Woodworking is a very rewarding activity, but it can also be frustrating without proper preparation and equipment.
If you are looking for the best high-end wood lathe, this article should help you find what you need. You’ll want to look at features like woodturning capacity, rotation speed, cast iron construction, and more in order to make sure that your purchase meets all of your needs.
We’ll cover these important considerations as well as some other things that might help determine which lathe is best for you. Let’s get started!
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Best High-End Wood Lathes
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Powermatic 3520C 35″x20″ Lathe – Best High-End Wood Lathe | 2 HP motor Moveable control box Adjustable risers Able to maintain speeds as low as 15 RPM |
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Grizzly Industrial G0632Z – 16″ x 42″ | 2 HP motor Headstock Rotates for Outboard Turning Speed range, high: 250-3200 RPM low: 100-1200 RPM |
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Powermatic PM2014 Lathe and Stand | 1HP motor Moveable control box Compact Outboard turning |
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Grizzly Industrial G0766-22″ x 42″ | 3 HP motor Variable speed: 100-3200 RPM Digital Spindle Speed Readout |
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These days, woodworkers are faced with choices of all shapes and sizes for their craft needs. Here are our top 4 choices for the high-end category.
Powermatic 3520C 35″x20″ Lathe
There’s nothing more precise than the 3520C Powermatic Lathe. This lathe is rapidly indexing and it has a self-ejecting, laser-etched quill that can be customized to meet your needs while you turn.
The headstock displays information and helps keep things simple and easy with its digital readout so you know what speed you’re turning at all times.
Pedestal height can be adjusted four inches to provide comfort while turning, and a magnetically repositioned control box safely houses functional components away from a position where accidental contact may occur.
The Powermatic 3520C is the fourth iteration in a long line of time-tested lathes. The sliding headstock, electronic variable speed with low and high-speed ranges, spindle lock, digital RPM readout, and self-ejecting laser etched quill are all features that have been carried over and improved from prior versions.
The 2 HP motor has a more robust design and can turn as slowly as 15RPM. The maximum RPM it can achieve is 4000.
The Powermatic 3520C working capacity was increased to 35 inches between centers and 20 inches swing over bed.
This product is probably the best high-end wood lathe you can get right now. It features all the bells and whistles you would expect from such a heavy-duty wood lathe.
Grizzly Industrial G0632Z – 16″ x 42″ Variable-Speed Wood Lathe
If you are looking for a Heavy-Duty Wood Lathe, look no further. Grizzly Industrial’s G0632Z is an expert’s lathe. From its powerful 2 HP 220V, 3 phase single-phase VFD motor to its 16″ swing capacity over the bed and 11-1/2″ of swing on the tool rest base, this lathe can handle any job that comes your way!
Its 42″ between centers distance makes it great for intermediate turning projects too! Other great features include variable speeds in two-speed ranges, digital speed readout, multi-position swiveling headstock with outboard turning capabilities, indexable spindle lock pin system with forward and reverse switch for outboard bowl turning. Did we mention a lifetime warranty by the best hands-on customer service team in the industry?
The two-speed ranges are:
- high: 250-3200 RPM
- low: 100-1200 RPM
The heavy cast iron legs may be readily modified for extra weight, and the bed is precision-ground steel for strength and durability.
The Grizzly Industrial G0632Z is no doubt an expert’s lathe. It can handle anything and everything that you throw at it. The best high-end wood lathes should be able to do this, and this one certainly does!
Powermatic PM2014 Lathe and Stand
No matter the task, the Powermatic PM2014 Lathe and Stand is perfect for your woodturning needs.
This is a similar lathe to the previously reviewed Powermatic product. It is a little bit smaller and cheaper compared to the 3520C.
With an attached caddy of tools, you’ll always have what you need within arm’s reach. Whether it be turning wood into a beautiful piece of furniture or turning bowls to perfection, this lathe has everything you are looking for in both convenience and safety.
The Powermatic PM2014 Lathe and Stand improves your work with a robust cast iron bed that reduces vibrations.
Plus, now indexing has never been easier either – 24 positive locking index positions mean easier setups at lower speeds for those who love to tinker.
The headstock incorporates a sliding portion that allows greater room for outboard turning when positioned at the end of the bed.
From 34 to 46 inches, the ergonomic stand adjusts for convenient access by users of a wide range of heights.
Grizzly Industrial G0766-22″ x 42″
Grizzly Industrial’s G0766-22″ x 42″ Lathe is perfect for handling large bowls, furniture pieces, and other big projects.
The powerful 3 HP motor runs off single-phase power using a variable frequency drive for trouble-free operation.
With 22″ of swing you’ll have an ample amount of space to work with which even includes the area on the tool rest base (banjo).
The electronic speed control has speeds ranging from 100 to 3200 RPM which will meet every turning need imaginable with ease.
Do you have a need to turn larger pieces of wood, including bowls and furniture? Then this Grizzly Industrial G0766-22″ x 42″ lathe with swing over bed of 22″, and other features is perfect for you!
With electronic variable speed controls, a heavy-duty 1 1/4 inch by 8 TPI RH spindle, and plenty of clearance you can turn pretty much anything you want.
How To Choose The Best High-End Wood Lathe
Turning Capacity
Consider the type of woodworking projects that you want to work on. It can be pretty hard to turn a large piece of wood into furniture or bowls with insufficient space.
If you like to work with larger pieces of wood, then you might need a lathe that is best equipped for working with this type of project.
The best high end wood lathes are measured in inches. You will want to have a good amount of swing over the bed, but also the best clearance so you can comfortably turn large pieces of wood.
Motor
All of the best high-end wood lathes have powerful motors. The best high-end wood lathes have a power of at least 2 HP. The wood lathes will also use a variable frequency drive to prevent any problems with operation.
Variable Speeds
The best high-end wood lathes will have variable speeds. Variable speeds are important because they will allow you to adjust the speed of your work for different projects. For example, if you are working on a very small project like a pen holder, you would want to use a lower speed. If you are working on a larger project like furniture or bowls, you would want to use a higher speed.
Cast iron bed
Cast iron beds are the best way to reduce vibrations from your workpiece.
Digital readout
The top wood lathes will have a headstock that has a digital readout for you to see your speed settings in an easy-to-read form. Digital readouts are the best way to get accurate measurements with precision and consistency even when you’re not entirely used to working with this type of tool.
Why Do I Need A Good Woodworking Tool Like This One?
You are missing out on a whole lot of satisfaction by not completing your projects because you don’t have a superior wood lathe. Of course, any lathe should be able to do the job. But with these, you can make your life a lot easier.
The best woodworking tools will give you everything that you need in order to be able to complete any project. With these lathes, you can turn anything into whatever it is that you want it to be.
The Importance Of A Good Wood Lathe
A high-end wood lathe is perfect for someone who wants to make furniture, bowls, or anything they like to make with wood. The high-end models are best for turning bigger projects.
These wood lathes will give you everything that you need in order to successfully turn any size of lumber into something that’s beautiful and useful.
So why would you choose an inferior model that doesn’t have the best features?
Final Thoughts
You’ll want to look at features like woodturning capacity, rotation speed, construction, and more in order to make sure that your purchase meets all of your needs.
We’ve covered these considerations as well as some other things which might help determine which lathe is right for you.
Now that you know a little more about what to look for in a wood lathe, there is no excuse not to get started with your next project.
Whether you are looking for something basic or want to turn out masterpieces from your workshop, we hope this article has helped!