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Delta Industrial 46-460
- 5-year warranty
- Easy to operate
- Small form factor
JET JWL-1221VS
- Variable speed
- Digital RPM readout
- Robust design
Nova 71118 Comet II DR
- Wide speed range
- User-friendly design
- Excellent holding capacity
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When it comes to woodturning, midi lathes are second only to full-sized lathes.
Midi lathes provide adequate turning power and speed at a reasonable price.
Their tinier footprints make them super-handy in smaller workshops or by DIYers.
In today’s guide, we’ll show you what the best midi lathe of all time is after surveying, researching, and comparing 33 available models.
Best Midi Lathe – Delta Industrial 46-460
The best midi lathe out of the 33 models we analyzed in depth is the Delta Industrial 46-460.
This machine’s turning speed is limited compared to other models, but its ingenious tensioning system and large holding capacity makes it the perfect tool for most lathing projects you can imagine.
Here’s what the Delta Industrial 46-460’s key specifications look like—
- 250-1750 RPM
- 12.5-inch Swing Over Bed
- 16.5-inch Centers Distance
- Patented Belt Tensioning System
The Delta 46-460 is an amazingly unique midi lathe that lets you create all sorts of wood-based masterpieces in no time at all.
It features a beefy 1-HP motor that turns the spindle at a rate of up to 1750 RPM, though you can drop it down to 250 RPM when turning larger, unevenly shaped blanks between the centers.
The 46-460 features a reversible EVS and a pulley system that reduce vibrations, although the cast-iron design needs very little extra help to keep it stable.
The proprietary belt tensioning system is comprised of three pulleys that you can fine-tune to your desired turning speed.
See the 46-460 in action in this video.
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Easy to operate
- Small form factor
- Powerful motor for size
Cons
- The handwheel could be less wobbly
For what it costs, the Delta Industrial 46-460 is a powerhouse of a midi lathe that will serve countless users well at making bowls, pens, rings, and even furniture pieces.
Top Midi Lathes Compared
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - Delta Industrial 46-460 |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Premium - JET JWL-1221VS |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget - WEN 3424T |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Nova 71118 Comet II DR |
| Check Today's Price |
 | RIKON 70-100 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Jet JWL-1015 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Grizzly Industrial T25920 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS |
| Check Today's Price |
 | RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Shop Fox W1836 |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Midi Lathes
Best Premium - JET JWL-1221VS
Key Specifications
- 60-3600 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 21-inch Centers Distance
- Optional Bed Extension
The JET JWL-1221VS is what a bowl turner would consider the ideal tool.
It has a 12 x 21-inch holding capacity that’s just right for making both small and large-sized bowls.
You can always throw on a bed extension to add stability while carving out 40-inch-long furniture legs.
You can find the controller module on the right-hand side of the JWL-1221VS, near the tailstock side. It comes with a handy compartment to store all of your wrenches and cutting tools.
Thanks to the ratchet-style tensioning system built into this machine, you can raise or lower the speed with minimal fuss.
Pros
- Variable speed
- Digital RPM readout
- Robust design with minimal vibration
- Ideal for beginners and small workshops
Cons
- Forward and reverse buttons could be clearer
Knowing whether the machine is on its forward or reverse gear can be difficult, but this is hardly an issue, considering the JWL-1221VS’s amazing turning performance and convenience.
Best Budget - WEN 3424T
Key Specifications
- 520-3400 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 18-inch Centers Distance
- Soft-Start Motor
WEN products are generally high-quality while being super-affordable, and the 3424T is no exception.
For its cost, we were amazed to see that this tool can accommodate stock measuring a foot in thickness and 18 inches in length.
Driven by an 8A motor, this is a fantastic option to make simple bowls, rings, and pens.
Feature-wise, the 3424T meets the criteria of what a budget-friendly midi lathe should be.
It doesn’t come with very many addons, but it features a soft-start motor with variable speed of up to 3400 RPM, as well as a handy storage compartment for all of your cutting tools.
Pros
- Wide speed range
- User-friendly design
- Excellent holding capacity
- Durable cast-iron construction
Cons
- Could come with more features
For its cost, the WEN 3424T exceeds all expectations of what a midi lathe should look like and how it should perform. This is the bargain of a lifetime!
Nova 71118 Comet II DR
Key Specifications
- 250-4000 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 16.5-inch Centers Distance
- 3-Step Pulley System
The Nova 71118 Comet II DR is a lot like the WEN in terms of features and performance.
However, this machine can spin stock at speeds of up to 4000 RPM, making it a lot easier and quicker to shape narrower objects like pens and rings.
You can always extend the bed of this midi lathe to 41 inches by picking up a bed extension.
This Nova lathe comes with an easy-to-use controller module that lets you change between forward and reverse gears with a push a switch.
Near the headstock is a digital readout that lets you know how quick the spindle is turning, ensuring optimal results for any shape stock you mount between the centers.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Powerful motor
- Super-wide speed range
- Comes with a digital readout
Cons
- Spindle mount and tool rest could be smoother
Overall, the Comet II DR is a fantastic midi lathe that would make for the perfect addition in any hobbyist’s workshop.
