If you are passionate about woodworking, having a reliable and high-quality wood lathe is necessary. A wood lathe is an essential tool that allows you to create beautiful and intricate designs on your projects.
There are many different brands and models of wood lathes on the market, so choosing the right one for your needs can be tricky.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best wood lathes under $500. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect lathe for your workshop.
One of the most important tools you can have is a wood lathe when it comes to woodworking.
A wood lathe allows you to take a piece of wood and shape it into whatever design you desire. There are many different models of wood lathes on the market today.
First and foremost, you need to decide what type of projects you will be using the lathe for. If you only plan on doing small projects, then a mini lathe would be sufficient.
However, if you plan to do larger projects, such as bowls or furniture legs, you will need a full-sized lathe. The next thing you need to consider is your budget.
If you are starting out, we recommend that you purchase a lower priced model so that you can get a feel for how the lathe works. Once you have decided on what size and price range you are looking for, it is time to start comparing features.
There are many different features that wood lathes can have, so it is important to decide which ones are most important to you. Some of the things you may want to look for include: speed control, reverse capability, tool rests, and chuck capacity.
Speed control allows you to adjust the speed of the lathe so that you can get the perfect finish on your project. Reverse capability is a nice feature to have if you need to remove a piece of wood that has been cut too deeply.
Tool rests help keep your tools in place while working, and chuck capacity refers to how much weight the lathe can hold.
Once you have considered all of these factors, it is time to start looking at different models. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you should be able to find the best wood lathe for your needs and budget.
However, it could be difficult to determine which wood lathe is right for a beginner with so many factors to consider.
That is why we conclude this article to make your decision easier. Refer to the below-shortlisted products, and you will find the perfect wood lathe for your budget and needs. Enjoy reading!
JET JWL-1015 – Best Budget
Specifications:
Dimensions: 35 x 18.1 x 14.56 inches
Weight: 77 pounds
Power & Voltage: 0.5 & 115 Volts
Warranty: 5 Years
Manufacturer By: JET
Country of Origin: France
Pros:Cons:
Fully Iron Cast 01. No Serious Cons
6 Speed Turning
Value for Money
Start your woodturning journey with the JET JWL-1015. This versatile and user-friendly mini lathe is perfect for novice woodturners or those looking to add a full-featured mini-lathe to their workshop.
With a powerful 115 voltage motor, smooth running operation and precision controls, this lathe is capable of delivering superior results on any project.
The JWL-1015 also comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re ready to start turning your ideas into reality, choose the JET JWL-1015.
Furthermore, it is fully iron cast for stability and strength. You will have a 6-speed turning with this mini lathe. The JET JWL-1015 is a great value for the money.
Pros-wise: it is durably made fully finished with the iron cast, and six different speeds help you to get even smoother work done. And with all these features, this is a wood lathe with great value for money. Cons-wise: we could not find any serious cons for this product.
When it comes to benefits, you get along with JET JWL-1015; it is a powerful wood lathe with great features. It has a 6-speed turning, which helps you make small or large projects with clear details.
The build quality is also good as it is made up of a fully iron cast that guarantees rust-free, corrosion-free usage for years.
Another benefit that you get along with this product is that it comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, which protects your investment. Overall, JET JWL-1015 is a powerful wood lathe with great features and benefits.
Looking at the bottom line, one of the best wood lathes under $500 is the JET JWL-1015. This is a powerful machine that will be able to handle any project you throw at it.
It has various features that make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. If you’re looking for a high-quality wood lathe that won’t break the bank, the JET JWL-1015 is perfect.
Shop Fox W1704 – Best Runners Up
Specifications:
Dimensions: 7.1 x 27.9 x 13.7 inches
Weight: 48.4 pounds
Power & Voltage: 2 Amp & 110V
Warranty: 2 Years
Manufacturer By: Shop Fox
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
Variable Speeds01. Machine Body Tend to Rust
Beginner-friendly
2 Year Warranty
The Shop Fox W1704 is a powerful and versatile wood lathe that is perfect for any woodworking enthusiast.
