Five of the Best Mini-Wood Lathes

Here’s a quick overview of five of the best mini-wood lathes

1. JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe
   Ideal for beginners, the JET JWL-1015 offers six spindle speeds and smooth operation. Its quiet running and compact design make it a popular choice for small woodturning projects, such as pen turning and small bowls.
2. WEN 3427 Variable Speed Mini Lathe
   Featuring variable speeds and a reverse function, this lathe is perfect for beginners. It is lightweight and includes a digital speed display, offering flexibility and ease of use.
3. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Turncrafter Commander
   With a powerful motor and multiple accessories, this lathe is perfect for a wide range of projects, from small pen turns to larger, more complex pieces. Its versatility makes it a favorite among woodworkers.
4. Shop Fox W1704 Mini Wood Lathe
   Known for its affordability and portability, the Shop Fox W1704 is perfect for beginners focusing on pen turning and small projects. It features a variable-speed motor that’s great for detailed work.
5. Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe
   This lathe is designed for both beginners and more advanced users. It includes a self-ejecting tailstock, a 12-position indexing head, and a solid motor, making it a durable and flexible choice for various woodturning projects.

Each of these mini lathes offers unique benefits, depending on your project needs, from detailed turning to more general woodworking applications​

.Here’s a review breakdown of the five mini wood lathes:

1. JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe

Overview:
The JET JWL-1015 is designed for beginners and hobbyists, offering a smooth performance with six adjustable spindle speeds (500–3975 RPM). It is built from sturdy materials, making it durable for small to mid-sized projects.

Pros:

• Easy to use, even for beginners.
• Smooth operation with minimal vibration.
• Six-speed settings provide flexibility.
• Quiet operation.

Cons:

• Lacks digital speed control.
• Some users found the tailstock to be slightly stiff.

Best For:
Pen turners, small bowl projects, and spindle work.

Check It Out HERE

2. WEN 3427 Variable Speed Mini Lathe

Overview:
This WEN lathe features variable speeds (750–3200 RPM) and a digital speed display. It includes a tool rest and faceplate, making it perfect for small woodworking tasks.

Pros:

• Variable speed control allows for more precise cuts.
• Digital speed display for easy monitoring.
• Budget-friendly.

Cons:

• May struggle with larger wood pieces.
• Can produce noticeable noise when operating at higher speeds.

Best For:
Beginners and those looking for a versatile, cost-effective lathe.

Check It Out HERE

3. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Turncrafter Commander

Overview:
This mini lathe is packed with power, featuring a ¾ HP motor and variable speed control (500–3600 RPM). It also offers reversible operations, which helps sand and finish.

Pros:

• Reversible motor for added versatility.
• Variable speed with a wide range.
• Solid build and durable for long-term use.

Cons:

• Heavier and less portable.
• Higher price compared to other models.

Best For:
More advanced woodworkers who need a lathe for medium to larger projects.

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4. Shop Fox W1704 Mini Wood Lathe

Overview:
A lightweight, portable option, the Shop Fox W1704 comes with variable speeds (700–3200 RPM) and is perfect for small projects like pen turning or intricate detail work.

Pros:

• Very affordable and budget-friendly.
• Portable due to its lightweight build.
• Perfect for pen turning and smaller pieces.

Cons:

• Less powerful compared to other mini lathes.
• Not suitable for larger or heavier wood projects.

Best For:
Beginners and hobbyists focusing on small, detailed work.

Check It Out HERE

5. Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe

Overview:
This lathe is highly praised for its versatility and features, including a self-ejecting tailstock, 12-position indexing head, and variable speed control (430–3900 RPM).

Pros:

• Self-ejecting tailstock saves time and effort.
• A 12-position indexing head is ideal for detailed work.
• Well-built and durable.

Cons:

• Heavier than some mini lathes, limiting portability.
• A bit pricier than entry-level models.

Best For:
Intermediate woodworkers who need a more robust, feature-rich machine.

Check It Out HERE

These mini wood lathes provide great options for both beginners and more experienced woodworkers, depending on the project size and budget.