20 Best Wood Lathe For Turning Large Bowls (2023 Updated)

I actually didn’t buy this from Rockler, so, I cannot comment on their service. I’ve had good luck with them in the past, however. As to the lathe itself, it is fabulous. I came from an old Craftsman 3-speed 1/2 HP lathe, and this is such a huge upgrade.

Smooth, powerful, convenient, I can’t say enough. You won’t be disappointed. I see some comments in re: pivoting headstock. The manual makes no mention of it, but, mine had a small block screwed into the headstock that fit between the ways, blocking rotation.

Once I removed that–it has a label saying “remove to rotate”–it rotates just fine. I don’t know if there is a downside, perhaps it makes it harder to align the centers, but I haven’t noticed any issues.

Mine came without legs, so, I built a stand out of 4×4’s and 2×6’s, works great, but is probably l ighter than the legs. I’ve not noticed any stability issues though, as the lathe is super-smooth and quiet.

But I’ve only done fairly small work thus far. If necessary I’ll add weight–the stand is plenty strong enough.

I bought this lathe 2 months ago and I haven’t received it, heard back from Jet, or gotten any shipping confirmations. I’ve reached out to Jet several times and not heard anything. Before I purchased it, Jet told me it would ship within 10 days.

I reached out to Rockler and they were FANTASTIC. They let me know that shipping would be delayed due to COVID, which is completely understandable. But taking $2000 and not even communicating with me is problematic from Jet.

This review does not reflect Rockler, they have been fantastic, but the lathe ships from Jet and I am begging to feel like I just lost $2000.

I am new to woodturning, but have been looking into this wood lathe as soon as it came out. When i had the chance to purchase the lathe, i did not hesitate. And i am glad i did. The versatility of the lathe is what attracted me to it in the first place, and I am extremely happy with the purchase as the lathe is exactly as advertised.

So far i have been able to turn a nice new handle for hand forged garden spade (that i broke last summer), a 16″ pecan bowl (with bed extension), even little smalls like new dogs for my workbench. And had no problems with any.

Almost great. I have had this lathe for about 4 months (purchased in Feb 2022). I like to wait and actually use items (especially tools) before writing reviews so I can give a thorough review and test if it works or holds up to regular use.

I’ll start off by saying that I love the features of the lathe, the variable speed, the size, the weight, the built in light, and the rpm display are all great features. The paint is really rough and chipped in a few spots, but it’s a tool and that doesn’t bother me.

The manual doesn’t fully match the components included and leaves you with a spring and some random hardware that isn’t explained during assembly. (If you look closely at the exploded view you can figure out where they go).

And I accept these as minor inconvenience and acceptable at this price point. But there is one major flaw. The main spindle shaft in the headstock is bored off center! The wall thickness is far greater on one side causing vibration while turning.

It runs true so the bearings are good. The Morse taper is within 0. 001″ but the hollow center of the shaft is about 3-4 degrees out of axial alignment with the outside of the shaft making it vibrate excessively at high speeds (like when turning small spindles like pen blanks) The vibrations at full speed are so bad that the light starts bouncing around and it shakes the whole lathe.

I contacted psi for a replacement spindle and got through to a “tech” who obviously didn’t know anything about lathes. (Didn’t even know that the shaft has a taper and was adamant that its just bored to 3/4) They claimed I bolted the head on crooked or assembled it wrong.

I eventually got them to send a new spindle after explaining that I checked alignment with a dial indicator and followed the instructions in the manual. And the new spindle is even more out of balance.

The problem is the hollow part is either drilled or cast off center. The lathe is technically functional. I am able to make pens and other small turnings on it. But I can’t use full speed until I get it fixed.

I bought this as my first lathe. I did an extensive amount of research before making an ultimate decision based on my budget. This was the best unit as far as size, money, reviews both here and WEN’s official site and my intended use.

I didn’t mind having to change the belt to change the speed, and honestly it takes no time to do. This machine is quiet. It’s high quality. It’s got room for expansion if needed. The motor does get hot pretty quick, but doesn’t affect it’s ability to perform as it should.

Just keep an eye on it, and keep it clean. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. If you’re just getting into woodturning, you won’t be disappointed with this unit.

Ive always been a fan of Wen products! When it came time to replace my beginner lathe, I knew what I was looking for and this lathe delivered! The clearances are much bigger and the motor holds up to some hard turning.

Small and suitable to start with. Needs to be fixed properly for bigger pieces

I received this lathe about 4 months ago and love it. I’ve turned several things with it and am really pleased. The reverse feature really comes in handy and I use it with everything. If I had to say anything was a dislike, it would be the tool rest mechanism.

It doesn’t move freely, I’ve adjusted it once which helped slightly, but just need to tinker with it some more, buy hey, that’s such a minor detail. Would I recommend this product to anyone? Yes. I now plan on purchasing the grinder since I don’t own one in my shop.

The first thing I looked at before buying this was to make sure all the attachments were standard and I’ve been very happy to buy other brand tapers and accessories and they’ve all fit. So far the only thing that I’ve been disappointed with, that would be different on a higher dollar tool with a digital speed control, is that when you set the speed lever to the higher speed positions, it can get in the way of where my hands naturally want to be when I am turning really close to the head stock.

