Best Lathe For Bowl Turning (Top Picks!)

Because of their numerous applications, wood lathes have grown in popularity. 

However, of all the things they can be used for, bowl turning is the most common.

After all, turning a bowl on a lathe is enjoyable, quick, and financially rewarding; wooden bowls are always in demand.

VIDEO: Best Lathe For Bowl Turning

Top Picks for Lathe Bowl Turning

Jet Variable-Speed Wood Lathe JWL-1015VS

We begin our list with the company that made lathe wood turning tool more accessible to the general public. Indeed, some claim they invented the modern lathe machine.

This mini lathe is, without a doubt, a mini marvel. This wood lathe, powered by a 12 HP motor, has all the power and precision you need for small bowl turning.

It has a 10″ swing over the bed and a 15″ distance between centers. This makes it ideal for regular-sized bowls as well as ornamental bowls.

While this machine comes with a 21″ bed extension (sold separately), you won’t need it for bowl turning. Jet has made this model wider than previous models in terms of the bed.

This gives you more room to maneuver and strengthens the machine, which you’ll need for incredible speed. There are three-speed ranges on the Jet Mini Lathe: 200-1050 RPM, 300-1750 RPM, and 600-3600 RPM.

While it lacks variable speed, the belts are relatively easy to access. Perhaps my favorite feature of this lathe is the outstanding 5-year warranty.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• A mini wood lathe, it has the most comprehensive RPM range.
• The warranty period of 5 years
• Wide bed for improved control
• It is available with an optional stand and stands extension.

What Could Be Better

• On some devices, the speed is erratic.
• There is no variable speed.

Grizzly Industrial Wood Lathe with Digital Readout

We now proceed to the extreme, introducing our first full-size wood lathe machine from another reputable manufacturer. The Grizzly Industrialwood lathe machines can handle any bowl size.

It has a 16-inch swing over the bed and a 46-inch distance between centers. Given that most bowls are less than 11′′ in diameter, this is more than enough space. In addition, if you want to try woodturning logs into bowls, you’ll find everything you need here.

A 2 HP motor, cast iron bed, and cast iron legs keep this device stable, ensuring a powerful output with minimal vibrations. Additionally, the grizzly has gone to great lengths to ensure that this lathe is as simple as possible.

It has one of the most straightforward variable speed controls, with a shift-on-the-fly handle that allows you to switch between the 10-speed options ranging from 600 RPM to 2400 RPM, which is more than enough for bowl turning.

The digital readout (DRO) displays the exact speed. To go even further, the headstock can be rotated 360 degrees, making it ideal for outboard turning.

The main issue with this lathe is that the tool rest needs to be stronger. However, this should be fine for bowl turning because you won’t be putting much pressure on it.

The assembly is one area where you must exercise extreme caution. Even if you’ve assembled other lathes before, you must strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• Variable speed control that is simple to use
• It allows for outboard turning.
• Excellent customer service
• It is suitable for any size bowl.

What Could Be Better

• The rest is shaky.
• Assembly is extremely delicate.

Delta Industrial 46-460 Variable 12-1/2-Inch

We then proceed to our first medium-sized bowl lathe. The Delta Industrial Midi Lathe features a powerful 1 HP motor that can handle even the most challenging beginner and semi-pro projects.

The extra power is helpful for more giant bowls with this wood lathe tool. In addition, the swing capacity of 12 12 inches is slightly more significant than the 12-inch capacity of the average midi.

If you want to use it for more than bowl turning or wood turning, you can use the extension to extend the bed length to 42′′. Because of its large size, this wood lathe is ideal for beginners who want to develop their skills quickly on every workpiece.

A variable speed with three pulley positions will help you along the way: 250 – 700 RPM, 600 – 1,800 RPM, and 1,350 – 4,000 RPM. You also get two turning tool rests, one six ′′ and one ten ′′.

The Delta Industrial has forward and reverses spinning from a simple switch, which is one of its more impressive features. This makes sanding and polishing the bowl much more accessible, resulting in a much better finish.

Because it is made of cast iron, this wood lathe is vibration-free. But, first, it must be bolted down, or the cast iron leg extension must be purchased.

