Key takeaways
- Electronic variable speed. Hobbystack calls it the single biggest quality-of-life feature, because you can dial speed up and down without moving a belt. Pens commonly run faster than bowls, and a smooth range lets you slow down for sanding or finishing.
- Mass and vibration. Cast-iron construction reduces chatter compared with lighter aluminum designs. Pen blanks are small, but a lightweight lathe can still shake with an unbalanced blank.
- Spindle and taper. A Morse taper 2 (MT2) headstock and tailstock is a common standard, and it makes pen mandrels, drive centers and live centers easy to find. LatheGuide lists MT2 on both ends of the Jet and a 1 inch by 8 TPI spindle thread. Check these on any other lathe you consider, since accessory kits assume them.
- Distance between centers. Pens are short, so even 12 inches is plenty. A longer bed helps if you want to turn spindles, handles or a pen blank mounted on a long mandrel.
- Low-speed control. A smooth start at low RPM helps with safe mounting and fine sanding.
- Bed extension and accessories. One forum user prefers the Jet 1015 to the older 1014 because a bed extension is available. This is worth checking for any model if you might expand.
For most pen turners, the Rikon 70-105 is the value pick, the Jet JWL-1015VS is the premium mini lathe for people who want refined fit and dealer support, and the WEN 3421 is the budget starter, with older Delta midi lathes remaining popular on the used market for turners who expect to move beyond pens. Reviewers and forum users keep landing on this short list because pens are small, light work where smooth variable speed and low vibration matter more than raw power.
A pen is turned between centers on a mandrel, usually at moderate to high speed, with short brass tubes inside the blank. That makes a mini or midi lathe an ideal fit, as long as it spins smoothly, holds a center and accepts common accessories. This guide compares the lathes named most often in 2026 roundups and turning forums, using maker-style specifications as reported by reviewers.
Our top picks
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Pen Turning Lathes at a Glance
| Lathe | Size and motor | Best for | Reported details | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rikon 70-105 | 10 inch swing, 18 inch between centers, 1/2 HP | Best value mini lathe | Cast-iron bed, headstock and tailstock, electronic variable speed per Hobbystack and Woodworkerslab | Jets are said to hold resale value better |
| Jet JWL-1015VS | 10 inch swing, 15-1/2 inch between centers, 1/2 HP DC | Quality-focused pen makers, small shops | LatheGuide lists 200 to 3600 RPM, MT2 headstock and tailstock, 1 inch by 8 TPI spindle, about 77 lb, heavy cast iron | Higher cost, three belt ranges need manual changes, no digital RPM readout |
| WEN 3421 | 8 inch swing, 12 inch between centers, 1/3 HP | Budget, portable, first lathe | Hobbystack lists electronic variable speed and a light, portable design | Lighter bench, less mass to damp vibration |
| Delta 46-455 and 46-460 (older midi lathes) | Midi size; forum posts mention up to 1 HP on the 46-460 | Turners expecting to grow past pens | Forum users mention reverse and variable speed | Older forum advice; availability, pricing and current catalog should be confirmed with the maker |
What Matters for Pen Turning
- Electronic variable speed. Hobbystack calls it the single biggest quality-of-life feature, because you can dial speed up and down without moving a belt. Pens commonly run faster than bowls, and a smooth range lets you slow down for sanding or finishing.
- Mass and vibration. Cast-iron construction reduces chatter compared with lighter aluminum designs. Pen blanks are small, but a lightweight lathe can still shake with an unbalanced blank.
- Spindle and taper. A Morse taper 2 (MT2) headstock and tailstock is a common standard, and it makes pen mandrels, drive centers and live centers easy to find. LatheGuide lists MT2 on both ends of the Jet and a 1 inch by 8 TPI spindle thread. Check these on any other lathe you consider, since accessory kits assume them.
- Distance between centers. Pens are short, so even 12 inches is plenty. A longer bed helps if you want to turn spindles, handles or a pen blank mounted on a long mandrel.
- Low-speed control. A smooth start at low RPM helps with safe mounting and fine sanding.
- Bed extension and accessories. One forum user prefers the Jet 1015 to the older 1014 because a bed extension is available. This is worth checking for any model if you might expand.
Lathe-by-Lathe Notes
Rikon 70-105
Woodworkerslab ranks the Rikon first for pen turning, and forum users often call it the best value in a mini lathe. Reviewers describe a cast-iron bed and headstock, electronic variable speed and a 1/2 HP motor, with 10 by 18 inch capacity. One review places it at roughly half the Jet’s price. It is a sound choice if you want to spend less on the machine and more on tools and kits.
