14 Best Full Size Wood Lathe For Pen & Bowl Turning 2020

Professional turning has become more accessible throughout the years.

Nowadays, you can watch plenty of tutorials online to learn more about pen and bowl turning.

But more importantly, you can find the best lathe for pen turning and bowl turning without spending a fortune.

By getting the right full-size lathe, you can make your very own hand-made pen and bowl that anyone would love to have as their own.

And that's why we're here: to help you pick the ideal lathe.

Top 5 Best Wood Lathe For Pen & Bowl Turning Comparison:

Our 14 Best Full Size Wood Lathes for Pen Turning & Bowl Turning:

With the right tools, you're guaranteed to make the best pen and bowl that anybody would love to have on their hands.

We've tested thousands of lathes, and concluded that these are the best lathes that any woodworker can wish for in their lifetime.

We have picked the best pen turning lathe, full size lathe, and the best lathe for bowl turning to ease your job finding the right one.

1. Powermatic 1352001: Best Full Size Wood Lathe

This is the best company for those folks who need a machine that pushes the limit of results.

At first sight, you will notice just how beefy this machine is. The sturdy design allows this machine to stop unwanted vibration when cutting wood in half, which leads to more accurate results.

One nice thing about this powerful machine is that it has a little tool holder on the side. The tool holder is super convenient if you want to keep all your tools somewhere you can easily find them.

Simple, user-friendly control makes this machine such a great option for those who need a powerful machine to get professional results without spending several hours figuring out how the machine works.

This powerful machine has an easy-to-read digital display to allow the user to have more control over the device and feel more confident using the machine. Because this is a full-size lathe, you have a lot of room to load gigantic woods.

Moreover, this machine's sliding headstock is truly mind-blowing; it allows the user to feel more comfortable turning wood.

This company understands all the risks behind using a lathe machine, and that is why they've included a robust wire safety cage to stop possible flying debris from getting into your eyes.

And finally, to keep things from getting messy, this machine has a comfortable and useful tailstock storage compartment that you can use to store items you want to keep around at all times.

2. Laguna Tools MLAREVO 1836: Best Pen Turning Lathe

Do you need a lathe machine that provides excellent results? The MLAREVO 1836 is the best pen turning lathe that anyone serious about pen turning can buy.

This company sets the new standard for user-friendliness. You don't need unnecessary and challenging ways to change the speed. With this lathe machine, you have a nice looking and easy to use control panel that you can use.

Belt adjustment can be difficult, and sometimes it takes a lot of time. However, with this lathe machine, you can easily adjust the belt using the adjustment handle.

The best thing about this machine is the accurate results that it can achieve. This machine's high-quality steel bed makes sliding the headstock incredibly easy, which leads to excellent results.

This machine's speed is truly on another level; it has two ratios that you can adjust. You can set the ratio to go from 0 to 1,500, and if you want to reach that sweet 3,500 RPM, all you need to do is adjust the belt.

Because this is a bulky machine, you don't have to worry about vibration suddenly ruining your precision when turning wood.

When it comes to durability, no other machine can't beat this robust lathe. The steel design allows it to hold up pretty well over time.

Underneath the machine, you have a lot of space if you want to fit a shelf in two different places. So, if you're going to store logs underneath the machine, this is a perfect choice for you.

With all those features, we believe this is the perfect lathe if you want a robust, consistent, and durable machine. You really can't go wrong with this lathe from Laguna.

3. JET JWL-1440VSK: Best Lathe For Bowl Turning

If you want to stand out from the competition, you need the right tools. Rest assured! This company has all the tools to take you from a newbie to a professional.

This model from JET is a dream come true for many woodworkers. But why is it? It significantly reduces vibration through its robust and bulky design — so no need to worry about vibration when turning wood.

Underneath the machine, you have plenty of room. You also have a few brackets, which make installing a shelf super easy for anybody.

If you need this machine primarily for bowl turning, you will be amazed at the results. It comes with a faceplate to make bowl turning easier. And, you won't have to go out of your way to get a faceplate.

This lathe machine is made of cast iron, which makes the machine pretty rigid. Due to its durable, the lathe can get through those never-ending days at work.

Furthermore, this model might look a little bit intimidating for the average user, but anybody can get used to it in just a matter of minutes. If that appeals to you, you'll be pretty satisfied with this lathe.

Turning the pivot is also relatively easy. All you need to do is unscrew the locking collar and then pull it out to twist the headstock. Changing the RPM is surprisingly comfortable. The machine has a handle that you can move to the RPM you want, and you're good to go.

Another great benefit you get from this machine is that the tailstock handwheel has a spinner knob that you can use to make changes a lot easier.

