8 Best Midi Lathes for Wood Turners in 2024

Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases. This is at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.

Midi lathes are the second most preferable wood lathes among the woodturners after full-size because of their adequate motor power in a comfortable price range and size. Below are eight of the best midi lathes review.

As my survey went when writing about the wood lathes of every category from mini to full-size (check here), it showed about 40% of the woodturners I talked with are using Midi Lathes as their primary wood lathe.

These lathes are typically 12” to 14” in bed swing, giving you ample torque, speed, horsepower, and efficiency close to a full-size wood lathe. But, for the compact size, you can easily fit them in one cabinet bench, which won’t take much of your space.

Let me introduce you to some of the best midi lathes I have seen in the woodturning industry from the last couple of years. Lathes that are in a regular process of upgrading as the industry evolves. I’ll try to keep the reviews limited to the main point.

Psst! While you’re here, why not check out these gifts for woodturners I found on Amazon? (I bought a couple of them myself)

Top 5 Midi Wood Lathes of 2024 in a Quick Chart

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is a midi wood lathe?

Midi wood lathes are between the pen-making minis and the Standard full-sized wood lathes. They are the possible alternative for the powerful full-size bowl-making lathes.

Some people say Midi is just a marketing tactic, but there are apparent differences and advancements in the making of these lathes.

Besides, if you could add up a wooden riser block, get an extra tool rest to reach the sides, get a bed extension, you can build your premium-alternative option like any full-size standard lathe.

The only thing that will be lacking here is the Horsepower but just imagine.

For more info, you can check my article about the definition and characteristics of Midi lathes, where I have demonstrated the differences between the Midi vs. Mini lathes. And for a refresher on all the lathe parts I referenced in this post, check out my article all about parts of a lathe.

Before going to the main review part, I would like to introduce you to this cool contest that you can participate in later.

Short Reviews on Top 3 Midi Wood Lathes

Okay, let’s go to the central part now. This is going to be somewhat lengthy, but I will try my best to shorten the length of each review as much as possible. I hope this is worth your time.

1. Jet JWL 1221VS: The Overall Best

Worth the price

Having 2 inches difference in the swing, it’s half the price of 1440VSK. I could have picked anything between Rikon or Delta or even a Comet for myself. But after reading all the reviews and talking to other turners, I was willing to pay the extra cost and got no remorse.

They even upgraded now with the 1221sp (step pulley) costing a few bucks more than this unit but still fair-priced.

Jet JWL 1221vs short review

It’s a one-horsepower lightweight monster from Jet. Best among all the machines in this size range, especially when it comes to turning bowls.

The main reason I picked it over the Rikon 70-150vsr or the Delta 46-460 is their slowest speed is 60 rpm for turning irregular bowl blanks, which is even lower than any other contender out there. Just like the powerful Laguna Revo 1836 with a low 50 rpm.

Jet made this with everything to satisfy a professional bowl turner considering all the other lathes. I am using mine since 2015 and have no plan to get rid of it.

If you are wondering why it comes with pulleys if it’s a variable speed lathe, well, it’s because of the torque. The pulley settings will give you the extra torque you need for the motor to stay awake while turning at a lower speed. The lower the pulley setting goes, the more torque you will get turning the relatively bigger and heavier workpieces.

I like the fact that the control panels are on the right side of the lathe. I mean, it can get very dangerous if something happens while turning bowls, and you need to go near the control knob. Having them on the right side away from the motor gives me a feeling of safety.

I can go back and forth to the same speed in an instance with the help of the digital readout where I was getting in the mood—quite a luxury feature.

In a nutshell, I would highly recommend this Jet unit to anyone likely to start turning or have been thinking about upgrading their mini-lathe to a beefier one.

Concerns

Sometimes description from the manufacturers contradicts the reviews from a user point of view.

• The tool rack gets in the way of the pulley door, which can be annoying. But if you have a separate tool holder setting, this won’t be a big deal.
• Some of the professional turners don’t like the fact that it picks up speeds slowly, but I think that’s very good for safety.
• The forward and reverse switch is a bit confusing as it looks like a toggle, and you may need to give a closer look every time to make sure if it’s in reverse mood or what.

