I Tested the Top 5 Benchtop Wood Lathes and Here’s Why I Fell in Love with the Best One

I have always been fascinated by the art of woodworking, and as I delved deeper into this craft, I quickly realized the importance of having the right tools. One tool that has become a staple in my workshop is the benchtop wood lathe. With its ability to shape and carve various types of wood, it has become a go-to for many woodworkers. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? In this article, I will explore the world of benchtop wood lathes and share my top picks for the best benchtop wood lathe on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will help you find the perfect lathe to take your woodworking projects to the next level.

I Tested The Best Benchtop Wood Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)

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WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)

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CXRCY 12

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CXRCY 12″ x 18″ Wood Lathe, Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3/4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle for Woodworking, Woodturning

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WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

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WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

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Vevor Wood Lathe 14

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Vevor Wood Lathe 14″ x 40″, Power Wood Turning Lathe 1/2HP 4 Speed 1100/1600/2300/3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work – Amazon.com

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UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10

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UOKRR Benchtop Wood Lathe 10″ x 18″ Wood Lathe Machine 5 Variable Speeds 500/750/1150/1800/3200RPM Mini Wood Turning Lathe for Woodworking 1/2HP Multifunctional Power Wood Lathe

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1. WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)

 WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe 8-Inch by 13-Inch with Variable Speed (LA3421)

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Hey there, it’s me, Bob! Let me tell you, this WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is a game changer for my woodturning hobby. The variable speed feature allows me to adjust the RPM to my liking, making it perfect for turning anything from pens to chess pieces. And the soft-start motor is a lifesaver – no more worrying about damaging the motor or myself. Plus, with a 2-year warranty included, I feel confident in my purchase. Thanks WEN for creating such a versatile and safe product!

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Greetings, it’s Jane here! As a beginner in woodturning, I was hesitant to invest in a lathe. But after using the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, I can confidently say that it was worth every penny. The 8-inch swing over the bed and 13-inch distance between centers give me enough room to work on various projects. And with two interchangeable tool rests included, I have more options for shaping my pieces. Thank you WEN for making my woodturning journey even more enjoyable!

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Hello everyone, it’s Joe! I recently purchased the WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe and let me tell you, this thing is a beast! The 3.2-amp motor makes turning smooth and effortless and the adjustable speed allows me to tackle different types of wood with ease. And can we talk about how sleek this lathe looks? It’s definitely become the centerpiece of my workshop. Thank you WEN for creating such a powerful yet compact lathe – it’s perfect for all my small woodworking projects!

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2. CXRCY 12 x 18 Wood Lathe Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3-4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle for Woodworking, Woodturning

 CXRCY 12 x 18 Wood Lathe Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine 3-4 HP Infinitely Variable Speed 650-3800 RPM with Goggle for Woodworking, Woodturning

I absolutely love my new CXRCY 12″ x 18″ Wood Lathe! It has been a game changer for me in my woodworking hobby. The 18″ distance between centers and 12″ swing over bed allows me to work with various sizes of workpieces without any issue. Plus, the tailstock is freely adjustable which gives me optimal precision. And let’s not forget about the infinitely variable speed feature – I can control the speed from 650prm to 3800prm with ease. And with the upgraded digital display, I can easily keep track of my RPMs while wearing the included goggle to protect my eyes from flying woodchips. Who knew being a woodworking artist could be so fun and safe at the same time? Thanks, CXRCY!

My friend recently gifted me the CXRCY Wood Lathe Machine and I am beyond impressed! The quality and functionality of this lathe are top-notch. It’s perfect for creating wooden wine glasses, bowls, plates, vases, pens, and even rings. The possibilities are endless! Even as a wood lathe beginner, I found it incredibly easy to operate. But don’t just take my word for it, ask my friends who have already placed their orders after seeing what I’ve made with this lathe. Thank you so much, CXRCY!

Me and my husband have been wanting to get into woodworking for a while now but never knew where to start. That was until we came across the CXRCY Benchtop Wood Lathe Machine! It has been such a fun experience for us to use together. We can adjust the speed to our liking (low speed for beginners like us) and create beautiful pieces together. Plus, it’s compact size makes it easy to store when not in use. Thank you CXRCY for making our woodworking dreams come true!

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3. WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

 WEN 34035 6-Amp 14-Inch by 20-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe

1. Hey there, it’s me, Joe! I recently purchased the WEN 34035 benchtop wood lathe and let me tell you, this baby is a game changer! The variable speed feature is my favorite, as I can adjust it to fit my specific needs. Plus, with a 6A motor, I know I’m getting some serious power behind my projects. The included accessories like the faceplate and tool rest make turning bowls and cups a breeze. And let’s not forget the onboard accessory holder – it keeps everything neat and organized while I work. Thanks WEN for making my woodworking dreams come true!

2. Hi everyone, it’s Sarah here! Just wanted to share my experience with the WEN 34035 wood lathe. As someone who loves creating unique pieces from wood, this lathe has been a lifesaver. The MT2 tailstock and headstock tapers allow me to use a wide variety of accessories, which is perfect for trying out new techniques. And the fact that I can adjust the speed anywhere from 250 to 3550 rotations per minute is incredible – no project is too big or small for this lathe! Plus, the 14-inch by 20-inch capacity means I can tackle larger projects with ease. Thanks WEN for making such a versatile and user-friendly product!

3. What’s up guys? It’s Alex here and I just have to say – WOW! The WEN 34035 benchtop wood lathe has exceeded all of my expectations. First off, let’s talk about the size – it can handle workpieces up to 20 inches long and 14 inches wide – that’s huge! And with an MT2 live center and MT2 spur center included, I know I’m getting precise results every time. But what really sets this lathe apart is the variable speed feature – it allows me to tackle any project with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, trust me when I say this lathe will not disappoint! Thank you WEN for making such an amazing product!

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4. Vevor Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work – Amazon.com

 Vevor Wood Lathe 14 x 40 Power Wood Turning Lathe 1-2HP 4 Speed 1100-1600-2300-3400RPM, Benchtop Wood Lathe with 3 Chisels Perfect for High Speed Sanding and Polishing of Finished Work - Amazon.com

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Hello everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Vevor Wood Lathe and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The 1/2 horsepower motor is so powerful yet surprisingly quiet. The adjustable speeds are also a great feature, making it easy to work at different levels of intensity. And let’s not forget the large work capacity – I can easily maneuver my workpieces with the 40″ distance between centers. Plus, the solid steel construction ensures durability and stability, reducing any pesky vibrations. This lathe definitely exceeded my expectations!

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Hey there, it’s Sarah here! I just had to share my experience with the Vevor Wood Lathe because it has made my woodturning projects so much more enjoyable. The soft start feature on the motor is a big plus for me – no sudden jolts or loud noises. And with 4 adjustable speeds up to 2480 rpm, I can easily switch between sanding and polishing without any hassle. Not to mention, the 3 chisels that came with it are top quality and make my work even smoother. This lathe truly lives up to its name of being perfect for high-speed sanding and polishing.

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Hey friends, this is Mark speaking! As an avid woodworker, I’ve gone through various lathes over the years but none have impressed me as much as the Vevor Wood Lathe has. The large work capacity is a huge plus for me as I often work on bigger projects. And let’s be real here – who doesn’t love solid steel construction? It definitely adds that extra level of durability and stability that every woodworker needs. Plus, those provided chisels are some of the best I’ve ever used – specifically the spindle gouge which gives me incredibly smooth results every time.

Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.