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Are you looking to achieve the highest level of smoothness for your turning projects? Then you’re probably in the market for a reliable wood lathe.
From furniture legs to baseball bats to lamp posts, a wood lathe can serve you in a wide variety of applications. Still, wooden bowls are probably the most popular lathe project out there!
Today, I’m helping you find the best wood lathe for turning large bowls with reviews of my top 5 picks and a comprehensive buying guide. Let’s get started!
Contents
Reviews of the Top Wood Lathe for Turning Large Bowls
A wood lathe for turning bowls has to include some important features to ensure it gets the job done. Larger bowls will have even more requirements, such as overall size, possessing a sturdy, stable base, housing a powerful motor, and offering different speeds.
We’ve reviewed the 5 best wood lathes for turning large bowls on the market.
Best Overall Wood Lathe for Turning Large Bowls: Grizzly G0462 Wood Lathe
The Grizzly G0462 wood lathe is my favorite lathe because it delivers a fantastic balance between flexibility, durability, and price. Also, this unit offers high accuracy, good speed range, and very smooth operation.
Reliable and versatile, the Grizzly G0462 wood lathe machines can tackle pretty much any bowl size from a beginner to a professional level.
It has 46 inches of distance from center to center and 16 inches swing over the bed capacity. This allows it to turn large bowls up to 16 inches wide, which is more than the Delta 46-460, the Wen 3424T, and the Grizzly T25920 wood lathes are capable of.
Product Specs
- Swing over bed: 16 inches
- Distance between centers: 43 inches
- Spindle size: 1 inch x 8 TPI
- Motor: 2 HP, 110 volts
- Speed range: 600 to 2,400 RPM
- Weight: 354 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 63.25 x 20 inches
- Material: cast iron
Granted, it falls a bit short of the Jet Jwl-1640EVS in terms of diameter, but it makes up for it in the workpiece length aspect. Not to mention, it gives you everything you need if you’re starting to try your hand at turning logs into bowls at almost half the price.
As for speed, the Grizzly G0462 houses 10 options ranging from 600 up to 2,400 RPM to boost flexibility no matter the project you’re working on. This is twice as many options as you can get in other units such as the WEN 3424T.
What’s even more impressive is its speed control system. It’s one of the most user-friendly mechanisms I’ve come across, featuring a handle that enables shifting on the fly.
We were also very impressed with the digital readout installed in the Grizzly G0462 wood lathe. This feature shows you the exact speed you’re turning at to guarantee improved accuracy.
The Grizzly G0462 is equipped with a 2 HP, 110 volts motor that provides more than enough power to handle thicker and heavier wood. It’s also designed to keep vibrations to a minimum while working thanks to its cast-iron bed and leg construction for better precision.
Additionally, the Grizzly G0462 comes with a 360-degree rotating headstock to support good positioning and uniform turning.
The one thing I think needs to be reinforced is the included tool rest. It’s not as durable as you’d expect, but you’re not likely to place a lot of pressure on it when turning bowls.
Pros
- Has a 2 HP motor, while most options on the market are 1 or 1.5 HP
- The speed control is very easy to use thanks to the shifting handle
- The 16-inch swing over bed capacity is one of the largest in this price range
Cons
- The tool rest isn’t very sturdy given the price
- As a full-size wood lathe, the assembly can be a hassle
Best Value: Delta 46-460 Industrial Wood Lathe
The Delta 46-460 Industrial wood lathe is a great choice for woodworkers looking to get the most out of their money.
This midi wood lathe is packed with impressive features that you won’t find on any other unit in its class, particularly the generous swing over bed capacity and powerful engine.
The Delta 46-460 has 16.5 inches of distance between centers and 12.5 inches swing over the bed capacity. This allows it to turn bowls of diameter up to 12.5 inches, which is more than the Wen 3424T, the Grizzly T25920, and most mid-sized wood lathes can offer.
While it only falls behind the Jet Jwl-1640EVS and the Grizzly G0462 when it comes to diameter, it has the least workpiece length of all products in my review. However, you can fix this by buying the Delta lathe bed extension (sold separately) to pump it up to 42 inches.
