Beginner wood lathe recommendation

redragoon · Feb 20, 2026

Hey everyone, currently my fiancé and I are getting into wood turning.
We have previously done some custom knife handles, furniture builds, and small projects.
Turning pens and rings were something we had looked into, but the cost of a lathe and garage space prevented that.

The local Rockler store had ring turning classes available.
She bought us tickets for Christmas as I talked about making our wedding rings instead of just buying some.
There's also a pen turning class we have signed up for.

Based on this trajectory and our habit of getting lost in a new hobby, we would eventually end up buying a wood lathe.
The space issue will be resolved by the time we take the classes and I can justify the cost for a decent Mini/Midi lathe.
Most of my experience is with machining lathes so I only know some of the basics for the wood turning types.
I'm already researching some of the common ones, but would like others opinions.

I know I would prefer slightly larger over the smallest ones we might outgrow.
Planned projects would be pens, rings, handles, ornaments, and eventually bowls or larger items.
Tooling cost is also a consideration. MT-2 taper seems to be a better option over MT-1 for accessories.
Looking to stay under $400 if I can help it. Will also wait to see how the classes go before ordering.

Surprisingly one of the cheapest options is through Woodcraft.
This King one is small, MT-1 taper, and probably too small for bowls.
It does have a large mounting plate and variable speed control.
Woodcraft King Lathe

I've had good luck in the past with my WEN benchtop tools (sander and drill press) as a solid budget option.
They seem to be sold out of this model with the bowl making option on the back of the headstock: WEN 12 x 16

They have this other model, but it would be nice to have variable speed for this price: WEN 12 x 18

Rockler has a couple options, but they don't seem vastly different than the WEN models.

RTM · Feb 20, 2026

I have the Jet JML1014vsi, which has handled all my tool needs. I did buy the bed extension before they discontinued it, in case I wanted to turn longer posts.

The vsi is the variable speed model.

At the time I bought it whatever forum I was on rated it much higher than the competition. But I think I've had it almost 20 years now.

I am not a high-end arts crafts. Woodturner, most of what's come off of that has been tool handles and a couple of wine stoppers that my daughter made as gifts. Oh and a couple of custom size dowels for projects

Damon L. · Feb 20, 2026

I would look for a used one, personally. I am a curmudgeon like that, with an affinity for machines that are older than I am.

I don't do much turning, but I picked up a delta variable speed 12" lathe on a stand from a client for the equivalent of $150 in labor a few years back. Put a Nova chuck on it and it's been up to whatever task I have needed it for.

Ike Carlson · Feb 20, 2026

I bought a harbor freight model years ago and still have it. It has a cast orion bed and a variable speed sheave. I picked up a 4 jaw chuck for it with accessories and made some bowl holding jaws. It’s a good lathe.

If it doesn’t have a heavy steel or cast iron bed, get a different one. Weight keeps them from vibrating. It is amazing how little it takes to get them off balance once you get them running.

alinc100 · Feb 20, 2026

I have a Rikon 70-100 mini and I an very happy with it. I'd like to have variable speed via a dial , but even most VS lathes require belt change between ranges. It only takes 30 seconds to change belt/pulley orientation as it is now. Hence no upgrade for me. The (later) model Craftsman is a Rikon made clone. A used one came up here on Facebook Marketplace that was $50 the other day. The nice thing about the Rikon is if you break the belt ,you do not have to disassemble the headstock to replace the belt. The lathes you posted above require the headstock to be disassembled when you break a belt. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Definitely buy a lathe with an MT2 taper. Way more accessories ,way more universal parts available.
You should easily be able to search Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace and find several used lathes. There is always someone upgrading. There is also a train of thought , you can make small objects on a big lathe, but you can't make big objects on a small lathe.
Also if you step away from the big woodworking stores carbide tooling is wonderful. Most of the replacement carbide cutters can be found at industrial supply places about 90% cheaper. Invest in comfortable handles/tools but look elsewhere for replacement cutters.

alinc100 · Feb 20, 2026

also here is two places 'near' you I'd contact/look at :

Woodturning Classes

Take woodturning classes in our 2,500-square-foot studio. Expert instruction on Powermatic lathes with professional finishing areas. Enroll today.

