Wen 8 in X 12 in Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe Review

Last Updated on Feb 11, 2022 by

So you want to know the best mini wood lathe of 2022?

Well, I wanted to discover out what mini woods lathe can give a woodturning enthusiast the best output without throwing money down the drain.

I pulled the info y'all demand from my recent survey where I discovered the complete listing of best wood lathes for different level turners.

As it turns out, 13.33% of the woodturners are using small woods lathes to turn miniatures. It helped me form this list of the nine best mini woods lathes from x" to down to five" swings over the bed.

I started with nineteen similar machines and narrowed it down to these 9. They're ideal for hobby and DIY projects. This is based on how satisfied the turners are with the performance and the concerns they have.

You may also check my comprehensive buying guide for any forest lathe and and then start choosing from here. But, if you lot are prepare to get, allow'south start with a quick chart to brand information technology faster for you.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a pocket-sized percentage from qualifying purchases. This means no actress cost to you. I volition only promote products that requite the all-time values.

Quick Chart of Top 5 Mini Forest Lathes From The List

I am starting with a quick nautical chart to give y'all a glimpse of what I volition exist reviewing today. So, these are some of the best mini forest lathes that deserve to exist on the spot.

PSI Turncrafter 1018 Highly Recommended

WEN 3421 Mini Lathe

Shop Pull a fast one on W1704 Highly Recommended

Rockler Excelsior Mini

Proxxon Micro DB 250 Highly Recommended

PSI Turncrafter 1018 Highly Recommended

WEN 3421 Mini Lathe

Shop Play a trick on W1704 Highly Recommended

Rockler Excelsior Mini

Proxxon Micro DB 250 Highly Recommended

Terminal update on 2022-03-18 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Is Mini Woods Lathe Any Proficient?

They are until you push them likewise far. They are cheaper but will last longer if you go with #2 mt and refresh the parts from time to fourth dimension, and that goes for whatsoever lathe yous terminate upwards buying.

I've had my Rockler for about three years now, and I am happy with the overall operation.

At present for the shipping and factory defects (although they are replaceable), sometimes buyers do have hard times.

Merely they hardly come faulty similar loose or broken parts, as they are very lightweight.

Information technology is a common issue regarding heavyweight lathes.

Also, try to keep your turning chisels and gouges as precipitous as possible then y'all get the extra support. Turning smoothly without catches is essential.

Mini Forest Lathes That Are Best in ten" Swing Category:

To make things clear for you, I classified the lathes by their size and performance. The lathes listed in this category are non merely my two cents.

They practice last longer and take satisfied so many turners, including local social club mentors.

1. PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS Review: The Overall Best

• 10" swing X 18" between centers
• Motor: ¾ HP, 110V
• MT2 Headstock and Tailstock Taper
• one" x8 TPI
• Speeds: 2 position belt Variable speed A (500-2000), B (1500-3600) RPM
• Weight: 84 lbs
• Only Forward
• Warranty: three years

Worth the price

A bit pricier compared to other mini lathes, only I have to say, I'm convinced by what the turners are saying.

Besides, information technology got a variable speed motor. Although no affair the price, mini lathes are always within the limit.

Why choose Turncrafter Commander

Personally, I use the Excelsior mini, merely let's non exist biased here.

Penn state is pretty solid with their production from the outset, especially almost mini lathes.

The Penn State Industries lathe is amid the best deals for the coin for a variable speed mini wood lathe that I take seen.

Some folks consider this unit of measurement equally a Midi lathe for the power and the sturdiness this small motor produces.

I've talked to thirteen owners of this PSI direct. The average using age, I would say, is one year.

Most of them turn pens, bottle stoppers, and tiny Christmas ornaments. This lathe has held up well, doing accented justice to them.

I of my friends from Cary, NC, has been with this 10" version for about 2 years now.

He had turned over a thousand pens for his local business organisation and got no programme to upgrade it with another. All he does is refreshing the parts every once in a while.

Price on the higher stop, unlike the rest of the models in 10" category, simply make no error that it's #2 MT variable speed with a ¾ HP motor- the reason for putting information technology over the Excelsior ten" that I am currently using.

Concerns

I found people complaining generally about the quality controls for bad shipping, not the quality of the operation. This can happen to any lathe you buy.

The most common problem everyone talks about is the fastened lamp becomes sloppy when the speed goes high.

But, a stiff gooseneck would support holding it up. I hateful, you tin can manage that.

You lot can't get reverse with near of the minis, but with a DC motor similar this ane, adding a switch is possible.