4. WMH Tool Group JWL-1221VS Full Size Wood Lathe

The JWL-1221VS is the one of the best full-size wood lathe you can buy in the market for woodturning. It has everything you need from a wood lathe machine. When it comes to precision and quality, you really can't beat this company.

Furthermore, the first thing you will notice right away about this machine is the forward and the reverse setting. The reverse option is super useful as sometimes you might deal with tapping and threading, which the reverse option makes it more accessible.

One thing we like about this machine is how quiet it is. We've dealt with professional lathe machines before, and some of them can be stupidly loud, which is annoying to deal with as a woodworker.

This model, on the other hand, is pretty quiet. However, as the RPM goes up, the sound will increase, but it is relatively quiet compared to other options.

After testing thousands of lathe machines, we've noticed how common it is for a machine to hammer at full speed when you turn them on. On the other hand, this machine doesn't go at full pace as soon as you turn it o. It picks up speed slowly, making it a nice feature.

Keeping your working area organized is a must if you want to optimize your time. This lathe has two comfortable and reliable tool racks, which you can find at the end of the lathe.

You don't need an engineering degree to operate this machine. The design is pretty simple for anyone to handle. For example, the tailstock is easy to use; you have a lever in the back, which you can use to lock the lathe.

The bed is also no joke and it is wide enough to give you a comfortable and firm grip while using the tailstock.

5. Delta FBA_46-460 Lathe

This lathe machine is what you need to accomplish exceptional results for woodturning.

You will notice that you get many tools with this lathe. First, we got the plate wrench, a three-millimeter Allen wrench, a knockout bar, and many more useful tools. This machine's design is pretty straightforward, and you don't need an extra tutorial to figure things out.

The machine does not feel uncomfortable, nor does it feel too heavy. Both the tailstock and the crank feel pretty smooth, which leads to more accurate results at the end of the day.

Moving onto the machine's belt, you will notice that you have three settings for the belt. The first setting allows you to reach 250 and 750 RPM, the other setting lets you go from 600 to 1,800 RPM, and the third option can go from 1,350 to 4,000 RPM.

To adjust the belt is pretty simple; you can adjust the belt by moving the variable speed knob, which you can find on the back. Another thing we love about this machine is how quiet it is; no loud sounds. It just gets the job done without disturbing the whole neighborhood.

One noticeable feature of this machine is the spindle lock; it allows you to lock the spindle in place with about 24 different locking positions. The different locking positions are quite useful for completing various projects.

If you ever want to put it back in reverse, this lathe has a button that allows you to use the reverse option. And you can also set it to forward if you need to do so.

6. Shop Fox W1704 Full Size Wood Lathe

The company behind this mighty unit has been in the market for a long time, and they prioritize quality over quantity, and it shows on all their products.

We've reviewed high-speed lathe machines before, and this one lives up to our high standards. It has a variable speed, which ranges from 700 RPM up to 3,200 RPM.

This model's distinguishable feature is the 14 inches between centers and the 8.5-inch swing over the bed; it is one of the most enjoyable lathe machines you can get for woodturning.

Moreover, the model is made of cast iron. This material is excellent as it holds up pretty well as time goes by. We're pretty happy about this machine because both the tailstock and the headstock are in alignment.

Having to stop the motor and then adjust the belt just to increase the speed is super inconvenient. On the other hand, with this model, you have a modern and electronic variable speed control, which you can use to change the speed as much as needed.

Compared to other lathe machines out there, this model runs quietly, which we always look for when buying a lathe machine. And to top it off, it does not experience any vibration when running at full speed.

Another excellent feature of this machine is that it comes with a faceplate. The faceplate comes in handy if you want to get into bowl turning and need to remove the tailstock.

And finally, we love the fact that this model slowly picks up speed, and it just does not go at full pace as soon as you turn it on.

7. WEN 3420T: Best Mini Lathe For Pen Turning

Do you want to impress your family with your pen turning skills but don't have the right tools to do so? Then you will love this model from WEN.

When you first get this lathe out of the box, you will notice how smooth and stable it feels. This lathe does not use cheap materials and does not feel like a low-end machine.

On top of the comfort the lathe provides, you can change the RPM from 750 to 3,200 RPM, and when changing the speed, the machine won't go at top speed right away. It will slowly increase the speed until it reaches the desired RPM.

Adjusting a lathe machine has never been this easy. With an excellent and adjustable system, you can make adjustments to the tool rest and the tailstock. By doing this, you will get more accurate results.

Loud noises can stop you from getting things done. On the other hand, this machine is pretty quiet even when reaching high RPMs, which is super convenient to have if you get annoyed by loud noises.

With this lathe, you get many accessories that you can use for this machine right out of the box, including a high-quality tool rest, a faceplate, and much more that you can find inside the box.

