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So you want to know the best mini wood lathe of 2025? Well, you’ve come to the right place. As an experienced woodturner, I watch which mini wood lathes provide the best value for beginners and enthusiasts. I look for mini wood lathes offering excellent performance without breaking the bank. And I share them here with you. After evaluating eight similar machines, most from last year’s best mini wood lathes list, I narrowed it down to these standouts—perfect for hobbyists and DIY projects.
If you’re new to woodturning or want to expand your setup, you’ll also want to check out my comprehensive wood lathe buying guide. But if you’re ready to dive in, let’s start with a quick summary chart of the top five mini wood lathes from the list.
Last update on 2025-01-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Best Mini Wood Lathes Ranked
Best Overall: PSI Turncrafter Commander KWL-1018VS
- 10” swing X 18” between centers
- Motor: ¾ HP, 110V
- MT2 Headstock and Tailstock Taper
- 1” x8 TPI
- Speeds: 2 position belt Variable speed A (500-2000), B (1500-3600) RPM
- Weight: 84 lbs
- Only Forward
- Warranty: 3 years
Why It’s Great: The Turncrafter Commander has claimed the number one spot on this for several years running now. It is an exceptional mini lathe with a variable-speed motor and solid build quality. This is because Penn State Industries is pretty solid when it comes to production and value.
It’s perfect for pens, ornaments, and small projects. One of my friends has had this version for over three years now. After turning over a thousand pens on it for his business, this lathe held up. While slightly pricier, its durability and performance justify the cost.
Concerns and solutions: Common complaints include shipping damage and a wobbly lamp attachment. Adding a sturdy gooseneck lamp can solve the latter. Check out our best LED lathe light post for some great options.
Best Value for the Money: Wen LA3421 Variable Speed
- 8” swing and 13” between centers
- Motor: 3.2 Amp (1/3 HP), 120V
- MT1 Spindle and Tailstock Taper
- 1″ x 8 TPI
- Spindle Speed: Variable speed from 750 – 3200 RPM
- Weight: 45lbs
- Only forward
- Warranty: 2 Years
Why It’s Great: Affordable and beginner-friendly, the Wen LA3421 is an upgraded version of the 3421 and 3420T. It’s ideal for light spindle work and sharpening your turning skills.
Concerns and solutions: The motor struggles with heavy loads. Stick to smaller, lighter projects like pens and ornaments.
Best for Beginners: Shop Fox W1704
- 8” swing and 13” between centers
- Motor: 1/3 HP, 4 AMP, 110V
- MT1 headstock and Tailstock Taper
- 3/4-by-16-inch TPI (Buy a 3/4” 16 TPI to 1” 8 TPI adapter.)
- Spindle Speeds: Infinite Variable from 700-3200RPM
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Only forward
- Warranty: 2 years
Why It’s Great: A solid choice for beginners, the Shop Fox W1704 offers smooth operation and variable speed control. It’s less prone to vibration compared to similar models.
My own experience overall with this lathe has been positive. I have turned several acrylic pens and some tiny bangles here in my friend’s local shop. He has three machines. The other two are from Harbor Freight and Wen. Personally, I found this Shop Fox lathe much better in action. Even in its used condition, it had way less vibrating than the others.
Concerns and solutions: Tailstock design limits some operations. Not suitable for seasoned professionals or heavy-duty tasks.
Best for Pen Turning: Proxxon 37020 DB 250
- 1 3/4’ from floor to center of spindle and 10” between centers
- Motor: 110-120V AC, 1/8 HP (100W)
- Headstock spindle bore of 13/32” (10mm)
- Tailstock travel 1 3/16” (20mm)
- Speed: Variable speed between 1000 and 5000 RPM
- Weight: about 6lbs
- Warranty: 2 years from the manufacturer
Why It’s Great: Lightweight and compact, the Proxxon DB 250 is perfect for turning pens and small decorative pieces. Its German engineering ensures quality and reliability. With that said, I do suggest using super-sharp tools when turning acrylics on here since the motor is not that robust.
Concerns and solutions: Lacks morse tapers, limiting versatility and mandrel use. Best suited for softwood and acrylic pens.
Best Mini Wood Lathe FAQs
What is a mini wood lathe?
A mini lathe is ideal for smaller projects, though they come with certain limitations. With proper maintenance—such as keeping your tools sharp and refreshing parts as needed—a quality mini lathe can serve you well for years. Lightweight, portable, and user-friendly, these compact machines are a go-to choice for beginners and hobbyists alike. They require minimal space, fitting conveniently on a tabletop rather than needing a lathe stand or dedicated floor space. While mini lathes don’t match the power and capacity of full-sized models, they shine when it comes to crafting pens, bottle stoppers, and small decorative items.
I’ve relied on my Rockler Excelsior mini lathe for over four years, and it’s proven to be a dependable partner in my woodworking endeavors.
How much does a mini wood lathe cost?
A mini wood lathe typically costs $150 to $500. Basic models like the Wen LA3421 are affordable for beginners, while higher-end models like the PSI Turncrafter offer more features and durability.
What projects can be made on a mini lathe?
Mini lathes are great for pens, bottle stoppers, small bowls, chess pieces, and ornaments. While they’re not built for large projects, they’re excellent for honing your skills and crafting smaller items.
If you think you might make bigger projects or at least want the option to, a midi lathe might be a better choice.
How to choose the right wood lathe?
When choosing a wood lathe, consider your budget, project goals, and available workspace. Prioritize reliable brands that offer MT2 tapers, variable speed control, and adequate motor power. A quality lathe should align with your needs without straining your budget. For more guidance, check out:
- our wood lathe buying guide
- our Best Wood Lathe Quiz
- the video below
Best Mini Wood Lathes Final Thoughts
Woodturning is a rewarding hobby, and the right mini lathe can set you on the path to success. Whether you’re just starting or adding to your workshop, these mini wood lathes offer excellent value and performance. Remember to invest in lathe safety gear, sharp woodturning tools, and additional accessories to enhance your experience.
Turn Big, Turn Safe. Welcome to the woodturning world!
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