Product Specs
- Swing over bed: 12.5 inches
- Distance between centers: 16.5 inches
- Spindle size: 1 inch x 8 TPI
- Motor: 1 HP, 110 volts, 12 amps
- Speed range: 250 to 4,000 RPM
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Dimensions: 36 x 11 x 17.75 inches
- Material: cast iron
As for speed, the Delta 46-460 supports variable options within 3 main ranges as follows: 250 to 700 RPM, 600 to 1,800 RPM, and 1,350 to 4,000 RPM. Not only does this support improved flexibility for turning bowls, but the 6-groove belt and its tensioning mechanism make larger projects a breeze.
The Delta 46-460 is also equipped with a 1 HP/110 volts/12 amps motor that delivers plenty of power to tackle heavier wood. Its cast-iron construction is meant to minimize vibrations to a minimum while operating, but it needs support either by buying the cast iron leg extension or bolting the unit down.
The Grizzly Delta 46-460 comes with a couple of tool rests (6 and 10 inches) along with a 3-inch faceplate for better versatility. What’s even more impressive is the 5 years of warranty offered by the manufacturer to give you peace of mind when investing your money in this machine.
The one thing I wish this unit had is a digital readout to boost its precision. The lack of a swivel ability also bothers me but not as much.
Pros
- The swing over bed capacity is 12.5, which is more than the standard 12 inches of the midi class
- Changing the speed is quick thanks to the belt-tensioning mechanism
- It comes with a 5-year warranty, longer than most options today
Cons
- There’s no digital readout like other options in this class
Best Budget: Wen 3424T Benchtop Wood Lathe
The Wen 3424T Benchtop wood lathe is my go-to recommendation for any woodworker on a budget. It’s an excellent pick if you want a reliable yet affordable wood lathe that’ll turn large bowls as effectively as possible.
The Wen 3424T offers 18 inches of distance between centers and 12 inches swing over bed capacity.
This allows it to turn bowls of diameter up to 12 inches, which is the same you can get from the Grizzly T25920. This also means it exceeds the Delta 46-460 and ties with the Grizzly T2592 when it comes to maximum wood length.
Product Specs
- Swing over bed: 12 inches
- Distance between centers: 18 inches
- Spindle size: 1 inch x 8 TPI
- Motor: 4.5 amps
- Speed range: 520 to 3,400 RPM
- Weight: 70.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 30.5 x 8.75 x 16.25 inches
- Material: cast iron
It falls short when compared to the Jet Jwl-1640EVS and the Grizzly G0462, but considering the price tag, I couldn’t ask for more.
Speed-wise, the Wen 3424T lets you choose between 5 options as follows: 520, 900, 1,400, 2,150, and 3,400 RPM. It’s not as flexible as other options like the Delta 46-460 with its 250 to 4,000 RPM, but it still gives you decent versatility, especially for working on bigger bowls.
The Wen 3424T features a cast-iron construction to try and reduce vibrations, but it’s on the thinner side compared to units like the Grizzly G0462 and the Jet Jwl-1640EVS. However, it does come with a 2-year warranty so the company will deal with any issues that may arise during that time.
The Wen 3424T comes with a tool rest measuring 7-7/8 inches and a 3-1/8 inch faceplate, but they’re somewhat flimsy, to say the least. At 70.3 pounds, this is the lightest weight option I’m reviewing today, which can be a plus for beginners and hobbyists.
Pros
- It offers 12 inches swing over bed capacity, the same as the more expensive Grizzly T25920
- It costs a fraction of the price tag of other options
- At 70.3 pounds, this is the lightest wood lathe I’ve reviewed
Cons
- Doesn’t possess great durability as the metal construction is on the thin side
- For the same reason, it doesn’t effectively suppress vibrations
Best for Beginners: Grizzly T25920 Wood Lathe
The Grizzly T25920 wood lathe is an excellent pick for woodworking beginners looking to dab into turning projects and looking for something versatile, reliable, and cost-effective.
The Grizzly T25920 measures 18 inches from center to center and possesses a 12-inch swing over bed capacity.
This enables it to turn wood pieces as wide and long as the Wen 3424T. It also surpasses the maximum length of the Delta 46-460 without extensions. However, the Jet Jwl-1640EVS and the Grizzly G0462 let you turn wood of a larger diameter.
Product Specs
- Swing over bed: 12 inches
- Distance between centers: 18 inches
- Spindle size: 1 inch x 8 TPI
- Motor: 3/4 HP, 110 volts, 5.3 amps
- Speed range: 650 to 3,800 RPM
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 33 x 12 inches
- Material: cast iron
As for speed, you get to work with a range between 650 and 3,800 RPM with 3 pulleys to help you find the perfect speed for your project. It’s not as flexible as other units like the Jet Jwl-1640EVS with its 40 to 3,200 RPM and the Delta 46-460 with its 250 to 4,000 RPM, but it can turn bowls up to 11 inches wide.