www.folkschool.org

Home

Ike Carlson · Feb 20, 2026

alinc100 said:
I have a Rikon 70-100 mini and I an very happy with it. I'd like to have variable speed via a dial , but even most VS lathes require belt change between ranges. It only takes 30 seconds to change belt/pulley orientation as it is now. Hence no upgrade for me. The (later) model Craftsman is a Rikon made clone. A used one came up here on Facebook Marketplace that was $50 the other day. The nice thing about the Rikon is if you break the belt ,you do not have to disassemble the headstock to replace the belt. The lathes you posted above require the headstock to be disassembled when you break a belt. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Definitely buy a lathe with an MT2 taper. Way more accessories ,way more universal parts available.
You should easily be able to search Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace and find several used lathes. There is always someone upgrading. There is also a train of thought , you can make small objects on a big lathe, but you can't make big objects on a small lathe.
Also if you step away from the big woodworking stores carbide tooling is wonderful. Most of the replacement carbide cutters can be found at industrial supply places about 90% cheaper. Invest in comfortable handles/tools but look elsewhere for replacement cutters.

The one I got from HF does not require you to change pulleys. You just move the lever. It uses variable sheaves and can go from slow to really fast with a flick of the lever. I love that feature. I have made bowls, plates, wands, honey dippers, etc… on that lathe and it was a breeze. I even used the 4 jaw chuck to do rough plastic/metal turning before I got my metal lathe.

alinc100 · Feb 20, 2026

Ike Carlson said:
The one I got from HF does not require you to change pulleys. You just move the lever. It uses variable sheaves and can go from slow to really fast with a flick of the lever. I love that feature. I have made bowls, plates, wands, honey dippers, etc… on that lathe and it was a breeze. I even used the 4 jaw chuck to do rough plastic/metal turning before I got my metal lathe.

That is correct Ike. I'm going to assume your HF lathe is a stand up, full size lathe. On (most of)the mini/midi lathes the VS has a range limit for each pulley. Like if I wanted to go from high speed turning to slow speed sanding I still have to move/tension the belt. IIRC there is a Jet Midi VS that goes from real fast to real slow with the dial, but IIRC starts at about $1500. Full size lathes give alot more bang for the buck, trade off being weight and space/size.

Ike Carlson · Feb 20, 2026

alinc100 said:
That is correct Ike. I'm going to assume your HF lathe is a stand up, full size lathe. On (most of)the mini/midi lathes the VS has a range limit for each pulley. Like if I wanted to go from high speed turning to slow speed sanding I still have to move/tension the belt. IIRC there is a Jet Midi VS that goes from real fast to real slow with the dial, but IIRC starts at about $1500. Full size lathes give alot more bang for the buck, trade off being weight and space/size.

It has a metal base, but can also be mounted to a bench. They don’t have anything like it anymore, unfortunately, but someone should. Maybe jet or grizzly.

Lumpy102 · Feb 20, 2026

You can turn small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't turn big stuff on a small lathe. (I see this has already been suggested)
Don't be afraid to buy used, but watch for wear. I see 11 lathes on local Facebook marketplace. Cast iron is KING, I wouldn't consider a steel or tube bed lathe. Too much flex and not enough mass. My lathe is a big old General 260-12 mechanical variable speed, with a riser so I can turn 20 over the bed and 8 ft long. it's crazy long, but it came that way (used).
My dream Lathe is a ONEWAY (but not in this lifetime)

Lathes

oneway.ca

I know a few people who have a variety of mini/midi lathes, from thier experiences I'd suggest electronic variable speed is nice to have, but hard to find replacements in 5 yrs when some gremlin gets into the circuits and the company has moved on to the next greatest electronic board.
When you can afford it, buy a name brand chuck, with at least small and medium jaws, I use mine for at least 80% of my turning, I'm considering a second chuck, because quicker jaw changes.
Also a low speed grinder with a good (white) stone. (I don't use carbide inserts)
+1 on #2 morse taper.

jcbrew · Feb 20, 2026

I got my wife the Delta Midi, she was turning alot of spinning spindles on it. I use it for smaller items, Pens etc, and turned 20 large architectural acorn finials for a local home renovation with it. I usually turn on a Shopsmith Mk 510 system, it works great as a lathe. They can be gotten for fairly cheap on Marketplace,

Damon L. · Feb 20, 2026

I got rid of my Oliver 20C 5 years ago or so. That was a bit too much lathe for my needs.

My Delta has the VS reeves drive setup, and is 110V. I can grab the model number later. It's not a mini. 12" swing, probably a 3-4 foot bed.

bdbecker · Feb 20, 2026

redragoon said:
...I know I would prefer slightly larger over the smallest ones we might outgrow...

I wouldn't get too hung up on outgrowing a small lathe or buying tooling for it. Nothing says you have to get rid of the small lathe if you decide to get a bigger one down the road - it's not like it takes up a ton of space. Having a lathe dedicated to bowls and another dedicated to small projects would be handy.

