We consider a 12 inch lathe to be a worthy investment in the long run. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best 12 inch lathe for you.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Jet 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Training: Buy: Wen 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Light: Buy: Shop Fox Benchtop Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Beginners: Buy: Rikon Power Tools 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Woodworking: Buy: Grizzly 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Metric Thread: Buy: Mophorn Wood Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Pen Turning: Buy: Psi Woodworking 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Tons Of Torque: Buy: Rikon Power Tools Variable Speed Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Power Control: Buy: Shop Fox 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best Little Lathe: Buy: Psi Woodworking Turncrafter Commander Lathe READ REVIEW

Best For Wide Application: Buy: Mophorn 12 Inch Lathe READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Jet 12 Inch Lathe

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Jet 12 inch lathe is the epitome of what a great lathe should be. The Jet 12 Inch Lathe would be perfect with great customer service and it is built with convenient controls. The Manufacturer says: With jet tools, we see a future built on great brands, products, and people. Further, the lathe is a smooth transition additionally includes a tool storage caddy on each end of the machine.

The lathe is blue, it is more powerful and has a perfect design. In addition, it is very affordable and has professional design. Most importantly, the jet 12 inch lathe has a belt, is great for high quality and it runs very smoothly.

Almost all buyers opine that the lathe will be necessary to be sure to balance heavier pieces very carefully before turning. Further, they also found that the lathe will mount to any good heavy work table. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the readout will read rev when you turn the lathe on to let you know it 's in reverse. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the lathe suits the purpose.

• This can be seen by opening the lower belt adjustment door.
• This has added safety, has a spindle lock and it can ask for good quality.
• This will either read 1900 or 3600 at max, never anything else.
• This is an amazing little machine.

Best For Training: Wen 12 Inch Lathe

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The 12 inch lathe might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year, thanks to multiple price cuts and added new features over the past few months. The 12 inch lathe comes with main parts, It is current and has a perfect design. Fill your house with as many pens as you can with the 8-inch by 12. The written wood lathe also includes a flat wrench, a headstock spur center, a tailstock cup center, a knockout rod and a 2.3 - inch faceplate for non - spindle work pieces.

The lathe is portable, it is durable and has a professional design. Most importantly, the 12 inch lathe is perfect for a small workshop and it can be trusted for good quality.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the lathe was suitable for horizontal drilling. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the lathe has been helpful, and happy turning. In addition, a few also found that the maximum hole size you can drill on this lathe is around 5/8.

• Remember when you could turn pens, chess pieces and more.
• This is a good set of lathe chisels. should be all you need.
• This is used for other small workpieces and it is more powerful.
• This is turning things through trial and error.

Best For Light: Shop Fox Benchtop Lathe

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Best part: Shop Fox benchtop lathe costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The shop 's Fox benchtop lathe makes for a great buy, It runs smoothly and has professional design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, this is used for single-phase, is great for light on power, It is very smooth and has a perfect design.

The lathe is much more, is perfect for great quality and it is suitable for small size. Most importantly, the shop Fox benchtop lathe is designed to provide many years of trouble - free service.

Most buyers agree that the lathe includes a mt#1 spur center and mt#1 live center. In addition, they say that the lathe comes with no attachments for pens. Moreover, they also found that the lathe is running it gives it a beautiful polish and shine. In conclusion, for almost all customers, it was what they were looking for.

• This comes with 2 tool rests and and a face plate.
• This is ....a 1/3 hp midi-lathe.
• Motor: 1/3 hp, 2 amp, 110v, single-phase, 60 hz.
• This is a great entry - level starter.

Best For Beginners: Rikon Power Tools 12 Inch Lathe

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Compared with other lathes in this category, the Rikon power tools 12 inch lathe has a convenient design. The Rikon power tools 12 inchlathe provides ample power for all turning needs. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this moves the belt and it is very sturdy.

Finally, the Rikon power tools 12inch lathe is blue and it is very solid.

Most buyers found that the lathe provides ample power for all turning needs. Furthermore, a few also found that the lathe is considered one of the largest mid-sized lathes. And, they strongly agree that the lathe is huge, 36” between the centers.

• Electronic variable speed controls, wider range of operating speeds, digital rpm readout for.
• Pivoting belt cover for easy access when changing belt speeds.
• This will handle any chuck to those specifications.
• This lathe does not support outboard turning.

Best For Woodworking: Grizzly 12 Inch Lathe

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Grizzly offers a variety of lathes for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Grizzly 12 Inch Lathe is easy with the shift-on-the-fly handle so there are no belts to mess with. If you want to add more mass, the legs feature shelf supports for your own custom-built shelf. Moreover, it has minimized vibration and it is easy to assemble.

The lathe is much more, is perfect for shipping weight, it comes with great customer service and has professional design. Most importantly, the grizzly 12 inch lathe has a spindle lock and it is made with good product.

Almost all buyers opine that the lathe is made for shaping and / or deep passes. In addition, a few say that the lathe is packaged in a long plywood bolted down, and it is decently hefty for its price-point. Moreover, a few say that this lathe will definitely handle up to 15.75” in diameter. Overall, many customers have used the grizzly 12 inch lathe for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• This is great value for a full - size lathe.
• This is securely bolted inside a very strong custom crate.
• This has a variable speed of 700.
• This lacks reverse and full variable drive.

Best For Metric Thread: Mophorn Wood Lathe

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Mophorn Wood Lathe for regular usage. The mophorn wood lathe is an ideal tool for use in labs, workshops, engineering and educational. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The mini wood lathe features a great speed range, 500.

