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My top choices for the best wood lathes for fine woodworking are:<\/p>\n
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- #1:<\/strong> WEN 3420 8″ to 12″ Variable Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe<\/a><\/li>\n
- #2:<\/strong>\u00a0Grizzly H8259 Benchtop Wood Lathe 10″<\/a><\/li>\n
- #3:\u00a0<\/strong>Powermatic PM2020 2HP 1\/3 Ph 30 Shortbed Lathe<\/a><\/li>\n
- #4:\u00a0<\/strong>Laguna Tools MLAREO 1836 Revo Lathe<\/a><\/li>\n
- #5:\u00a0<\/strong>Shop Fox 1758 Wood Lathe with Cast Iron Legs and Digital Readout<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Let’s dive a little deeper.<\/p>\n
Many DIYers and woodwork professionals find themselves with a need to complete intricate types of work; for instance, spindles, decorative elements, and smaller pieces of work. A large wood lathe is not going to be the best option for this type of work, and a cheaper option is not likely to have the right ability to do the work to the right degree. For that reason, it is worth spending a little more on a wood lathe for intricate and fine woodwork. Checking out reviews is the single way to find out whether a particular model of lathe is ideal for that type of requirement, and because you are going to be spending more money, you need to get a really honest overview before making a final decision.<\/p>\n
We know that there are different types and sizes of wood lathe on the market, but the types which are best for this kind of intricate work include the pen lathe and a mini lathe. This is because these types of lathes are smaller, and therefore allow you to really get into the project and control the outcome. A pen lathe allows you to not only turn the wood but to design small details into the wood using a pen tool. On the flipside, a mini lathe is a smaller option, which allows you to easily make curved types of wood designs and spindles. As you turn the wood you can ensure the design is created, and both of these types of lathe are easy to store, and can be moved around without much hassle or stress.<\/p>\n
I am assuming you already know something about wood lathes (if not check out this review about the best wood lathes for the money & buyer’s guide<\/a>), and you are looking to make finer and more intricate designs.<\/p>\n
If you are looking to buy a wood lathe and have a set budget in mind check out my review of wood lathes on a budget under $300, $500, $1000, $1500 & $2000 dollars<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Many of these products are multi-functional, e.g. you can create standard woodturning designs on them, but they have the ability to allow you to create spindles, curves, and fine designs, either with an attachment or via a different method of use or technique.<\/p>\n
Let’s explore a few options.<\/p>\n
Fine Woodworking Wood Lathe Comparison Chart<\/h2>\n
- #2:<\/strong>\u00a0Grizzly H8259 Benchtop Wood Lathe 10″<\/a><\/li>\n
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This particular lathe is ideal for those on a budget in one respect, but its small size makes it suitable for intricate types of turning too. The lathe can easily be transported to other places, because of its size and lightweight nature, whilst making for easy storage too. The speed is adjustable, which creates more control over wood working, and there is a 5\u201d faceplate for creating items such as bowls and cups.<\/p>\n![\"Wood](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0017KH7K8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tool8888-20\")
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This wood lathe is ideal for those finer details, but it is also a mid-priced option, which makes it more accessible for intermediate users, as well as professionals. The fact that this model has several features for finer designs also makes it ideal for the cause, as well as being from a big brand name yet again. This branding really does give confidence when spending a considerable amount of money.<\/p>\n![\"Best](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00Q7SE8XY&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tool8888-20\")
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The quality of Powermatic products really speaks for itself and although you are certainly going to need to spend money to obtain it, if you are a professional or an intermediate who is working up to professional levels, then this is certainly worth the investment. This lathe is a large option, which is not going to be easy to move, but the plus point is that it isn\u2019t just perfect for intricate designs, but all types of work too, so when you have it where you want to use it, you shouldn\u2019t have to move it too much anyway.<\/p>\n![](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00YX8162Q&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tool8888-20\")
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Whilst this wood lathe is not as expensive as the Powermatic option, it is still pricey overall. Whilst that is a downside, the quality you are getting in return is very high, and the ability to create intricate and fine wood turning projects is superior to many other lathes too.<\/p>\n![](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0019CGYLM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=tool8888-20\")
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Our final choice for the best wood lathes for fine and intricate work is a middle of the road price ranged product. It is one which is ideal for those who are learning their trade or hobby. With a strong and powerful 2 HP motor, which runs at 110V on\u00a0single phase power, this is a machine, which is very durable and will certainly last the test of time.<\/p>\n