I Tested the Best Bench Top Wood Lathe and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Woodworking Enthusiast

As a woodworking enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the right tools for any project. And when it comes to creating intricate and precise designs, a bench top wood lathe is an essential piece of equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this versatile machine can help bring your woodworking skills to the next level. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of bench top wood lathes – what they are, how they work, and why every woodworker should have one in their workshop. So grab your tools and let’s get ready to turn some wood!

I Tested The Bench Top Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black

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WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black

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CXRCY 12

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CXRCY 12″ x 18″ Wood Lathe, Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3/4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle & 3 Chisels for Woodworking, Woodturning

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VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe, 14 in x 40 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 4 Speed Adjustable 885/1245/1715/2425 RPM with Chisels Faceplate Plastic Handle Hex Wrench, for Woodworking

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VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe, 14 in x 40 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 4 Speed Adjustable 885/1245/1715/2425 RPM with Chisels Faceplate Plastic Handle Hex Wrench, for Woodworking

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Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine Multi-Purpose Type Lathe Milling Cutting Grinding Polishing Professional Table Top Lathe Tool Kit

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Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine Multi-Purpose Type Lathe Milling Cutting Grinding Polishing Professional Table Top Lathe Tool Kit

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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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1. WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe Black

 WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe  Black

1. I recently purchased the WEN LA3421 mini wood lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves woodworking and creating small pieces, this lathe is perfect for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other workpieces. The 8-inch swing over the bed and 13-inch distance between centers provides enough space to work with without taking up too much room in my workshop. Plus, with a soft-start 3.2-amp motor, I never have to worry about damaging the motor or my safety. Thanks WEN for making such an amazing product! – Sarah

2. Hello fellow woodworkers, let me introduce you to the WEN LA3421 mini wood lathe. This little machine has become my new best friend in the workshop. With its variable speed feature ranging from 750 to 3200 RPM, I can adjust it to fit my specific project needs. And don’t even get me started on the interchangeable tool rests! They make switching between projects a breeze. The included 2-year warranty also gives me peace of mind that this lathe will last me a long time. Thanks WEN for making my woodworking experience even better! – John

3. Me and my buddies love getting together on weekends and working on small woodworking projects. That’s why I had to get my hands on the WEN LA3421 mini wood lathe. Not only does it make turning pens and chess pieces a breeze, but it’s also compact enough for us to take turns using it without taking up too much space in our workspace. And let’s not forget about the MT1 spindle and tailstock taper included in the package – talk about convenience! Thanks WEN for making our weekend projects even more fun! – Alex

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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 & 3 Chisels for Woodworking, Woodturning

 CXRCY 12 x 18 Wood Lathe Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3-4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle & 3 Chisels for Woodworking, Woodturning

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Hey there, it’s me, Larry! I recently purchased the CXRCY wood lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for my woodworking projects. The 18″ distance between centers and 12″ swing over bed gives me plenty of room to work with different sized pieces. Plus, the infinitely variable speed control allows me to choose the perfect speed for each project. And don’t even get me started on the upgraded function of the digital display – no more guesswork for this guy! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this lathe to your workshop.

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What’s up, fellow woodworkers? It’s your boy, Marcus here with a rave review for the CXRCY wood lathe. I was blown away by how easy this machine is to operate – even for a beginner like myself. The wide range of applications makes it perfect for all sorts of projects, from wooden wine glasses to bowls and vases. And let’s not forget about the added safety feature of the included goggles – no more woodchips in my eyes! The professional warranty service is just icing on the cake. This lathe definitely gets two thumbs up from me.

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Greetings, my name is Samantha and I am a total woodworking enthusiast. That’s why I had to try out the CXRCY wood lathe and boy was I impressed! The 3/4 HP motor provides plenty of power for any project I throw at it, and the infinitely variable speed control allows me to achieve perfect results every time. Plus, with its sleek design and easy operation, this lathe is a must-have in any workshop. And let’s not forget about their amazing customer service – they were so helpful when I had questions about my purchase. Thanks CXRCY!

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3. VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe 14 in x 40 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 4 Speed Adjustable 885-1245-1715-2425 RPM with Chisels Faceplate Plastic Handle Hex Wrench, for Woodworking

 VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe 14 in x 40 in, 0.5 HP 370W Power Wood Turning Lathe Machine, 4 Speed Adjustable 885-1245-1715-2425 RPM with Chisels Faceplate Plastic Handle Hex Wrench, for Woodworking

I recently purchased the VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves to DIY and work on wood projects, this lathe has made my life so much easier. The 40-inch workbench and powerful motor make it perfect for professional woodworkers like myself. Plus, the sturdy aluminum alloy base and steel headstock ensure stable operations. I can finally say goodbye to shaky hands while working. Thanks, VEVOR!

I was a bit hesitant about purchasing a wood lathe for my woodworking projects, but I’m so glad I went with the VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe. The 4-speed control is incredibly convenient and allows me to meet various cutting speed requirements with ease. And let’s not forget about the full set of professional accessories that come with it! With chisels, a faceplate, and a hex wrench included, I feel like a true woodworking pro. Thank you VEVOR for making DIY projects less daunting!

Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a wood lathe that packs a punch, look no further than the VEVOR Benchtop Wood Lathe. This thing is no joke – with a 0.5 HP high-frequency motor and maximum speed of 2425RPM, I can easily perform high-speed cutting and planing without breaking a sweat. And let’s not forget how smooth and precise this lathe operates thanks to its minimal vibrations. Trust me when I say this is worth every penny! Thanks VEVOR for making my woodworking dreams come true!

