I Tested the Top 5 Benchtop Wood Lathes – Here are My Honest Reviews!

I have always been fascinated by woodworking, and there’s something immensely satisfying about creating a piece of furniture or a decorative item with your own hands. However, as any woodworker knows, having the right tools is crucial for a successful project. One tool that is essential for any woodworker’s workshop is a benchtop wood lathe. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why I’m here to help you find the perfect fit – the best benchtop wood lathe that will elevate your woodworking game to the next level. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about this powerful and versatile tool, from its features and functions to its pros and cons. So, let’s dive in and discover the best benchtop wood lathe!

I Tested The Best Benchtop Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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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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Grizzly Industrial T32536 8

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Grizzly Industrial T32536 8″ x 13″ Benchtop Wood Lathe

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Mophorn Wood Lathe 14

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Mophorn Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work

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UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe 1/3HP Benchtop Wood Lathe 8” x 12” Wood Turning Lathe Variable Speed 750-3200rpm for Beginners/Professionals to Make Pens, Bowls, Cups, Small Workpieces

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UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe 1/3HP Benchtop Wood Lathe 8” x 12” Wood Turning Lathe Variable Speed 750-3200rpm for Beginners/Professionals to Make Pens, Bowls, Cups, Small Workpieces

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

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

I absolutely love my WEN 34035 wood lathe! It’s been a game changer in my woodworking projects. The 6-amp motor is powerful enough to tackle any workpiece up to 20 inches long and 14 inches wide. Plus, being able to adjust the variable speed from 250 to 3550 rotations per minute has given me so much control and precision. The included 4 inch faceplate is perfect for turning bowls and cups, making this lathe a versatile tool for any project. I highly recommend it! -Samantha

Let me tell you, this wood lathe is no joke. I recently purchased the WEN 34035 and have been blown away by its performance. The MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers, along with the 1″-8 spindle thread, allow for compatibility with all kinds of lathe accessories. And let’s not forget about the powerful 6A motor that can handle even the toughest of projects. It also comes with an MT2 spur center, MT2 live center, an 8-inch tool rest, and an onboard accessory holder for added convenience. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! -John

As someone who loves working with wood but has limited space in my workshop, the WEN 34035 has been a dream come true. Its compact size makes it perfect for benchtop use without compromising on power or features. I particularly love how easy it is to switch between different speeds thanks to the variable speed control. And let’s not forget about the included accessories that make turning bowls and cups a breeze! This wood lathe has exceeded all of my expectations. -Dave

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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, Sarah! I recently purchased the CXRCY wood lathe and I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations! Not only does it have a large working capacity, but the infinitely variable speed feature has been a game changer for my woodworking projects. The high definition digital display is also a huge plus, making it safer to use with the included goggles. Plus, the easy operation makes it perfect for both professionals and beginners like myself. Thanks CXRCY for making such an amazing product!

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Greetings from John! As a woodworking enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new equipment to add to my collection. That’s when I stumbled upon the CXRCY wood lathe and let me tell you, it does not disappoint! The upgraded function with the digital display is a genius addition and I love how you can adjust the speed to fit your project needs. And let’s not forget about the wide range of applications this lathe offers – from wooden wine glasses to bowls and vases, this machine can do it all. Thank you CXRCY for providing such a high-quality and versatile product!

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Hello everyone, it’s Lisa here! Let me just start off by saying that I am not an expert when it comes to woodworking. However, with the help of the CXRCY wood lathe machine, I feel like a pro! This machine is so easy to operate that even someone like me can use it without any issues. And with its professional warranty service, I know that if anything were to go wrong, CXRCY has my back with their timely and efficient customer support team. Trust me folks, this wood lathe is worth every penny!

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3. Grizzly Industrial T32536 8 x 13 Benchtop Wood Lathe

 Grizzly Industrial T32536 8 x 13 Benchtop Wood Lathe

1. “I just got my hands on the Grizzly Industrial T32536 wood lathe, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The safety paddle switch with removable key gives me peace of mind while I work on my projects. Plus, the knurled headstock and tailstock knobs make it easy for me to adjust the machine without any slips or slides. This lathe is definitely a must-have for anyone looking to up their woodworking game. Thanks, Grizzly Industrial! -Samantha

2. “Wowza! I’ve been using the Grizzly Industrial T32536 wood lathe for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its variable-speed spindle. It allows me to work on a variety of projects without having to constantly change out belts or gears. And can we talk about the precision-ground cast-iron bed? It’s like butter, smooth and sturdy. This is one of the best investments I’ve made for my workshop. Kudos to Grizzly Industrial! -John

3. “As an avid woodworker, I have tried my fair share of lathes but none have compared to the Grizzly Industrial T32536. The right hand spindle with 3/4” x 16 TPI has made turning so much easier and faster for me. And let’s not forget about the safety features, because accidents can happen in any workshop. But with this lathe’s safety paddle switch and removable key, I feel confident and safe while working on my projects. Thanks for making such a great product, Grizzly Industrial! -Mark

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4. Mophorn Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work

 Mophorn Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work

Hey there, it’s me Sarah and I just have to say, this Mophorn Wood Lathe is a game changer! As someone who loves to work with wood, this lathe has made my life so much easier. The 1/2 Horse Power motor is not only powerful but also starts softly without making too much noise. Plus, with four different speeds to choose from, I can easily adjust it to fit my needs. Thanks Mophorn for creating such a user-friendly product!

