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10 Best Beginner Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

JET JWL-1640EVS 16" x 40" Woodworking Lathe (719500) + PSI Woodworking Products TM32 1/2-Inch Drill Chuck with #2 Morse Taper Arbor

The JET JWL-1640EVS 16" x 40" woodworking lathe is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore woodturning. Its swing over bed of 16 inches and a generous distance between centers of 40 inches provide ample workspace for various projects, from small items to larger pieces. The lathe's motor power ensures consistent performance, making it easier for newcomers to achieve desired results. Additionally, the variable speed range allows users to adjust the lathe's speed according to the material and project requirements, which is a valuable feature for those just starting out.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,125
Motor Power
Speed Range
Bed Construction

Most important from
84 reviews

Motor Power
The 1.5 hp DC motor runs smoothly and quietly, even at its highest speed of 3200 rpm.
Speed Range
Infinitely variable speed from 40 to 3200 rpm, and it's so quiet you can listen to music while working.
Bed Construction
Heavy, solid construction with reliable tool rest tighteners.
Tool Rest
Heavy, solid construction with reliable tool rest tighteners.
Tailstock
Tailstock quill travel is a good 4 inches with laser-etched increments for precision.
#2
9.6 score

JET 18" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1840EVS)

The JET 18" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe is well-suited for beginners in woodworking who are looking to explore turning projects without diving into overly complicated machinery. With a swing over bed of 18 inches and a distance between centers of 40 inches, it offers ample space for larger projects, which is a definite plus for novice woodworkers eager to create different items.

Rating
9.6
Motor Power

Most important from
29 reviews

Motor Power
Heavy and sturdy construction, combined with 220V power, adds smoothness and stability, especially when working with large or uneven pieces.

Top 10 Best Beginner Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

JET JWL-1640EVS 16" x 40" Woodworking Lathe (719500) + PSI Woodworking Products TM32 1/2-Inch Drill Chuck with #2 Morse Taper Arbor

Swing Over Bed: 16 inches
Distance Between Centers: 40 inches
Speed Range: variable
Bed Construction: sturdy
Tool Rest: non-marring, locking wedge system
Tailstock: ACME threads

Chosen by 1125 this week

JET 18" x 40" EVS Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 230V 1Ph (Model JWL-1840EVS)

Swing Over Bed: 18 inches
Distance Between Centers: 40 inches
Speed Range: 40 to 3200 RPM
Bed Construction: cast iron, steel
Tailstock: improved quill locking, anti-rotation key

WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

Swing Over Bed: 14 inches
Distance Between Centers: 20 inches
Motor Power: 6-amp
Speed Range: 250 to 3550 RPM
Bed Construction: supports stability
Tool Rest: 8-inch
Tailstock: MT2
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Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Wood Lathes

Choosing the right wood lathe as a beginner can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can find a model that suits your needs and helps you develop your skills. A wood lathe is a machine used to shape wood by rotating it against various cutting tools. When selecting a wood lathe, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a machine that matches your projects and skill level. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Swing Over BedThe swing over bed is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned on the lathe. This spec is important because it determines the size of the projects you can work on. For beginners, a swing over bed of 12 inches or less is usually sufficient for small to medium-sized projects like pens, bowls, and small furniture parts. If you plan to work on larger pieces, you might need a lathe with a larger swing over bed.
Distance Between CentersThe distance between centers is the maximum length of the workpiece that can be mounted on the lathe. This is crucial for determining the size of the projects you can handle. For beginners, a distance between centers of 18 to 24 inches is typically adequate for most small to medium projects. If you intend to turn longer pieces, such as table legs or spindles, you may need a lathe with a greater distance between centers.
Motor PowerMotor power, measured in horsepower (HP), affects the lathe's ability to handle different types of wood and the size of the workpieces. For beginners, a motor with 1/2 to 1 HP is generally sufficient for most small to medium projects. Higher horsepower allows for turning larger and harder pieces of wood but may not be necessary for those just starting out.
Speed RangeThe speed range of a lathe, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), determines how fast the workpiece rotates. This is important because different projects and types of wood require different speeds. A good beginner lathe should have a variable speed range from around 500 to 3000 RPM. This allows you to adjust the speed for different tasks, such as roughing out a blank at a lower speed and finishing at a higher speed.
Bed ConstructionThe bed construction refers to the material and build quality of the lathe's bed, which affects its stability and durability. Cast iron beds are preferred because they provide better stability and reduce vibrations, which is important for achieving smooth finishes. For beginners, a lathe with a sturdy cast iron bed is recommended to ensure a stable working experience.
Tool RestThe tool rest is the part of the lathe where you rest your cutting tools while working. It's important for it to be adjustable and easy to move to accommodate different project sizes and shapes. For beginners, a lathe with a versatile and easily adjustable tool rest will make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
TailstockThe tailstock is the part of the lathe that holds the end of the workpiece opposite the headstock. It should be easy to adjust and lock in place. A good tailstock provides support for longer workpieces and helps ensure accuracy. For beginners, a lathe with a reliable and easy-to-use tailstock is essential for a variety of projects.

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