Mid-Size Lathes Woodworking Tool Review

We take eight models for a spin to see which deserves a turn in your shop.

A dial indicator measures the side-to-side movement in each lathe as a turning blank spins, showing how well each machine dampens vibration, as shown at right.

Professional woodturners may spend thousands of dollars on a lathe. But the rest of us, even those who turn fairly often, probably don’t need that much tool. So, we wondered: What kind of lathe can you get for less than $1,000? To find out, we brought in eight mid-size models from six manufacturers. Featured in the march 2003 issue.

This tool review includes the following products: Craftsman 21715, Delta 46-715, Grizzly G1067Z, Grizzly G1495, Jet JWL-1236, Jet JWL-1442, Ridgid WL1200LS, Teknatool Nova 3000

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