Featuring a cast iron construction, this lathe is designed to fit neatly on a workbench, and includes a 1/3-horsepower, variable-speed motor that delivers spindle speeds between 700 and 3,200 RPM.
The W1704 also comes equipped with a safety paddle switch, an MT No. 1 spur centre, an MT No. 1 live centre, 4-1/4-inch and 7-inch tool rests, a 5-3/4-inch faceplate and a 3/4-by-16-inch TPI RH spindle.
With its wide range of features and accessories, the Shop Fox W1704 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality wood lathe.
Pros-wise: it has a variable speed that helps you to get an even smoother work done. Also, the build quality is good as it is made up of cast iron, which ensures durability and stability.
Moreover, the accessories that come along with this product are also of good quality.
Cons-wise: Some users have complained that the body of the machine tends to rust or corrosion, which is a serious fact for you to take under consideration.
The main benefit of the Shop Fox W1704 is its versatility. With its wide range of features and accessories, this lathe is perfect for any woodworking enthusiast, from beginners to experienced professionals.
The W1704 is also very easy to use, thanks to its simple controls and clear instructions.
Another great benefit of this lathe is its durability. With its cast iron construction, the Shop Fox W1704 is built to last, making it a wise investment for anyone serious about woodworking.
Overall, Shop Fox W1704 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile wood lathe.
Featuring a cast iron construction, this lathe is durable and easy to use, thanks to its simple controls and clear instructions. With its wide range of features and accessories, the Shop Fox W1704 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful wood lathe.
In conclusion, Shop Fox W1704 can be listed as one of the best wood lathes under $500 for your budget needs.
WEN 3420 – Best Budget
Specifications:
Dimensions: 28.11 x 13.39 x 7.64 inches
Weight: 44.3 pounds
Power & Voltage: 3.2 Amp Lathe
Warranty: 2 Years
Manufacturer By: WEN
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
Stylish & Quality Finish01. Only for Very Simple Jobs
Variable Speeds
Soft Start Motor
The WEN 3420 Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe provides the power and precision to complete even the most delicate woodworking projects.
With its 120-volt, 3.2 amp motor, this lathe can generate speeds anywhere from 750 to 3200 rotations per minute, perfect for tasks like Turning bowls and plates, Spindle and faceplate turning, and Drilling and Boring, and more.
Additionally, the MT1 spindle and tailstock taper provide a tight grip on workpieces, while the two tool rests (4-1/2 inch and 7 inches) offer support for chisels and other tools during operation.
And for added convenience, the easy-to-use lever clamping system makes adjusting the workpiece between the headstock and tailstock a breeze.
Pros-wise: The soft motor start feature is a great convenience, while the MT1 spindle and tailstock taper provide a tight grip on workpieces. Cons-wise: it’s only for very simple jobs, as it’s a budget lathe.
WEN 3420 is a great wood lathe that offers many benefits, including a powerful and precise motor, variable speeds, and a soft start feature.
Overall, WEN 3420 is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly wood lathe that can still handle various tasks.
WEN is a brand known for offering quality products at an affordable price, and the WEN 3420 Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe is no exception.
The WEN 3420 is a great budget wood lathe that’s powerful and precise with its 120-volt, 3.2 amp motor, which can generate speeds anywhere from 750 to 3200 rotations per minute.
However, it’s only for very simple jobs, as it’s a budget lathe. But if you’re looking for a great budget wood lathe under $500, the WEN 3420 is a great choice.
Grizzly T25920
Specifications:
Dimensions: 18.12 x 33.25 x 12.1 inches
Weight: 80 pounds
Power & Voltage: 3.4-Amp Lathe
Warranty: 3 Years
Manufacturer By: Grizzly
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
Solid Construction01. Power Switch Issues
Variable Speeds
Easy of Adjustments
Beginner-friendly
Grizzly T25920 Wood Lathe is a powerhouse machine that is perfect for any woodworking enthusiast.
This high-quality lathe is China-Originated and features 120 Voltage with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. It also has an impressive 12″ turning radius and can accommodate up to 16-1/2″ spindles.