If you aren't in a hurry, keep an eye on Marketplace for a deal. I found my Jet JML-1014 for $50. It needed a little cleaning up from sitting in a shed, but it works great and even came with a handful of tools and accessories. If I ever want to upgrade to variable speed, Penn State Industries sells a conversion kit for $200.

redragoon · Feb 20, 2026

HF seems to have discontinued the models mentioned, but that is the case for many of these machines.
2020 seems to be a point of shifts in every product line.

I am in no hurry and prefer to buy used when possible. I'm just comparing to the new options.
My current table saw is a 90s Delta contractor saw that I refurbished into a solid unit with a new belt and bearings.
Same for the Porter Cable bandsaw I have. Just needed new tires on the wheels and better bearings.

I only have space for 1 lathe so I can't really justify 2 different sizes.
I don't think a full size will ever be used, so I'm still looking in the Mini/Midi size range.

If the belt in any of these fail, I'll just switch it over to a link style belt to avoid needing disassembly and helping with vibration.

At the moment I don't have great options in the CL or FB marketplace.

redragoon · Feb 20, 2026

This unit seems to be an interesting middle ground with lots of Midi features in a Mini size.
Can't find much about it yet.

Turncraft Commander

BigMike782 · Feb 20, 2026

Do you have a wood turning club in your area?
If yes, that would be a great source of information and you may be surprised and find someone moving up in lathe size.
My first lathe was a Chinlee Delta with a broken Reeves drive. From that experience I would not have another.
I have a Nova Comet 14 and a Oneway 2436.

Cjb1979 · Feb 20, 2026

I’d look at a Nova Comet 2. I can’t speak for the price, but I do know there are typically good sales for Black Friday. I started with one many years ago, and learned a ton with it.

drmarkr · Feb 20, 2026

I started with the HF mini. Worked pretty good for pens, but I stumbled on a Jet Midi, which I used for the next 3-4 yrs or so. I kept doing larger bowls and vases, and finally dropped the dough on a Nova Galaxi which I've had for 5-6 yrs. This thing is the top dog of Midi's, but it's pricey.

Hell, I've modified/trimmed/polished small aluminum and steel parts off the race cars on this thing, lol.

RonnieC · Feb 22, 2026

One of the benefits of joining a local turning club is that members (or families of recently deceased members) donate lathes and tools to the club. These get auctioned off to raise money for the club or to help the family. In the two years I’ve been a member of our club we’ve had three lathes come through for auction. They’ve gone for very low prices to newbie members.
There’s also wood auctions/free wood, discounts at Rockler or woodcraft, demonstrations of techniques and in general a wealth of knowledge and experience.
TLDR: join your local turning club.

HoosierBuddy · Feb 24, 2026

When faced with the same question a few years back, I found a Powermatic 45 lathe on FB Marketplace for roughly the same price as a midi lathe. If you have the room, something like this will last a lifetime and at any point I could sell mine for at least what I have in it....so it's kind of "free" to own in a weird way.

That being said...if I could only have one lathe, I'd sell the PM45 but keep my South Bend Heavy 10. You can't make bowl on it (or at least I wouldn't want to) but I've used it to turn pens many times. I can turn a pen diameter to +/- a couple of thousandths on that thing.

I made this pencil on it, which I'm not sure I could make on a standard lathe:

Turned the body to size on a mandrel then mounted my dremel with a sanding drum in the tool holder (made an adapter to do that) stopped the lathe, ran the dremel along the work piece with the carriage, indexed the piece 90-degrees....repeat 4 times. Machinists hate the idea of using a metal lathe (or milling machine) to "machine" wood....but I do it all the time.

BigMike782 · Feb 24, 2026

HoosierBuddy said:
When faced with the same question a few years back, I found a Powermatic 45 lathe on FB Marketplace for roughly the same price as a midi lathe. If you have the room, something like this will last a lifetime and at any point I could sell mine for at least what I have in it....so it's kind of "free" to own in a weird way.

That being said...if I could only have one lathe, I'd sell the PM45 but keep my South Bend Heavy 10. You can't make bowl on it (or at least I wouldn't want to) but I've used it to turn pens many times. I can turn a pen diameter to +/- a couple of thousandths on that thing.

I made this pencil on it, which I'm not sure I could make on a standard lathe:

Turned the body to size on a mandrel then mounted my dremel with a sanding drum in the tool holder (made an adapter to do that) stopped the lathe, ran the dremel along the work piece with the carriage, indexed the piece 90-degrees....repeat 4 times. Machinists hate the idea of using a metal lathe (or milling machine) to "machine" wood....but I do it all the time.