Just be cautious most the accessories locked over the spindle when sanding in reverse.

Birthday Turncrafter Commander will give y'all the end yous need for the smaller projects like pens, chess pieces, bottle stoppers kinda stuff.

two. Excelsior Mini Forest Lathe 10×18: The Runner-Up

• 10″ swing/ xviii″ between centers
• Horsepower: ½
• MT2 Spindle Taper
• Speed Ranges: 760, 1100, 1600, 2200, and 3200
• Weight: 83 lbs
• 1" x eight TPI spindle
• Merely frontwards

Worth the price

Absolutely. It's heavy-duty for a little benchtop. #ii morse taper with 1" x8 TPI with the extended bed selection, everything under the range for this ½ HP, 83 pounds piffling beast.

Why choose Excelsior Mini

Information technology'southward been about 3 years with this lathe, and nevertheless impressive.

In that location was nearly the same lookalike unit of measurement from HF, but I plant Rockler with much more positive reviews of enjoyable user experiences from many miniature woodturners.

I don't take whatever biased opinion for Rockler, nor will they pay me, only I had my homework done earlier settling downwards.

I take seen celebrity woodturners similar Carl Jacobson using this aforementioned unit for his workshop.

That ticked one more box for me to rely on information technology. Mentors don't lies, call up. Follow them, and y'all won't have difficult times.

You can utilize pretty much any MT2 accessories from the aftermarkets as this one #2MT. I take the bed extension for the longer spindle work.

The highest period I ran the motor was like ii hours or less to test information technology, and it didn't stall out.

But the motor went way as well hot to touch, so I stopped it at that place.

I've heard that the motor bogs down after a short run. Mayhap I got lucky that mine is a healthy one, but these are all underpowered motors, so I respect their limitations.

Concerns

The only drawback for me that information technology's not variable speed, but if yous want, you can change the factory motor with variable speed.

I changed mine from Pen Country. But honestly changing the chugalug is not that of a large deal to many turners. Learning something traditional way is ever classic.

Every bit mini woods lathes are non ideal for bowls, then I use my Jet midi to handle the bowls instead.

Simply that doesn't mean you can't. It means they don't accept the ideal low starting speed for turning bowls. In that example, I would suggest you go for the Jet 1015 I listed beneath.

Equally for the bed extension, it took some time for me to level that upwards properly. I would be delighted if it were 4 bolt holes instead of ii.

Everything rest is very impressive as I said. Go for it, and you won't regret it.

3. Shop flim-flam W1752 Review: Culling Option ane

• 10" swing and 15" between centers
• Motor: ½ HP, 120V, 6AMP, single phase
• MT2 Spindle and Tailstock Taper
• 1" ten eight TPI right-hand spindle
• Spindle Speed: 480, 1270, 1960, 2730, 3327, 4023 RPM
• Weight: 92lbs
• Reversible
• Warranty: 2 years

My two cents virtually the price

Store play a trick on mini is pretty famous amid beginners, and they are offer almost everything possible for the price. But still, I think a little lower would accept been great.

Why consider Shop Fob W1752

I think you won't regret it if you are happy to stick with a 10" swing lathe. Absolutely a good thought to start with.

I haven't heard anyone saying they got whatever buyers remorse unless they have grown big in the profession.

Things that interest me are similar-

• The only lathe in 10" category you lot can sand in reverse mode. A nice handy addition to work with bowls.
• Parts and accessories are available in the aftermarket.
• The belts can handle tensions pretty reliably.
• Accurate for detailed work similar lidded boxes.
• Good depression speed helps to turn with non-round blanks.

I like the design and the cease that a mini forest lathe should have, cipher fancy.

Concerns

They did have some negative reviews for bad quality controls and parts unavailability, but they have upgraded.

You won't find anything significant about the performance.

The most savage review that caught my attention from a woodturner was like eleven years agone—nix significant in the by few years.

Most of the contempo complaints are related to shipping.

The manufacturing faults are the exception in some detail products every bit they are all man-made.

I accept turned on W1704, not this one, but as far equally I talked with other owners, they seem to take no contrition for what they have.

Take the Mophorn ten x 18 with variable speed and other lucrative features, for example. Almost 50% of the users take got critical reviews on Amazon lonely in 2020.