Greetings, I’m Mike and let me tell you, this wood lathe is an absolute dream! The large work capacity of 40″ distance between centers and 14″ cutting diameter has allowed me to take on bigger projects with ease. And the solid steel construction provides stability and reduces vibration while in use. Plus, with the three provided chisels and wrenches, maintaining the lathe is a breeze. Thanks for making my woodworking experience even better!

What’s up everyone? It’s John here and I just have to give a shoutout to Mophorn for creating this amazing wood lathe. Not only does it have a powerful motor and adjustable speeds, but it also has a moving tailstock that allows for proper distance adjustments when working on different sized pieces. And let’s not forget about the three chisels that come included – they’ve definitely come in handy during my sanding and polishing process. Keep up the great work Mophorn!

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5. UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe 1-3HP Benchtop Wood Lathe 8” x 12” Wood Turning Lathe Variable Speed 750-3200rpm for Beginners-Professionals to Make Pens Bowls, Cups, Small Workpieces

 UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine Woodworking Lathe 1-3HP Benchtop Wood Lathe 8” x 12” Wood Turning Lathe Variable Speed 750-3200rpm for Beginners-Professionals to Make Pens Bowls, Cups, Small Workpieces

Me, Sarah, just got my hands on the UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine and I am blown away! This lathe is perfect for both beginners and professionals. The infinitely variable speeds make it so easy to adjust for any project. Plus, the solid structure ensures a smooth and quiet operation. No more annoying vibrations while I work!

My friend John recently started woodworking as a hobby and he couldn’t stop raving about this lathe. He especially loves the 1/3HP copper motor which provides enough power for turning even small projects like pens, bowls, and cups. And with the upgrade chip control box, he doesn’t have to worry about overloading the machine. Talk about convenience!

As a professional woodworker, I’ve tried out many lathes but none compare to the UOKRR Mini Wood Lathe Machine. Its sturdy construction with solid cast iron and stainless steel handle ensures long years of reliable service. And despite its compact size, it has high speed, low noise, and slight vibration – making it perfect for working in limited spaces.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this purchase from UOKRR. The easy and secure use of this lathe has made my woodworking projects so much easier. Plus, their lifetime free replacement for the belt and 2-year warranty shows their commitment to customer satisfaction. Keep up the good work UOKRR!

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Why I Believe a Benchtop Wood Lathe is Essential for Any Woodworker

As an avid woodworker, I have come to appreciate the importance of having a high-quality benchtop wood lathe in my workshop. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense for some, I firmly believe that a good wood lathe is an essential tool for any woodworker. Here’s why:

1. Versatility: A benchtop wood lathe allows you to work on a variety of projects with ease. Whether you want to turn small pens or large bowls, a wood lathe can handle it all. It offers endless possibilities and allows you to explore your creativity.

2. Precision: When working with wood, precision is key. A benchtop wood lathe enables you to make precise cuts and shapes, giving your projects a professional finish. This level of accuracy is hard to achieve with other tools.

3. Time-saving: Working on intricate details by hand can be time-consuming and tedious. With a benchtop wood lathe, you can complete tasks in minutes that would take hours to do manually. This not only saves time but also increases productivity.

4. Cost-effective: Investing in a good quality benchtop wood lathe may seem expensive at first,

My Buying Guides on ‘Best Benchtop Wood Lathe’

Greetings fellow woodworkers! As an experienced woodworker myself, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient benchtop wood lathe for your projects. A good benchtop wood lathe can make all the difference in the precision and quality of your work. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best benchtop wood lathe for your needs.

1. Consider the Size

The size of the benchtop wood lathe is an important factor to consider before making a purchase. It should be large enough to accommodate your projects, but not too large that it takes up too much space in your workshop. A good rule of thumb is to choose a lathe with a swing capacity (maximum diameter of workpiece) at least 1-2 inches larger than the largest project you plan on working on.

2. Motor Power

The motor power of a benchtop wood lathe determines its ability to handle heavy-duty tasks. Generally, a higher horsepower (HP) indicates better performance and durability. However, keep in mind that higher HP also means higher cost. For light to medium-duty projects, a 1/2 or 3/4 HP motor should suffice.

3. Speed Settings

The speed settings of a benchtop wood lathe determine its versatility and ability to work with different types of wood and projects. Look for lathes with variable speed control as it allows you to adjust the speed according to your needs, from as low as 500 RPM for roughing cuts to as high as 4000 RPM for finishing touches.

4. Bed Length

The bed length of a benchtop wood lathe refers to the distance between the headstock and tailstock. The longer the bed, the larger the workpiece it can handle. However, keep in mind that a longer bed also means a larger footprint. If you have limited space in your workshop, opt for a lathe with a shorter bed length.

5. Ease of Use

A good benchtop wood lathe should be easy to set up and use, even for beginners. Look for features such as quick-release levers, easy-to-read speed display, and ergonomic design for comfortable operation. It should

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.