If you’re a woodworker, buying a lathe is one of the most enthralling tools you can own. I put together one or two tips in these wood lathe reviews that may help you in deciding which lathe to buy and what mistakes to avoid.

What size lathe do you need?

As you may possibly have already determined, you have two selections, a mini lathe or a full size lathe.

Well, what is the difference? The solution to that question besides several hundred bucks is truly what you mean to cut most. Everybody are pretty ambitious when we wish to make a case for purchasing a new tool.

We say: I need the bigger tool to cut all those table legs and gigantic bowls I am going to make! When in reality, pens, little round boxes, small bowls and knick knacks are 99% of what we end up cutting.

Think thru what you’ll truly be turning and get the lathe for that purpose.

Mini lathes are superb to learn and can still be utilized a lifetime. Their only limitation is size of cut.

Full-size lathes can cut anything but are bigger and sometime harder to use.

OK, now that I’ve made it even harder for you

What features are most important?

I think a low vibration lathe is the most important feature. If the lathe you purchase has excessive vibration, you won’t get smooth, quality cuts and after a while you will get annoyed, stop utilising it and realized you’ve picked up a worthless tool. This is actually the largest difference between quality lathes and less costly low end lathes.

The way the lathe is mounted (and yes it’s kind of important to attach it to something strong) makes a real difference in the vibration. If at all possible, use the manufactures stand because it’s designed to be utilised with that particular tool. Realize part of the stand design includes soaking up vibration.

If you’ve a strong workbench that is really, I mean really strong and doesn’t rock back and forth at all, that would work, also

But in addition to soaking up vibration, I admire the tool stand because it’s also designed to be at the right height for turning for the majority. The right height BTW is that you are turning with your forearms parallel or barely above parallel to the floor.

Most table tops are a little low for me. When I first started, I used a workbench and had to bend to turn. Next day, my back hurt.

But a stand can always be added later on. All you need to understand for the moment are the differences.

Variable speed is also extremely important. My first lathe had only 1 speed. I hated it. It’s deadly, too. Ensure you can easily adjust The speed and the controls are in easy reach. I’m convinced most mistakes on lathe projects are as the controls were difficult to adjust and the turner ignored the necessity to change speeds and mis-cut the wood.

A rotating tailstock is also really nice feature to have. Unless you are turning bowls one hundred percent of the time and you will not, you’ll be happy you have got this feature. If you find a lathe you like and this isn’t included, make it your first accessory.

What accessories are truly necessary?

As with all tools, there are a bazillion accessories available. For me, I believe a good light is the most vital. Some saws have lights that bolt on to the back of the lathe. Not bad, but I like to purchase a $20 flexible arm light from an office supply store that clamps on to the workbench. With a compact light I can move it to use with other tools, if required.

There appear to be as many chucks and accessories for holding the wood as there are paths to cut. This is a rather massive topic , but for now use, the lathe, get a feel for what you want to turn and then buy chucks for that purpose.

Which model is the best for you?

I hope these lathe reviews have been beneficial. Best wishes, now go make something!

Mark Adams is a woodworker and part-time furniture maker. He write about woodworking tools including the Jet Wood Lathe and the Delta Wood Lathe