4. Rikon 70-105 Mini Forest Lathe Review: Culling Pick two

• 10″ swing/ 18″ between centers
• Motor: ½ HP, 3.7A, 120V
• MT2 Taper for headstock and Tailstock
• one″ x 8 TPI
• Speed Ranges: 500, 1175, 1850, 2225, 3200
• Weight: 75lbs
• Only forward
• Warranty: 5 years

Talk about the cost

Price is very practiced for the quality. Besides, five years of warranty for a auto at this low cost is pretty surprising for me. Can't expect more than.

Why consider Rikon 70-105

Rikon is a trustworthy brand among turners. To be honest, it was quite tough not to give this unit a place over the Excelsior and PSI.

I heard some saying that this is simply a glorified Harbor Freight tool, and I don't agree with that either.

HF has a mumble near their motor that information technology gets hot very shortly, but it looks similar Rikon 70-105 got a better motor on it. One affair yous will notice if you shop around, this one goes on sale a lot.

To me, it'south kinda will requite yous quite the same feel as the seventy-100, which has 2 inches of advantage in the bed swing.

Merely, if you simply wish to plough miniatures, especially pens, I suppose 2 inches is not that bigger, and they both got nearly the aforementioned motor power (lxx-100 with a footling more).

So yous will want to go with 70-105 unless yous desire to focus on bowls. It will do the job perfectly for yous.

I know people using it for more than v years now and withal want to stick to it.

Concerns

Again, it's not a variable motor. If you are getting tired of changing belts and don't want to do it anymore, I advise you either go with the Turncrafter or install the PSI variable speed motor. Piece of cake solution.

There isn't much to talk about the cons every bit they act individually. Things happen when you are actually on the field and working on the machine.

Some minor manufacturing defects could be there with any brand you get with, and that'south normal.

Say, for example, the bolts for the prophylactic feet are not accordingly tapped, and you are having trouble mounting it during assembly.

If yous run into some troubleshooting that you lot don't sympathise, endeavor searching in manualslib.com or phone call your manufacturer.

5. Jet JWL 1015VS Mini Forest Lathe Review: Alternative Selection 3

• ten" swing and 15-1/ii" between centers
• Motor: ½ HP, 115 V, single-phase, 4A
• MT2 Quil and Spindle Taper
• 1″ x 8TPI
• Speed Ranges: 200-1050, 300-1750, 600-3600
• Weight: 77 lbs
• Just Forward
• Warranty: 5 years

Talk about the toll

The toll is pretty high for a mini to consider as they accept upgraded the motor with variable speed.

But I think I would go for a midi like the Delta 46-460 (amazon link) instead, at this price indicate.

Why consider jet jwl 1015

Talk about the qualities; they absolutely nailed information technology. Jet is the go-to choice for many beginners, as well as the pro-level turners.

I don't know if you lot noticed that a wide range of clubs is taking classes with Jets around the United States. They take built trust.

Jet 1015 is very much able to give your wood chunks the treatment information technology needs. Suitable speed for bowls nether 10", dead-on headstock and tailstock alignment, allows MT2 accessories with five years of warranty.

You tin can lock the workpiece into 24 positions. The motor doesn't take a heating-upwards problem like the others. At to the lowest degree I oasis't heard anyone saying that to date.

It'due south a pretty solid Mini wood lathe to become for.

Concerns

They tend to go along the toll high for their tools. Now for a Jet lover, you lot will still pick Jet as your mini, and I am not saying you shouldn't.

Even I have the 1221VS Midi to handle my small bowls also (I said bowls, not assurance).

If you desire to turn only pocket-sized bowls, then the side cost for other accessories would be much lower.

Merely if Pen is something y'all want to focus on, the full cost might go pretty high every bit you lot might demand more accessories.

I advise yous go with the Excelsior mini if yous don't wanna injure your bank.

Mini Wood Lathes That Are All-time in 8" Swing Category

Let's talk almost the lathes that are in the 8" bed swing category. They are smaller in size and ability than their immediate seniors.

Simply you can fit them hands in your RV as they are half the weight of the 10".

one. Store Fox W1704 Mini Wood Lathe: The Overall Best

• viii" swing and 13" between centers
• Motor: ane/3 HP, 4 AMP, 110V
• MT1 headstock and Tailstock Taper
• 3/4-by-16-inch TPI (Buy a 3/four" 16 TPI to ane" viii TPI adapter.)
• Spindle Speeds: Infinite Variable from 700-3200RPM
• Weight: 41 lbs
• Just forward
• Warranty: ii years

Worth the spending

Very well fabricated for whatsoever novice as well equally regular turners who likes the small spindle works. Almost all the 8" swing lathes are below 1/2 HP motor.