The only other thing is that the travel on the tailstock is fairly shallow, but I knew that going in. The stand is just a little flimsy, but not something I would dock it for and is easily fixed if need be.

It is perfectly workable as it comes. A lathe is a pretty simple tool and this one works well. The machined surfaces are machined well, the clamps hold firmly, the motor is smooth and the capacity is ample.

Having multiple Delta products over the years they have had strong and reliable products. They call this 46-460 industrial lathe, it is built solidly and has good attention to detail, from the pulleys and belt to the electronic controller, Even with all the shipping and multiple handlers everything was right on the money.

The price was fair, most of the small mini and midi lathes do not a electronic speed controller or a reverse this does and it makes all the difference. I gave it a simple but solid stand and set it for my height and comfort.

In the picture I am setting a glue block on a small 5″ sea grape wood bowl. I normally power crave hardwood bowls, but not everyone wants a 1 off more expensive bowl, and this gives me more options.

This is a tremendously great professional-grade bench lathe. It comes ready to use right out of the securely packed box. Detailed instructions and safety reminders are clearly written. The on and off power switch allows for a lock, if needed.

Large variable speed dial with clear numbers. Large front access panel for belt changes. It is a very well built machine that is absolutely worth owning for your shop. And the motor is smooth and quiet.

My lathe was the older version but I only had it 4 years before the motor burned out. The Lathe had only been used for 4 years it sat in the back of a shop in the box for a bit longer. But it was a Delta It should be fine to buy Delta always stands by there products, so I thought.

So I call to order a new motor None, they dont make them. And they leave me with a bad taste in my mouth not even willing to help me out. So much for the warranty, and standing behind your product. I will never buy another delta/ portercable product for my shop.

Nothing but Joy. I sent back a lesser lathe to a different manufacturer and picked this gem up at my Rockler store. There was no assembly except to put the feet in place. Headstock / tailstock in perfect alignment, bedway smooth and well machined.

I also purchased the 10″ extension for outboard cutting, handles large bowls and platters with ease. One note to potential buyers, the tool post is a true 1″, more importantly it is a compression fit not a set screw lock down.

Being creative I cut a long groove in a 5/8 to 1″ adapter, still didn’t compress. So I epoxied the adapter in place and it works like a dream. This fix is not as expensive as replacing all of your tool posts.

All in all great tool, a fair price, and hopes for a lifetime of use.

I order the Laguna 12 16 lathe from Acme in late March 2020. Acme did a good job with keeping me updated, no issues. I waited 2 months for the lathe to arrive; Received around the 1st of June, but on August 2, 2020, the speed control unit quit working and the unit went out of RPM control.

Fortunately, I was only sanding a project, instead of cutting a project. Two months for delivery and only two months of use; interesting. For those that believe this lathe is made in American, you are wrong.

It’s designed in American but made in Taiwan. When this lathe worked it was ok, nothing spectacular nor outstanding when compared to other midi lathes currently on the market. I’ll see if Laguna’s Customer Service can timely provide the necessary parts or will there be another two month delay.

Given the price for this Laguna 12 16 lathe, one would expect the better quality. Perhaps, I received a “lemon” of a lathe, however given my experience, I would not recommend this Laguna 12 16 lathe to anyone.

The first time I brought the tailstock up to the headstock with both of the centers in, the tips did not meet at all. There is maybe a 1/36 of an inch gap, but I think the problem is just the live center.

A new one would probably do the trick. Overall, it is a great machine, but the hand wheel is hard to re-adjust once you take it off. It is incredibly heavy and solid, especially with the rubber feet.

I would recommend this lathe if you are willing to spend some time adjusting things. One of my favorite things abou the lathe is that the tool rest is about a full inch below centers at it’s lowest height.

This makes it perfect for carbide tools, which are the only tools that I use. I got this lathe mainly for bowl turning, and it works perfectly. There are some other reviews saying that it months to ship, but I just picked it up from my local Rockler store with curbside pickup.

All of this happened in the same day, but I guess I was lucky as this was because the lathe was in stock.

This mid-sized/mini lathe is perfect for my return to woodturning after a (gulp!) 45-year hiatus. Though it lacks reverse, it has variable speed, a nice tailstock, and a sensible method of tightening the belt.

It is a bit lightweight and I have not yet bolted it down to anything, but it can handle inboard pieces up to almost 5″ diameter without issue or much wobble (once they are roughed out with the roughing gouge).

It has a nice collection of accessories and the 5/8″ diameter for the tool rests means I could get accessory rests without problem.

Acme’s shipping was very fast. The lathe arrived in good condition. I bolted it to a bench I made for, this helps with stability. However, the 1015VS is smooth and quiet when powered up. This is a small lathe and perhaps best suited for pen making, small bowls, and similar.

Nothing fancy, just a nicely made, solid lathe.

I bought this model over 20 years ago. I use it at least once a week, usually more often. I have never had any issues with it. The only part I have had to replace is the belt just recently. There is now a small amount of bearing wear so I am thinking about upgrading to the 12×21 variable.

