Wood lathes are an important tool in any woodworker’s shop. Lathes can be used to shape lumber by turning it on a spinning axis as the wood rotates and is pushed against a sharp object, such as a gouge.
A lathe can also be used to turn bowls, spindles, dovetails, and other types of objects from both solid stock and hollow forms like vases or candlesticks. For pipe makers who need to turn their own pipes. There are some specific things that should be considered when purchasing the best wood lathe for pipe making.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best wood lathe for pipe making. We will also discuss which features are important to look for in order to make the best decision when purchasing a wood lathe. It is important that you take your time and read this article before investing in a product because it can make or break your business!
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Best Wood Lathes For Pipe Making
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe | Best wood lathe for pipe making | Check Price |
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JET JWL-1221VS, 12″x21″ Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe | Runner up | Check Price |
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RIKON 70-150VSR 12″ x 16-1/2″ Midi VSR Lathe | Best budget lathe for pipe making | Check Price |
Here is a list of the best wood lathes for pipe making.
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe
The Delta 46-460 provides you with everything you need to build the wood-turning masterpiece of your dreams. This 1 horsepower workhorse can produce up to 1,750 rpm or can slow down to 250 rpm without issue.
With a ball-bearing live center, heavy-duty steel knockout bar, and onboard storage for easy access to adjustment tools, the Delta 46-460 is ideal for professional woodworkers. This machine gives you fast, smooth results and offers variable speed for consistency and control.
Operating at 1-horsepower and with a 12.5″ swing capacity, the Delta 46-460 Industrial Midi Lathe is best for pipe making because its variable speed allows it to accommodate different jobs without changing belt positions.
A wood lathe for pipe making needs accurate and precise forward and reverse functions to make sure you can achieve a high-quality finish. The way you sand your finished pieces is important because turning them with the grain will result in rough cuts while going against the grain will give a smoother surface.
The 46-460 features cast-iron construction, a three-inch faceplate, and a 6-inch and 10-inch tool rest.
Pros
- 1 hp motor
- Forward and reverse function
- 5-year warranty
- Variable speeds
Cons
- Customer support is not very good
JET JWL-1221VS, 12″x21″ Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe
The jet JWL-1221VS variable speed wood lathe has been redesigned with a single-phase, 10 amp, 1 HP motor. All of the motor controllers are on one display panel including the power button and spindle indicator.
The variable-speed DC motor on this model enables you to precisely adjust the speed for a variety of finishes. Plus, an error code flashes when there’s a problem.
The Jet JWL-1221VS variable speed wood lathe includes a headstock that has 12-1/2″ of swing over the bed and 20-1/2″ between centers, while the tailstock offers 2-1/4″ travel.
You can choose from three-speed ranges (60-900/110-1,800/220-3,600 RPM).
The Jet JWL-1221VS variable speed wood lathe offers a wider bed than most mini-lathes, making it easier to accommodate the tool rest base and locking footprint.
The JWL-1221VS also comes with a metal tray to keep tools and other items stored while you’re working, as well as built-in cable storage racks on both ends. The lathe provides a live center, spur center, spindle wrench, knockout rod, 2 tool caddies, and 4 button head screws.
Pros
- Digital speed control with three variable speed speeds
- Sturdy construction that lowers vibrations
- The forward and reverse function is smooth
Cons
- Noisy
RIKON 70-150VSR 12″ x 16-1/2″ Midi VSR Lathe
RIKON’s 12” x 16.5” Variable Speed Midi Lathe 70-150VSR has been designed with features that are commonly seen on larger industrial lathes.
The Rikon 70-150VSR Midi Lathe is a very popular choice for hobbyists of all skill levels. It’s one of our top picks for the best wood lathe, and it’s affordable by hobbyist standards from a reputable manufacturer who has made some highly regarded products in the past.
The Rikon 70-150VSR Midi Lathe is powerful enough for the professional but will also work for someone new to woodworking or pipe making.
This 15-inch wood lathe has all its controls positioned in a safe, easy-to-reach area for the best possible frictionless spinning.
The lathe is equipped with three-speed ranges, and it can take on any type of turning. The speeds range 250-850, 430-1450, 950-3200 rotations per minute and you can change between them via the electronic variable speed control which is very accurate.
Rikon’s 12-inch wood lathe is a great midrange piece that includes reverse speed and cast iron for stability and reduced vibrations.
Pros
- Forward and reverse speed function
- Digital RPM readout
- Sturdy construction and reduced vibrations
Cons
- The lowest speed is 250
How To Choose The Best Wood Lathe For Pipe Making
In this article, we reviewed three wood lathes that we think are great for pipe making but what makes them good? Here are some things that you need to know before purchasing any wood lathe.
The top 3 lathes we reviewed have these features so you can rest assured that whichever you pick is gonna work great for pipe making.
The size of the wood lathe
Wood lathes come in a variety of sizes, from small to extra large. If you plan on making pipes then you will need a larger-sized wood lathe that can accommodate your needs and provide stability.
Our recommendation is to look for a 9×20″ wood lathe. Which means a 9″ swing over the bed and 20″ between centers. This is what most pipe makers use. If you go with something smaller you might not have the same freedom when turning because you don’t have enough space.
Motor
Consider the horsepower your motor can supply. This is one of the most important features to consider since it is the engine for your wood lathe.
A ½ HP (horsepower) motor may not have enough capacity for some projects and could easily stall. It’s best to choose a 1HP or greater motor because they are more robust and can handle anything you throw at them besides pipe making.
Morse Taper
There are three morse taper types but #2 is the most used.
Morse taper #2 is the standard regular taper size for any wood lathes from Mini to Full size. Most of the standard wood lathes (from Mini to full-size) use a #2 MT taper, so you can use centers and mandrels on other lathes if you want to upgrade later on.
The construction
The most important thing to watch out for when choosing a wood lathe is vibration. Most products are not heavy enough, and therefore unable to prevent your lathe from shaking. This can lead to mistakes while you’re working.
What Is The Best Wood To Make A Pipe Out Of?
The most common woods used are Pear, Olive, and Briar. Each wood has different effects on your smoke.
Remember that the best way to maintain a sturdy and long-lasting wood pipe is to keep it clean, allow it time to cool, and don’t smoke out of it too aggressively.
Conclusion
Wood lathes are an important tool for any woodworker. They can be used to shape lumber by turning it on a spinning axis as the wood rotates and is pushed against a sharp object, such as a gouge.
Lathes can also turn bowls, spindles, dovetails, and other types of objects from both solid stock and hollow forms like vases or candlesticks.
For pipe makers who need to turn their own pipes, there are some specific things that should be considered when purchasing the best wood lathe for pipe making. We hope this article gave you enough information about the best wood lathe for pipe maki