Best Wood Lathes

The versatility of JWL-1221VS is difficult to overestimate. All the controls, including an ON/OFF switch, a forward/reverse switch, and a digital readout of the spindle rotation speed are compactly located on the control panel. As for the digital readout, we should say that this solution is incredibly convenient and simplifies setting of the right speed. Also, pay attention to 3 speed ranges that allow turning different types of wood. Furthermore, you can set the minimum speed for processing delicate types of wood. Mind that such opportunity is rarely featured in wood lathes. The handwheels of tailstock and spindle work smoothly and precisely. The innovative ratchet system allows you to easily loosen or strain the V-belt. It is worth saying that JET has applied for a patent for this system, and it largely cuts the belt replacement time.

This wood lathe makes an impression of the almost flawless machine. The headmost design solutions featured in this tool make it special, so professional turners will appreciate it and, maybe, even get the concept of the perfect lathe. We can also highlight a considerable weight of this unit, which is an important advantage. You may wonder whether the heaviness can be a benefit and we will shed light on this question! A weighty lathe causes fewer vibrations while working.

We recommend you to acquire a bed extension to double your lathe's bed length, a face shield to protect your face from wood shavings, and a set of chisels for manual processing your future wooden masterpieces.

The electronic speed control is the first advantage of this wood lathe. 3 speed ranges help you pick the most appropriate spindle rotating speed for accurate turning. Also, the patented tensioning system provides the right belt tension after each speed change and, thus, ensures a longer life of the tool. We liked a V-belt featured this lathe has. This belt has 6 V-shape grooves that resist slipping better in comparison with common flat belts. In addition, we were glad of the reversing function that allows superb polishing. We'd like to note that Delta engineers provided a smart solution by installing lathe controls on top of the headstock. Firstly, controls are less exposed to shavings and chips, so controlling this lathe is safe and simple. Secondly, controls are located at your eyes' level, which adds to the convenience. Hence, you won't have to lean and fumble for controls as they are always at hand.

We recommend you to buy a bed extension that will help you process large workpieces.

We would like to mention some types of softwood that can be processed on a lathe. Basswood is one of them. Basswood grows from New Brunswick to east Manitoba in Canada and from the east of North Carolina to Kentucky and Nebraska in the USA. The timber of basswood is very soft and light; it isn't prone to cracking and drying. Basswood is easily machinable and cuttable and is often used in woodworking. The basswood timber is unfit for making furniture due to its softness, but it is perfect for making souvenirs, toys, decorative elements and interior adornments. Basswood can be softened with vapor, as well as hardened by means of drying. Willow is another example of softwood. Willow is able to vie basswood as it is also light, soft, tough, and elastic. Willow is used for making various implements like tennis rackets and prosthetic devices. The trunks of large willows are widely used for the construction. About 65 species of willow grow in the US and only 25 of them reach maturity. Salix alba is a species of willow most commonly used in woodworking because of its properties and structure.

We advise you to purchase a plastic center finder for easy centering and alignment of your workpieces.

The locking levers and switches of this lathe work faultlessly, while the quill and spindle are perfectly aligned, hence you'll get an accurate turning. The spindle revolves smoothly at each of 6 available speeds. The tool rest also moves along the bed easily. Let's take a closer look at the bed of this wood lathe. This bed isn't long but it's quite normal for a non-commercial tool designed for home use. Still, the lathe bed can be increased by 40'' with the help of a bed extension for processing large workpieces. In general, RIKON 70-100 is a moderately priced mini wood lathe that offers decent capabilities for pleasurable woodwork.

We advise buying an extension for lengthening the bed (by 24"). Also, it's strongly recommended to wear a face shield for protecting your eyes from wood chips when turning.

A wood lathe isn't the most dangerous machine in the world. Yet, you should follow some safety precautions while using this tool.

1. Start processing a workpiece only when the spindle reaches a full speed. Feed a tool bit gradually and slow the feed down while turning twigs.

2. Make sure your workpiece is free from nails and other metal inclusions before you chuck it, otherwise the processing might become dangerous.

3. Inspect the gears of your lathe regularly and clean and grease them when necessary.

4. Turn your lathe off as soon as abnormal noise, knocking, or vibrations appear.

5. Never stop the spindle manually.

Complying with these safety recommendations, you will protect yourself and extend your lathe's lifespan as well.

In case you perform some manual woodwork, get this handy chisel set.