Lathes

Wood lathes spin stock so you can turn it round — bowls, pens, spindles, table legs, and furniture parts shaped with a gouge instead of a saw. Built for turners from first-timers to production shops, these lathes run from compact pen and midi machines to full-size floor models with the swing and length for big bowls and long spindles. Get the swing, bed length, and speed control right and the lathe becomes the most rewarding tool in the shop.

Types of Wood Lathes

Size and capacity separate a benchtop pen lathe from a floor-standing bowl-turning machine. Match the lathe to what you turn most.

• Pen & mini lathes: Compact and affordable for pens, small spindles, and detail work.
• Midi lathes: More swing and length in a benchtop footprint — the do-it-all choice for most turners.
• Full-size lathes: Heavy cast-iron beds with the swing and power for large bowls and long spindles.

What to Look For in a Lathe

• Swing: Twice the distance from center to bed — sets the largest diameter you can turn.
• Bed length: The longest spindle the lathe holds between centers; bed extensions add reach.
• Variable speed: Slow speeds for roughing and big blanks, higher speeds for finishing small work.
• Mass & power: Heavier machines and stronger motors turn out-of-round blanks without chatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wood lathe do I need?

Work back from what you turn. Pens and small spindles run fine on a mini lathe, while bowls and furniture parts want the swing and bed length of a midi or full-size machine. Buy more swing than you think you need.

What is swing on a lathe?

Swing is twice the distance from the spindle center to the bed. A 12-inch swing turns a blank up to 12 inches in diameter — the number that decides how large a bowl or platter you can make.

Do I need variable speed?

For serious turning, yes. Large or unbalanced blanks must start slow for safety, while small finish work runs faster. Variable speed lets you dial the right RPM for every stage of the cut.

Every wood lathe ships free to the lower 48 and is backed by our price match guarantee. Not sure which swing and bed length fit the bowls or spindles you turn? Call or text 331-272-5655 and we'll help you spec the right lathe.