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BEST LATHES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
JET JWL-1221VS
JET
JWL-1221VS
Precision Wood Lathe
Is designed for precise woodturning. With variable speed control and superior construction, it's a favorite among woodworkers.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Precise speed control
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Suitable for various projects
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Limited to smaller scale projects
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Grizzly G8688
Grizzly
G8688
Compact Metal Lathe
Mini Metal Lathe is perfect for small metalworking projects, offering precision and durability in a compact size.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Compact and efficient
  • Precise speed control
  • Durable construction
CONS
  • Limited capacity for larger projects
  • Basic features compared to higher-end models
Delta 46-460
Delta
46-460
Professional Wood Lathe
The Delta Industrial 46-460 is a powerful wood lathe designed for professional woodworkers.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Powerful motor
  • Quick and easy speed changes
  • Superior finish with reverse function
CONS
  • Higher price range
  • Heavier weight may require a sturdy workbench
WEN 3421
WEN
3421
Mini Wood Lathe
Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is ideal for small woodworking projects.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Compact and easy to store
  • User-friendly design
CONS
  • Limited power for larger projects
  • Basic features compared to higher-end models
Shop Fox M1015
Shop Fox
M1015
Heavy-Duty Metal Lathe
Robust metal lathe built for heavy-duty machining.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Durable and robust construction
  • Precise speed control
  • Includes multiple accessories
CONS
  • Limited power compared to larger models
  • Higher price point
BEST OF THE BEST
JET JWL-1221VS
Precision Wood Lathe
Speed Range: 60-3600 RPM
Motor Power: 1 HP
Distance Between Centers: 21 inches
Swing Over Bed: 12 inches

The JET JWL-1221VS Woodworking Lathe is engineered to deliver smooth, accurate, and reliable performance. Its variable speed control ranges from 60 to 3600 RPM, allowing you to handle a variety of woodturning projects with precision.

The intuitive design and user-friendly controls make it easy for both beginners and professionals to use. Constructed with high-quality materials, this lathe ensures durability and long-lasting performance.

The digital readout provides exact speed control, ensuring that you can achieve the desired finish on your projects. Its compact size makes it suitable for small workshops while still offering the power and capability to handle larger tasks.

Whether you're crafting intricate details or larger pieces, the JET JWL-1221VS is a tool you can rely on.

PROS
  • Precise speed control
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Suitable for various projects
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Limited to smaller scale projects
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Grizzly G8688
Compact Metal Lathe
Speed Range: 0-2500 RPM
Motor Power: 3/4 HP
Distance Between Centers: 12 inches
Swing Over Bed: 7 inches

The Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe is an excellent choice for hobbyists and small-scale metalworking projects. Its compact size doesn't compromise on performance, offering a robust 3/4 HP motor that allows for precise and accurate machining.

The lathe features a variable speed control that ranges from 0 to 2500 RPM, making it suitable for various metal types and project requirements. The machine is designed with a sturdy cast iron construction, ensuring stability and reducing vibration during operation.

It comes equipped with a number of practical features, including a thread indicator, a tailstock for additional support, and a chip tray for easy cleanup. This mini metal lathe is both user-friendly and efficient, making it a valuable addition to any workshop.

PROS
  • Compact and efficient
  • Precise speed control
  • Durable construction
CONS
  • Limited capacity for larger projects
  • Basic features compared to higher-end models
Delta 46-460
Professional Wood Lathe
Speed Range: 250-4000 RPM
Motor Power: 1 HP
Distance Between Centers: 16.5 inches
Swing Over Bed: 12.5 inches

The Delta Industrial 46-460 Wood Lathe is a top-tier tool designed for professional woodworkers who demand precision and reliability. The lathe features a powerful 1 HP motor and a variable speed range of 250 to 4000 RPM, making it suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks.

Its patented belt tensioning system ensures quick and easy speed changes while maintaining consistent belt tension for maximum power transfer and longer tool life. The lathe also includes a forward and reverse function, which allows for superior finish and greater control over your woodworking projects.

The heavy-duty cast iron construction provides stability and reduces vibration, ensuring smooth operation. With its professional-grade features and robust design, the Delta Industrial 46-460 is an excellent investment for serious woodworkers.

PROS
  • Powerful motor
  • Quick and easy speed changes
  • Superior finish with reverse function
CONS
  • Higher price range
  • Heavier weight may require a sturdy workbench
WEN 3421
Mini Wood Lathe
Speed Range: 750-3200 RPM
Motor Power: 3.2 amps
Distance Between Centers: 12 inches
Swing Over Bed: 8 inches

The WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is designed for small woodworking projects and is a great tool for beginners and hobbyists. This lathe features a 3.2-amp motor that provides ample power for small to medium-sized projects.

The variable speed control ranges from 750 to 3200 RPM, allowing you to adjust the speed to suit the task at hand. The lathe's compact design makes it easy to fit into any workshop, and its lightweight construction allows for easy transport and storage.

The WEN 3421 also includes practical features such as a MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, as well as two interchangeable tool rests for added convenience. With its user-friendly design and reliable performance, this mini wood lathe is perfect for those looking to explore the world of woodturning.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Compact and easy to store
  • User-friendly design
CONS
  • Limited power for larger projects
  • Basic features compared to higher-end models
Shop Fox M1015
Heavy-Duty Metal Lathe
Speed Range: 100-2000 RPM
Motor Power: 1/5 HP
Distance Between Centers: 10 inches
Swing Over Bed: 6 inches

The Shop Fox M1015 Metal Lathe is built for heavy-duty machining and is ideal for both hobbyists and professionals. It features a powerful 1/5 HP motor and a variable speed range of 100 to 2000 RPM, allowing for precise control over your metalworking projects.

The lathe's sturdy construction and high-quality components ensure durability and long-lasting performance. The M1015 includes an MT2 tailstock taper, a 4-way turret tool post, and a 3-inch three-jaw chuck, providing versatility and convenience for various tasks.

The machine's compact size makes it suitable for smaller workshops, while its robust design ensures it can handle demanding projects. With its combination of power, precision, and reliability, the Shop Fox M1015 is an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a high-quality metal lathe.

PROS
  • Durable and robust construction
  • Precise speed control
  • Includes multiple accessories
CONS
  • Limited power compared to larger models
  • Higher price point

How our picks compare

SpecificationJET JWL-1221VSGrizzly G8688Delta 46-460WEN 3421Shop Fox M1015
Speed Range60-3600 RPM0-2500 RPM250-4000 RPM750-3200 RPM100-2000 RPM
Motor Power1 HP3/4 HP1 HP3.2 amps1/5 HP
Distance Between Centers21 inches12 inches16.5 inches12 inches10 inches
Swing Over Bed12 inches7 inches12.5 inches8 inches6 inches