RIKON 70-100
Key Specifications
- 70-1720 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 16-inch Centers Distance
- Self-Ejecting Tailstock
The RIKON 70-100 doesn’t look like much, and it’s arguably the least appealing model on our list.
However, with a ½-HP motor that turns the spindle at up to 1720 RPM, there’s very little to worry about with this lathe.
You can mount 12 x 16-inch blanks between the centers, giving you plenty of room to make blows and plates effortlessly.
The self-ejecting tailstock is this tool’s shining feature.
You don’t need a knockout bar to remove the tailstock; simply slide it off the rail and enjoy more than 16 inches of clearance for making furniture legs.
The 12-point indexing system also comes in handy when penciling designs on rounded objects.
Pros
- Comes with faceplate
- Large holding capacity
- Rapid speed adjustments
- Tailstock slides out effortlessly
Cons
- The tailstock’s locking lever could be stronger
The RIKON 70-100 also has a tiny footprint, leaving you with more workspace for your tools, supplies, and extra wood stock.
Jet JWL-1015
Key Specifications
- 0-3975 RPM
- 10-inch Swing Over Bed
- 15.5-inch Centers Distance
- Optional Bed Extension
The Jet JWL-1015 is another entry-level midi lathe that first-time users would want to try out.
The high-powered motor offers six spindle speeds with a maximum rate of 3975 RPM.
It can only accommodate blanks of up to 10 x 15.5 inches, but you can find a bed extension to increase the work area by several more inches if the need arises.
This Jet lathe comes with an upgraded belt tensioning system that makes it a lot easier to shift between gears.
The bed is also wider compared to other models, giving you more space to place the tool rest and tackle your turning blank at wider angles.
There’s also a 24-point indexing system for greater design capacities.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight yet durable
- Great for first-time woodturners
- Flexible spindle speed settings
Cons
- Need to turn off machine to adjust belt positions
The slight inconvenience of shutting the machine down prior to switching the belt’s positions is hardly a drawback since it also ensures extra safety.
Grizzly
Key Specifications
- 650-3800 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 18-inch Centers Distance
- Quick-Release Tool Rest and Tailstock
The Grizzly Industrial T25920 is what some people would consider the beefiest midi lathe on the market.
Its wide speed range of between 650 and 3800 RPM will let you play with all kinds of blanks of nearly any size (up to 12 x 18 inches).
The entire unit is made of cast iron to add stability and weight.
You can pop the tailstock and tool rest off of the T25920’s bed without the use of a knockout bar or additional tools. Just unlock both components and slide them off of the rail.
This will help you shape longer workpieces more easily by offering more clearance over the bed.
Pros
- Large-sized midi lathe
- Great customer service
- Durable cast-iron design
- Powerful motor and flexible speed range
Cons
- May arrive damaged
Users claim that their T25920 was damaged on arrival, but after reaching out to the company, they were able to get replacement parts shipped to them quickly and FOC.
PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS
Key Specifications
- 0-3600 RPM
- 10-inch Swing Over Bed
- 18-inch Centers Distance
- Halogen Work Light
The PSI Woodworking KWL-1018VS is one of the most feature-packed midi lathes on the market, even if it doesn’t look like it.
First, you can mount blanks of up to 10 x 18 inches onto the machine and turn it at speeds of up to 3600 RPM.
The ¾-HP motor will provide plenty of torque to let you shave off tiny amounts of material easily and in no time.
Behind the headstock is an adjustable halogen work light that provides some brightness to your workspace.
There’s also a digital readout on the headstock portion of the tool that gives an accurate reading of the current spindle speed.
You’ll find the tool storage compartment on the other side of the tool, parallel to the work light.
Pros
- Easy to use
- High-powered motor
- Optional bed extension
- Lots of handy features
Cons
- Could come with a reverse switch
The lack of a reverse speed does diminish the versatility of the tool somewhat, but for first-time users, this shouldn’t be too big of a problem.
RIKON Power Tools 70-220VSR
Key Specifications
- 250-3850 RPM
- 12.5-inch Swing Over Bed
- 24-inch Centers Distance
- 24-Position Index
The 70-220VSR isn’t unlike most of the midi lathes on this list. It can reach speeds of over 3800 RPM while losing minimal torque, thanks to the beefy 1-HP motor.
It accommodates blanks of up to 12.5 x 24 inches, but you can slide the tailstock off completely if you don’t need the right-side center.
Since the entire unit is made of cast iron, there’s very little to worry about in terms of durability and longevity.
This RIKON contraption features a 24-point indexing system, giving you the capacity to pencil on more intricate designs on your workpieces.
The digital readout is a nice touch, but the RPM reading isn’t always on point. Overall, it’s an excellent tool for its price.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Heavy and stable
- Beginner-friendly turning capacity
- More indexing points mean more complex designs
Cons
- Readout could be more accurate
The RIKON 70-220VSR is a fine midi lathe that would make for the perfect addition to any small workshop, despite its inaccurate digital readout.