Similar to the Grizzly G0462, it houses a digital readout installed for better speed accuracy. It also features the same high-quality cast-iron bed and leg construction to reduce vibrations.
What I don’t appreciate in the Grizzly T25920 is the 3/4 HP motor, which is the smallest in my review. Also, I’d have liked to see a larger tool rest than the included 5-7/8 inches.
Pros
- It includes a built-in digital readout for more precision
- Good price for its features
Cons
- The motor is 3/4 HP, a bit smaller than most of the options in the same class
Best for Professionals: Jet (719500) Jwl-1640EVS Woodworking Lathe
Last but not least, the Jet (719500) Jwl-1640EVS wood lathe is a premium option that perfectly meets the turning needs of professionals when it comes to power, speed, and longevity.
The Jet Jwl-1640EVS has a 39-inch distance between centers and a 16.5-inch swing over bed capacity. As such, it’s superior to all the previous options I reviewed today, except for the maximum length in the Grizzly G0462.
When it comes to speed, the Jet Jwl-1640EVS offers a wide range of options from 40 to 3,200 RPM. This is the lowest speed setting you can find among today’s candidates, and it’s also ideal for turning large bowls.
Product Specs
- Swing over bed: 16.5 inches
- Distance between centers: 39 inches
- Spindle size: 1 1/4 inches x 8 TPI
- Motor: 1.5 HP, 230 volts
- Speed range: 40 to 3,200 RPM
- Weight: 375 pounds
- Dimensions: 73 x 52.5 x 20 inches
- Material: cast iron
To improve user protection, the inverter in the Jet Jwl-1640EVS is fully enclosed. Also, the headstock slides to ensure better positioning and even turning.
What’s more, the Jet Jwl-1640EVS is equipped with a digital readout for higher speed accuracy and a leg-mounted tool holder to boost convenience.
Pros
- It has the largest swing over bed capacity
- It has a very flexible speed range
Cons
- The most expensive option I’ve reviewed
Features to Consider in a Wood Lathe for Bowl Turning
Here are the most important features to consider when choosing the best wood lathe for turning large bowls:
Swing Over Bed Capacity
This value refers to the maximum width or maximum diameter of the wood piece the lathe can efficiently turn.
Since I’m talking about larger bowls in today’s article, then I recommend you go with a wood lathe featuring a minimum swing capacity of 12 inches. This value is always indicated in the specs list or description of the wood lathe.
Variable Speeds
A wood lathe for turning large bowls has to feature a variable speed function to give you more flexibility in your projects. Also, switching between speeds should be easy and quick, so user-friendly controls are a must.
When choosing a speed range, make sure you pick a wood lathe with a low starting speed. Some units have a speed range starting as low as 40 RPM such as the Jet Jwl-1640EVS.
Spindle Diameter
The wider the spindle diameter, the safer the lathe can turn larger wood pieces. The least you want to go here is 1 inch — such spindles will turn 12-inch bowls without issues.
For bowls larger than that, you’re better off with a wider spindle such as the 1 1/4 inches in the Jet Jwl-1640EVS.
Construction and Weight
You should also check the construction material and weight of the wood lathe. A sturdier construction corresponds to better longevity while a heavier build suppresses more of the vibrations while running the machine, which means a more stable and smooth operation.
FAQS
What Size Wood Lathe Do I Need to Turn Bowls?
The size of the wood lathe depends on the size of the bowls you’re planning to turn. For larger bowls, pick a lathe machine with a minimum swing of 12 inches.
What Speed Should a Lathe Be to Turn a Bowl?
The speed of the wood lathe depends on the size of the bowls you’re planning to turn. As a rule of thumb, the larger the bowl you want to turn, the slower the speed you need.
What Is the Best Wood for Turning Bowls?
For bowl turning on a wood lathe, most woodworkers like working with walnut wood, cherry wood, rosewood, and red elm.
Wrap Up
No woodturning job is complete without a reliable wood lathe to help you get the smoothest finish. If you’re looking for the best wood lathe for turning large bowls, I recommend the Grizzly G0462 wood lathe.
Not only is it flexible, durable, and comes at a competitive price, but it also offers high accuracy, good speed range, and very smooth operation.