The lathe is sturdy, it is great for pens and has a professional design. And, the lathe is great for motor speed, is adjustable and it is compact. Most importantly, the mophorn wood lathe is an exceptional tool for performing various wood-related operations like cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, etc.

Almost all customers agree that the lathe that comes with the unit is functional but pretty basic. Also, they say that the lathe is the same model as the grizzly but with 3 speed pulleys compared to 2 on the grizzly and a metric spindle compared to the imperial one on the grizzly. In conclusion, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the lathe suits the purpose.

• This is designed for metric thread, is easy to operate and it has a lcd screen.
• This comes with a really crappy manual that is very little help.
• This is 1 inch diameter with 8 tpi.
• This is suitable for high torque, it is perfect for high quality and has a perfect design.

Best For Pen Turning: Psi Woodworking 12 Inch Lathe

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For a low asking price, Psi Woodworking 12 Inch Lathe has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The psi woodworking 12 inch lathe is easy to set up and use. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it is sturdy and it comes with a good product.

Most importantly, the psi woodworking 12inch lathe is portable, is worth the money and it is current.

Most customers find that the lathe that comes with it is for making pens. Also, a few say that the lathe is direct drive, the head being the end of the ac motor shaft. In addition, a few strongly agree that the lathe has enough hp & torque for turning that material. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• Headstock threaded to 3/4" x 16tpi; tailstock uses #1 morse taper mount (1mt).
• Anodized aluminum base with mounting holes and flange to mount lathes on most surfaces.
• This is suitable for most woods, but not for acrylic.
• Use as a 2nd lathe, always ready for sanding, finishing or making extra pens.

Best For Tons Of Torque: Rikon Power Tools Variable Speed Lathe

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Compared with other lathes in this category, the Rikon Power Tools Variable Speed Lathe has a convenient design. The rikon power tools variable speed lathe is brand new, runs smoothly and it is perfect for an affordable price. You have the ability to add multiple extensions, use differently sized tool rests and face plates, and you can mount the rikon on a stand that adjusts to your working height. This powerful, smooth - running lathe offers unique features like a 12.

Finally, the rikon power tools variable speed lathe comes with a ram that can travel up to 2-1/2 inches, The tail stock can also be moved along the lathe bed by loosening the locking lever and then relocking it in the desired position.

Almost all buyers found that the lathe was no problem to install, in 5 minutes. And, they strongly agree that the lathe come with any type of expandable chuck. Moreover, they strongly agree that this large is by definition a mini lathe, so it 's intended for smaller jobs but you can turn a bowl on it. In short, many customers have used the rikon power tools variable speed lathe for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• Laser engraved ram with 2-1/2-inch travel.
• This lathe is solid and really easy to use.
• These features are not found on many other lathes above its class.
• This has a 1/2 horse power electric motor on it.

Best For Power Control: Shop Fox 12 Inch Lathe

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The shop Fox 12 inchlathe is suitable and reliable and fits well with your daily purpose. The Shop Fox 12 Inch Lathe features variable speed control for on-the-fly speed adjustments. This lathe features a convenient tool holder for storing your chisels, extra centers and other tools when not in use. The shop Fox w1836 wood lathe is packed with features that woodturners love.

The lathe is secured with a cam-action clamping system for a rock - solid grip. And, it is ideal for power control, it is flexible and has a perfect design. Most importantly, the shop fox 12 inch lathe includes a tool holder, work lamp, live center, spur center and a 3" faceplate.

Most buyers find that the lathe comes with the machine, it arrives without any headstock jaws. Also, they say that this lathe is top quality and craftsmanship. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best lathes for daily purposes.

• Two spindle speed ranges: 500-1800 rpm & 1000-3800 rpm.
• 3/4 hp, 110v, single-phase, universal motor.
• This is designed to provide years of trouble - free service.
• Electronic variable-speed spindle control with digital rpm readout.

Best Little Lathe: Psi Woodworking Turncrafter Commander Lathe

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Next on the list, we've got yet another lathe that manages to win our hearts. It's the Psi Woodworking Turncrafter Commander Lathe and it's widely considered as the lathe that has the most suitable features. The psi woodworking turncrafter commander lathe includes (2) rubber feet, (2) bolts, (2) washers, and (2) lock washers. Increases your maximum distance between centers to 42. Moreover, it is 27 inches in additional length, and weighs 35 lbs.

Above all, the psi woodworking turncrafter commander lathe can easily add multiple extension beds to create infinite length for super long projects.

Most customers found that the lathe is easy to apply with extn. Moreover, they say that this is an extension for a wood lathe. Any thing your lathe puts out will be OK, but it must fit your lathe. To sum up, for most customers, it was just what they wanted.

• This is made from cast iron.
• Good brand reputation.

Best For Wide Application: Mophorn 12 Inch Lathe

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The Mophorn 12 Inch Lathe is capable of outshining several other lathes featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The mophorn 12 inch lathe is adjustable and it is durable. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The mini metal lathe quick change tool post can achieve positions of internal cutting, face cutting and bevel cutting by changing the tool post angle and adjusting the compound rest.

The lathe includes a thread range of 12. Finally, the mophorn 12 inch lathe includes a free lamp, 1x 4-jaw independent chuck, 1x quick change tool post and 4x engineer measuring kit.

In short, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the lathe suits the purpose.

• This is for acurate operation in a dark environment.
• Mini metal lathe chuck, 3-jaw self-centering chuck, for setting cylindrical materials steadily.
• This is crafted with sturdy iron construction and it is sturdy.
• Using a mini metal lathe power a motor.