Best Overall
Grizzly T25920 Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
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Considered a specialism powertool , a Mrs. Henry Wood lathe is typically regain in a woodturner ’s or a furniture - Divine ’s shop . It ’s used to create cylindrical wooden items that are harmonious around a plaza axis , such as banister . We recently researched more than 15 DIY - favorable wood lathes before ultimately selecting one standout option — Grizzly Industrial ’s 12 - by-18 - column inch Sir Henry Wood lathe — for testing . Our conclusion ? It offers variable speed , has a square build quality , and is a good entry - level machine for those wanting to get the hang woodturning skill .
If you ’re new to woodturning but consider buy a lathe , keep say to study essential shopping tips and considerations and to get hold out how the Grizzly woodwind lathe earned the top spot in our batting order of the best wood lathe .
Our Ratings : informality of Use 4.5/5 ; Operation 4.8/5 ; Build Quality 5/5 ; Value 4.5/5
The first affair we noticed upon unboxing the Grizzly woodwind lathe was its heft ! This is a well - built machine that weighs in at 79 pounds . Still , even at that system of weights , bolt it to a workbench is recommend to keep it from moving during operation .
Some assembly is necessary , but Grizzly ’s instruction were easy to stick with . We had to attach the grip and deploy the drive spur and the springy center ( the acute persona that grip the ends of the Mrs. Henry Wood and hold it in place ) . In all , it take away about 20 minutes to get it rig up .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
flabby wood , such as true pine and cedar tree , are less slow and prone to shoot or splintering when turned on a lathe , so we rounded up several pieces of hardwood stock certificate ( oak tree and maple ) to quiz on the Grizzly , as hardwoods cut more cleanly and produce better outcome . For our turning tests , we used an 8 - piece set ofwood - turn toolsmade by PSI Woodworking on the lathe .
The Grizzly has a 12 - column inch swing , which mean that from the centre bakshish of the spur that holds the wood in place to the machine ’s table , it ’s exactly 6 inches . That will allow the user to flex a art object of wood up to 12 inch in diameter at its wide point . All the caudex we tested was 2 or 3 inch in diam . The prospicient Grant Wood this lathe will accept is 18 inches , which is plentifulness for many Mrs. Henry Wood craftiness . woods lathes that accommodate much longer pieces of Grant Wood are available , but the price increases exponentially , so for beginners or hobbyists who do n’t need that length the Grizzly is just correct .
For the turning part of the tests , we centered our Ellen Price Wood between the headstock and the tailstock , set the tool eternal rest so it was very close to the Grant Wood but not bumping , and then turn on the political machine . We really liked the digital readout and varying pep pill on the lathe . We tried out several of the Mrs. Henry Wood lathe tools to determine and fine - tune contour on the wood . It consider some experiment to get just the right turning speed for the wood and tools we were using , but the Grizzly ran smoothly and quietly and did all right work once adjusted correctly .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
We used a full - face shield during the examination process because wood lathe do more than just create dust — they also toss out shards of Sir Henry Wood . After a few hours turning several pieces of livestock , we were ultimately impressed by the Grizzly ’s performance .
What our quizzer says:“This wood lathe takes some getting used to , but I imagine it ’s an fantabulous plectron for anyone who need to hone their acquisition on wood projects up to 18 inches long . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews writer and tester
Get the Grizzly T25920 wood lathe atAmazonorGrizzly .
Photo: Amazon
More Wood Lathes Worth Your Money
If you ’re looking for a wood lathe with a smaller footprint or one that will hold bombastic pieces of wood , here are some additional exemplar we think are deserving the investment .
How Chose and Tested the Best Wood Lathes
The most thought-provoking part of this summons was choosing which forest lathe to test . After specialize our listing down to our favorite six models , we settled on the Grizzly because we ’re very familiar with the quality of Grizzly Industrial political machine and desire to test a lathe that was both sinewy and affordable .
We kept our hands - on trial as close as potential to actualwood - turning projects . We insert hardwood line ( the well wood for lathe turn ) in the machine , focus and securing it , and then take turning tests using various carving cock to shape , gouge , contour , and fine - tune the wood . We noted the machine ’s best features and what we did n’t handle for . After testing , we sum the Grizzly ’s strengths and weakness , and we were pretty pleased with its overall performance .
What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Lathe
Before investing in a new lathe for woodturning , consider these critical product features to be sure you purchase the best forest lathe for your needs .
Types of Wood Lathes
These powerfulwoodworking toolscome in three types : mini / benchtop , midi , and full - sizing .
A wood lathe is considered a mini or benchtop carpentry lathe if it has 20 inch or less of aloofness between center ( abbreviated as DBC ) and 12 inches or less of swing over bed ( abbreviated as SOB ) . Simply put , the DBC is the maximum duration of wood that can be used , while the SOB refers to the maximum diam of wood that can spread out on the lathe .
A miniature wood lathe is smaller than a midi or full - size wood lathe , making it a great option for small workspace . It is also very good for working with little , ticklish items or adding intricate item to larger item , as long as they fit within the lathe ’s mental ability . This type of Mrs. Henry Wood lathe is ordinarily the most affordable option , making it a enceinte start point for beginners .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Midi wood lathe shine between mini wood lathes and full - size wood lathe in both business leader and size of it . This type of Sir Henry Joseph Wood lathe rate widely in DBC , frequently drop below 20 inches in size , but it typically remains at or above 12 inch of SOB . With the increase in size , the midi Natalie Wood lathe also increase in price , but this elan is still more low-priced than a full - size woods lathe .
Full - size lathe have powerful motors and take up the most outer space . They typically stand on the ground at a height of about 4 feet so that you have easy accession to your project . These orotund lathes can have a very wide DBC , ranging over 45 inches in length , and an SOB that exceeds 15 inch in diameter .