Jet JWL-1015VS
The Jet is the premium mini. LatheGuide says it offers excellent fit and finish, runs smoothly with little vibration and uses heavy cast iron. Hobbystack notes it is not dramatically ahead of the Rikon for pens, so you pay extra mainly for build quality, reliability and the dealer network. The review also flags the shorter 15-1/2 inch bed and modest 1/2 HP motor, and the manual belt changes between its three speed ranges.
WEN 3421
Described as the best budget pen lathe, the WEN has a smaller 8 by 12 inch capacity and a 1/3 HP motor. It is light, which makes it portable but also more prone to vibration. It is fine for pens and small projects, and many beginners start here to find out whether they enjoy turning.
Delta midi lathes
Forum threads praise the Delta 46-455 and 46-460 for power and reverse. One poster calls the newer Delta awesome but expensive. Since these forum posts are old, treat prices and models as possibly out of date, and look at the maker’s current offerings or a used example before committing.
Picks by Budget Tier
Budget
The WEN 3421 is the name roundups give for the cheapest worthwhile pen lathe. Pair it with a heavy, stable bench and expect to need extra care with balance and tool control.
Mid-range
The Rikon 70-105 is the common answer, with a cast-iron build and a bigger bed than the Jet. If you are unsure, this is the safest choice for pens and small spindle projects.
Premium
The Jet JWL-1015VS is the pick for a refined, smooth machine, and for turners who care about resale value and local support. A larger midi lathe is another route if you plan to turn bowls and longer work as well as pens.
Accessories You Will Need
- Pen mandrel and bushings, sized to the kit you plan to turn.
- Drive center and live center with MT2 shanks to match the lathe.
- Pen mill or barrel trimmer, to square the ends of the brass tubes.
- Small gouge, skew and scraper, or carbide tools, for shaping the blank.
- Pen press for assembling the finished pen.
- Dust collection and a face shield.
How a Pen Is Turned
The basic process is the same on every lathe listed here. You drill the blank, glue in a brass tube, square the ends with a barrel trimmer, and mount the blank on a pen mandrel between centers, with bushings at each end that set the final diameter. You then shape the wood down to the bushings with a gouge, skew or scraper, sand through the grits and apply a finish while the blank is still spinning. Because every step happens at the lathe, smooth speed control and a steady tailstock matter more than capacity. Many beginners also buy a mandrel saver, which supports the free end of the mandrel and limits flex on long or hard blanks.
Plan on practicing with inexpensive wood or acrylic blanks first. Pen kits come in many styles, so confirm the tube size, bushing set and drill bit that each kit needs before you start. Over time, most turners add a second set of bushings, a pen press and a few finishing supplies, which together cost less than a lathe upgrade and make a bigger difference to the results.
Setup and Safety Notes
- Bolt the lathe to a heavy bench or add weight to reduce vibration.
- Place the lathe where you can stand comfortably with your elbows at tool-rest height.
- Wear a face shield and dust protection every time you turn.
- Rotate the blank by hand before powering on to confirm clearance.
- Use the lowest speed to start, then increase gradually.
- Have a qualified electrician check your outlet if you plan to run other shop tools on the same circuit, and follow the maker’s manual for wiring and use.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| If you want | Pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The best value for pens | Rikon 70-105 | Cast iron, variable speed, 18 inch bed |
| Premium feel and resale | Jet JWL-1015VS | Fit and finish, dealer support |
| The lowest entry cost | WEN 3421 | Budget, light and portable |
| Room to grow into bowls | A midi lathe such as a Delta | More power and capacity |
Alternatives
- A used mini or midi lathe. Forum users say well-kept examples from Jet, Delta or Rikon are common. Inspect the spindle, tapers and speed control before buying.
- A bench-mounted drill-press conversion or small dedicated pen lathe. Possible, but less flexible and not as smooth as a proper lathe.
- A woodworking club or maker space. Try several lathes before purchase, which is helpful as forum views on brands differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special lathe to turn pens?
No. A mini or midi wood lathe with variable speed and an MT2 taper works well. A dedicated pen lathe is a lighter, simpler option but is not required.
Is variable speed really necessary?
Reviewers call it the biggest quality-of-life feature. You can change speed with a dial instead of moving belts, which is helpful when switching between roughing, sanding and finishing.
How much power do I need?
Pens need little. Most recommended mini lathes have about 1/3 to 1/2 HP, which is ample for small blanks. More power helps if you will turn larger work later.
Is the Jet worth the extra cost over the Rikon?
Hobbystack says the Jet is not dramatically ahead for pens. You pay mostly for build quality, dealer support and reported resale value, so it makes more sense if those matter to you.
Can a lightweight lathe turn pens well?
Yes, but a lighter machine can vibrate more. Bolt it to a heavy bench and balance blanks carefully to get smooth results.
What safety gear should I use?
Use a face shield, dust protection and hearing protection, and avoid loose sleeves or jewelry. Read the maker’s manual, and ask a qualified electrician if you are unsure about your shop wiring.
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