Don't get me wrong that is a really nice lathe but when it comes to sanding or some function that needs to turn REALLY slow a Reeves drive just doesn't have the ability.
I converted my Chinlee Delta to a VFD and that made it so much more usable.

Beautiful pencil!
I really like the shape of the body and the grain of the wood

Renegade1LI · Feb 25, 2026

Look for a 3 phase PM 90, you'll probably never outgrow it & the vfd with the reeves drive really gives good control. With lathes heavy is always better & the 3 phase pm90's tend to sell for a fair price. I sold my pm45 once I found a pm 90 & they're bullet proof, so are the 45s but the extra swing is nice to have.

RickP · Mar 4, 2026

For your other tools, you mentioned a table saw and band saw -- do you have a drill press also? If you're space-limited, I'd recommend looking for a used ShopSmith. It has variable speed and it doubles as a drill press and disk sander in the same footprint. Even better if you can find one that includes a belt sander attachment.

jcbrew said:
I usually turn on a Shopsmith Mk 510 system, it works great as a lathe. They can be gotten for fairly cheap on Marketplace,

I'd second this -- I use mine all the time. It also doubles as a low speed tool grinder and horizontal boring machine. I was lucky enough to find one with a bandsaw attachment, so I was able to eliminate one other tool footprint (but then I just filled that space with a different tool instead).

bazzz · Mar 4, 2026

I picked up a new lathe this year from Rockler. The Rockler VS 12-24 Variable Speed Midi Lathe has been very nice upgrade from the Jet that I had. The variable speed and reversing motor really helped speed my progress when making the platters for a game I sell at craft shows. I caught it on sale a little closer to your price range. It has a standard 1”x 8 TPI spindle for chucks and faceplates. It also has the M2 taper for mandrels. The belts can be changed without removing the spindle. I am sure there are similar ones because a lot of them come out of the same factory but I have been happy with mine.

kaymccampbell · Mar 4, 2026

All those machines you listed are nice small lathes. As long as you never decide to do offset or big or wet or so many other things that require mass, then those will serve you well. Personally, I have a Shopsmith for a pen lathe and a big old General for everything else. In this case, second hand was my friend.

BigMike782 · Mar 4, 2026

I used to use a large box of lead and some 3" steel plate to weigh down my Delta Frankenlathe. If I ever had a need I could fill the main body tube of the OneWay with ballast but I doubt I would need to.

Firebrick43 · Mar 4, 2026

HoosierBuddy said:
When faced with the same question a few years back, I found a Powermatic 45 lathe on FB Marketplace for roughly the same price as a midi lathe. If you have the room, something like this will last a lifetime and at any point I could sell mine for at least what I have in it....so it's kind of "free" to own in a weird way.

That being said...if I could only have one lathe, I'd sell the PM45 but keep my South Bend Heavy 10. You can't make bowl on it (or at least I wouldn't want to) but I've used it to turn pens many times. I can turn a pen diameter to +/- a couple of thousandths on that thing.

I made this pencil on it, which I'm not sure I could make on a standard lathe:

Turned the body to size on a mandrel then mounted my dremel with a sanding drum in the tool holder (made an adapter to do that) stopped the lathe, ran the dremel along the work piece with the carriage, indexed the piece 90-degrees....repeat 4 times. Machinists hate the idea of using a metal lathe (or milling machine) to "machine" wood....but I do it all the time.

They hate it because it destroys/wears them out quicker and some care about their machines. Wood in many locations includes silica in the wood as wind blown dirt/sand is embedded in the wood as the tree grows new layers trapping some of it.

slow84lx · Mar 4, 2026

Consider looking at a used mid-sized lathe from a quality manufacturer. You can make rings & pens on a larger lathe. You will likely outgrow the small lathe quickly if you use it much.

Most used lathes will come with some accessories. You will quickly learn that the lathe itself is the cheapest part to get started. The chucks, drives, tools, and PPE will cost as much as the lathe did.

There are always plenty of used options available from the Marketplace, the List, or from a local woodturning club.

Jgaz · Mar 5, 2026

@kaymccampbell
That corner, with the slat wall is such a good place for a lathe

kaymccampbell · Mar 5, 2026

Jgaz said:
@kaymccampbell
That corner, with the slat wall is such a good place for a lathe

The slatwall came afterwards. A friend bought a store full of the stuff, and gave me the scraps. It's the kind with the aluminum slot liners. I've fleshed it out more since.

redragoon · Mar 6, 2026

kaymccampbell said:
The slatwall came afterwards. A friend bought a store full of the stuff, and gave me the scraps. It's the kind with the aluminum slot liners. I've fleshed it out more since.