If the newer models are anything like this one you definitely can’t go wrong.

I am an experienced wood worker. I purchased this machine to turn smaller wooden bowls ( 7″ die and smaller). This lathe is well suited to this task and of a convenient size and weight to place on my work cart.

I’ve had the 10 in. x 18 in. 5 Speed 1/2 HP Benchtop Wood Lathe for several years, now. I have made little bowls, coffee table legs, toy wheels, coffee grinder container, and more. I have used the lathe with pine, walnut, oak, and maple.

All I can say is: it is easy to use, it is made of cast iron (hence, heavy, which makes it stay in place – no vibration making it walk), it is affordable, and most of all – it has been a work horse for me.

I have had ZERO problems with it!!! If there were a wish list: it would be great if Harbor Freight could obtain the right to sell the Variable Speed Midi Lathe Conversion Kit for it – the one that is sold through Penn State Industries.

That would enable HF to get more customer business sales (many have bought it throughout the years from PSI) while enabling the customers to upgrade their purchase with the company that originally sold them the unit – HF.

Another wish for me would have been to have bought the extension bed from HF as well. For me, I found an exact fit at Rockler – the extension bed for their Excelsior mini lathe was an exact match for my Harbor Freight lathe.

I’m just saying that it would have been nice to have been able to make the purchase at HF instead. All in all, I would buy this lathe over and over again if I had to. Lucky for me, I only had to buy the one!!!.

Out of the box, very pleased with a clean machine that had everything it was supposed to. Easy set up even for a brand new turner. Includes a 1″x8tpi head with a flat base and spur drive center as well as a cup live center for the tail.

Only has a 2″ travel on the tail for drilling though. I have only one complaint at this point. The belt and pulleys are cheap. I mean CHEAP CHEAP!! Started squealing about an hour in. Put some Johnson’s paste wax on the pulleys and she shut right up.

Takes about 60 seconds to adjust from speed to speed by changing the belt from one pair of pulleys to the next. No problems turning pine, walnut, pecan, and oak so far. Very small tool rest. Only suitable for turning pens and chess pieces really.

Miss my 10″ rest. Nade on a similar solid steel platform as the Grizzly mini lathe, I don’t think this will fall apart any time soon. Worth buying the extended protection on (if for nothing more than the motor and pulleys).

This is a good small lathe with all the things that a hobby woodworker would want. This does not replace a professional lathe, but for turning small objects (pens, ornaments, etc. ) this is a great lathe.

This is my first lathe and I love it. Have been playing mostly with maple and this lathe works like a charm. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a small table top lathe. Powers through maple with no problems.

with the 550 watt motor is has enough power to perform nice turning projects

Nice machine to work with for a nice price.

I bought this recently, 3 weeks ago. And since I’ve been having fun with it. It’s very capable, and a fantastic upgrade from a budget mini-lathe. I’ve only been turning for 1 year, and for my abilities it’s both a pro-level and easy for a beginner to use.

The motor is powerful, the buttons and switches well laid out and easy to use. The assembly was easy, and only slightly difficult because I did it by myself. The cost of this lathe was super reasonable, compared to anything else (even the DVR 1644 is more than twice the cost).

Buying through Acme ended up being the even more affordable than anywhere else. I initially was going to buy from Woodcraft or Rockler, but they charged 200-300+ for shipping and lift gate fees. Acme was the only supplier that had free shipping and $0 charge for the lift gate.

The delivery driver even rolled it into my garage for me and left the pallet with me. This lathe even looks sharp. Changing the belts for speed changes is not a con, if you want DVR-type speed changes via a single dial, then you’ll have to pay immensely for it.

The amount of money you save by getting a belt change system is a pro in this case. Cons: Not many, but the leg configuration is annoying, they weren’t made to fix extra weight to them. I figured out a way, it involves trimming a 4 x 4inch beam down to 3.

25 x 3. 25, stringing it between the upper leg bracket hole, then bolting a 2 x 8 board to it hanging down 8 inches, to create a hung-shelf. Then on this shelf I placed six 30 lb cement landscaping stones.

This adds about 180 lbs to the whole setup, not counting the extension bed I bought, plus eventually the outrigger accessory I’ll be getting. The extension bed doesn’t align very good, and it instructs to file down the bump, which shouldn’t really be necessary.

I wish the lowest possible speed was closer to 100, for larger pieces. The flap you open on the back to change belt speeds doesn’t stay up when open, gravity wants it to flop back down, which is annoying when trying to change speeds, a magnet or spring assist to keep it open would be nice.

After much research on mid-size lathes, I decided to purchase the Nova 1624 II. I looked at the lathe at my local Woodcraft store, but did not purchase it at the time. When i found that Walmart had the same exact model for $80.

00 less and free shipping it was a no brainer. The lathe shipped the next day and I had it in hand in 3 days from placing the order. When it arrived the package had no damage from shipping and the lathe was in perfect shape.

It only took me a couple of hours to assemble and was trying it out that same night! This lathe is all that i will need for the coming years turning Pens, Christmas ornaments and other various items.

If you are looking for a midsize lathe, look at this one it’s winner.