With its three different speed settings (650 to 3800 RPM), you can find just the right speed to complete any project. The digital spindle speed indicator, and knockout bar make this lathe easy and enjoyable to use.
Furthermore, the solid construction ensures that this machine will withstand the test of time.
Pros-wise: the Grizzly T25920 is a high-quality wood lathe that’s perfect for any woodworking enthusiast. It features three different speed settings, a digital spindle speed indicator, live centre, spur center, 3-1/4″ faceplate, and knockout bar.
Cons-wise: the power switch is in an awkward position and can be difficult to reach.
When it comes to the benefits you get along with the Grizzly T25920 wood lathe machine, it is packed with some of the best features that make woodturning smoother and more fun.
Firstly, its superpower with the manufacturer’s warranty makes it a powerhouse machine. Secondly, the 12″ turning radius allows you to work on larger projects.
Additionally, the smooth running and ease of using the live center spur center make this lathe more enjoyable to work with. Overall, Grizzly T25920 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality wood lathe.
Grizzly T25920 Wood Lathe is a perfect machine for passionate woodworkers searching for a high-quality wood lathe. With its three different speed settings (650 to 3800 RPM), you can find just the right speed to complete any project.
However, the power switch is in an awkward position and can be difficult to reach. Nevertheless, this machine is still a great choice for anyone looking for a durable and high-performing wood lathe for under $500.
Rikon 70-100
Specifications:
Dimensions: 33.75 x 18 x 11.5 inches
Weight: 88.5 pounds
Power & Voltage: 375 watts & 120 Volts
Warranty: 5 Years
Manufacturer By: Rikon
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
Good for Tiny Creations01. Poor Packaging
6 Speed Turning
Durable Built
Multiple Extensions
The Rikon 70-100 mini lathe is the perfect tool for anyone looking to turn larger pieces. With a 12″ over the bed and 16″ between centres, this lathe provides plenty of space to work with while still maintaining a low profile on your workbench.
The easy-access speed change feature lets you quickly change speeds from 430 to 810, 1,230, 1,810, 2,670, and 3,900 RPM, making this lathe incredibly versatile.
Additionally, the Rikon mini lathe features a flip-up handle for mobility and several other convenient features that make it a breeze to use. Get the power and performance you need with the Rikon 70-100 mini lathe.
Furthermore, the Rikon mini lathe comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected.
Pros-wise: this Rikon mini lathe is good for tiny creations, has 6-speed turning ability, is durable, and has multiple extensions. Cons-wise: the packaging could be better.
The Rikon 70-100 is a great wood lathe that comes along with many special benefits. Firstly, it has a durable build which ensures that the product will last for a long time.
It has multiple extensions, which makes it possible to create different types of designs. Also, the Rikon mini lathe has a six-speed turning ability which makes it very versatile.
Lastly, it comes with a 5-year warranty which protects your investment. Overall, The Rikon 70-100 mini lathe is a great investment for anyone looking to get into woodturning.
The brand Rikon is known for producing quality wood lathes, and the Rikon 70-100 is no different. It’s a great mini lathe that is perfect for those looking to turn even considerably larger pieces.
It’s easy to use and comes with a super warranty, making it a great investment for anyone interested in woodturning. Looking at the bottom line, it’s easy to use and has a durable build that will last for years.
With a six-speed turning ability and multiple extensions, this lathe is incredibly versatile and can handle just about any project you throw at it.
All in all, for someone who is looking for the best wood lathe machines under $500, the Rikon 70-100 is one of the best you can go with.
Rikon 70-105
Specifications:
Dimensions: 35.5 x 10.5 x 14.75 inches
Weight: 74 pounds
Power & Voltage: 375 watts & 120 Volts
Warranty: 5 Years
Manufacturer By: RIKON
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
5 Speed Turning01. After-sales Issues
Best for Tiny Creations
Beginner-friendly
Durable Built
The Rikon 70-105 Mini Lathe is a great choice for those looking for a dedicated machine for their pen turning needs. With a 10″ swing and 18″ between centres, it has ample space for your projects.