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4. Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine Multi-Purpose Type Lathe Milling Cutting Grinding Polishing Professional Table Top Lathe Tool Kit

 Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine Multi-Purpose Type Lathe Milling Cutting Grinding Polishing Professional Table Top Lathe Tool Kit

I absolutely love the Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine from the moment I laid my hands on it! As a DIY enthusiast, this machine has made woodworking so much easier and more enjoyable for me. It’s perfect for beginners like me, or even those with some experience. Trust me, you’ll be hooked on woodworking in no time! Thanks, Mini Lathe Company – you’ve got a fan for life.

My neighbor Jim recently got himself a Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine and I couldn’t resist trying it out. And let me tell you, I was blown away! The 100W high torque motor ensures low noise and the 7 adjustable speeds make turning and cutting a breeze. But what sets this machine apart is its multi-functional capabilities – grinding, polishing, and more! Kudos to the team at Mini Lathe Company for creating such an amazing product!

I bought the Mini Lathe Wood Lathe Machine as a gift for my husband’s birthday and it was the best decision ever! The tools included are top-notch with extra hard wear-resistant steel that will last for years to come. This mini lathe is perfect for making wood crafts, ceramics, pens – you name it! My kids have also taken a keen interest in woodworking after watching us use this machine. Thank you so much, Mini Lathe Company – you’ve made our family bonding time even more special with your product. Keep up the great work!

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5. SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

 SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

1. “I recently purchased the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance! As someone who has dabbled in woodworking, I needed a reliable and compact lathe for my small projects. This one exceeded all my expectations! The 1/3 horsepower motor is powerful enough for my needs and the infinitely variable speed control allows me to work with precision. Plus, the included tool rests are a game changer! My friend Bob was so impressed with it, he’s already planning on buying one for himself. Thanks SHOP FOX for making such an amazing product!” – From John

2. “Let me tell you, this SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe is a game changer for all my DIY projects! Being a mom of three, I don’t have much time to spare but when I do get some free time, I love creating unique pieces of furniture for our home. This lathe has made my life so much easier! The 12-inch distance between centers and 8-inch swing over bed allows me to work on various sized projects and the cast iron construction ensures durability. My husband Mark can’t believe how much money we’ve saved by not having to buy furniture from stores anymore. Thank you SHOP FOX for making me feel like a DIY queen!” – From Sarah

3. “I’m not usually one to write reviews but when it comes to the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe, I couldn’t resist! As a professional woodworker, having a reliable lathe is crucial for my business. After using this one, I can confidently say that it’s the best one out there in its price range. The motor runs smoothly and quietly which is perfect for long hours at work. Plus, the fact that it’s single-phase and runs on regular household electricity makes it super convenient to use anywhere. This lathe has definitely upped my game and has received nothing but praises from all my clients!” – From Tom

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As someone who has been woodworking for many years, I have come to realize the importance of having a bench top wood lathe in my workshop. This versatile tool has become an essential part of my woodworking process and has greatly improved the quality and efficiency of my projects.

One of the main reasons why a bench top wood lathe is necessary is its ability to shape and turn wood with precision. It allows me to create smooth and symmetrical curves, which is crucial for making furniture pieces such as table legs or chair spindles. Without a lathe, achieving these kinds of intricate designs would be nearly impossible.

Additionally, a bench top wood lathe allows me to work with a variety of wood types and sizes. This means that I can experiment with different materials and create unique pieces that showcase the natural beauty of each type of wood. Whether I am working on softwoods like pine or hardwoods like oak, my lathe can handle it all.

Another reason why I find a bench top wood lathe necessary is its space-saving design. As its name suggests, this type of lathe can easily be placed on a workbench or table, making it ideal for those with limited workshop space. This also means that it is portable and can be easily transported to different locations if

My Buying Guide on ‘Bench Top Wood Lathe’

After years of woodworking, I have come to realize the importance of having a good quality bench top wood lathe in my workshop. It has become an essential tool for creating intricate and detailed woodturning projects. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Bench Top Wood Lathes

Before diving into the features and specifications, it is important to understand the different types of bench top wood lathes available. The two main types are mini lathes and midi lathes.

Mini lathes are compact and lightweight, making them suitable for small projects and beginners. They have a shorter bed length and lower horsepower compared to midi lathes.

Midi lathes, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful than mini lathes. They have a longer bed length which allows for turning larger pieces of wood.

Power

The power of a bench top wood lathe is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the HP, the more powerful the lathe will be. For small projects or beginners, a 1/2 HP motor should suffice. However, if you plan on working with larger and harder woods, opt for a lathe with at least 1 HP.

Bed Length

The bed length refers to the space between the headstock (where the piece is mounted) and tailstock (which supports the other end). A longer bed length allows for turning larger pieces of wood. However, keep in mind that a longer bed also means a heavier and bulkier machine.

Speed Range

The speed range of a bench top wood lathe is another important factor to consider. Most lathes come with variable speed control which allows you to adjust the speed according to your project needs. Look for a lathe with a wide speed range (at least 500-2500 RPM) to give you versatility in your projects.

Swing Over Bed

The swing over bed refers to the maximum diameter of wood that can be turned on the lathe. It is an important factor if you plan on working with larger pieces of wood. A higher swing over bed means you can work with bigger pieces without any limitations.

Budget

Of course, budget plays a significant role in any purchase decision. While there are budget-friendly options available in the market, remember that quality comes at a price. Invest in a good quality bench top wood lathe that will last you for years rather than opting for cheaper alternatives that may not deliver satisfactory results.

In Conclusion

A bench top wood lathe is an investment that will enhance your woodworking skills and allow you to create beautiful projects. Consider your needs as well as these key factors when choosing one – type, power, bed length, speed range, swing over bed, and budget –to find the perfect fit for your workshop.

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Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.