The Nova Comet II is a great benchtop, midi style lathe with a smaller footprint yet plenty of power to still maximize the full 12-inch swing over center. … This is a great lathe for beginners who want to get into spindle turning, pen making, ring turning, etc.A wood lathe is a type of lathe that’s designed specifically for woodworking applications. … They still work like all other lathes by exposing a rotating workpiece to a stationary cutting tool. But wood lathes are used specifically to work wooden workpieces.An average quality lathe will cost between $600 to $900 with better quality lathes costing about $1,000 – $2,000. Some more high end will go for as much as $4,000. The lathe brands that are popular with woodturners are Jet, Rikon, Nova, and Laguna.PSI Woodworking KWL-1218VS Turn Crafter Lathe.

SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe.

Powermatic Wood Lathe with RPM Digital Readout.

RIKON 70-100 Mini Lathe.

Jet JWL-1440VSK Wood Lathe.

WEN 3420T Variable Speed Bench-top Mini Wood Lathe.

Delta Industrial Variable-Speed Midi Lathe.