At present you know your projects as well as the limitations. But for the category, it'due south amidst the best selling lathes of all time, a solid unit amidst all the other machines.

Why choose Shop Play tricks W1704

My experience has overall been positive. I have turned plenty of acrylic pens and some tiny bangles for my friend's small shop here in Vermilion Street.

He had three units in full, including HF and Wen. I found Shop Fox much better in action (some may have a unlike opinion, and they are welcome).

Information technology was way less vibrating, even in the used condition. I've heard complaints that the tool rest does not stay in position, merely I found mine very well-aligned.

The variable speed command was easy to use and convenient, which is something nosotros all want to take nowadays, to get rid of the chugalug irresolute hurting.

In a nutshell, an first-class selection for beginners, but just to remind you that this is not something a professional would go after.

But information technology can handle things under its limit.

Concerns

The common dissatisfaction that people have is the way they designed the tailstock that makes information technology hard to get a real negative rake angle.

Sometimes the shipping causes severe damage.

Virtually 20% of the users were not happy with this unit. Simply the catch is nigh are turners that are in this profession for years at present. I am trying to say that this is not something that can excite serious woodturners.

If y'all have had the taste of the real lathe, this is not for y'all because information technology might non meet your expectations. The motor power won't satisfy y'all.

These are absolutely for the people who just started their journey. My recommendation would be to go with the 10".

2. Wen 3421 Variable Speed: Good Option for Low Budget

• 8" swing and 12" between centers
• Motor: 3.2 Amp (1/three HP), 120V
• MT1 Spindle and Tailstock Taper
• 1″ ten viii TPI
• Spindle Speed: Variable speed from 750 – 3200 RPM
• Weight: 45lbs
• Only forward
• Warranty: ii Years

Worth spending

If you lot are new in the turning world and want something that won't price yous much, assuasive you to sharpen your ability, then go for it.

It's a variable speed lathe just with an underpowered motor. So very limited merely plenty for the beginner to accept off.

Why cull Wen 3421

Non for the loftier quality but for the bang-up price. No make will requite you such an affordable charge per unit when y'all're going for a new machine.

Getting variable speed at this range is worth mentioning. In the previous model, 3420T had an unsustainability problem for the motor.

The size of the faceplate and motor with this one is the chief difference.

If yous want to choose within Wen mini, so go with this one, non the 3420T. Information technology will take more motor power.

Concerns

Motor bogs down pretty often. Try non to push too far beyond its limit. Don't go for bowls. It's suitable for lighter spindle works.

They say you tin do table legs, but that's non the picture here. Stay with the lighter smaller works.

I saw people turning mallets with this lathe, even a 5" bowl.

The thing is you have to be very gentle with this auto as they are kinda fragile in nature.

Cheap Portable Micro Forest Lathes For Pen Turners

Okay, time to talk about the portable mini wood lathes that are designed to work precisely on pens.

If making pens is something that yous are getting interested in, and so these two are definitely credible.

These are collet lathes with no morse taper on either terminate. They are lightweight and eat then fiddling infinite that you tin can easily travel anywhere with them.

They volition make your route trip fun.

1. PSI woodworking penpal review: The Overall All-time

• 5-1/2" swing and accepts 7" mandrel
• Motor: 1/v HP, 110V
• MT1 Tailstock
• ¾ ten 16 TPI
• Speed: Variable speed from 0-4300 RPM
• Weight: 15lbs
• Only forrad

Worth as the culling to the standard mini wood lathe?

I am not saying that you can't brand pens with the 10" minis. Information technology'southward like they are not made explicitly for turning only pens. They have features that let y'all to practise more.

Likewise, not all the pen turners only make pens. So, call up before you cull one.

If I were you, I would take asked myself three questions before making whatever decision.

1. Am I planning to brand coin with turning only Pens? – Aye
2. Am I ready to spend a ton of money right off the bat? – No
3. Later on making some coin, am I prepared to upgrade my lathe now? – Yes

There you get. You get the idea, right?

Concerns

As they are significantly low powered, you might non be able to free your arms like a standard lathe. Simply this will do the job perfectly for you as information technology is doing for many pen turners.