If something doesn’t go as planned, you have a five-year warranty to help you fix it.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• A powerful motor
• The swing is more comprehensive than, on average, midi lathes.
• The bed’s length can be extended to 42 inches.
• The warranty period of 5 years

What Could Be Better

• There is no digital speed readout.
• The variable speed is controlled manually.

KWL-1018VS PSI Woodworking

Following that is a midi wood lathe with features that would make a full-sized lathe envious. Finally, the PSI woodworking lathe has an impressive range of variable speeds.

It has two belt positions with speeds ranging from 500 to 2,000 RPM and 1,500 to 3,600 RPM. This lathe has an SBC microprocessor connected to the DRO to help you make the most of this speed range.

This makes it simple for beginners to select the appropriate speed for each project. Furthermore, this impressive machine is powered by a 3/4HP motor, which is unusual for such a small lathe.

Perhaps the only flaw in this near-perfect device is that the swing over the bed is only 10 inches long. However, this is sufficient for households, small decorative bowls, and other projects.

However, despite a bed extension of up to 42 inches, you won’t be able to turn larger logs without an upgrade.

The PSI’s body is made of cast iron and has rubber feet to allow you to operate at any speed without making too much noise or vibration.

The designers did an excellent job of including valuable extras such as a work light with an 18′′ flex cable, safety goggles, and a spare tool rest – it comes with a six ′′ and a 12′′ tool rest.

Unfortunately, some units have faulty light bulbs, but that doesn’t detract from an excellent product.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• It includes a DRO.
• Various speed options
• It includes valuable extras.
• It comes with a decent 3-year warranty.

What Could Be Better

• The cable for the work light can be flimsy.
• Only suitable for small bowls.

70-150VSR Rikon Power Tools

Many of us were disappointed when Rikon discontinued the 70-220VSR. After all, it had long been one of the best midi lathes on the market.

Then they did something unusual with the new 70-150VSR. Surprisingly, the new lathe appears to have been purpose-built for bowl turning.

Both versions have a 12″ swing over the bed, but the distance between centers has been reduced from 20 inches to 16.5 inches, the shortest for any midi wood lathe.

The only explanation is that you don’t need length to make a bowl or a pen. Rikon has kept the same fantastic features. The speed ranges of 70-150 are 250-850 RPM, 430-1,450 RPM, and 950-3,200 RPM.

Rikon has made it simple to move the belts to the preferred position. From there, an electronic variable speed button with a digital RPM readout is available.

This wood lathe is powered by a 1HP motor and has a 5-year warranty. The reverse function is one feature that distinguishes this as one of the best wood lathes for bowl turning.

A 6″ tool rest is also included, which is all you need for bowl turning. Finally, the control box is magnetic, allowing you to move it to any suitable location along the cast iron bed.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• It has an anti-reverse function.
• It includes a DRO.
• It comes with a 5-year warranty.
• It is equipped with a magnetic control box.

What Could Be Better

• The belts must be moved manually.
• It is incapable of handling large projects without an extension.

JWL-1221VS Jet

Many midi wood lathes have tried to compete with Jet over the years, but the JWL-1221VS is a cut above the rest. So, to begin, it has the required 12″ swing over the bed and a 21″ distance between centers.

It also has a cast iron body and a 1HP motor, as expected for a high-quality lathe. Of course, the jet went a little crazy after that but in a good way.

This wood lathe has the broadest range of any lathe on the market, making it ideal for various projects. It has three pulleys with variable speeds ranging from 60 to 900 RPM, 110 to 1,800 RPM, and 220 to 3,600 RPM.

This wood lathe has a ratchet-style belt tension system for simple belt changes. However, the third pulley with a lower limit of 220 RPM is sufficient for bowl turning and will not need to be changed.

A DRO and a variable speed knob are provided to assist you in selecting the appropriate speed. A removable safety key is also included. The forward and reverse switch is another user control feature.

The Jet midi lathe also includes a 6″ and a 10″ tool rest and a tool caddy on each side. As a result, it is not surprising that this lathe is significantly more expensive than others.

