Best wood lathes for woodturning
Researched by Deal.ai's shopping agent across stores on November 2, 2026. Prices below are today's.
Top pick: WEN LA3424 (12" × 18" benchtop). It's the sweet spot for most home turners — a 12-inch swing and 18 inches between centers handle bowls and spindles, and the 4.5-amp motor with lever-clamped speed changes is simple and reliable. Big enough to grow into, small enough to sit on a bench.
Who the others suit:
- WEN LA3421 (8" × 13") — tight spaces and pen/small-spindle work; variable speed, but limited swing.
- Apprentice 812 VS — beginners who want a proven midi lathe from a turning specialist.
- Forestwest BM10803 — same 12" × 18" size with a 3/4 HP variable-speed motor if you want smoother speed control.
- Grizzly G0987 (16" × 46") — full-size floor lathe for large bowls and long spindles.
- TURBO T-40 / T-60S and Powermatic 3520C — serious production machines for heavy, continuous turning.
- AsterOutdoor mini and the 12" × 18" benchtop — budget entry for pens and small projects only.
Skip the 8-pack WEN listing unless you're outfitting a classroom.
The picks
- #1
WEN LA3424 4.5-Amp 12-Inch by 18-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
- Distance Between Centers: 18 inches
- Swing Over Bed: 12 inches
- Control Type: Normal
- #2
WEN LA3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 13-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
- color: Black
- Motor power: 3.2-amp