Shop Fox W1836
Key Specifications
- 500-3800 RPM
- 12-inch Swing Over Bed
- 15-inch Centers Distance
- 24 Index Positions
Last on our list of the best midi lathes is the Shop Fox W1836.
Similar to the PSI Woodworking midi lathe, this machine comes with a wide range of convenience-adding features.
The halogen work light is a nice touch that adds some brightness to your workstation, and there’s also a cord hook on the back to keep the cable out of the way.
This machine offers two different speed ranges that cap off at 1800 and 3800 RPM.
The EVS system lets you change speeds without having to reposition drive belts, while the digital readout gives an accurate description of how quickly the spindle is turning.
It’s a heavy-duty tool that works great in nearly all situations.
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy speed controls
- Rubberized feet add stability
- Optional bed extension (to 38 inches long)
Cons
- Some parts may come damaged
As is typical of most workshop machines, this Shop Fox may come with some damaged components, but the company’s customer service is willing to help sort things out for you.
Best Midi Lathe Buying Guide
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about midi lathes.
What is a midi lathe?
There’s a common misconception among consumers about what a midi lathe is.
In fact, many might mistake mini lathes for midi lathes, which is understandable since they sound and look virtually the same.
In most cases, a midi lathe is defined as a lathe that can accommodate blanks of up to 12 inches wide and 24 inches long.
There’s certainly a difference compared to mini lathes that accommodate stock of up to 7 x 14-inch stock at max.
Because midi lathes are slightly larger than their mini counterparts, they require beefier motors to operate.
They also come with a wider range of features, but you can certainly find comparable addons for mini lathes.
Should you get a midi lathe?
When shopping for a lathe for your workshop, you’ll have to take several points into consideration.
However, in short, a midi lathe is an entry-level machine that suits DIYers and hobbyists well, whereas a mini lathe is made for first-time users who might not want to invest a ton of resources into a machine.
Midi lathes also grow alongside the operator, meaning that they can use the midi lathe for several years without the frustration of dealing with limited lathing capacities.
Midi lathes are also used mainly on wood and plastic, though you could turn metal on a midi lathe if you have the right tools on hand.
Important Features and Specs
Speed Range
When shopping for any kind of lathe, you should always pay close attention to the machine’s speed range.
A lower minimum speed and a higher max speed offers greater versatility, letting you work with all kinds of materials at various thicknesses and lengths.
Midi lathes can go beyond the 2000-RPM mark, making them ideal for turning stubbier, narrower blanks for bowls, pens, and newels.
Capacity (Swing Over Bed x Centers Distance)
How large of a blank the midi lathe can hold is also a crucial aspect when shopping for the ideal midi lathe for your workshop.
Generally, midi lathes fall in the 10-12 x 15-24-inch range, so there’s plenty of clearance to make short and long decorative items.
However, with an extension bed, you can lengthen the distance between the centers for making furniture legs, baseball bats, and other longer items.
Motor Size
Obviously, as the heart and soul of the machine, the motor will determine how much speed and torque it produces while turning all kinds of blank shapes and sizes.
Midi lathe motors typically have a ceiling of ¾-HP motors, but as you can see on our list, the Delta Industrial 46-460 features a beefy 1-HP motor for more torque and better shaping performance.
Additional Features
Additional features like work lights, digital readouts, and storage compartments are secondary to the features and specs mentioned above.
We’d like to emphasize the importance of an accurate digital readout as it will guide the operator in providing the right speed for certain objects.
Larger stock should turn at slower speeds, whereas it’s easier to shape narrower blanks at higher turning speeds.
FAQ’s
That’s entirely up to you. Full-sized lathe machines are objectively better since they come with more powerful motors, can accommodate larger blanks in between the centers, and can work with all kinds of materials. That said, a midi lathe is great for workshops with limited floor space, and they’re several times less expensive.
Midi lathes come with everything you need except for the cutting tools. You’ll have the purchase those separately or rely on whatever chisels you have at home. However, if the need arises, you might want to consider picking up a bed extension. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to drill your own mounting holes into the tool’s base to fasten it onto a workbench.
We’ll level with you. All lathes are dangerous in the wrong hands. Even though lathe-related accidents aren’t very common, they can certainly happen to you if you don’t operate the tool correctly. The included instruction manual with your midi lathe should give you a good idea of how to assemble it, what precautions to take, and how to adjust the spindle and tailstock safely. Read the manual cover to cover!
They might, but it depends on whether you have the right tools on hand or not. Metal lathes operate at lower speeds while providing enough torque to make clean threads on metal objects. Their spindles generally run between 50 and 200 RPM, so only a couple of the products on our list actually meet the speed criteria. However, we have a separate guide on metal lathes if you’re interested.
Summary
In this guide on the best midi lathe, you can find the overall best midi lathe model available today, as well as a guide on how to shop for a midi lathe.
Refer to our guide if you’d like to learn whether a midi lathe is the right lathe machine option for your garage workshop.
If you have any concerns related to midi lathes, we’d love to help straighten things out in the comments section.