BenchTop Woodturning Lathes
Discover the Facts - Review the Specs on Woodworking Lathes for Home Hobby Craftsman & Workshop Artists
Small Wood Lathe Tools - Compact Form Factor BIG on Features.
Look for features like variable speed, adjustable chucks and slide carriages. Find small table top woodturning lathes featuring major name brand bench top woodworking lathes like Jet, Grizzly and Delta (to name a few). These are the top picks for small table top versions used to create woodworking art and hobby crafts.
These tabletop wood lathes offer numerous features and functionality. Use these turning tools to create all sorts of projects - from spindle work to bowls and works of art. Release the inner artist in yourself with one of these lathe machines. Build pieces that last a lifetime and create your own family heirlooms.
Workbench Wood Turning Lathes! Small Spindle and Bowl Turning Tools for Hobby & Craft Projects.
I was once told that working with a wood lathe was an art form. I didn't understand that until I actually started using a wood turning machine. There's something very satisfying about using one of these machines. These lathe tools release something from within that's hard to put your finger on but you know it's there just the same. Taking a raw piece of lumber and creating a beautiful piece is remarkable. It sort of magically appears out of no-where and then you realize that YOU did it. I enjoy using most of the tools in my work shop - but none is as satisfying as my hobby wood turning lathe.
Learn to Turn
by Barry Gross
Tautons Complete Illustrated
Guide to Turning
by Richard Raffan
The Pen Turner's Workbook
by Barry Gross
I was once told that working with a wood lathe was an art form. I didn't understand that until I actually started using a wood turning machine. There's something very satisfying about using one of these machines. These lathe tools release something from within that's hard to put your finger on but you know it's there just the same. Taking a raw piece of lumber and creating a beautiful piece is remarkable. It sort of magically appears out of no-where and then you realize that YOU did it. I enjoy using most of the tools in my work shop - but none is as satisfying as my hobby wood turning lathe.
Learn to Turn
by Barry Gross
Tautons Complete Illustrated
Guide to Turning
by Richard Raffan
The Pen Turner's Workbook
by Barry Gross
JET JML 1014I 10 Inch X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe
The Jet JML 1014i is an innovative update to the original best selling model.
This Mini Lathe features an indexing and spindle lock, live center with removable pin, and self-ejecting tailstock. Ideal for home shop use, this compact tool offers six operating speeds and a stable, durable design to tackle a wide range of lathing projects.
This mini-lathe includes 6-inch Tool rest, live center, 3-inch face plate, spur center, tooling knockout, and safety goggles
This Mini Lathe features an indexing and spindle lock, live center with removable pin, and self-ejecting tailstock. Ideal for home shop use, this compact tool offers six operating speeds and a stable, durable design to tackle a wide range of lathing projects.
This mini-lathe includes 6-inch Tool rest, live center, 3-inch face plate, spur center, tooling knockout, and safety goggles
Jet 10x14 Indexing Wood Lathe
- Powerful 1/2 HP, Six-Speed Motor for Control and Flexibility
- Cast-Iron Bed for Stability
- Spindle Lock for Fast Fluting and Veining
- Live Center and Hollow Tailstock for Efficient Boring
- Self-Ejecting Tailstock and Cam-Lock Mechanism for Safe, Easy Operation
Grizzly G0624 10 inch Cast Iron Bench Top Wood Lathe
Grizzly G0624 - A Great Starter Lathe.
If you're interested in a "training lathe" and want to learn as you go, this is the right machine. It's manageable and forgiving for a beginner. Speeds are fairly easy to set and the lathe is quiet and steady. For regular spindle work this a good choice. When you advance to the bowl turning stage, this machine may come up short. The tool rest is short and achieving depth in bowls can be difficult as well as hazardous. There are different tool rests available but the added stress may cause metal fatigue resulting in base cracks. Replacements are inexpensive and customer support at Grizzly is fantastic so getting competent help is very easy. If your projects are small in nature, then this machine will suit you well. And as a beginner, this is a good starter machine that's big on features and doesn't break the bank.
If you're interested in a "training lathe" and want to learn as you go, this is the right machine. It's manageable and forgiving for a beginner. Speeds are fairly easy to set and the lathe is quiet and steady. For regular spindle work this a good choice. When you advance to the bowl turning stage, this machine may come up short. The tool rest is short and achieving depth in bowls can be difficult as well as hazardous. There are different tool rests available but the added stress may cause metal fatigue resulting in base cracks. Replacements are inexpensive and customer support at Grizzly is fantastic so getting competent help is very easy. If your projects are small in nature, then this machine will suit you well. And as a beginner, this is a good starter machine that's big on features and doesn't break the bank.
Grizzly G0624 Woodturning Lathe w/Cast Iron Base
- 1/2 HP Motor with Six-Speed Selections
- 10 inch Turning Capacity up to 15-1/2 inches long
- MT #2 Spindle & Tailstock Taper
- Includes Tool Rest, Live Rolling Center, Spur Center, and 3 inch Faceplate
- 43" long x 8-3/4" deep x 15" high - Weighs 102 lbs
- Optional Bed Extension Available
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Mini Lathe
Delta Variable Speed Wood Lathe - Best in Class
More powerful motor with reverse. Largest turning capacity in its class. Five (5) star ratings by past customers in all categories. Here is an excerpt from a real customer review...
"I LOVE this Delta! The variable speed works smoothly and I like the fact that it has a slow speed of 250 rpm, (which is nice when starting an unbalanced bowl), and goes up to 4000 (perfect for pen turning). The reversing feature of the 1 HP motor is useful when sanding.
You would have to spend a lot more to get a better lathe, making the Delta 46-460 an excellent value!"
More powerful motor with reverse. Largest turning capacity in its class. Five (5) star ratings by past customers in all categories. Here is an excerpt from a real customer review...
"I LOVE this Delta! The variable speed works smoothly and I like the fact that it has a slow speed of 250 rpm, (which is nice when starting an unbalanced bowl), and goes up to 4000 (perfect for pen turning). The reversing feature of the 1 HP motor is useful when sanding.
You would have to spend a lot more to get a better lathe, making the Delta 46-460 an excellent value!"
Delta 46-460 Wood Lathe with 12-1/2 Turning Capacity
Features a ball-bearing live center, heavy-duty steel knockout bar, and onboard storage for easy access to adjustment tools. Ideal for professional craftsmen and advanced woodworkers.
Features a ball-bearing live center, heavy-duty steel knockout bar, and onboard storage for easy access to adjustment tools. Ideal for professional craftsmen and advanced woodworkers.
- Powered by a 1-horsepower 1,725-rpm motor for robust performance
- 12-1/2-inch swing capacity--the largest in its class
- Patented Belt-Tensioning System for Fast Speed Changes and Longer Tool Life
- Reversing Variable speed drive with three pulley-speed ranges
- Includes 6- and 10-inch tool rests and 3-inch face plate
- Backed by a five-year warranty