However, the quality is excellent, the manufacturer is legendary, and you receive a 5-year warranty.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• DRO and variable speed
• It has two functions.
• The warranty period of 5 years
• It has an impressive range of speeds.

What Could Be Better

• For a midi wood lathe, it’s pretty heavy.

T25920 Grizzly Industrial 12″ x 18″

Not to be outdone by Jet, Grizzly Industrial has another device on our list. The standard 12″ swing over the bed is included with the Grizzly midi wood lathe machine. It does, however, include a fully mobile tool rest that can be positioned across the bed.

The swing-over tool rest banjo is 9.5 inches long, which is adequate for small bowls and will be helpful for beginners learning different turning styles.

Three pulleys provide an impressive 650 – 3,800 RPM range. It has variable speed and a digital RPM readout, as you would expect from a contender.

This midi wood lathe hits most of the right notes, but it has a few quirks. It has a 34 HP starter motor, which is slightly less powerful than a couple of competitors in the same class.

It also has a little tool rest that measures 5-7/8′′. Of course, neither of these features is a deal breaker, but they prevent this fantastic device from taking the crown.

The body of the wood lathe is made of cast iron, and everything about it feels high-quality. Unfortunately, the reverse function is missing, but the price more than compensates for any shortcomings.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• It includes a DRO.
• Durable construction
• It has a tool rest that moves freely.
• It operates at a variable speed.

What Could Be Better

• It does not function in reverse.
• Its motor is smaller than that of its competitors.

Purchase Fox W1704

Each list is complete if it includes a wide range of options, which brings us to this remarkable wood lathe. The Shop Fox benchtop lathe is about as small as a lathe with a reasonable output.

It has an 8-inch swing over the bed and a 12-inch distance between centers. This machine was designed for pen turning, which is why it has a 13 HP motor. However, it can be used to create exceptional miniature bowls.

Despite its delicate construction, the Shop Fox W1704 has variable speed, ranging from 700 to 3,200 RPM. There is also a safety paddle switch for added control. It also has a cast iron body, which adds to its durability.

Another nice feature is that it comes with two tool rests, one 4 12 inches and one 7 inches. This is only possible if you’re looking for a beginner wood lathe that allows you to scale.

This lathe is ideal for those who prefer to focus on small projects.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• It operates at a variable speed.
• 3200 RPM is the maximum speed.
• It easily fits on a workbench.
• It includes two tool rests.

What Could Be Better

• Miniature motor
• The warranty period is limited.

Laguna Tools Revo Lathe 18′′/36′′ 110v 1.5HP

Finally, we arrive at another large wood lathe shaped like a tank. The Laguna Revo has an 18-inch swing over the bed and a 36-inch distance between centers.

It also has a swing-over banjo of 12″, making it large enough to handle any bowl-turning project, whether small or large.

Laguna also chose steel for the bed rather than cast iron. On the other hand, the headstock is made of cast iron, and the control panel is made of anodized aluminum. With DRO, you get electronic variable speed, as expected.

It has a low-speed range of 50 RPM – 1,300 RPM and a high-speed range of 135 – 3,500 RPM. You can easily swap the drive belt because it is easily accessible. However, for bowl turning, the high-speed range will suffice.

Given its intended use, this wood lathe machine is quite pricey. However, if you’re ready for the commitment and want to save money on scaling up over time, this is worth the investment.

What We Enjoyed the Most

• It includes a DRO.
• It is capable of handling massive projects.
• It has a broad range.
• It has a backward function.

What Could Be Better

• It could benefit from a larger motor.
• It is expensive.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Bowl Turning Lathe

Wood Lathes of Various Types

Miniature lathes

This is the most compact type of lathe. It has an 8-10 inch swing over the bed and a distance between centers that is usually no more than 16 inches.

They also have small motors that are typically 12 HP. These wood lathes were designed to produce pens but could also produce small bowls.

Miniature lathes

These lathes are much larger, with a swing over bed of 10″ – 14″ and a typical distance between centers of 18″-21″. Most midi wood lathes, on the other hand, have extensions that extend up to 43″.

These are the most common and the best wood lathes for bowl turning. Other wood lathes can be used, but they are rarely as convenient.

