When it comes to woodworking, having the right lathe can make a significant difference in the precision and quality of your work. A variable speed wood lathe allows you to easily adjust the speed based on your material and project needs, offering greater control over the turning process. Whether you’re turning bowls, spindles, or other wood projects, the best variable speed wood lathe can help you achieve smoother cuts and finer detail. In this article, we’ll explore the best variable speed wood lathes on the market and their key features to help you make the best choice for your shop.
Why Choose a Variable Speed Wood Lathe?
Variable speed wood lathes provide significant advantages over traditional single-speed lathes. Here’s why a variable speed lathe might be ideal for your woodworking projects:
- Precision: Being able to adjust the speed allows for finer control when turning delicate pieces or roughing out larger sections of wood.
- Versatility: A variable speed lathe can handle a wide range of tasks, from fine detail work at lower speeds to roughing out larger projects at higher speeds.
- Consistency: Consistent speed control ensures smoother finishes, especially when working with different types of wood or varying project sizes.
- Convenience: You don’t need to manually change the belt or make adjustments between projects. A variable speed control dial or lever allows for quick changes without having to stop and reconfigure the machine.
Top Variable Speed Wood Lathes
1. Jet JWL-1221VS Wood Lathe
The Jet JWL-1221VS is a highly-rated variable speed wood lathe known for its durability, performance, and ease of use. It’s perfect for both beginners and professionals who need precise speed control for small to medium-sized projects.
- Speed Range: 60-3600 RPM
- Capacity: 12″ x 21″ (working space)
- Build Quality: Cast iron construction for stability
- Features: Digital speed readout, forward/reverse function, and a smooth control dial for easy adjustments
The Jet JWL-1221VS is highly regarded for its user-friendly variable speed control and solid build, offering excellent versatility and smooth turning. Its extended capacity makes it great for larger woodturning projects as well.
2. Laguna Tools 1216 Lathe
The Laguna Tools 1216 is an exceptional variable speed wood lathe designed for users who need a reliable and high-performance tool for both small and larger projects. Known for its smooth operation and sturdy construction, this lathe is a great option for professionals and hobbyists alike.
- Speed Range: 50-3500 RPM
- Capacity: 12″ x 16″ (working space)
- Build Quality: Cast iron bed with a robust steel frame
- Features: Digital speed control, forward/reverse function, and heavy-duty construction for vibration-free operation
With its smooth variable speed operation and high-quality construction, the Laguna 1216 is an excellent choice for woodturners who need both power and precision. It is particularly known for its ability to handle detailed work and larger projects without issues.
3. Powermatic 3520C Wood Lathe
The Powermatic 3520C is a premium, industrial-grade variable speed lathe designed for serious woodturning enthusiasts and professionals. It offers a powerful motor and impressive stability, making it perfect for large, heavy-duty projects.
- Speed Range: 50-3000 RPM
- Capacity: 20″ x 35″ (working space)
- Build Quality: Cast iron frame and bed for exceptional stability
- Features: Electronic variable speed control, reverse function, and a high-torque motor for smooth operation
The Powermatic 3520C is ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists who need a powerful, high-performance lathe capable of handling large and heavy turning projects. Its variable speed control and large working capacity make it one of the best lathes available for advanced woodturning tasks.
4. Rikon 70-105 12″ x 16″ Wood Lathe
The Rikon 70-105 is a solid, budget-friendly option for beginners or hobbyists looking for a reliable variable speed wood lathe. It offers excellent performance at a reasonable price, making it a great entry-level lathe.
- Speed Range: 500-4000 RPM
- Capacity: 12″ x 16″ (working space)
- Build Quality: Cast iron construction for a sturdy, vibration-free experience
- Features: Forward and reverse direction, easy-to-use speed control dial, and 1/2 horsepower motor
The Rikon 70-105 is a great choice for woodturning beginners, offering solid speed control and a range of features usually found in higher-end lathes. Its compact design makes it perfect for home shops and hobbyists looking for an affordable yet effective lathe.
5. Grizzly G0766 10″ x 22″ Wood Lathe
The Grizzly G0766 is a versatile and powerful wood lathe that offers variable speed control for both professional and hobbyist woodturners. It is well-suited for those looking to tackle a wide range of projects, from small turnings to larger, more intricate work.
- Speed Range: 50-3600 RPM
- Capacity: 10″ x 22″ (working space)
- Build Quality: Heavy-duty cast iron construction for smooth operation
- Features: Electronic variable speed control, digital speed readout, and reverse function
The Grizzly G0766 offers a great balance of power, versatility, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for woodturners who need a reliable lathe that can handle various types of projects.
What to Consider When Choosing a Variable Speed Wood Lathe
When choosing the best variable speed wood lathe for your needs, consider the following factors:
- Speed Range: A wider speed range gives you greater flexibility when working with different materials. Look for a lathe with adjustable speeds that suit your specific projects.
- Capacity: Consider the size of your projects and choose a lathe with a working area that accommodates your needs. Larger lathes provide more flexibility for bigger projects.
- Build Quality: A stable, vibration-free lathe is essential for smooth turning. Look for a lathe made from cast iron or other durable materials that can withstand heavy use.
- Features: Look for additional features like a reverse function, digital speed control, and easy-to-adjust settings for more precise control.
- Price: While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, make sure you invest in a lathe that provides value for your money and meets your turning requirements.
Enhance Your Woodturning Skills
If you’re looking to improve your woodturning skills, consider checking out our Woodworking Masterclass Bundle. This bundle offers expert tutorials, tips, and techniques that will help you take your turning projects to the next level.
Additionally, if you’re planning to set up the perfect workshop for your lathe, check out My Shed Plans. With over 120 detailed plans, you can create the ideal workspace for your wood lathe and other woodworking tools.
Conclusion
Choosing the best variable speed wood lathe depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of projects you plan to tackle. Whether you go with the Jet JWL-1221VS, Powermatic 3520C, or Rikon 70-105, each of these lathes offers great precision, power, and versatility for woodturning. Start turning high-quality pieces today with the best variable speed lathe for your workshop!