10 Best Mini Wood Lathes 2025 in the United States

The Powermatic 14" x 20" Woodworking Lathe is a solid choice for both serious hobbyists and professional woodworkers looking for a reliable mini lathe. It offers a 14-inch swing over the bed and 20 inches between centers, providing enough space to work on medium-sized wood projects comfortably. Its 1 horsepower motor runs on standard 120V power, delivering steady and consistent performance without complexity. The variable speed control, displayed digitally on a magnetic control box that you can place anywhere on the lathe, makes adjusting the speed easy and precise, which is great for working with different wood types.

The tool rest included is 8 inches long, fairly standard and versatile enough to support a variety of turning tools. The build quality stands out with a heavy cast iron bed that minimizes motor vibration, reducing noise and helping achieve smoother cuts. Features like ergonomic chrome-trimmed handwheels and the Acme-threaded tailstock add comfort and durability, making long turning sessions easier on your hands.

Weighing 238 pounds, the lathe is heavy, enhancing stability but making it less portable despite the ability to disassemble it. It comes with useful accessories like a tool caddy, centers, and a faceplate, so you’re ready to start immediately. The 5-year warranty provides reassurance for long-term use. If you want a sturdy, well-built mini lathe that balances power and ease of use for medium-sized woodturning projects, this Powermatic model is a strong contender.

The JET 14" x 40" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe is a solid choice for hobbyists and small workshop users who want a versatile and reliable mini-lathe. Its 14-inch swing over bed and 40-inch distance between centers provide a good size range for most small-to-medium wood projects, and the optional extension bed allows for much longer pieces if needed. Powered by a 1 HP motor, it offers enough strength to handle various wood types smoothly. The variable speed control from 400 to 3,000 RPM gives flexibility to work on delicate details or more aggressive shaping.

The lathe’s sliding headstock with multiple locking positions adds versatility for angled turning, which can be handy for certain creative projects. The tool rest is positively locking and improved for easier clamping, giving you steady support while working. Made with a sturdy cast iron frame, this lathe feels stable and durable, even during heavier use. Some users might find the unit a bit heavy and large for very tight workspaces, and while the RPM display is clear, beginners could need some time to get used to speed adjustments.

With a 5-year warranty for home use, this lathe provides peace of mind. It effectively balances good power, size, and features for those looking to do detailed woodworking with confidence and some room to grow.

The WEN 34035 wood lathe is a solid choice if you need a benchtop lathe for small to medium woodworking projects. It offers a swing over bed of 14 inches and can handle workpieces up to 20 inches long, which fits well for hobbyists or those making bowls, cups, or small furniture parts. Its 6-amp motor provides enough power for smooth operation without being too heavy or difficult to manage.

The variable speed control, ranging from 250 to 3550 RPM, gives good flexibility to work on different types of wood and projects, letting you adjust speed easily for precision or rough shaping. The included 8-inch tool rest is a practical size, giving you comfortable control over your tools during turning. The lathe also comes with useful accessories like a 4-inch faceplate and both MT2 spur and live centers, supporting various attachments and expanding what you can create.

Build quality is decent for its price; it’s sturdy enough to stay stable during use, though it’s not designed for heavy industrial use. Some users might find it a bit bulky at 138 pounds for a benchtop model, which could affect portability. It suits beginners and intermediate woodworkers well, while those looking for longer distances between centers or heavier-duty motors might need to consider bigger models. The lathe balances performance and features well for its size and price, making it a reliable option if your projects fit within its size limits.