If you have any trouble similar the shortage of motor in the very earlier days, call PSI, and they will render as they have e'er been groovy at serving their customers.

ii. Proxxon 37020 DB 250 micro woods lathe Review: The Runner-Up

• ane 3/four' from flooring to center of spindle and 10" betwixt centers
• Motor: 110-120V Ac, ane/8 HP (100W)
• Headstock spindle bore of thirteen/32" (10mm)
• Tailstock travel 1 3/16" (20mm)
• Speed: Variable speed betwixt 1000 and 5000 RPM
• Weight: nigh 6lbs
• Warranty: 2 years from the manufacturer

Worth spending

The criteria for consideration are the aforementioned as above. Pen country has a improve render policy and trustworthiness than Proxxon.

Simply Proxxon DB 250 is a well worthy opponent.

This small lathe has a variable speed motor, unlike the PSI. It'south a German language-based visitor, and most of the tools are produced at that place.

So definitely not Chinese, I guess.

They got a good number of positive reviews from the pen turners. I oasis't heard anyone complaining well-nigh the motor running out too fast, as some of the PSI users claimed.

I suggest yous utilise super-sharp tools while turning acrylics every bit the motors are not that robust.

Concerns

It does not accept morse tapers. You can't put a mandrel on it.

Some people addressed that the collet information technology comes with are not strong enough to hold a relatively bigger workpiece, so grips are not great.

Motor powers are merely adequate for turning pens or tiny dollhouses out of softwood merely. The tool residuum is besides small.

So go for it if you want cipher more than than pens out of it. It will do the job.

Questions People Also Ask

How much does a mini lathe cost?

A mini wood lathe can cost you lot from $150 to up to $500 based on the features and the horsepower.

Take the wen 3421vs as an instance. Yous are getting the variable speed but not the torque similar the PSI Turncrafter tin can produce.

If you want something for your causal DIY hobby, where you might not need to alter the speed oftentimes, a chugalug-driven mini-lathe could exist a good option.

You can get yourself a brand new one for under $250.

Why should you consider a mini lathe over a midi or total-size?

I don't think anyone would consider this. I mean, you cannot go large with a mini lathe similar the larger 1.

If you are inbound into a woodturning world for the first time, spending that much right abroad without knowing what y'all might similar about woodturning wouldn't be a slap-up idea in some cases.

And then the question should be, what aspect should you consider first? And, in my opinion, you should consider the price offset.

A full-size forest lathe can toll you a couple of grand dollars, whereas a mini can get you started within a minimum cost point.
Just make no mistake, these mini lathes I mentioned above tin can do some serious jobs within their ranged diameter.

You don't need to compare them with a full-size lathe.

What projects can a mini woods lathe handle? Tin can you make a profit out of it?

Mini lathes are pop among pen makers mostly. Being capable of turning lighter projects successfully is a peachy choice for whatsoever entry-level and budget turner.

You tin can make pretty much everything but under the scope. Many professionals keep them as their second option for sanding or more focused finishing.

Things you tin make: Pens, wine/canteen stoppers, small bowls, chess pieces, tiny furniture legs, Christmas ornaments, beautiful dragon eggs, small pepper manufacturing plant, bloom vases, pots, jars, duck, or goose calls, and the list goes on and on.

So, Sky is the limit. You can do pretty much everything that a real lathe does, only there are credible limitations within the range for a mini.

However, midi lathes are more potent in making large-sized bowls, as they let you more space on the swing with much more torque.
But, I know people running online businesses with just one strong mini-lathe similar PSI or Jet.

How to choose a wood lathe that's worth it?

As the mentors say, you lot need to decide what project you are willing to work on. Choose your machine co-ordinate to your capability (pocket and workspace both).

If you have potent plans to turn big, y'all have been into the woodturning classes, then starting with a full-size lathe would exist a skilful idea.
Simply if the budget gets in the fashion, and so you have options for Midi and Minis.

Regardless of what you purchase, the checklist should exist-a practiced brand with enough HP motor, MT2 standard taper, and variable speed.
Brands ensure quality tech support, a much-needed thing to consider.

Sentinel this tutorial from PSI before buying a mini woods lathe.

My Final Words

Woodturning is an addictive hobby. The more you turn, the more y'all become fond to information technology.

You'll discover yourself scoring wood everywhere. It gets into the head right later y'all first to realize information technology is fun.

As lathe volition exist your best friend down the route, so ever choose your lathe with intendance.

Take your time; don't rush. Purchase something that will allow you to grow, I ever say this to others.

The mini lathes will give y'all the fourth dimension and opportunity to test yourself.

Don't spend everything just on the lathe. You will need other tools besides, and don't forget to get a face shield for safety.

Turn Big, Turn Condom. Welcome to the turning world!

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Source: https://www.lathematters.com/best-mini-wood-lathes/

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