The cast iron construction ensures vibration-free operation, while the five-speed range covers all the basics for boring, roughing, turning, and finishing. The self-ejecting tailstock and easy speed change make it a breeze to use, even for beginners.
Furthermore, the Rikon 70-105 comes with a full five-year warranty so that you can be confident in its quality and craftsmanship. Pros-wise: this machine is best for tiny creations; it is beginner-friendly and has a durable build.
Cons-wise: some users have reported after-sales issues with this product. However, if you’re looking for a mini lathe that can handle all your pen turning needs, the Rikon 70-105 is aperfect.
When it comes to the benefits you get along with Rikon 70-105, it is a complete package for a beginner.
As we all know that choosing the best wood lathe is quite tricky, but this one is an exception. It comes with various features which are required by a beginner and some advanced users as well.
This is quite portable and can be placed anywhere in your workshop without occupying too much space. Moreover, it operates on 120 volts and 375 watts which are pretty standard in most houses in the US.
Overall, Rikon 70-105 is a great wood lathe for a beginner as it is user-friendly and comes with all the features which are required by them.
Rikon is a brand that is known for manufacturing high-quality woodworking tools, and the Rikon 70-105 is no exception. It is a great choice for those looking for a dedicated machine for their pen turning needs.
The cast iron construction ensures vibration-free operation. In conclusion, if you are in the market for a mini lathe that can handle all your small turning needs, the Rikon 70-105 is perfect to buy for under $500.
WEN 3424T
Specifications:
Dimensions: 33.38 x 18.75 x 18.75 inches
Wight: 78.9 pounds
Power & Voltage: 4.5 Amp Lathe
Warranty: 2 Years
Manufacturer By: WEN
Country of Origin: China
Pros:Cons:
5 Speed Turning01. Poor After-Sales Service
Accessory Holder
Powerful Motor
The WEN 3424T wood lathe provides impressive versatility and performance at an unbeatable value.
Ideal for both novice and experienced woodworkers, this lathe can handle workpieces up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide.
Five different speed settings (520, 900, 1400, 2150, and 3400 RPM) provide the perfect level of control for various projects. The included 3-1/8 inch faceplate is perfect for turning bowls, cups and other non-spindle workpieces.
The MT2 tailstock and headstock taper allow compatibility with a wide variety of lathe accessories.
Other features include a 4.5A motor, an MT2 headstock spur centre, an MT2 tailstock live centre and a 12-inch tool rest base.
With its durable cast iron construction, the WEN 3424T wood lathe is built to last for years to come. Cons-wise: the biggest complaint with the WEN 3424T is that it can be difficult to find professional support if something break.
In this case, it looks like this come has some serious after-sale service issues. However, WEN 3424T is still a great wood lathe that’s perfect for both novice and experienced woodworkers.
WEN 3424T is a wood lathe that brings you many benefits. With its versatile design and performance, this wood lathe is perfect for many projects.
The five different speed settings allow you to find the perfect level of control for your project, while the included accessories make it easy to get started. The durable cast iron construction ensures that the WEN 3424T will last for years to come.
Overall, WEN 3424T is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful wood lathe.
WEN is a brand that is known for its quality and power tools. The WEN 3424T is a great example of their dedication to quality craftsmanship. Looking at the bottom line, it’s tough to beat the WEN 3424T wood lathe.
It’s a great choice for both novice and experienced woodworkers, offering impressive versatility and performance at an unbeatable value.
The only real downside is the after-sales service issue, but if you can get past that, the WEN 3424T is a great wood lathe for under $500.
Conclusion:
A wood lathe is a long-term investment, so it’s important to make a wise choice when purchasing one. The best wood lathes under $500 offer excellent value for money and can be used for a variety of different projects.
If you’re looking for a high-quality wood lathe that won’t break the bank, any of the lathes on this list would be a great choice. All of them offer great value for money and will help you take your woodworking to the next level.
We hope that our guide has helped you choose the best wood lathe for your needs. Always make a wise choice that keep you happy for seasons. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy woodworking!
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