lathes come in different styles to meet different demands. Understanding those differences and basic lathe anatomy is pretty important prior to determining what kind is best for you. Some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind are the size of the things you want to make which is determined by a lathe’s capacity, whether you will want a variable or multi-speed option, the horsepower needed to get the job done, and your budget.

Capacity

The lathe’s capacity is what determines the compatibility of a project based on its size, and consists of the swing and distance between centers. The swing is the largest diameter of a project that mounts to the headstock over the lathe bed, and the average swing for a lathe is about 5 to 12 inches. The maximum length of the work you’re able to turn is the distance between the headstock driver spur center to the tailstock center when the tailstock is at its furthest distance from the headstock. For mini lathes, the average distance between centers are 11 to 18 inches. In other words, the greater the capacity, the larger the workpiece that can be turned.

Lathe bed extensions are available for most minis in case you want to try turning longer spindles. This allows you to extend the maximum distance to over 40 inches.

Variable vs multi-speed

Variable speed lets you easily adjust the speed, usually with a dial, in order to acclimate to a project’s requirements. For example, when pen turning, drilling a hole in a pen blank needs to be done at a low speed setting, sanding uses a slow to medium speed, and woodturning a high speed. Speeds are calculated in one of two ways: a spindle pulley chart or a digital read out. The latter being much easier.

Multi-speed minis are a bit more difficult to adjust rotation speed because every time you want to change speeds it requires you to open up a compartment door and move the drive belt from pulley to pulley. Obviously this makes multi-speed lathes much less convenient than variable speed options, but multi-speeds are significantly less expensive than variable options, which is certainly something worth considering.

Horsepower

The power which turns the headstock spindle comes from the DC motor. Minis produce about 1/5 to 1 horsepower, so the larger the motor there is, the larger the piece you can turn. It needs to be able to rotate the piece at a consistent speed, which is not difficult for a mini to do unless you try to turn a piece that is too big.

Price

The cost for the best mini wood lathe may vary, but can be anywhere from $200 to $500. Typically, the cost of a lathe determines a lot about what you will receive. Higher ticket options will generally give you a bigger motor size, a greater lathe capacity, and more features. Most woodturners begin with an inexpensive model, usually a mini lathe, then upgrade to a more robust option as their experience and skills develop.

Benefits of mini lathes

There’s a range of reasons why people might prefer a mini lathe over a midi or full sized one, but the primary reason is that they are cheaper. By extension, this also means that the projects they intend to work on require less power since they are smaller. It makes little sense to get a full sized lathe for a hefty sum when you’re only going to use it for small sized woodturning projects.

Additionally, mini options work well as a learning tool for projects that are downsized. A lot of beginner wood turning projects can be accomplished with model consistent with minis or midis.

Woodturning FAQ

This section will be utilized for the most frequently asked questions by users online. I will keep this section updated with additional information in case it has not been covered.

• Q: Is this (old, rusted, not new looking) lathe a steal deal?
• A: More than likely not.

• Q: Can I turn a workpiece at the maximum capacity of my lathe?
• A: It is not recommended to use the maximum space available to turn a project. Instead, leave at least a 1/2-inch of extra room.

• Q: Is this (old, rusted, not new looking) lathe a steal deal?
• A: More than likely not.