Apart from these minor issues, I would say this is the most compact bowl turning Midi Wood lathe in the 12” swing category I have turned or seen so far.

2. Delta 46-460: The Runner-Up

Worth the price

With almost the same quality, power, and features as the Jet midi, Delta 46-460 is relatively cheap, I would say. It’s been a go-to pick for any level turner for many years now.

Let’s head over for the overall view now.

Delta 46-460 short review

Delta is a big name in the woodworking industry. 46-460 is their most popular unit from Delta and the most selling as well. They are one of the most pioneers and doing business for a long time now.

The one HP motor runs quiet and smooth, and the 12½” bed swing is durable enough for any medium-size bowl. If you are more into the spindle work, this becomes more than heaven.

Delta first came up with a ¾-HP model, the 46-450, which they later upgraded into 1 HP for this 46-460 unit. The vibration-free and quiet run of Delta is something that can impress any turner.

The easy to adjust tool rest position, tailstock position, and spindle speed are the three things that differentiate how you will feel working with a lathe. Delta showed what a compact lathe is capable of maintaining all three of them, and now there are so many lathes out there following their footsteps.

The handwheel and indexing pin is usually a full-size lathe feature, and not all the compact lathes have it, but Delta raised the bar for a compact lathe.

You know how much torque a lathe can produce with a three-step pulley system and a 1 HP motor, right? You can turn a big blank up to 11 inches in diameter (advertise says 12 inches but not recommended).

Altogether it’s an excellent lathe for anyone looking to start turning with a low-key investment.

Many woodworking shops consider Delta 46-460 as their occasional lathe over a full-size, not wanting to dedicate the floor space to another full-sized unit.

If you can add a bed extension, this lathe will do the job of what a big lathe is capable of.

Concern

• Along with some switch problems, Delta got some negative reviews earlier due to the unavailability of the parts.
• The significant criticism it gets for the small 5/8” tool rest, which makes it difficult to turn the outside edges of a bigger workpiece.
• The live center and spur center might not feel sturdy enough for a serious woodturner, but suitable for handling most of the work

3. Wen 3424 5 Speed Midi Lathe: Great Option for Low Budget

Worth the price

Wen is always the first thought for woodturners with an insufficient budget. If you are very tight on your pocket but still want to start with a midi lathe over a mini, then you can go with this one.

The price has already been compromised, so not much to talk about.

Wen 3424 short review

Features are nice, just what you could expect at that minimum price point. Not a great motor power but is capable of hitting some serious spindle works. I’ve watched a few people turning softwood bowls on it and were happy with the overall performance.

If you’ve got no problem changing the belt manually, this 70lbs sturdy lathe could support you with your amateur work pretty well. I like the fact that it’s that much heavier.

Well, one thing I am still not sure is what the HP rating is, but I am assuming a 110V and 4.5A is somewhat equivalent to about half hp. So lighter work is recommended.

Things it comes with are- A headstock spur center, tailstock cup center, a flat wrench, two hex wrenches 3 mm and 5 mm, knockout bar, 3-1/8 inches faceplate for non-spindle works, and an accessory holder.

You don’t have to remove the faceplate in order to use the spur chuck as it’s a morse taper 2, and it will fit in just perfectly into the faceplate.

Use a Jacob or Nova Chuck for the headstock if you need some drill bits to work the inside stuff. Here is my recommendations on 4 jaw chucks Try n search for #2 MT drill bits. Don’t shove too far. Work considerately, and you can bring the maximal output.

Concerns

• Motor powers are not as great as other Midis.
• Not a good option for bowls, but still can handle some.
• Motor overheats more frequently in comparison to other Midis.
• I am not too fond of the sound it makes after kicking it on.
• The drive belt seems very small.

To be honest, I would probably go on Craiglist for a better deal if I’m tight on budget but not recommended for a rookie turner cause you might end up buying crap for you.

6 Worth Mentioning Midi Lathes as Alternative

Okay, as you have the Best Midi lathes in the business, it’s time for some other worth mentioning alternative options. As there could be diverse opinions also, so sometimes the best for others won’t necessarily be the best for you. But I think I have pointed out the discrepancies to help you determine.

Now, for this part, let’s check out some other well worthy midi lathes.

