Best Variable Speed Lathes 2026

Editor's Choice

Our #1 Pick For Variable Speed Lathes

1. WEN 3421 Wood Lathe

(392 Points)

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Editor's Review

I'm SUPER pleased with my new Wood Lathe! I turned in on and I was working in minutes. I was really pleased with this Wood Lathe. Arrived with all accessories as advertised. Has been a very reliable and fun little machine.

When researching the top Variable Speed Lathes, we analyzed dozens selections that are currently available. There are many premium options The tool that really rose to the top of the bunch was the 3421 Wood Lathe by WEN.

Both contractors and beginners alike can make use of the WEN 3421. This Wood Lathe includes numerous fantastic features. This tool is excellent for use on home projects and on the job site.

The 3421 by WEN is manufactured with excellent craftsmanship. WEN has a reputation as a highly rated Lathe producer.

The WEN 3421 Wood Lathe is a great price as well. This Wood Lathe costs just $135.18. That is probably among the reasons for the tool's popularity. That price is particularly cost-effective keeping in mind the features of this tool.

The WEN 3421 is also top rated. The WEN 3421 has been rated on Amazon 392 times. It boasts an average star rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. This is definitely a Wood Lathe that buyers prefer.

Full WEN 3421 Review

WEN 3421 Features & Specs

Perfect for pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
Fits workpieces up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide
3.2-Amp motor provides over 50% more power than most 8-inch wood lathes
Adjust the soft start variable speed motor anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM
Features a 2.3-Inch face plate, an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, and two interchangeable tool rests

People's Choice

These Are Some Of The Highest Rated Variable Speed Lathes Available Today

2. Shop Fox W1704 Wood Lathe

(266 Points)

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In general I am very happy with the Wood Lathe! The machine is quiet and smooth as silk. So far, I'm very satisfied with this Wood Lathe. If you're a beginner, this Wood Lathe is for you. Screw the feet in place and you're good to go!

The truth is that the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe B07ZG9VTT2 was the Variable Speed Lathes that we rated most highly. With that said, there are a number of other really great options when it comes to Variable Speed Lathes. We have the best of them in this article.

Next on our list is built by Shop Fox known to be a very reputable tool supplier. Shop Fox's Wood Lathes are one of their leading products. I was eager to have a go at the model W1704 and I was not let down!

This Wood Lathe is just $249.99. That is an exceptional deal for a quality Lathe like the W1704 by Shop Fox. If you unsure about our number one choice, I'd check out the Shop Fox W1704 next. It's a top quality tool at a great price.

Full Shop Fox W1704 Review

Shop Fox W1704 Features

Motor: 1/3 HP, 2 Amp, 110V, Single-phase, 60 Hz

12-inch distance between centers

8-inch swing over bed

Cast iron construction and infinitely variable speed control

Includes two tool rests

Honorable Mentions

We found a few more fantastic Variable Speed Lathes available. Listed here are a number to go with if the selections you already looked at don't be a good fit for you. It's true that there are a number of terrific options out there to choose. Through exhaustive analysis and testing, the selections we reviewed earlier were our preferred Lathes. Having said that, these Lathes shown below offer a number of special features on top of the fact that they are each premium Variable Speed Lathes.