VEVOR RWL1018 10 x 18 in Benchtop Wood Lathe: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR RWL1018 is a benchtop wood lathe for turning small to medium pieces: pens, bowls, spindles, handles and similar projects. It spins a piece of wood while you shape it with hand tools held against a tool rest. This model is sized to sit on a workbench in a home workshop.

What "10 in x 18 in" means

Lathe sizes are quoted as swing and length. The maximum turning diameter is 10 inches (254 mm), which is the widest piece that can spin over the bed. The distance between centers is 18 inches (455 mm), which is the longest piece you can mount between the headstock and tailstock. So the RWL1018 handles work up to 10 inches across and about 18 inches long. Bigger bowls or long table legs would need a larger machine.

Motor and speed range

The motor is rated at 370W (0.5 HP) and runs on 120V, 60 Hz. As a rule, smaller motors suit smaller workpieces: a light motor can bog down if you push a large, heavy blank hard.

Speed has five steps. The specification table gives 780, 1320, 1920, 2640 and 3840 RPM, while the feature bullets describe a range from 680 to 3200 RPM. Because the listing contains both, confirm the figures in the manual. Speed choice follows a general rule: slower for large or unbalanced pieces, faster for small, well-balanced ones and for finishing.

Build and stability

VEVOR describes an aluminum alloy base and a solid steel headstock, and says this minimises vibration. Vibration matters on a lathe because it affects both the finish and how safely a piece spins. Four foot pads are included, and in general a benchtop lathe is steadier when it is clamped or bolted to a heavy bench.

The listing gives the net weight as 50.71 lb (31.2 kg). The tool rest is 11.81 inches (150 mm) long.

What's in the box

• 1 rod injection (knockout rod)
• 2 wrenches and 1 hex wrench
• 4 foot pads
• 1 tooth-shape center point (spur center)
• 1 movable center point
• 1 faceplate
• 1 user manual

Turning chisels, gouges, safety gear and a chuck are not listed, so you would need to supply those yourself.

Who it suits

It suits hobbyists and DIY woodworkers learning to turn, and makers who work on small projects such as pens, bottle stoppers, spindles and small bowls. VEVOR describes it as suitable for professional woodworkers too, but the 0.5 HP motor and the 10-inch swing set natural limits on the size of work.

What to check before you buy

• Project size: compare your typical workpiece with the 10 in swing and 18 in between centers.
• Bench space and strength: the lathe weighs about 51 lb and is roughly 57 inches long as listed, so plan a sturdy bench and check how you will secure it.
• Speeds: confirm the speed range in the manual, given the two sets of figures in the listing.
• Tools and safety gear: turning tools, a face shield and dust control are separate.
• Power: it needs a 120V outlet.
• Upkeep: follow the manual on lubrication, belt and tool rest care.

The short version

• A benchtop wood lathe, model RWL1018, with a 10 in swing and 18 in between centers.
• 370W (0.5 HP) motor with five speed settings.
• Aluminum alloy base and steel headstock; about 50.7 lb.
• Faceplate, centers, wrenches and foot pads included.
• Turning tools and safety equipment are not part of the listed package.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.