I really like that setup. Unfortunately I don't have empty wall space in my garage so this would need to be kept on a workbench or stand in the middle. The slat wall is a fantastic option. Like a French Cleat with less work.

redragoon · Mar 6, 2026

Still looking for good options at the moment.
If I can justify the price or catch a sale, the Rikon 70-1516 would be my first choice. The kit with a chuck system would cover almost everything we would work on.
I did talk to Someone with an old Atlas machine. Very large and not much info from the seller beyond the pictures. Would definitely need work to be fully usable and I don't think I need the tool to be a project as well.

redragoon · Mar 6, 2026

More importantly, here's an update on the rings we made in the class. We are trying out pens tomorrow.

RonnieC · Mar 6, 2026

redragoon said:
Still looking for good options at the moment.
If I can justify the price or catch a sale, the Rikon 70-1516 would be my first choice. The kit with a chuck system would cover almost everything we would work on.

The Rikon you mention is on sale at woodcraft for $855 thru March 14. Includes Z3 chuck.

BigMike782 · Mar 6, 2026

I happen to have worn a ring today that I made a couple of years ago.

BigMike782 · Mar 6, 2026

I use Lyons cabinet for my lathe storage.
I would use an enormous amount of wall space to store it on a wall.

BigMike782 · Mar 6, 2026

redragoon said:
Still looking for good options at the moment.
If I can justify the price or catch a sale, the Rikon 70-1516 would be my first choice. The kit with a chuck system would cover almost everything we would work on.
I did talk to Someone with an old Atlas machine. Very large and not much info from the seller beyond the pictures. Would definitely need work to be fully usable and I don't think I need the tool to be a project as well.

I can see this being a good starting point.

redragoon · Mar 6, 2026

RickP said:
For your other tools, you mentioned a table saw and band saw -- do you have a drill press also? If you're space-limited, I'd recommend looking for a used ShopSmith. It has variable speed and it doubles as a drill press and disk sander in the same footprint. Even better if you can find one that includes a belt sander attachment.

I'd second this -- I use mine all the time. It also doubles as a low speed tool grinder and horizontal boring machine. I was lucky enough to find one with a bandsaw attachment, so I was able to eliminate one other tool footprint (but then I just filled that space with a different tool instead).

Trying to respond to all the ones I can.

I have a 10" Drill press and a disc/belt sander. Both are from WEN and have done great for my uses in the last 6-8 years. Drill press did not like titanium, but that was more the bits and slow speed technique. Once I sped it up, it went through like steel.

I've seen several shop smiths in the area, but they seem to be missing parts or difficult to use.

Table saw is a Delta contractor saw I refurbished with a new belt and bearings. It cuts smooth with no vibration now. Put a bag under it to catch dust and some wheels to move it.

Circular saws are a Makita corded and cordless M18 Fuel I found on clearance. Both cut, but I still like the Makita more. The Milwaukee is just more convenient.

Also have a sliding 10" Miter saw from Ryobi. It's nothing special, but cuts up to 12" boards and crown molding. I'd say it's about as good as the DeWalt one my dad bought 20 years ago. Fence and clamp are not as good, but the motor spools right up. Kept it 10" to use the same blades as my table saw. Makes clean crosscuts easy.

The lathe is more of a want than need since it doesn't have much utility for me making shelves and cabinets. I think a Mini one light enough for me to put on a bench or table when needed and store underneath somewhere would work. A Midi one would need its own rolling base to be able to reorganize my space. Anything larger needs a fixed place and dedicated power outlet.

redragoon · Mar 10, 2026

Update on the results of the beginner pen class.
Right pen is made of Yellowheart with some simple burned lines.
Left Pen is some mystery wood that was in the box of available pieces. I managed to burnish it with sand paper to get the color change on the raised sections. Framed those with the same burned grooves.

gte718p · Mar 20, 2026

Renegade1LI said:
Look for a 3 phase PM 90, you'll probably never outgrow it & the vfd with the reeves drive really gives good control. With lathes heavy is always better & the 3 phase pm90's tend to sell for a fair price. I sold my pm45 once I found a pm 90 & they're bullet proof, so are the 45s but the extra swing is nice to have.

This is clasic GJ. The OP wants to turn pens and GJ recommends 700 lb 3 phase beast.

Beginner wood lathe recommendation

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