What the figures on a lathe's data sheet mean is explained in the lathe guide. Benchtop machines are compared in more detail in how to choose a benchtop lathe.
Match the class to the work
| Work | Class that suits it | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A first lathe for spindles and small projects | Benchtop | Ordinary 120 V supply; 18–20 in between centres covers handles, pins and knobs |
| Table and chair legs | Full-size | 42–47 in between centres on the lathes here |
| Large bowls and platters | Full-size with a large swing | Up to 18 in over the rest base on the G0766; outboard turning on the G0733 |
| A small or shared space | Benchtop | 79 to 125.7 lb, against 386 to 490 lb for the full-size lathes here |
Planning guidance from the makers' figures; a beginner's first lathe is chosen by the work, not by a label. Not a ranking.
Benchtop and full-size lathes by their makers' figures
| Lathe | Swing / between centres | Speed | Motor and supply | Spindle thread | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly T25920 (benchtop) | 12 / 18 in | 300–3700 rpm | 3/4 HP, 120 V | 1 in × 8 TPI | 79 lb |
| Grizzly G0844 (benchtop) | 14 / 20 in | 250–3550 rpm | 3/4 HP, 120 V | 1 in × 8 TPI | 110 lb |
| WEN 34034 | 14 / 20 in | 250–3550 rpm | 6 A, 120 V | 1 in × 8 TPI | 125.7 lb |
| Grizzly G0632 | 16 / 42 in | 100–3200 rpm | 1.5 HP, 220 V | 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI | 386 lb |
| Grizzly G0733 | 18 / 47 in | 100–3200 rpm | 2 HP, 240 V | 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI | 446 lb |
| Grizzly G0766 | 22 / 42 in | 100–3200 rpm | 3 HP, 240 V | 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI | 490 lb |
Each maker's own figures, from its manual. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
14 x 20-in variable-speed benchtop lathe, with drive and live center kit
WEN 34035 with LA0009 kit
WEN's 34035: by WEN's page, the 14 in by 20 in capacity, 6 A motor and 250–3550 rpm of the 34034 in the table above, here with its LA0009 center kit.
Paid link — BenchRoot may earn a commission if you buy through this link.
Specifications to check
| Specification | Why it matters | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Swing over the rest base | The largest disc with the rest in place | The data sheet figure, not only swing over the bed |
| Distance between centres | The longest spindle | Your longest blank plus waste at each end |
| Lowest speed | Large and out-of-round work needs low speed | The bottom of the range: 100 rpm on the full-size lathes here, 250–300 on the benchtops |
| Speed control | How easily speed follows the work | Variable within ranges, or belt steps |
| Supply | The outlet and circuit it needs | Voltage and amps; plan any new circuit with an electrician |
| Spindle thread | Which chucks and faceplates fit | 1 in × 8 TPI or 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI on the lathes here |
| Weight and footprint | Stability, moving it, the floor | Weight as listed and the stand or bench |
What each figure decides; read every one from the lathe's own manual. Not a ranking.
What each class cannot do
| Class | Cannot | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Benchtop | Turn long legs or large bowls | A full-size lathe |
| Full-size | Run from an ordinary outlet, on the lathes here | A 220–240 V circuit, planned with an electrician |
| Full-size | Move easily: 386 to 490 lb here | A fixed place in the shop |
| Any lathe | Accept another lathe's chucks unless the thread matches | Match accessories to the stated thread |
General limits of each class, from the figures above. Not a ranking.
Safety— Speed charts and safety rules come with the machine
Each lathe's manual carries its own speed chart and safety rules; Grizzly asks for low speeds for large, long or out-of-round work. Read them before the first cut — see how to use a lathe and woodworking safety rules.
Before buying a lathe
- Largest diameter and longest blank you plan to turn
- Swing over the rest base and length between centres cover them
- Lowest speed suits your largest work
- Supply matches a circuit you have, or one an electrician can add
- Spindle thread stated, and accessories made for it
- Floor or bench that carries the weight
Tools to go with it are covered in how to choose turning tools; every woodturning page is mapped in the lathe guide.
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is the maker's for its own lathe, from its manual, and is shown to compare what each states. Supply figures are the makers'; any new circuit is for a qualified electrician under local rules. Nothing was tested and none is ranked.
- 1.
Model T25920 12" x 18" Benchtop Wood Lathe, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial, 2020.
Used for: A 12 × 18 in benchtop lathe: 3/4 HP on 120 V, 300–3700 rpm, 79 lb.
- 2.
Model G0844 14" x 20" Benchtop Wood Lathe, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial, 2019.
Used for: A 14 × 20 in benchtop lathe: 3/4 HP on 120 V, 250–3550 rpm, 1 in × 8 TPI, 110 lb; low speeds for large, long or out-of-round work.
- 3.
Model 34034 14" x 20" Variable Speed Wood Lathe, Instruction Manual. WEN Products (store-hosted copy), 2019.
Used for: A 14 × 20 in lathe: 6 A at 120 V, 250–3550 rpm in three ranges, 1 in × 8 TPI, 125.7 lb.
- 4.
Model G0632 16" x 42" Variable-Speed Wood Lathe, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial, 2015.
Used for: A 16 × 42 in lathe: 1.5 HP on 220 V, 100–3200 rpm, 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI, 11-1/2 in over the rest base, 386 lb.
- 5.
Model G0733 18" x 47" Wood Lathe, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial, 2021.
Used for: An 18 × 47 in lathe: 2 HP on 240 V, 100–3200 rpm, 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI, forward and reverse, outboard turning with a floor-standing rest, 446 lb.
- 6.
Model G0766 22" x 42" Variable-Speed Wood Lathe, Owner's Manual. Grizzly Industrial, 2021.
Used for: A 22 × 42 in lathe: 3 HP on 240 V, 100–3200 rpm, 1-1/4 in × 8 TPI, 18 in over the rest base, 490 lb.
About this buying guide
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