1. RIKON 70-150VSR Midi Lathe Review

Worth the price

Clearly, the upgraded version of the ¾ HP 70-100. With much more torque and power to the motor and beefier in size, Rikon 70-150vsr successfully brought a lathe that can stand toe to toe with other 1 HP midi lathes out there.

It’s even cheaper than the Jet 1221vs.

Rikon 70-150vsr short review

Rikon made this lathe to stay one step ahead in the Midi lathe business, and they know how to keep the momentum going in the race.

This unit has got all the features a standard midi lathe could come up with, so you are meant to be given a second thought before ignoring it.

Weighing around 120lbs, this 1 HP (250-3850 rpm) electronic variable speed lathe comes with a LED display and a Forward/Reverse function with 24 position index head, allowing this sturdy beast to last till the end.

Not to mention that the lowest 250 RPM is very lucrative and ideal for any bowl turner.

The 1” diameter tool rest has me over the moon as opposed to the typical 5/8”, adding up a significant amount of strength and stability to this crucial component of any lathe.

Another thing I found very satisfying is their customer service acts in a timely manner, unlike the other mainstream brands.

You may have heard the complaints about getting parts takes too long from Delta that sometimes people end up replacing it with another lathe. But this won’t be the case here.

I won’t hesitate a bit to say that this is by far the most “positively reviewed” compact lathe I’ve ever come in contact with.

Concerns

In the earlier days, something was going on like the failure of the controller circuit board and indexing mechanism. Rikon took action very promptly, either solving the issues or exchanging that with a fresher one.

This was back in 2014 or 15. They merely got any negative reviews after that.

So, It’s clear that Rikon 70-150vsr hasn’t come here to take part but to take over.

2: Grizzly Industrial T25920 Midi Lathe

Worth the price

This could be the best option under 500 dollars instead of Comet if it were not for 650 rpm as the lowest speed. That being said, it’s a great little midi lathe in the class.

Grizzly T25920 short review

As I mentioned that 650 rpm is a bit fast for turning out of shape bowl blanks, but you can do it anyway as the motor has the torque it needs, and that’s the most important thing. Try n keep your woodturning chisels very sharp in that case.

Apart from that, you can hit some serious spindle work like a baseball bat or table legs, tampers, and so on.

The three-quarter HP motor takes it anywhere from 650 rpm to 3800 rpm as they advertise, but the interesting part is the digital readout will show you 4000 rpm as the highest pick.

I like the sweet and easy knob for changing speed, unlike the older super-heavy adjustable knobs that I’ve had to do or even changing belts altogether. It’s got a #2 MT spindle and tailstock taper, so yeah, it pretty much seems a breeze to use.

You can also get yourself a bed extension and a lathe stand to make a complete setup for your workshop if you don’t have any bench to mount it on firmly. But that’s optional.

I haven’t found any negative reviews like motor bogging down or lack of longevity of the machine or something noticeable.

It’s a good budget wood lathe that I won’t hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Concerns

• The lower rpm is a bit fast to turn non-round bowl blanks but still manageable.
• The main problem with speed is when rough turning on a wet bowl blank.
• Give the lathe a thorough inspection out of the box.
• Check the alignment properly, or you’ll have a tough time with drilling.
• Only one year warranty.

The man behind Grizzly, Mr Shiraz Balolia, has been maintaining top-notch customer service since 1983, so if anything goes wrong with the shipping, they will respond warmly, I believe.

3. Rikon 70-100 Midi Lathe Review

Worth the price

The immediate senior of the small 70-105 mini lathe, the Rikon 70-100, is another class in the midi wood lathe community. You can undoubtedly go for a variable speed lathe at this range, and that is something totally up to you, but the price range is very reasonable for a midi lathe.

As its knack of attacking wood, it’s more than the “get what you paid” lathe, an excellent midi lathe for the money.

Rikon 70-100 short review

I first saw this lathe in a woodworking show running in Collinsville about five years ago. The machine was so fresh, the motor hardly had any noises, and the outfit looked solid as it is a cast iron built. I was impressed with the overall design and specifications.

The guy was doing some faceplate turning. I was standing there and watched the lathe performing with about a 10” bowl blank mounted on it, no vibration at all. I didn’t try to give a test run on it, but this unit caught my eyes for sure.

