I love using Midi lathes since there offer adequate motor power in the right size and a comfortable price range.
According to my research and finding, 40% of full size and mini lathes uses Midi lathes as their main wood lathe.
The market is full of Midi lathes.
The only thing you need to do is to select the right one for your wood activities.
Below I have listed some of the best 3 Midi lathes you can get and experience the best time when dealing with woodturning (if you’re interested in the best bowl turning lathes then read this)
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Our Best Midi Lathe Choices
1. JET Midi Lathe with Variable Speed
It’s a 12inch variable-speed device that even brings its own innovation to the table with a patent-pending ratchet style belt tension system that no other midi lathe offers.
Uses
It’s a bowl-turner that has an easy-to-use speed control system.
This allows you to precisely operate the machine as needed, making it ideal for professionals.
Features
1. It’s simple to switch from forward to reverse.
2. includes a belt tensioning device that works like a ratchet (patent pending)
3. The ingenious ratchet-style belt is convenient and ensures the exact amount of force required.
4. It takes a few minutes to get used to it.
Pros
1. For a midi lathe, one horsepower is plenty of power.
2. The dual tool rests are really useful.
3. An easily adjustable speed range with a wide range of speeds
4. Cast iron is a long-lasting material.
5. Forward and reverse transitions are seamless.
Cons
1. It’s expensive
This lathe is fantastic; however, the company’s quality control might be improved, as many clients have fault issues that must be corrected or returned to the company from the outset.
Popular brands
1. Rikon
2. Delta
Why I Like It
It is unique in that it is composed of solid cast iron.
It’s one of the best wood lathes on the market, with excellent speed control and a level of efficiency that’s hard to beat.
- 15-1/2" between centers
- Integrated 24-position indexing
- Three variable-speed ranges (200–1,050/300–1,750/600–3,600)
- Wider bed ways for increased stability
- Improved tensioning system with easier access to belts
2. Wen 3421 Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe with Variable Speed
Uses
1. It is used for small workpieces such as Pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces.
Features
Workpieces up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide can be accommodated.
From 750 to 3200 RPM, the soft start variable speed motor can be adjusted.
Two interchangeable tool rests a 2.3-inch faceplate, an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, and an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper.
Pros
1. Benchtop small lathe with a low cost
2. Spur center and tailstock taper are of high quality.
3. Optimal speed and a good range
4. Design with a gentle start
5. Pen and spindle turning is simple to do.
Cons
1. Don’t expect to be able to perform everything you could on a full-size wood lathe because it’s small (find the best wood lathe chuck here)
Popular brands
1. W1704Wen
Why I Like It
It is ideal for basic and small projects.
It has a budget-friendly model that features dependable speed ranges, a simple speed controller, and all of the swing capacity you’ll need in a portable lathe.
This is an excellent choice for both beginners and little jobs.
- Perfect for turning pens, bowls, cups, chess pieces, and other small workpieces
- Features an 8-inch swing over the bed and a 13-inch distance between centers
- Soft-start 3.2-amp motor starts gradually to prevent damage to the motor and maximize safety
- Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 750 to 3200 RPM
- Includes a 2.3-inch face plate, an MT1 spindle and tailstock taper, two interchangeable tool rests, and a two-year warranty
3. Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16
1. It is an upgrade of ¾ HP 70-100.
Uses
1. It has more motor power and torque to stand toe to toe with some of the other lathes.
Features
1. It is approximately 120lbs
2. Has LED display
3. 24 position index head
4. Forward or reverse function
5. 1-inch diameter tool rest
6. Digital RPM readout
7. Side safety on the on/off switch
Advantages and disadvantages
1. Below are some of the likes and dislikes of Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16.
Pros
1. The 1 HP motor is as strong as any full-size wood lathe and gives plenty of power.
2. Midi lathe has a variable speed range of 450 to 3,500 RPM
3. the cast iron base that is both durable and sturdy
4. With an extensible spindle lock, you can increase capacity.
Cons
1. Although the control panel isn’t of the highest quality, it does the job.
2. The controller circuit can fail sometimes.
Popular brands
1. Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16
Why I Like It
1. Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16 is the greatest because it has safety on the on/off unit.
2. You can use Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16 for metalwork to stand toe to toe with other lathes.
3. The key features of Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16 are: it is approximately 120lbs, has LED display, 24 position index head, forward or reverse function, 1-inch diameter tool rest, digital RPM readout, side safety on the on/off switch.
4. The main advantages of Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16 are: strong motor, gives plenty of power, the midi lathe has a variable speed range of 450 to 3,500 RPM, cast iron base that is both durable and sturdy, with an extensible spindle lock, you can increase capacity.
5. The main disadvantage of Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16 is the fact that the Controller circuit can fail sometimes.
6. The popular brand is Rikon Midi VSR Lathe 12 x 16.
Best Midi Wood Lathes
- 15-1/2" between centers
- Integrated 24-position indexing
- Three variable-speed ranges (200–1,050/300–1,750/600–3,600)
- Wider bed ways for increased stability
- Improved tensioning system with easier access to belts
- Added Precision: Digital indexing readout simplifies the indexing process.
- Customizable Versatility: Magnetic-backed moveable control box.
- Maximum Comfort: Adjustable riser blocks provide four inches of height adjustment.
- Solid Toolrest Placement: Upgraded banjo features a non-marring, pinch-style clamp.
- Increased Workpiece Access: Extended spindle nose.
- Sliding headstock pivots 360 degrees with 7 positive locking positions (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 270 degrees)
- Variable speed from 400-3,000 RPM
- Positive locking tool rest with redesigned clamping
- Acme thread in tailstock
- Improved tailstock quill locking with anti-rotation key
- Sliding headstock pivots 360 degrees with 7 positive locking positions (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 270 degrees)
- Variable speed from 400-3,000 RPM
- Positive locking tool rest with redesigned clamping
- Acme thread in tailstock
- Improved tailstock quill locking with anti-rotation key
- This lathe is perfect for serious wood turners who want to turn large bowls, furniture pieces and other large-diameter projects
- This product is easy to use easy to install and highly durable
- The heavy-duty cast iron bed and stand make this lathe extremely stable and the headstock can be positioned anywhere along the bed
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