This model is an excellent choice for you if you want to use different accessories. Both the tailstock and the spindle allow you to use additional accessories.

And finally, we believe that this is an excellent choice if you're getting into woodturning. It has just about everything that you can expect from a lathe machine to get the job done.

8. Grizzly G0462 Lathe for Bowl Turning

To push the limits, you need the outstanding performance of a lathe machine, and that is why the Grizzly G0462 is one of the best lathe for bowl turning that any woodworker needs for bowl turning.

If you want to step your bowl turning game, this is the perfect machine to get started. The 16-inch swing over the bed and the 46 inches between centers allow you to load gigantic woods inside the machine.

This machine's outstanding horsepower will blow your mind; it has a variable speed adjustment that allows you to reach 600 to 2,400 RPMs, which is ideal for bowl turning.

One noticeable thing about this lathe machine is that you can rotate the headstock 60, 90, 120, and 180 degrees; this allows you to have more control over the lathe machine, and outboard turning is a lot easier.

We've ruined beautiful projects because of some poorly-made lathe machines that couldn't handle vibration. On the other hand, you have this machine from Grizzly, which has heavy-duty legs to prevent vibration and provide excellent stability.

With the included readout of this machine, you won't feel like you don't know what's going on.

The results we have achieved using this lathe machine have exceeded our expectations, and it's all due to the smooth experience this lathe has to offer.

Another nice thing about this machine is how easy it is to operate. We had someone who had little to no experience turning wood to understand the basics in no time. And with a little bit of guidance, they managed to achieve great results.

The most noticeable benefit of having such a bulky lathe machine for bowl turning is that you can turn big bowls and get excellent results.

9. Nova 71118 Wood Lathe

There is nothing like a good lathe machine that allows you to achieve stunning results. If that's what you're after, you will love this well-built lathe.

The most exciting thing about this lathe is length; it is perfect for beginners who are just getting into woodturning. And the swing over the bed is about 12 inches, and the distance between centers is approximately 16.5 inches.

If needed, you can expend the length to 42 inches, but only if you get the extra bed extension feature.

You have a range of speeds with this machine. For example, you can set the speed to 250 all the way up to 4,000 RPM. And you have both a forward and reverse option.

The best thing about this machine is how easy it is to set up once you get it out of the box. You don't have to spend hours assembling the machine, which helps a lot if you're short on time.

You get a lot of tools with this machine. For example, you get a wrench, which you will need to set up the faceplate, a knockout bar, a drive spur, and a high-quality live center. In short: you will get everything you need.

We always appreciate that fact when companies add a digital display to their lathe machines. Without one, the job gets unnecessary tricky, which is why we chose this machine. The digital display allows you to set the right speed to get the job done.

Some lathe machines make it hard for the average user to get to the belt. However, with this lathe machine, you have a lot of space inside the belt, making it easier to adjust it.

10. Shop Fox W1758 Pen Turning Lathe

Anybody likes a high-quality lathe machine that can bring your ideas to life — that is precisely what this lathe machine has to offer.

It's pretty hard to find a better deal than this lathe machine. It has all the features that anybody needs to get into both bowl and pen turning.

Not many lathe machines hold a candle to this one. Its simple yet powerful design allows this machine to be one of the best options for those that need a highly functional lathe for their work environment.

This model's legs are made of cast iron; this leads to more stability and significantly reduces vibration when dealing with wood.

As for this machine's speed, you can either set the RPM to 600 all the way up to 2,400 RPM — so no need to worry about the lathe feeling a little bit slow.

One impressive feature of this lathe machine is the tool rest extension. You can use the tool rest to make outboard turning less tedious.

Consumers from all over the world have been pretty happy with the machine's design. For instance, both the handwheel and the bed of this model proved to be quite comfortable.

The clamping system of this machine is top-notch and allows you to secure the machine — so you won't experience any inconvenience while turning wood.

And to make your job easier, this machine features an elegant digital readout on the top of the device. This way, you will know what RPM you're getting when turning wood.

When it comes to making adjustments, this machine goes to show just what it is capable of achieving. You can adjust the tool rest, the speed, and much more.

11. JET JWL-1015 Lathe for Pen Turning

Spending money on cheap knock-offs is a terrible thing to do, don't worry, though. This model will make your woodturning experience more enjoyable while providing excellent results.

This lathe is a variable speed model, which means that if you want to change the RPM, you need to adjust the belt to get the desired RPM.

Setting up this machine is super easy to figure out. Even if you have no prior experience, you will find your way through this seemingly challenging process.

When you first turn on this well-built machine, you will notice how amazingly well this machine runs. You won't have to go through weird settings or anything; it works fine as it is.

We mostly do bowl turning with this machine, but you can also do pen turning and much more, and you won't be disappointed with the results.