Rikon’s official website says it’s a ¾ HP 5.7 amps motor. You will get to turn only forward with six-speed ranges as it is not electronic variable speed, so you’ll need to change the belt manually.

If shifting belt is something you aren’t bothered by, you’ve gotta admit this is a well worthy lathe. The 430 rpm is about the lowest non-variable speed lathe that I have seen as yet.

One thing to remember is no matter what Midi you opt for yourself, don’t turn to its maximum diameter capacity. With a 12 inches lathe like this one, you will only feel comfortable staying under 10 or 11 inches.

Concerns

• The biggest problem is the belt. Try to keep some spare belts as they are very thin.
• Using a plastic washer is highly recommended before putting on your lathe chuck if you don’t wanna end up breaking the spindle lock.
• Don’t go too much near the max diameter as the tool rest also won’t extend far enough to turn the outside edge.
• The tool rest should be a little tougher.

Nonetheless, there is no perfect tool for all jobs. This midi lathe is truly a great setup that covers most areas pretty well. If you are a guy who loves everything plain and simple, Rikon 70-100 is your lathe.

4. Shop Fox W1836 Midi Wood Lathe Review

Worth the price

Shop fox W1836 looks pretty much like the pen-making PSI Turncrafter but with more power on the motor and a large swing. Despite all the features it comes with, I still think the price could have been lower (just my two cents.)

Shop Fox W1836 short review

The features are useful, digital readout, DC electronic variable speed motor with two spindle speed pulley changes, attached LED light. There are two nice convenient handles to lift and carry this 85 pounds lathe easily, which comes real handy.

Although the manual says it’s 15 inches between centers, you can squeeze another 1 inch on this three quarter hp lathe to work.

Another interesting thing is if you turn the lathe at full speed, the tachometer will show 4300 rpm, whereas the manual says it’s 3800. So I am not sure about it. I also noticed the digital readout that shows the rpm is a little slow on response time.

I like the safety switch that works like a bump switch. It’s located in a flexible position, so if something goes wrong and both your hands are busy working close to your lathe, you can bump your hip and shut it off.

A belt cover protects the belt pulleys while the lathe is turning, so you don’t get any sleeves or parts of stuff into it. But when you are rotating it by hand or need indexing, you’ll have to flip out the cover to use the wheel. So it comes in handy and inconvenient both at the same time.

I would say It’s an okay lathe overall,

Concerns

• The RPM screen often pops out during shipping.
• The gooseneck of the LED light is sloppy and could have been longer.
• I don’t like the position of the readout screen as my left hand could block the screen while standing close and working on the faceplate.
• The tool rest is not smooth and full of sharp and rough edges. So, grind it a little bit if you don’t want to buy a new tool rest so early with a new setup already at your shop.
• Don’t freak out finding out it’s not an outboard turning lathe, as the official website says. I really have no idea.

5. Colt SML-350

Worth the price

With a real one horsepower, three-phase induction motor, and fully designed for professional woodturners, the price might be a little high for a newbie but worth every penny. It appears to be priced against the Nova 1624.

Colt SML-350 short review

Having the largest swing over the bed from all the Midis mentioned in the article, this Taiwan made Colt SML-350 is the only lathe to have a three-phase induction motor and frequency drive. You will hardly find a 1 HP lathe with a frequency drive like this one.

All the parts and components are top quality, no compromise on that. The one-inch diameter tool rest is larger than the typical 5/8”.

You can save more space by removing the leg extension (if you buy one) as it is not tied permanently to the rest of the stand with a cross-member. But I would like the bed itself to be long enough as it is already pricy.

The best advantage for a 3 PH induction motor where the cycle rate controls the speed is, you’ll get close to zero drops in torque when turning at a lower speed of 80-100 rpm. Great for turning bowls.

So if the price is not something that holds you back, you got every reason to go for Colt SML-350.

Concerns

Colt is not the first company that made this lathe. Axminster was actually the first to bring this into the European market. Later many German brands like this one ordered them with their brand name on them.

There are few companies like Surplus Center, are selling them with a choice of 115/220V variable frequency drive at a much lower price point than Colt, but I have a doubt about the QC. So the price may drop in the near future as for the rising competition.

