The best wood lathe machine for making baseball bats can be hard to find, especially if you don’t know where to look. There are many different options available on the market today and each one is best suited for a different type of project.
In this guide, we will review some of the best wood lathes on the market with in-depth analysis so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs!
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Best Wood Lathes For Making Baseball Bats
| Image | Product | Turning Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Grizzly Industrial G0462 | 16″ x 46″ | Check Price |
 |
JET JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe with Legs | 14″ x 40″ | Check Price |
 |
Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP | 18″ x 36″ | Check Price |
 |
Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe | 22″ x 42″ | Check Price |
Here is our list of the best wood lathe for making baseball bats:
Grizzly Industrial G0462 – 16″ x 46″ Wood Lathe with DRO
The Grizzly G0462 Industrial Lathe with DRO will transform your shop! Perfect for wood projects like baseball bats, this lathe has 10 speeds ranging from 600 to 2400 RPM.
The distance between centers is 43″, which means it can handle baseball bats and other long workpieces. It also includes a heavy-duty precision ground cast iron bed that provides stability and minimal vibration–so you get more accurate cuts while still enjoying smooth, quiet operation.
There’s a 2 HP motor which makes quick work of the toughest jobs, all in an attractive package that looks as good as it performs. The best lathe for making baseball bats is the Grizzly G0462 Industrial Lathe with DRO!
This machine has leg shelf supports that will allow you to store tools if you lack the space. All of these and more coming in at a competitive price.
Pros
- 2 HP motor
- 10 different speeds (600 – 2400 RPM)
- Heavy duty construction that lower vibrations
- Pivoting head
Cons
- The tool rest could have been better quality
JET JWL-1440VSK 14″x40″ Wood Lathe with Legs
Jet JWL-1440VSK is a powerful lathe with variable speeds and an RPM range from 400 to 3,000. It also comes with iron cast legs for stability.
Ideal for both the professional or first-time woodturner, you’ll find this lathe easy to use and constructed with your projects in mind.
The Jet JWL 1440VSK has a 141/2-inch swing and 40 inches between the centers, which will work great to make baseball bats.
The lathe comes with a 12-inch-long tool rest, which can be used to ensure even angles for specific cuts.
This lathe’s headstock can be rotated in order to make outboard turning or bowl turning. This is especially helpful if the crafting work needs better positioning.
One of the best features of the wood lathe is a knob that controls speeds, giving you the vibe that you are using a device with customizable settings.
Even though it is a semi-profession lathe, the Jet machine is easier to use than other models in this category.
The Jet JWL 1440VSK may not be as powerful as other lathes, but it gets the job done with no problem.
Pros
- Variable speed
- Large working area
- Cast iron construction that lowers vibrations
- 1 horsepower motor
- Sliding headstock that pivots 360 degrees
Cons
- Heavy (400 pounds)
- Expensive
Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 220v 2HP 18″/36″
This lathe is unlike ANY you’ve ever seen before. Comfortable enough for long hours, yet precise with its controls, the Laguna Tools Revo Lathe is a downright joy to work on, and will blow your old one out of the water!
The durable and ergonomically angled control panel offers intuitive, user-friendly operation. This powerhouse features electronic variable speed using a knob, RPM readout as well as a forward/reverse switch next to an emergency stop button for preventing pesky accidents from happening.
The legs of this machine are cast iron which makes it low to the ground and stable. The legs have adjustable feet that allow you to level the machine if need be.
The bed is made of steel rather than cast iron. Steel provides greater tensile strength and resistance to distortion than iron; it also looks nicer.
The Revo lathe is equipped with a tool storage rack that can be easily attached to either leg and comes with essential tools for any project.
This machine is a winner. Laguna clearly did their research, and they appear committed to craftsmanship from the looks of it. The 18|36 stands out in its class in terms of performance, control, and attention to detail.
Pros
- Heavy duty construction using steel instead of cast iron
- Ergonomically angled control panel
- 2 HP motor
- Variable speed from 50 to 3,500 RPM
- Emergency stop button
Cons
- Nothing
Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe, 22″ x 42″
The Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe is the perfect tool for anyone from a hobbyist to a professional woodworker with varying levels of experience.
With its variable speed of 100-3200 RPM, this lathe can tackle any project big or small. It’s equipped with an innovative Cam Lock System which will allow you swift and precise positioning of both the tailstock and headstock – so no more tedious repositioning!
The 22″ swing over bed and 42″ distance between centers, make turning baseball bats very easy. You will have lots of space to work with.
Those that enjoy bowls, vases, furniture, and large-diameter projects require power, capacity, and high torque will enjoy working on this wood lathe.
What we like
- Powerful 3HP motor
- Variable speed from 100 to 3,200 RPM
- Sturdy and durable
- Forward/reverse spindle control
What we don’t like
- Does not come with all the necessary tools needed to start woodworking
How To Find The Right Wood Lathe For You
When selecting a wood lathe for your needs, the capacity should be considered. Capacity is typically given in inches or centimeters. If you have a 32-inch/86cm capacity, that means the largest piece you can turn is ____ inches/___ centimeters long. It can be even smaller than that because some tools will take some of that length space.
When choosing the best wood lathe for you, there are a number of factors to consider.
Motor power is something you should be looking at when selecting a wood lathe. Some machines can offer as much as 2HPs-2500 RPM, but for an easier time getting started with your hobby work, choose a machine that’s more powerful than ¾HP (1000-2500RPM).
More variable speeds are better. The top wood lathes should have 4 or more variable speed settings to make work easier and faster.
Wood lathes are typically made of either single-piece or two-piece beds. Single pieces are going to have the most consistency, but you can save a little money with a two-piece bed.
It is hard to narrow it down, but the Laguna Revo Wood Lathe has a lot of the best features needed to make woodturning easier. If you are looking for something more budget-friendly you can go with the Grizzly Industrial G0462.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best wood lathes on the market to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes down to your needs, there is a perfect tool for each and every one of them! With so many options available today, finding the right product can be hard. But with all that information out in front of you now, hopefully, our reviews will lead you towards making a good final purchase decision. Happy shopping!