The construction of this machine is top-notch; it feels bulky and does not feel cheap by any means. And because of the high-quality material they used for this machine, it will be by your side for many years to come.

Moreover, the design of the tailstock is on pair with premium lathe machines. You can tell right away that they did not lower production costs when making the tailstock.

One of the best features this machine has is the ability to lock the machine from spinning. This feature comes in handy when working on a specific part of the bolt by hand.

So, why should you bother with this lathe? This machine provides excellent results. It feels great, and if you opt for this model, you won't be missing out on anything.

12. RIKON 70-105 Pen & Bowl Turning Lathe

Performance is our biggest concern when buying a new lathe — and that is what this lathe machine does best. Don't let its small size fool you into thinking that it is a low-end machine. It has a powerful motor that provides the right speed for woodturning.

One of the best things about this machine is how simple it is to change the speed. The control panel is easily reachable — so don't worry about getting frustrated over how poorly made the machine is.

Also, it has about five different speed settings that you can use for bowl turning, pen turning, and much more.

If you're after heavy and sturdy machines, this is the lathe you have been looking for all this time. This lathe is primarily made for those folks who need a lathe to keep up with their workflow.

There is nothing worse than having to get extra tools to assemble a lathe machine. However, with this machine, you get everything you will need to build the equipment such as a wrench and other accessories.

Another excellent feature of this machine is how smoothly the tailstock moves along the bed. It does not get stuck mid-way, which is something low-end lathe machines might experience.

This machine runs smoothly, and so far, we're pretty happy with the results. But besides running incredibly well, this machine does not experience any vibration, making it an excellent choice.

So, why buy this model? Well, if you consider all the excellent features the lathe has to make your job easier and less time-consuming, you have an excellent and reliable lathe.

13. PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS Bowl Turning Lathe

Are you looking for a lathe that has all the features you need without getting too high in the price range? Then you will love this lathe.

First and foremost, this model has two pulley systems. You can find the smaller pulley on top and the larger pulley on the bottom. This lathe can go from 500 to 2,000 RPM.

Additionally, if you need to reach more RPMs, this machine has a second set of pulleys that allow you to go from 1,500 to 3,600 RPM. And if you want to access the pulleys, all you need to do is remove the cover.

We like how this lathe keeps everything organized thoroughly. You can find pretty much everything you need just by taking a look at the machine.

Bowl turning is not an issue with this lathe. It comes with a 4 inches faceplate, which is perfect for those folks who need reliable bowl turning results.

When turning wood, you want to know precisely the machine's RPM, but it can be difficult without a proper digital display. Rest assured! With this lathe, you have a comfortable and modern readout display to track the current RPM.

This machine's design looks pretty clean; it gives off a premium sensation, which truly lives up to the quality that this lathe provides.

Another cool thing about this machine is the spindle lock. If you ever want to lock the machine to make sure it won't turn on, you can pull up the spindle lock, twist it around, and the engine won't turn on unless you unlock the device.

It's not uncommon to lose the knockout bar. However, this lathe offers a hole you can use to keep the knockout bar from missing.

14. Grizzly Industrial H8259 Wood Lathe

With the help of a professional lathe machine, you can get pretty much anything done. And this lathe is not an exception to this rule.

Its robust design makes this machine an excellent choice if you're getting started into woodturning and need a beginner-friendly lathe that gets the job done.

Despite its size, this machine can reach high RPMs. The speed goes from 826 all the way up to 3,337 RPM.

Even though this is a mini lathe, the distance between centers is above average, considering this is a small model.

The biggest problem you will face with most lathe machines is the noise. Don't worry, though. This machine runs smoothly, and the noise does not make you lose your mind.

Furthermore, the design of this machine feels pretty comfortable. Everything is well distributed. This way, you won't feel uncomfortable when dealing with wood.

Vibration is not an issue with this model. Its sturdy design prevents this machine from causing unwanted vibration when working, so there is no need to worry about that.

The machine is made of cast iron, which allows this powerful model to preserve well over time. This machine's tailstock is also no joke. It is powerful enough to hold wood and does not feel slippery at all. And, you can move it around without it getting stuck.

Because this machine has a single-phase motor, maintaining the engine is not nearly as hard as other models. And single-phase motors are known for being easy to repair.

Read also: wood spindle shapers buying guide And our guide on best bowl gouges

Final Words

Did you have fun going through our list of the best lathes for pen turning? We hope you finally managed to find the lathe you need for both pen-turning and bowl turning.

Sometimes you might feel overwhelmed doing research just to find a lathe. But if you don't do enough research, you will end up picking a cheap knock-off that barely does anything.

So, to avoid getting ripped off, we suggest taking enough time to pick up the right one rather than getting the first lathe you see.