Where to buy: The official website doesn’t seem to sell this directly, and you won’t find it on Amazon either. You may check for Arizona Silhouette or Craft Supplies. Check their website or call them and ask if they could ship it to you.

How to choose a wood lathe: Buying Tips

Choose a wood lathe that makes the journey fun. You don’t want something with an underpowered motor and cheap materials that stalls out in the middle of the work.

Stay with a good brand like Jet, Delta, or Rikon. They are primarily for rookies with the lack of experience needed to handle the big guns.

Check if it’s a genuine HP, as stated by the manufacturer. If you can make the purchase physically, that would be great. But, if online is the option here, then see what other turners are discussing about the lathe.

Read the reviews from a personal blog. Look for the brands with excellent customer service ratings overall and are offering more extended warranty periods, so if something goes wrong, they have your back.

If replacing parts takes forever for a company, it can get very frustrating.

Don’t go for lathes with #1 MT for the tapers, as you may not find them available in the aftermarkets. Finally, if you want a detailed demonstration of what you should look into, get help from my wood lathe buying guide.

People Also Ask

What kind of lathe do I need to turn bowls?

First, see how much torque the motor can create at the lowest rpm, so the motor doesn’t give up. Standard lathes are the first priority if you are not in a shortage of money and floor space.

They can produce substantial torque as the motors usually have more HP with multiple pulley options.

Decide what size bowls you intend to turn. Generally, if you want to turn something smaller in dimensions, then a lathe with a 12” swing over the bed can handle it.

There are lathes like Jet 1221vs Midi with accurate 1 HP motor and adequate torque to take control over the mid-sized blanks.

Do I need a lathe stand for a midi lathe?

Yes. Most midi lathes will need a lathe stand that is purchased separately. You’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of the best lathe stands.

What is lathe swing?

In the answer above there is mention of 12″ swing over bed. If you’re wondering what lathe swing is check out our post What Is Lathe Swing: Clear Definition and How To Measure!

What is a lathe spindle?

This post makes a number of spindle references. It references spindle speed, spindle taper, spindle works and more. If you’re wondering what a lathe spindle is, check out our post What is a Lathe Spindle and How Does It Work?

Cheap wood lathes: What is the best wood lathe for the money?

It doesn’t have any direct answer as there are varieties in sizes and capabilities accordingly to our projects.

Mini lathes from 8 to 10 inches swing over bed come really cheap and can produce enough power for small projects like pens or bottle stoppers. If you select the right lathe, it can last long.

Take the Excelsior mini from Rockler, for example. I’ve been using this for three years now.

If you are tight on budget but have been wanting to turn small bowls, then you can go for a non-variable speed lathe. Focus more on the HP and how lower the rpm can go. Rikon 70-100 can be a good example.

Now for the standard size, I think a good deal on Craiglist might do it for you.

besides, local clubs near you often sell their used lathes so you might check that up too. Brand new will cost you over 1000 dollars.

What is a good beginner wood lathe?

I would suggest you start with a good Mini or Midi. It’s more rational to accelerate steadily as you grow with your skill from time to time. You can use any of these midi lathes for a head start.

I have already done complete research on this, where I listed some high-rank beginner wood lathes. I think it has all the information to help you to hit the bulls-eye.

What is the best lathe for turning pens?

Again, this is a question that needs to be answered thoroughly. You can do it with PSI Turncrafter as well as heavyweight lathes like Powermatic also.

But in most cases, pen turners use a mini lathe to turn a pen and miniatures. There are pioneer brands like Pen State Industry, who are leading the wood lathe industry pen turners.

Here you can check my comprehensive review on some of the best mini wood lathes. They will be adequate to handle any of your light and mini woodturning projects.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Few Last Words

Buying a wood lathe is like buying a Guitar. You don’t buy guitars every month.

So, It’s okay to be sceptical before spending. Waiting for the perfect time for the ideal deal is my way to go every time I want to upgrade my lathe.

Take your time and read the reviews carefully before making your final decision.

Let me know in the comment which unit you think you are going to opt for yourself. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Ask anything you want to know. I’d be happy to answer.

Turn Big, Turn Safe. Welcome to the turning world!