Best Variable Speed Lathes 2026

Editor's Choice

Our #1 Pick For Variable Speed Lathes

1. WEN 3421 Wood Lathe

(392 Points)

Price Available Check Current Price

View On Amazon

See All Features

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.

Through our research of the top Variable Speed Lathes, we evaluated dozens products that are purchasable right now. There are lots of high quality tools The WEN 3421 was our favorite Variable Speed Lathes for sale right now.

The 3421 Wood Lathe by WEN is the perfect option for both professionals and hobbyists alike. You will not be let down by the features this Wood Lathe includes. This tool is fantastic for use on the house and on the job site.

The 3421 by WEN is manufactured with excellent design. There's a reason why WEN has track record as a premier Lathe manufacturer.

The 3421 Wood Lathe by WEN is a great deal as well. This Wood Lathe costs just $135.18. It's really remarkable that WEN has the ability to sell these Wood Lathes at that price. There are other Lathes for sale that are similar craftsmanship but are much more expensive.

This Wood Lathe moreover has top star ratings. The WEN 3421 has been reviewed on Amazon 392 times. Actual customers report an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. This shows clearly that most of the users Invested in the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe by WEN are very satisfied with the tool.

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)

Price Available

Check Current Price

VIEW ON AMAZON

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 fact is that the WEN 3421 Wood Lathe B07ZG9VTT2 was the Variable Speed Lathes that we ranked most highly. Having said that, there were several other very premium Variable Speed Lathes we wanted to show you here that barely fell short.

Next up is built by Shop Fox known to be a very highly regarded tool brand. Shop Fox's Wood Lathes are among their leading products. It was fantastic to check out the W1704. I was very happy using this tool!

The Shop Fox W1704 Wood Lathe, at $249.99 is an especially great Lathe for the price. If you unsure about our number one choice, I'd consider the Shop Fox W1704 next. It's a high 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

If you are thinking that the Variable Speed Lathes above fail to cut it, we rated several alternative selections that might fit you better. We found a plenty of excellent tools on the market to pick from. The Lathes we rated above are the best of the best. Having said that, the Lathes below offer several unique features and are all premium Variable Speed Lathes.