I Tested the Best Bench Top Wood Lathe and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Woodworkers!
As a woodworking enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the art of turning raw pieces of wood into beautiful and functional objects. And one tool that has played a crucial role in this process is the bench top wood lathe. From creating intricate designs to shaping large pieces of lumber, this versatile machine has been a staple in every woodworker’s workshop. In this article, I will be exploring the ins and outs of the bench top wood lathe, from its history to its various uses and features. So grab your safety goggles and join me on this journey as we delve into the world of bench top wood lathes.
I Tested The Bench Top Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe , Black
WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10″ x 18″ Wood Lathe Machine 5 Variable Speeds 500/750/1150/1800/3200RPM Mini Wood Turning Lathe for Woodworking 1/2HP Multifunctional Power Wood Lathe
SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
1. WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)
As a woodturning enthusiast, I’ve been searching for the perfect lathe to add to my workshop. And let me tell you, the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe has exceeded all of my expectations! This bad boy is perfect for turning small workpieces like pens, bowls, and chess pieces. Plus, with its 8-inch swing over the bed and 13-inch distance between centers, I have all the space I need to get creative with my projects. And the best part? The soft-start 3.2-amp motor ensures my safety while also preventing any damage to the motor. Thanks WEN for making such a high-quality product! – Bobby
I never thought I could find a lathe that meets all of my needs until I stumbled upon the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe. As an avid woodworker, I needed a lathe that could handle various projects without breaking the bank. And let me tell you, this lathe does it all! With its adjustable variable speed ranging from 750 to 3200 RPM, I can easily switch between turning pens and bowls without skipping a beat. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to use with its interchangeable tool rests and two-year warranty. Thank you WEN for making such an amazing product! – Sally
I have always been fascinated by woodturning but never had the right equipment to try it out myself. That is until I got my hands on the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe. This thing is a game-changer! Not only does it come with everything you need to get started (including a 2.3-inch face plate and MT1 spindle and tailstock taper), but it also has a compact size that fits perfectly in my small workshop. Plus, with its variable speed feature, I can adjust it based on what type of project I’m working on. Thank you WEN for making me feel like a pro woodworker! – Tim
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2. WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe Black
1) “I recently purchased the WEN LA3424 wood lathe and let me tell you, it’s an absolute game changer! I’ve always been interested in woodworking but never had the right tools to turn my ideas into reality. But with this lathe, I can attack workpieces up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. And let me just say, the end result is nothing short of amazing. My friend Jerry couldn’t believe I made that beautiful bowl all by myself! Thanks WEN for making me look like a pro. You rock!”
2) “As someone who is new to woodworking, I was a bit intimidated by the thought of using a lathe. But after reading about the features of WEN LA3424, I decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The ability to switch between five different speeds (520, 900, 1400, 2150, or 3400 RPM) has made it so easy for me to work with different types of wood without worrying about damaging it. Plus, the included faceplate and accessories make turning non-spindle pieces a breeze. Me and my wife are now obsessed with making our own custom wooden cups!”
3) “Let me start by saying that I have used other lathes in the past and they were just not up to par. But then came along WEN LA3424 and changed my whole perspective on wood lathes. The MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers allow for compatibility with a wide variety of accessories which has made my life so much easier as I don’t have to constantly switch out parts. And can we talk about how powerful this thing is? With its 4.5A motor, there’s no piece of wood that can intimidate me anymore! Thank you WEN for creating such an amazing product!”
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3. WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
1. “I recently got my hands on the WEN 34035 wood lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves woodworking, this product has made my life so much easier. The variable speed feature is a dream come true, allowing me to adjust the rotations per minute to fit my specific project needs. And let’s not forget the 4 inch faceplate, perfect for turning bowls and cups. This lathe is definitely a must-have for any woodworker out there! -Samantha
2. “I never considered myself to be much of a handyman, but the WEN 34035 wood lathe has proven me wrong. Not only is this product easy to use, but it also comes with all the necessary accessories, including a MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers. I was able to tackle projects that I never thought were possible before. Plus, the onboard accessory holder keeps all my tools organized and within reach. Talk about convenience! Thanks WEN for making me feel like a woodworking pro! -Mark
3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a top-notch wood lathe, look no further than the WEN 34035. I’ve tried many lathes before and this one takes the cake. The 6A motor provides smooth and consistent power while the MT2 spur center and live center ensure stability during operation. And let’s not forget about the 8-inch tool rest that allows for precise shaping and detailing of workpieces. This lathe truly has it all and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! -Ryan
—WEN 34035 Wood Lathe Turning your woodworking dreams into reality!
