Which is better for turning bowls?

The JET, for anything past small bowls. Its 12-1/2 in swing clears larger blanks and the 1 hp motor keeps torque at low speed. The WEN handles bowls up to about 8 in and struggles as blanks get heavy.

Can the WEN turn table legs?

Only short ones. With 12 in between centers you are limited to roughly a foot of stock, and the 1/2 hp motor is slow going on thick square blanks. The JET's 20.5 in capacity is the practical choice for legs.

The JET is built to take heavier, longer sessions: cast-iron bed, 1 hp DC motor and a 5-year limited warranty. The WEN is a light benchtop machine that suits occasional use; its motor and frame are sized for small work.

Is the JET worth stepping up to from the WEN?

Yes if you turn spindles, legs or larger bowls and want low-speed control and a camlock spindle. If you only make pens and small bowls now and then, the WEN covers that.

Do both have variable speed?

Yes, but the ranges differ. The JET runs 60 to 3600 RPM with a digital readout; the WEN runs 750 to 3200 RPM with a soft-start motor and no readout.

Which is easier to set up at home?

The WEN. At about 45 lb it sits on a bench and runs on a standard outlet. The JET is a floor or heavy-bench machine that needs more space and a sturdier circuit.

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe vs WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

The JET 12 x 21 is the lathe for turners who plan to grow: 1 hp, a 12-1/2 in swing, 20.5 in between centers, a 60-3600 RPM range and a D1-8 camlock spindle. The WEN 3421 is a 1/2 hp benchtop mini lathe with an 8 in swing and 12 in between centers, built for small bowls and first projects. Owners of the JET praise the low-end torque and cast-iron bed; WEN owners like the soft start but note the light motor bogs on larger blanks.

Choose the JET if you turn table legs, spindles or bowls over 8 inches and want one lathe to keep for years.
Choose the WEN if you are starting out, work small and want a compact lathe that fits on a bench.

Prices

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe: $890.99 at Acme Tools (checked today)
WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe: $238.00 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is $652.99 cheaper than the JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe today

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe

What separates them

	JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe	WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
Swing over bed	12-1/2 in	8 in
Distance between centers	20.5 in	12 in
Motor	1 hp DC, 115V, 6 amps	1/2 hp, 3.2 amps
Speed range	60 to 3600 RPM	750 to 3200 RPM
Spindle mount	D1-8 camlock with 3/8 in bore	MT1 taper
Bed and build	Cast iron bed, heavier frame	Benchtop frame, about 45 lb
Digital readout	Yes	No
Warranty	5-year limited	Standard limited

Specs compared

Spec	JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe	WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
Lathe Type	Wood Lathe	Benchtop Wood Lathe
Speed Control	Variable speed	Variable speed
Distance Between Centers	20.5 in	12 inches
Swing Over Bed	12-1/2 in	8 inches
Supported Operations	Wood Turning	Turning
Compatible Material	Wood	Wood
Motor Horsepower	1 hp	1/2 HP
Motor Type	DC	Soft start variable speed motor, Soft-start mot…
Motor Speed	3600 RPM	750 to 3200 rotations per minute
Speed Range	60-3600 RPM	750 to 3200 RPM
Amperage	6 A	3.2-Amp
Overall Dimensions	17-7/10 in (height)	8-Inch by 12-Inch

Show all 40 specs

Spec	JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe	WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
Weight	136.69 lbs (gross)	45 LBR
Spindle Taper	MT2	MT1
Table Material	Cast iron	—
Switch Type	Paddle	—
Measure Type	Standard	—
Length (Inches)	39.3	—
Amperage (Amps)	6	—
Center to Center Length (Inches)	21	—
Low Spindle Speed (RPM)	60	—
Voltage (Volts)

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe vs WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

Prices

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Lathe vs WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

Prices

WEN 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store