Full-size lathes

Full-size wood lathes are the largest of the bunch, with at least a 16-inch swing over the bed and a distance between centers that exceeds 40 inches with or without an extension.

This is your best option if you want to make large bowls and other furniture. This is also the most potent lathe, with a motor with at least 12 HP.

How to Select a Wood Lathe for Bowl Turning

Size of bowls to be turned

This is the most important consideration because a large lathe can make small bowls but not the other way around.

A midi wood lathe is your best bet if you need help determining what size bowls you want to turn. While other sizes can be used, this is the best wood lathe for most projects.

Your woodshop’s size

Most beginners have a small woodshop, so a full-size lathe is out of the question.

However, even with midi wood lathes, mobility should be considered. Is the lathe, for example, required to have its legs, or can it be placed on a workbench to save space?

Varying speed

It’s a nightmare having to adjust the speed for every turn manually. As a result, every midi and full-size lathe on our list includes variable speed.

Unless you’re a professional, you should also use one with a DRO to help you choose the correct speed.

Size of the motor

A powerful motor will produce more consistent results and make larger projects easier to handle. That is why the Grizzly and PSI midis could be a lot better with their 34 HP motors instead of 1HP like the Jet, Delta, and Rikon.

Reverse functionality

Not every project necessitates using the reverse function, but bowl turning does. It’s beneficial when sanding and finishing the bowl.

This is not to say that if you don’t use the reverse function, you’ll get a defective product, but it will make your job much easier and faster.

Budget

Lathes come in a wide range of prices, and it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. However, it is critical to prioritize quality over price. A good lathe will last you for years, and you will only need to replace it if you move on to larger projects.

That is why I recommend you have a reasonable budget and not settle for low-cost options. Cheaper options may also have different-sized faceplates and chucks that are more difficult to find, so you may end up with something you can’t use.

Warranty

`Nothing says “trustworthy” like a long warranty. Jet, Delta, and Rikon all offer five-year warranties, which are fantastic! You can also settle for a three-year warranty, but anything less may be a red flag.

Everything You Need to Know About Lathes

The amount of fun you’ll have with your lathe is indescribable. Even if your primary goal is to make bowls, you’ll also use your lathe for other projects.

While all of the lathes on our list are excellent, we must choose a winner. With that in mind, the Jet JWL-1221VS is the best lathe for bowl turning.

This midi wood lathe comes with everything you need, including a variable speed belt that you’ll never have to change for bowl turning, a five-year warranty, a cast iron body, reverse function, a safety key, a DRO, two tool caddies, and two tool rests.

FAQ on Best Lathe For Bowl Turning

In order to turn bowls, what kind of lathe do I need to use?

To turn wooden bowls, what sort of lathe do I need to purchase? In practical terms, a wood bowl lathe is not dissimilar to any other type of lathe. The majority of lathes are operational.

In order to turn bowls, what speed should a lathe be set to?

The general rule of thumb for the speed of a wood lathe is that it should not go above 1,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). It appears that one thousand revolutions per minute is the moment at which bowl blanks, once removed from the lathe, either rise or fall in height. If the speed is less than 1,000 revolutions per minute, a bowl blank that has become dislodged should fall to the ground.

Can you tell me what kind of machine is used to turn bowls?

The Gouges in My Bowl

When it comes to carving bowls out of wood, the first and most obvious instrument to acquire is a bowl gouge. I suggest getting at least two sizes, a more robust bowl gouge measuring 3/4 inches in diameter and a smaller bowl gouge measuring 1/2 inches in diameter.

Which three types of lathes are the most common?

Various Forms that Lathe Machines Can Take. Machine with a Speed Lathe. Machine called a center lathe or an engine lathe. Turret Lathe Machine is the machine.

On a MIDI lathe, is it possible to turn bowls?

Most midi lathes, due to their smaller motor sizes, have some difficulty turning bowls to their full swing size. This is especially true for larger bowls. However, if you make the bowl blank a little smaller, they are capable of doing an excellent job. If you wish to manufacture bowls with a diameter of less than roughly nine inches, for example, a midi lathe could be an excellent alternative for you to consider.