10 Best Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States

The Powermatic 3520C Woodworking Lathe is a robust and versatile machine designed for serious woodworking enthusiasts. One of its main strengths is its powerful 2 HP motor, which runs on 220V and provides a broad speed range, maintaining speeds as low as 15 RPM for detailed work. The swing over bed is 20 inches, and the distance between centers is 35 inches, offering ample space for larger projects.

The lathe is equipped with a digital indexing readout for precise work and a magnetic-backed control box that can be moved for convenience and safety. The adjustable riser blocks allow for a 4-inch height adjustment, ensuring user comfort during operation. The bed construction is solid cast iron, enhancing stability and reducing vibrations during use.

The upgraded banjo with a non-marring, pinch-style clamp ensures secure tool rest placement, which is essential for accuracy and safety. Additionally, the extended spindle nose provides better access to the workpiece, and the fully enclosed Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) offers increased user protection. However, at 726 pounds, the lathe is quite heavy, which might be a drawback for those with limited space or needing to move the machine frequently. The price point may also be a consideration for hobbyists due to its higher cost. This lathe is best suited for users who require a high level of precision and versatility in their woodworking projects.

The JET 16" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe is a strong contender in the woodworking lathe category, especially for hobbyists and semi-professional woodworkers. Its key strength lies in its electronic infinitely-variable speed, ranging from 40 to 3200 RPM, which offers a great deal of versatility for various turning tasks. This feature allows users to tailor the speed to the material and complexity of the project, which is essential for achieving quality finishes. Additionally, the lathe is built from cast iron and steel, providing a sturdy base that helps reduce vibrations during operation, enhancing precision.

The lathe also boasts a user-friendly design with an extended spindle nose for better handling, and an improved tailstock quill locking mechanism that prevents rotation during usage. The non-marring locking system for the banjo is particularly beneficial for maintaining the integrity of your tools, ensuring they stay securely in place.

There are a few drawbacks worth noting. Weighing 377 pounds, the lathe may be cumbersome to move or adjust, making it less ideal for users with limited shop space. Also, while the warranty is generous at 5 years for non-commercial use, it drops to 2 years for commercial applications, which may concern professional users seeking longevity and support for their investment.

The WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe is a versatile and robust option for both beginners and intermediate woodworkers. One of its main strengths is the ability to handle workpieces up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, making it suitable for a variety of projects. The lathe offers five different speed settings (520, 900, 1400, 2150, and 3400 RPM), providing flexibility for different types of woodturning tasks.

The 4.5A motor is reasonably powerful for its size, ensuring smooth operation for most tasks within its capacity range. The inclusion of an MT2 tailstock and headstock allows compatibility with a wide array of accessories, adding to its versatility. Additionally, the 8-inch tool rest and onboard accessory holder are useful features that enhance convenience and usability.

However, the lathe's weight of nearly 79 pounds makes it less portable, which might be a drawback for some users who need to move it frequently. The benchtop design also means it may require a sturdy workbench to ensure stability during operation. Another potential limitation is that while the 4.5A motor is adequate for most tasks, it may struggle with very dense or large hardwood pieces. Despite these minor drawbacks, the WEN LA3424 wood lathe is particularly well-suited for hobbyists and those new to woodturning, offering a good balance of functionality, ease of use, and affordability.