The 17 best woodturning lathe brands
Robert Sorby, Easy Wood Tools and Axminster lead our ranking of 17 woodturning lathe brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Woodturning Lathe brands, ranked
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1
Robert Sorby
Sheffield-made HSS turning chisels and hollowing tools that many turners treat as the standard for finishing work.
Website: robert-sorby.co.uk |Brands like Robert Sorby
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Easy Wood Tools
Carbide-tipped lathe tools with roughing and detailing options, so there is less resharpening than with steel chisels.
Top products: Easy Start Rougher· Ci4 Mid-size Easy Detailer
Website: easywoodtools.com |Brands like Easy Wood Tools
Popularity 8.8/10
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3
Axminster
UK woodworking supplier with its own-brand midi lathes, so turners can buy the machine and accessories together.
Website: axminstertools.com |Brands like Axminster
Popularity 0.1/10
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4
Craftsman
Power tools are one of the most perfect inventions of humankind. The amount of places these tools are used is unimaginable and beyond count. That is why Craftsman brings you to a line of products that are used by professionals and thus are of high quality and performance. Their products range from air compressors and air tools to drills and wrenches that ease the workload of their users. Craftsman is a dedicated brand for tools.
Website: craftsman.com |Brands like Craftsman
Popularity 0.1/10
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5
Record Power
Hobbyist lathes such as the CL3 from a UK toolmaker, with dust extractors and sanders alongside.
Website: recordpower.co.uk |Brands like Record Power
Popularity 0.1/10
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6
OneWay Manufacturing
Canadian maker of heavy-duty lathes, with chucks and bowl-turning accessories for serious turners.
Website: oneway.ca |Brands like OneWay Manufacturing
Popularity 0.1/10
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7
Alisam Engineering
Gaining global recognition gradually with the production of a range of hand tools is the Alisam Engineering brand, known to provide the easiest and fastest solutions. From woodworking to metalworking, it offers premium quality devices for as many applications as possible to work without any hindrance. The label also has a unique sharpening sled alongside some other accessories to furnish precision and accuracy for achieving successful results. Its user-friendly goods are suited for home workers.
Website: alisam.com |Brands like Alisam Engineering
Popularity 0.1/10
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8
Myford
Long-running British lathe maker whose Super 7 is a classic for model engineers and small-workshop turners.
Website: myford.co.uk |Brands like Myford
Popularity 0.1/10
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9
NOVA
NOVA's men's clothing is sold through the NovaMen line of Fashion Nova, the online retailer. The range includes graphic shirts, tees, hoodies, jackets, leather jackets and pants. Pieces span tops, outerwear and bottoms for men.
Popularity 0.1/10
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10
Proxxon
Compact power and hand tools for precision work come from Proxxon, which sells rotary tools, micro drills and small screwdrivers. The tools suit model makers, jewellers, opticians and toolmakers who need fine control.
Website: proxxon.com |Brands like Proxxon
Popularity 0.1/10
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11
PSI Woodworking
PSI Woodworking Products is your supplier of specialty woodworking tools and accessories. They stock a wide selection of high-quality products for the do-it-yourselfer and professional alike. PSI offers carpentry and wood-crafting supplies from industry leaders with tools to help you...
Website: psiwoodworking.com |Brands like PSI Woodworking
Popularity 0.1/10
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12
PSI
Originating in 1992, PSI presents high-quality matrix printers, with its sister firm providing laser printers to tackle the varied requirements and needs of two specific market wants in printing. The product line comprises the feature of quick movements, flexible functioning,...
Website: psi-matrix.eu |Brands like PSI
Popularity 0.1/10
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13
Sears
Want to shop for your house and don’t have much time? Then shop at Sears. It is a one-stop place to buy appliances, gadgets, homeware, and pretty much everything you need. They offer many different brands and collections for all...
Website: sears.com |Brands like Sears
Popularity 0.1/10
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14
SUPERNOVA
SUPERNOVA makes bicycle dynamo systems and LED bike lights, which are the brand's main lines and suit different types of bikes and riders. Accessories are sold alongside the bike lights, along with some off-road and driving lights. Its LED models...
Website: supernova-lights.com |Brands like SUPERNOVA
Popularity 0.1/10
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15
wolfcraft
Wolfcraft makes hand tools, power tools, drill bits and clamps for home workshops and job sites. Its range covers products sold through tool shops and home improvement stores worldwide.
Website: wolfcraft.com |Brands like wolfcraft
Popularity 0.1/10
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16
HSS
Metal drill bits and drill sets from HSS are sold for home workshops and trade use. The company also stocks hand tools and runs a hire and sales business in the UK.
Website: hss.com |Brands like HSS
Popularity 0.1/10
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17
SIP
With a compact force of about 100 and operations extending to more than 50 countries, SIP is a market leader for scooter accessories and spare parts. Most of its services are available through mail orders. The company has an eventful...