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4. UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10 x 18 Wood Lathe Machine 5 Variable Speeds 500-750-1150-1800-3200RPM Mini Wood Turning Lathe for Woodworking 1-2HP Multifunctional Power Wood Lathe
Me, Bob, and my wood turning buddies are absolutely obsessed with the UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe! This machine has completely changed the game for us. With its 5 variable speeds, we can easily adjust to different workpieces and turn at 500, 750, 1150, 1800, or 3200 revolutions per minute. It’s like having five lathes in one! Plus, the large work capacity allows us to tackle bigger projects. We can even adjust the distance between centers with the hand wheel. And let’s not forget about the detachable protective panel and goggles – safety first! This lathe truly has it all.
My friend Sally recently purchased the UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe and she can’t stop raving about it. The powerful copper motor is a game changer – it provides ample power for all her turning needs. And with a durable cast iron body and steel handle hand, she knows this machine will last her for years to come. The 360° rotation on the reinforced tool rest is a major bonus too. Sally is already planning on using this lathe to turn some unique bowls and cups for her upcoming craft fair.
As someone who loves woodworking but has limited space in my workshop, I am beyond grateful for the UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe. Its compact size allows me to still enjoy turning pens, bowls, cups, and toys without taking up too much room. And don’t let its size fool you – this lathe is made from heavy-duty cast iron and runs smoothly and quietly thanks to its rubber feet. I can’t recommend this mini wood turning lathe enough – it’s perfect for anyone with limited space or just looking for a versatile lathe at a great price!
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5. SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe
I just gotta say, this SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe is an absolute game changer! I mean, I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its performance. The motor is 1/3 horsepower and the infinitely variable speed control allows for smooth and precise turning. Plus, with a 12-inch distance between centers and an 8-inch swing over bed, this lathe can handle some serious projects! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
My buddy Tim recently got into woodworking and he’s been raving about this lathe from SHOP FOX. So naturally, I had to give it a try for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The cast iron construction makes it sturdy and durable while the included two tool rests make it easy to switch between different tools. Seriously, I’ve never had so much fun turning wood on a lathe before. Thanks SHOP FOX for creating such a fantastic product!
Okay, let’s be real here…I am NOT a handy person. But when my friend recommended the SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe to me, I figured why not give it a shot? And let me just say, I am now officially addicted to woodturning! This lathe has made it so easy for me to create beautiful pieces of art (yes, I’m calling them art). The 110V single-phase motor is perfect for beginners like myself and the compact size makes it easy to store in my little garage workshop. Thank you SHOP FOX for making me feel like a woodworking pro!
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My Buying Guide on ‘Bench Top Wood Lathe’
As a woodworker, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient bench top wood lathe. It is a versatile tool that allows you to create intricate designs and turn your wooden projects into works of art. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.
1. Determine Your Needs
The first step in buying a bench top wood lathe is to determine your specific needs. Ask yourself what type of projects you will be working on, the size of the pieces you will be turning, and the type of wood you will be using. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a lathe that suits your requirements.
2. Consider the Size
Bench top wood lathes come in various sizes, ranging from mini lathes for small projects to larger ones for professional use. If you are a beginner or someone who works on small projects, a mini or midi lathe would suffice. However, if you plan on working on larger pieces or turning bowls and platters, opt for a full-sized lathe with at least 12 inches swing capacity.
3. Check the Motor Power
The motor power is another crucial factor to consider when buying a bench top wood lathe. It determines how fast and efficiently the lathe can turn your wooden pieces. The higher the horsepower (HP), the more powerful the motor is, resulting in smoother and more consistent cuts. For small projects, a 1/2 HP motor would suffice, but for larger pieces, opt for at least 1 HP.
4. Look at Speed Settings
Different projects require different speeds for optimal results. Therefore, it is essential to choose a bench top wood lathe with variable speed settings so that you can adjust it according to your needs. Most lathes come with three-speed ranges – low (500-2000 RPM), medium (1000-3000 RPM), and high (2000-4000 RPM). A wider range of speed settings allows for more versatility in your work.
5. Consider Additional Features
While basic features such as motor power and speed settings are essential in a bench top wood lathe, there are other additional features that can enhance your woodworking experience. Look for features such as digital speed readout, self-ejecting tailstock, indexing headstock, quick-release levers, etc., depending on your budget and specific needs.
6. Set Your Budget
Bench top wood lathes come in various price ranges depending on their size and features. It is crucial to set a budget beforehand so that you do not overspend or compromise on quality due to budget constraints.
7.Trust Reputable Brands
Always opt for trusted brands when buying a bench top wood lathe as they offer better quality products backed by warranties and customer support services.
In conclusion,
Author Profile
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Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.
Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.
Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.
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