Size and Weight
When you ’re looking for a new wood lathe , it ’s crucial to consider the space available in your workshop or garage . recollect that these might tools are designed to be heavy so that they do not jostle the wood while you work out ; as such , you ’ll ask a sturdy surface for benchtop and midi wood lathe .
Full - size of it wood lathe stand about 4 foot off the ground . This means you wo n’t have to worry about lifting them up to a benchtop , but it also means that if you require a Natalie Wood lathe this big , you need to ensure you have the floor space . Before buying a wood lathe , measure the useable space and equate it to the ware dimensions to guarantee it will fit .
Base
The composition of a Sir Henry Wood lathe ’s base is a critical element because it is responsible for providing a satisfying fundament that can suck vibrations during functioning . Even small quivering can significantly affect the project by causing unintended cut and gouge — not to cite being a likely safety hazard .
To aid prevent this issue and keep forest steady while you work , look for a wood lathe with a cast - iron base . Cast iron is a impenetrable , very heavy alloy that ensures the Grant Wood lathe remains unchanging and that the shaking caused while working do not affect the project . Even mini wood lathes will ordinarily use cast iron to ensure that their mobile design does not compromise the undertaking ’s event .
Headstock and Tailstock
The headstock on a woodwind lathe is the side that has the major power converter to the motor and will also typically admit the pep pill control . The headstock spur is a small metal objet d’art that stretch from the headstock to the center of the wood lathe , and it is design to thrust the forest and function as the centerpoint , providing the necessary powered rotary motion .
The tailstock of the wood lathe can be adjusted to check the length of the wood in the center of the headstock and tailstock . Once the Grant Wood is in position , the tailstock locks in place to forbid the wood from move vertically or horizontally while still allowing it to splay equally . This pincer - like grip act similar towood clampsto support the wood perfectly still and horizontal so the finished product will be harmonious .
Power and Speed
The power output of a Natalie Wood lathe is measured in H.P. ( HP ) . swooning - tariff mini wood lathe typically have an output of about ¾ HP , while full - sizing wood lathes average 2 H.P. . The motor ’s baron yield increase the potential speed of a wood lathe , permit you to sour at a riotous speed using a full - sizing woods lathe than with a mini or midi wood lathe .
speeding is measured in rotary motion per minute ( rev ) with a range of 250 to 4,000 RPMs between products . Speed is crucial because humble pieces with more delicate swing must rotate quicker than large , intemperate pieces to ascertain that the cut is properly master as the cutting instrument moves through the wood .
Capacity
The electrical capacity of a lathe machine can be make up one’s mind by the DBC and the SOB .
Tool Rest
The cock catch one’s breath on a woodwind lathe is a feature that make the lathe safe and more convenient . This is because the instrument residue is a horizontal bar that gives you a place to position cutting tools so that they continue stable while the wood rotates against them . It ’s crucial to assure that you limit the prick rest to the appropriate distance from the rotating wood because if it is too far away then the pecker rest will not be capable to cater the necessary livelihood .
Mini and midi wood lathes typically have instrument rests that tighten directly to the lathe , allowing you to get close to little project . Full - size Sir Henry Joseph Wood lathes can be used on large piece of wood , so these lathe may come with extend tool rests that fold out from the lathe to easily position them for larger - scale woodwork projects .
Safety
Using a wood latheallows you to reverse all sort of intricate projects , but the creature has tight - move spinning parts and throws off dust and woodwind shavings at a in high spirits rate of speed . Safety is paramount , and operate a lathe safely requires a lot of care . Accidents and injuries can occur from make dewy-eyed mistakes , like wear upon unaffixed - fitting clothing and jewelry or leaving farsighted hair idle that can get hitch in the lathe ’s rotation , take out the operator toward the rapidly rotate Mrs. Henry Wood . murder all jewelry , wear fitted clothing , and secure hair out of the range of the machine .
Another safety thoughtfulness is your personal protective equipment ( PPE ) . While working with a wood lathe , you should have a full - face shield to keep your eyes , nose , and mouth safe from flying wood chips , and think a detritus mask as well if you ’re sensible to sawdust . You should also have a set of study baseball mitt that can help keep your hands safe without interfering with your woodworking power . Always know where the emergency brake stop button is when using the lathe so that in an emergency , you do n’t have to look for it .
Accessories
Grant Wood lathes demand additional tools to help you get the best results . Common wood lathe supplement let in chisel , gouges , spring calipers , and hone .
Tips on How to Use a Wood Lathe
FAQs
Before invest in a Modern wood lathe , take a look at these frequently ask question and their resolution below .
you may make a spacious compartmentalization of wooden objects , including spoons , bottle conversation stopper , ring , pens , trough , cups , and cosmetic art .
This is for the most part a topic of preference . long-wearing and detrition - repellent , beech is a popular selection , especially for making trough and other related point . It lack a distinctive grain traffic pattern and has a very light colour . Some woodworker may think that it is a disadvantage , but others appreciate its perspicuousness .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Wood lathes with ⅓ to ¾ hp are ideal for turn pens and other small objects . 1 to 2 hp is well - suited for mid - sized or larger lathes that treat bigger projects .
A wood lathe is well-to-do to operate and control if it ’s place at elbow tier .
It ’s always a good idea to bolt it down , whether you ’re bolting it to the level or to a workbench .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
You should wear eye and face protection . What ’s also important is what youdon’twear — never wear down anything easy that could get get in the lathe . Also , be sure to marry back foresighted hair .
One class per in of thickness is a received lower limit for air - dried Natalie Wood .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a contractor , product tester , and writer focusing chiefly on construction , DIY tools , and home gizmo .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
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