WOODSTARTER 12x18 Lathe: A Compact Lathe with Big Expansion Potential

Written by Trevor

I’m not a professional wood turner, but I’ve used several lathes and taken a wood turning class at Rockler. Woodworking is my passion, and my workshop—half of our two-car garage—is where I create everything from small wooden toys to personalized signs, kids’ learning towers, and even a bunk bed/fort/slide structure. As a hobbyist, I need tools that offer great value to justify their place in my shop. This review of the WOODSTARTER 12x18 benchtop wood turning lathe reflects my perspective as an enthusiastic amateur.

Unboxing the WOODSTARTER Lathe: Christmas Morning Vibes

Receiving a new tool feels like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning! I ordered the Woodstarter lathe, its stand, and the grinder attachment, so I had three exciting boxes to open. Sainsmart’s shipping was fast, with frequent email updates on delivery progress.

The Stand: Sturdy and Adjustable

The stand arrived with bubble wrap and Styrofoam, ensuring everything was in perfect condition. While it lacked instructions, a quick glance at the product photo on Sainsmart’s website made assembly straightforward. The bolts were similar but interchangeable, so no worries about mix-ups. The stand is robust, with a high-quality paint job, adjustable rubber feet, and customizable width and height. Even hand-tightened, it’s rock-solid and stable, perfect for a small workshop like mine.

The Grinder Attachment: Genius Innovation

The grinder attachment is a game-changer. It attaches to the lathe’s motor housing with a simple twist—no instructions needed. This variable-speed grinder (650–3800 RPM) is a huge money-saver compared to standalone slow-speed grinders. The included 80-grit wheel is great for sharpening lawnmower blades or scrapers, though I’d love a finer CBN wheel for precision sharpening. I’m excited to try the rotary tool and sander attachments in the future!

The WOODSTARTER Lathe: A Step Above the Competition

At first glance, the WOODSTARTER lathe resembles entry-level models like the Harbor Freight Central Machinery or Rockler’s 10-18 mini lathe. But look closer, and you’ll see significant upgrades:

Larger Capacity: Handles 2” larger diameter stock.
Digital RPM Indicator: Precise speed monitoring.
Variable Speed Dial: A major upgrade for control.
Double the Power: Outperforms similar-sized lathes.

Compared to the high-end Laguna Revo 18-36 I used in a Rockler class, the Woodstarter holds its own for a fraction of the price (less than 1/4th the cost).

Turning Experience: Smooth and Quiet

Eager to test the lathe, I grabbed a piece of construction lumber (a 2x3). It wasn’t ideal—soft wood with tear-out made for a rough first attempt. Switching to walnut was a revelation. The lathe ran smoothly at over 2000 RPM with minimal vibration and was remarkably quiet, perfect for my garage workshop under my kids’ bedrooms.

Turning hardwood is therapeutic. My second walnut piece, with refined curves and a smooth finish, was a joy to create. Check out the results:

What’s Next: Projects and Accessories

I’m hooked on turning! I’m shopping for kits to make pens, coffee scoops, and slingshots—perfect for gifts and quick projects. To get started, you’ll need:

Lathe Tools: I recommend Sainsmart’s carbide-tipped chisels with replaceable cutters for easy maintenance.
Chuck : Essential for turning bowls and vases. Sainsmart’s chuck is currently on sale!

Why Choose the WOODSTARTER Lathe?

This lathe offers professional features at a budget-friendly price. It’s well-balanced, precise, and innovative with accessories like the grinder. The stand is stable and space-efficient, and the variable speed dial ensures versatility. Unless you’re turning massive bowls or baseball bats, this lathe will meet your needs for years to come.