Popularity 0.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Sorby | robert-sorby.co.uk | /RobertSorbySheffield | robertsorby | @RobertSorby | robertsorbyengland |
| Easy Wood Tools | easywoodtools.com | /EasyWoodTools | easywoodtools | – | – |
| Axminster | axminstertools.com | /axminstertools | axminstertools | @axminstertools | – |
| Craftsman | craftsman.com | /craftsman | craftsman | – | craftsman |
| Record Power | recordpower.co.uk | /RecordPower | recordpower | @RecordPower | RecordPowerTV |
| OneWay Manufacturing | oneway.ca | – | – | – | ONEWAY MANUFACTURING |
| Alisam Engineering | alisam.com | – | – | – | – |
| Myford | myford.co.uk | /Myfordltd | – | @Myfordltd | – |
| Proxxon | proxxon.com | – | – | – | – |
Woodturning Lathe Buying Guide
Every woodworker needs a good lathe to complete his or her workshop. A lathe is a woodworking tool that rotates a piece of raw material around a central axis, allowing the user to shape it with precision. The lathe is an essential tool for creating furniture legs, wooden bowls, pens, and many other objects.
Choosing the right lathe can be a difficult task, as there are many factors to consider. In this guide, we will discuss the important features to look for when buying a lathe, as well as some of the best models on the market today.
Lathe Types
The first decision you will need to make is what type of lathe you wish to buy. There are two main types of lathe: benchtop and floor-standing.
Benchtop Lathes
Benchtop lathes are compact, lightweight, and easy to move around. They are perfect for smaller projects, such as making pens or other small objects. Benchtop lathes are less expensive than floor-standing lathes and are perfect for those who have limited space in their workshop.
Floor-standing Lathes
Floor-standing lathes are larger, heavier, and more powerful than benchtop lathes. They are designed for larger projects, such as turning chair legs, bedposts, or even bowls. Floor-standing lathes are more expensive than benchtop lathes and require more space, but they are a great investment for serious woodworkers or professionals.
Lathe Features
Once you have decided which type of lathe to purchase, you will need to consider the different features it may have. The following are some of the most important features to consider when buying a lathe:
Motor Power
The motor power of a lathe is essential in determining its capabilities. Benchtop lathes usually have a motor power of around 1/2 HP, whereas floor-standing lathes can have anywhere from 1/2 to 3 HP. The more powerful the motor, the larger the workpiece that can be turned.
Swing
The swing of a lathe refers to the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned. For example, if a lathe has a 12-inch swing, it can turn a workpiece with a maximum diameter of 12 inches. Benchtop lathes usually have a swing of between 8 and 12 inches, while floor-standing lathes can have a swing of up to 20 inches or more. If you plan on turning larger workpieces, you will need a lathe with a larger swing.
Distance between Centers
The distance between centers of a lathe refers to the maximum length of the workpiece that can be turned. If you plan on turning longer workpieces, you will need a lathe with a longer distance between centers.
Headstock and Tailstock
The headstock is the part of the lathe that rotates the workpiece, while the tailstock is the part that supports the other end of the workpiece. It is essential to ensure that the headstock and tailstock are sturdy and aligned correctly. Many newer lathes feature a swiveling headstock, which allows the user to rotate it for more comfortable access to the workpiece.
Variable Speed
Variable speed allows the user to adjust the speed of the lathe to match the requirements of the project. This feature is essential when working with different types of wood, as each species may require different speeds. Most modern lathes feature variable speed control.
Bed Size
The bed size of a lathe refers to the length of the rails that support the headstock and tailstock. It is essential to ensure that the bed size is sufficient to support the length of the workpiece. Floor-standing lathes usually have a longer bed size than benchtop lathes.
Our Top Lathe Picks
There are many different models of lathes on the market today, each with its own unique features and price point. The following are some of our favorite lathes:
JET JWL-1221VS Lathe
This benchtop lathe is perfect for those who have limited space in their workshop. It features a 1 HP motor, a 12-inch swing, and a 20.5-inch distance between centers. The JET JWL-1221VS also has variable speed control, allowing the user to adjust the speed of the lathe between 60 and 3600 RPM.
Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
The Delta Industrial 46-460 is a floor-standing lathe with a 1 HP motor, a 12.5-inch swing, and a 16.5-inch distance between centers. It also features variable speed control, allowing the user to adjust the speed of the lathe between 250 and 4000 RPM. This lathe is perfect for those who are looking for a reliable, heavy-duty machine.
Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B
The Powermatic 1352001 Model 3520B is a high-end, floor-standing lathe perfect for professionals. It features a 2 HP motor, a 20-inch swing, and a 34.5-inch distance between centers. It also has variable speed control, allowing the user to adjust the speed of the lathe between 15 and 1200 RPM. The Powermatic 3520B is a powerful, durable machine that can handle even the most challenging projects.
Conclusion
Choosing a lathe can be a difficult decision, but it is essential to ensure that you have a reliable, high-quality machine that can serve you for many years. Consider factors such as motor power, swing, distance between centers, and variable speed control to find the perfect lathe for your needs. With the right lathe, you can create beautiful, precise objects that will last a lifetime.
