• Wood lathes are used to make spindles, bowls and other woodcraft items.Richard Lewisohn/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Wood lathes are made to produce wood products from toothpicks to 60-inch or longer spindles. For the homeowner with a wood shop, a mini- or midi-sized lathe works best. When you want to add one to your wood shop, knowing the differences among available models is the place to start.
  
  

Craftsman Model 22106

• Craftsman describes this tool as having cast iron bed, headstock and tailstock and says it was designed to turn up to 38-inch spindles and 15-inch bowls inboard and 20-inch bowls outboard. This variable-speed tool mounts to a workbench and weighs 175 pounds, making it a solid mini lathe.
  
  

Craftex Model B2198

• This lathe features a cast iron bed, headstock, tailstock and tool rest. The swivel headstock allows the user to make large outboard turning, and the variable speed gives the user control. The maximum length for making spindles is 33 1/2 inches. One accessory available for this lathe enables it to make copies of a spindle, keeping them exactly the same length and design.
  
  

Delta Model 46-460

• Delta Model 46-460 has a strong 1-horsepower motor. According to the Woodworkers Guild of America website, the forward and reversing capabilities of this model allow the user to achieve superior finishes on the products they make. This feature is not on most of the smaller-class lathes. Also included with this model are 6- and 10-inch tool rests to provide support for a variety of turning applications. This model will turn blocks of wood at a maximum diameter of 12 1/2 inches.
  
  

General Models 26020 and 26020-1

• These two models made by General are heavy-duty machines that weigh over 500 pounds. Built with a 2-horsepower motor, they turn wood up to 24 1/2 inches in diameter. With an optional extension, the spindles can reach up to 60 inches in length. These machines are for serious woodworkers or commercial wood shops. Lathes of this size generate a lot of heat, so they come equipped with internal fans to keep them cool.
  
  

Shopsmith Mark 7

• Shopsmith is a well-known name among woodworkers. With a 1 3/4-horsepower motor and a turning diameter of 16 1/2 inches, the Shopsmith is a powerful tool. It turns spindles 34 inches in length from 250 to 10,000 rotations per minute. A self-aligning tool rest carriage keeps your tools aligned properly while sliding the carriage up and down the length of the wood.