Ring making is a popular craft, and there are many different types of lathes that can be used for the process. The best mini lathe for ring making will depend on your personal needs.
For example, if you only need to make small rings then you should look into a mini wood lathe because it’s best suited to handle smaller projects. If you want something more versatile with features like variable speed control or multiple turning speeds, then consider investing in a larger model that has all of these features!
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Best Mini Lathes For Ring Making
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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WEN 3421 Variable Speed Mini Benchtop | Best Value For The Money | Check Price |
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RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe | Best Mini Lathe for Ring Making | Check Price |
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SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe | Check Price | |
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JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe | Check Price |
Here is our list of the best mini lathes for ring making.
WEN 3421 Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe (Best Value For The Money)
Take your woodworking to the next level with this versatile mini wood lathe. It’s perfect for pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces—pretty much any small object you’re trying to turn on a lathe.
The 3.2 amp motor provides over 50% more power than most 8-inch wood lathes and is designed specifically for the task of turning smaller workpieces.
You can adjust its speed from 750-3200 RPM to match your project requirements and skill level. Plus, it’s got an easy soft start variable speed option that makes things super user-friendly! For big or small jobs alike, this little powerhouse has all you need (including two interchangeable tool rests).
Thanks to its easy level clamping system, you can quickly and precisely adjust the tailstock or toolrest. In addition, this lathe also includes a knockout rod accessory and other accessories.
This beautiful mini wood lathe will outlast the competition with its durable cast-iron construction.
It also features an MT1 spindle and tailstock, which work together to securely grip your projects without any slippage. This allows you to use either of two tool rests for various chisels or other tools – making every step quick and effortless.
Pros
- Newbie friendly
- Soft start motor
- Great value for the money
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- This mini lathe cannot handle bigger projects
RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe (Best Mini Lathe For Ring Making)
Rikon 70-105 mini lathe is specially designed for pen turners at an affordable price. The 1/2 horsepower motor provides ample power, while its 10″ swing and 18″ between centers make it perfect for most projects.
With a self-ejecting tailstock, easy access to speed change (from 400 to 3200 RPM), and smooth cast iron construction, this little machine will be your new favorite workhorse!
The Rikon Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe has been designed specifically at the request of pen turners who wanted a sturdy, dedicated machine for their craft. That makes this wood lathe capable to handle any small woodturning project with ease.
This scaled-down basic mini lathe is made from cast iron so vibration isn’t as much a factor making it more accurate than other mini wood lathes.
The RIKON 70-105 mini lathe is a versatile tool that will be able to handle all of your woodturning needs. You can use it for shaping, shaping, and finishing tasks because it includes everything you need: live center, tool rest, knock-out bar with wrenches! The 5 variable speeds are appropriate for all jobs so you don’t have to stop between each cut.
Pros
Cons
- No dial to change the speeds
SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe
The Shop Fox W1704 bench-top lathe is ideal for tackling small cutting or shaping projects, such as ring turning.
This cast iron lathe is compact and designed to fit on a workbench. With a variable-speed 1/3 HP motor, you can control the spindle speeds from 700 – 3200 RPM. This mini wood lathe has a conveniently placed safety paddle switch, an MT-No.1 spur center and live center to hold spindles for various size projects, 3/4″ x 16 Threads Per Inch RH spindle with TPI adjustments between 7″ and 4-3/4″, as well as cylindrical 4-jaw chuck.
The best part of this lathe is its variable-speed function, which allows for the ideal speed to be matched with your project. This also provides you with a number of accessories and an on/off switch that’s easy to reach while working. The Shop Fox W1704 Benchtop Lathe is a reliable and affordable lathe that is perfect for any beginner woodturner.
Thanks to three carefully bored holes in the base, this machine can be bolted securely onto any workbench or stand for a steady working environment. This is ideal for those limited in storage space or who may be moving their lathe from time to time.
The 13-inch distance between centers and an 8-inch swing over the bed make this mini lathe great for a variety of woodturning projects.
Pros
- Variable-speed function (700 – 3,200 RPM)
- Cast-iron construction
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Not best for large projects (can handle smaller ones)
JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe
The JET JWL-1015 Wood Lathe is a compact lathe that’s perfect for novice woodturners and folks with limited space.
The model provides a 15-1/2″ between centers, so you can turn workpieces like rings without any problem.
Offering six spindle speeds (500/840/1,240/1,800/2,630& 3,975 RPM), this tool has an ideal speed range no matter what type of project you’re working on—from turning pens to turning hollowware.
This electric lathe also comes equipped with better tensioning systems with easier access to the belts while maintaining its increased rigidity by widening the bed by two inches.
The best part is this machine’s easy-to-reach variable speed control knob, which allows you to change your spindle RPM within seconds!
Pros
- Six variable speeds (500/840/1240/1800/2630 & 3975 RPM)
- Wider bed ways
- 15.5 inches between centers and a 10-inch swing over the bed offer plenty of room for small projects
- You can expand the turning capability with a 21″ Bed Extension
Cons
- The lowest speed is still a bit too high for finishing work
Mini Lathe Buying Guide
Before buying a mini lathe, it’s best to consider some factors first.
Motor
Do I need plenty of power? If you plan on using your woodturning projects as decorative items or in functional furniture, then you may want a larger model with more horsepower and a heavy-duty table for stability.
The WEN 3421 Benchtop Lathe is best used by beginners or those who are limited on space. But just like other mini-lathes, it won’t be able to handle bigger projects.
It works great for ring making, pen turning, and other small objects though.
Price
How much do I want to spend? The best mini lathe for ring making costs anywhere from $200 – $600, so it’s best to set a budget and stick with it. Some models have more features than others, which can raise the price tag considerably.
What kind of woodworking projects do I want to tackle? If you’re only interested in turning rings, then the best mini lathe for ring making is a perfect choice.
Size and Weight
If you have more ambitious plans such as furniture-making, then it may be best to go with a larger model that can handle bigger tasks.
One of the challenges with mini lathes is figuring out just how much space it’s going to take up on your workbench and also how heavy they can be.
When deciding on the best mini lathe for ring making, be sure to measure the space available and choose a machine that will fit in such a way that you can work well.
What Else Can I Do With A Mini Lathe?
If you’re not a fan of ring making, then the best mini lathe for ring making may be best suited to those who are interested in pen turning or other smaller projects.
Woodturners with limited space can use this model as an alternative to their larger models while still being able to tackle jobs like pens and spindles.
Beyond that, you can turn smaller items like chair legs and plates. Anything you can make on a regular-sized lathe, but in a miniature format!
Inspiration for your next project is easy to find on numerous machining blogs, and on Youtube if you search.
You can read more about what a wood lathe can do here.
Conclusion
The best mini lathe for ring making will depend on your personal needs. For example, if you only need to make small rings then you should look into a mini wood lathe because it’s best suited to handle smaller projects.
If you want something more versatile with features like variable speed control or multiple turning speeds, then consider investing in a larger model that has all of these features!