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[Top 5] Best Full Size Wood Lathe Of 2023

Nicolas J WardRobert T Baldwin
  Dec 9, 2023 12:25 PM

Like other power tools, a wood lathe is a must-have item for those who are fond of DIY projects. It assists you to turn pens, chairs, spoons, and other wooden furniture at your home.

As such, we‘ve listed down and reviewed the 5 best full size wood lathe of 2023 to help you find yourselves a good option in this article.


Our Top Choice


Reviews

Here is a collection of the best full size wood lathe 2023 for everyone that you should not skip.

#1. WEN LA3424 Benchtop Wood Lathe - Best for Easy to use

Important Specifications

  • Dimension: 30.5 x 8.75 x 16.25 inches

  • Item Weight: 70.3 pounds

Product's highlights

WEN LA3424 is the first benchtop wood lathe we would like to introduce to you.

With 5 different operating speeds, you’ll be able to turn work pieces at 520, 900, 1400, 2150, or 3400 rotations per minute. The 4.5A motor provides maximum torque while the sturdy 70+ pound build prevents walking and wobbling during operation.

Besides, this machine features spindle and tailstock taper to tightly hold your work pieces while the easy-to-use lever clamping system makes adjustments to both the tool rest and the tailstock simple and precise.  This is an ideal choice for beginners who learn to turn wood.

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What We Like

  • 5 operating speeds

  • Powerful

  • Easy to use

  • Multi applications

  • Stable during operation

  • 2-year warranty

Things to Consider

  • Not durable

  • Heavy

#2. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe - Best for Small projects

Important Specifications

  • Dimension: 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches

  • Item Weight: 49.5 pounds

Product's highlights

When it comes to wood lathe, you can not miss the SHOP FOX W1704. This unit includes both a 4-1/2 and 7-inch tool rest for various turning applications and with a 13-inch distance between centers and an 8-inch swing over the bed this lathe is ideal for a variety of turning projects.

In terms of material, the cast iron design makes it a durable machine. It will serve you for years. Beside, you will get a 2-year warranty when buying the SHOP FOX W1704

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What We Like

  • 5 operating speeds

  • Durability

  • Easy to use

  • Multi applications

  • 2-year warranty

Things to Consider

  • Not suitable for turning big projects

#3. Grizzly Industrial T25920 Benchtop Wood Lathe - Best for Quiet Operation

Important Specifications

  • Dimension: 18 x 33 x 12 inches

  • Item Weight: 80 pounds

Product's highlights

This wood lathe comes from an ISO 9001 factory so that you don’t need to worry about the quality of this tool. Grizzly Industrial can operate at the maximum speed of 3800, which enables you to complete large projects.

The digital RPM readout is employed to help you know the exact number during the operation while the quick-release on tool rest & tailstock offer easy adjustment. Besides, the heavy-dust cast iron construction is added for durability. These features are considered at a value that can't be beat!

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What We Like

  • Power

  • Durability

  • Easy to use

  • The digital RPM readout

  • Suitable for big projects

  • 3800 RPM

Things to Consider

  • Expensive

  • Only offers 3 variable speeds

#4. Mophorn Benchtop Wood Lathe - Best for Budget

Important Specifications

  • Dimension: 34.8 x 16.5 x 10.2 inches

  • Item Weight: 54 pounds

Product's highlights

Take a look at this Mophorn Benchtop Wood Lathe if you are searching for a high-quality wood lathe without spending a lot of money. This machine comes with a ½ horse power motor, which provides safety and low noise when running.

The tailstock features Acme threads and tailstock tape to provide you smooth movement. Unlike other models in this article, Mophorn is constructed with solid steel for great durability, providing increased stability and smooth operation, reducing vibration.

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What We Like

  • Low noise

  • High durability

  • Easy to use

  • The digital RPM readout

  • Stability

  • Affordable

Things to Consider

  • Not suitable for big projects

#5.  JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe -  Best for Accuracy

Important Specifications

  • Dimension: 35 x 18.1 x 14.56 inches

  • Item Weight: 77 pounds

Product's highlights

JET JWL-1015 is our best choice for a wood lathe because of its premium features. This machine offers up to 6 spindle speeds with the maximum of 3975. You are able to choose the speed easily to complete any jobs that you desire.

The enhanced tensioning system is designed for more precision while the quiet and smooth operation is also included when you run this unit. Additionally, the manufacturer gives you a warranty period of 5 years. The JET JWL-1015 is worth every penny that you spend.

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What We Like

  • Low noise

  • Powerful

  • Easy to use

  • Offers up to 6 variable speeds

  • Stability

  • Suitable for both small and big projects

  • 5-year warranty

Things to Consider

  • Heavy


Compare Products

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1
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    WEN
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2
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    Shop Fox
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3
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    Grizzly Industrial
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    Mophorn
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  • Brand
    Jet
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6
  • SCORE
    9.6
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  • Brand
    Powermatic
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7
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    Jet
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8
  • SCORE
    9.5
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    Jet
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  • SCORE
    8.9
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  • Brand
    XtremepowerUS
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    8.7
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  • Brand
    PNBO

Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


FAQs

What size motor is best for a wood lathe?

A 2 hp motor is almost certainly a must for any lathe with capabilities of 18" or over. Much of that is because modern lathes use 3 phase motors with VFDs (to make them electronically variable speed). On older lathes, when you changed speeds from 400 rpm to 2400 rpm, you moved the belt on your step pulleys.

What is the best wood for turning?

Woods such as cedar, beech, oak, and holly are great for turning as they are considered a hardwood. Softwood such as birch, elm, and poplar can also be turned however care must be taken not to tear the wood. Turning each of these woods requires sharp tools, care, different skill sets and techniques.

What lathe is the best for beginners?

You should take the WEN LA3424 Benchtop Wood Lathe and the  JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe into consideration


Conclusion

Overall, JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe is the best candidate in my recommendations. Alternatively, consider the Mophorn Benchtop Wood Lathe  if you want a budget version.

Above are the best full size wood lathe 2023 appreciated by most customers. We hope this article can provide you with helpful information to find the suitable product. Thank you for following this post!


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