Laguna Midi Lathe Review 

For folks interested in outboard turning larger bowls, here is a great video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rY4guCLZp_M.html Note that Laguna will soon be offering a 20" tool rest extension.

This was a great presentation of this lathe. I am actually returning my Rikon lathe after two weeks. Wood craft is very understanding of the problem I have with it. I was about to get the jet but now YOU have me sold on the Laguna with your no nonsense , very straight forward and knowledgable review. Thank you.

I bought one of these and there is some level of disappointment. My personal experience was two things broke (switch and aluminum handle guard) and had to be replaced (service was good), but I find the extra 5 inches in length of a Jet 1221VS would be nice. Sometimes it just feels tight backing up the tailstock and working. Taking the tail stock off works, but a little extra hassle that I think might be avoided with a 1221VS. I wish the review touched on comparing the two because it would of been a big help instead of just talking about the one. All things considered, we are still doing some nice projects.

Got mine a couple of months ago and I love it! I consider myself an advanced beginner turner, having attempted a 6" cherry bowl, some pencil cups from logs and pens. No bogging when drilling at all. Sanding is a dream with the lower rpms available and it is so smooth and quiet, especially compared to my Wilton lathe that I've had. Nice review and enjoy!

Mike, I bought this lathe 3 months ago and could not be happier. It is so smooth and quiet. Thanks for the review.

I just brought this home today, replaced a Steel City that was quite bad but worked for a few years doing small stuff. Initial thoughts the outboard turning is what sold me over the Jet 12 21 that is currently selling for about $100 less. At my Rockler store, this is the lathe they use in their classes. (Disclaimer I have never attended one of their classes they seem quite overpriced) After unboxing it today and initial set up I'm happy.

I just bought a 1216 largely bassed on your review. Thanks you the great videos.

Hi mike great review on the lathe . I am very happy with my laguna 12/16. I looked at lathes and reviews for over a month and I keep coming back to the laguna. Very pleased I bought it was well worth the price and I’ve added two Extensions. One for each end only as I don’t like taking bolts in and out . Last thing I hope you enjoy using it as much as I do .

I'm a woodworker with 20+ years experience... none at all turning, I'm looking into a nice quality smaller machine and this or the jet 1221vs are in the lead.. thanks for the great information... I really appreciate you taking the time

Nice review and I completely agree with you about this being a good lathe for beginner to expert. As you stated it's just a smaller footprint. I've been using the Laguna REVO 1836 for a few years and completely happy with it. I knew the REVO 1216 was going to be good as well and I am very pleased with mine. You asked about favorite feature which is hard to narrow down as there are so many. The lathe runs very smooth and quite, it's hard to believe how much power it has. I've been recommending it to anyone asking questions about a new lathe purchase.

I bought this lathe a couple of months ago, it is at another level from most lathe. We had a Delta 46-460 that served us very well for years, but this lathe goes beyond the delta. I bought the lathe stand and the outboard turning accessories along with the lathe. When the lathe is on the Laguna stand the total weight must be close to 200 pounds. Vibration is non existent. We just finished turning 40, 2 inch acorn boxes out of maple. The lathe ran nine hours a day for three days without a hitch. It is a pleasure turming on this machine.

Great review brother 🇺🇸 I'm leaning towards purchasing this exact lathe. Based on your review. I'm really happy to hear what you had to say about it. Thank you

I have this lathe also and so far it is working real well, I have a small shop and it fits perfectly in the limited space that I have. I would recommenced this lathe to anyone.

I love my Laguna 1836...my husband bought it for me in February after I had been turning for a year. My first lathe was and old Delta, not digital, with the lowest speed of 600 RPM...I knew that would be a problem with larger bowls.

I just committed to buying one of these. I made the decision before seeing this video but I am glad I found it, as it confirms my choice as good.

Mike thank you for the information on the 1216 I’ve been thinking about this machine for a while I think you have talked me out of buying a bigger lathe You showed the bowl I think you said 14 inches that’s as big as I would water turn anyway I think you you’re a great help God bless

I just purchased this lathe yesterday. Only turned one thing but my impression is positive. Very solid, very smooth movement. I'm not crazy about the fact you have to hold in the spindle lock, but I have an idea for that. One small beef is that shavings and sawdust really stick to the surfaces. It's a bit hard to clean, but that's a small negative in light of its many positives. Thanks for this review.

Have been using my first lathe for just over 6 months a used harbor freight mini I got for $75.00 and am looking to up grade. Great review, this is one I have been looking at .

Laguna has just arrived here in the UK. I was impressed with the 18 36 and I will look forward to seeing the 12 16 when it comes, because I think it will suit me, as an upgrade and my budget. Thanks for the review, James

Great review on this lathe, it looks like you made a good investment and the Laguna customer service sounds to be good as well. Mike, thanks for posting.

I just ordered mine finally upgraded my HB garbage lol I'm super excited to get

Good review, Mike. I went the other way; I needed something bigger than my 20 year-old Jet mini. When Laguna came out with their REVO 1524 lathe, I became very interested. I purchased one two months ago and have used it to make several bowls and tool handles for gouges. It's perfect for me, size, performance and cost. It's a joy to use has taken my turning to a new level.

Thanks Mike, that was such a revealing video. Seeing it helps me understand much better. You just solved my problem. Thanks again. Roger D.

I started turning on a Nova Mercury mini lathe. Bought the outboard, 2 bed extentions, a 12" rest, curved bowl rest, & the Nova live center system for it. I resently upgraded to the Laguna 1216, because I don't have space for a full size lathe yet... but when I do... it will be a Oneway 2436 with 3HP motor.😃

Nice Review. I have this lathe and like that it's very quite and very smooth. You can do the coin test on it without any problem. Everything is "heavy duty", controls, tool rest, tail stock and head stock. Well done review!

This one has features that in my opinion, exceed those that jet 1221vs has. I have had bad experiences with posts that are supposed to be locked with a screw that tags the post. I am researching my first lathe and by the way, I am 68 yrs old, so this might be my only lathe. Space and power consumption are concerns for my tiny work shop that seems to be the family junk storage area.

A nice review, the disclaimer thorough, but hardly necessary, Mike! Followeres know you better. Attractive Tee & the message is positive. The polishing tip for the lathe bed was right on, my Nova Comet II needed a bunch of that, tool marks & casting slag came off nicely.

Very good review. I've watched "mrbodwag" and his reveiw and turning on this lathe. I am convinced that this one is one if not the best midi lathe offered at a very reasonable price for what you get.. I have analized this aqiistion to death,, I kept coming back to this for my needs and desires for quality and function, I'm impressed .. So where did I put that bullet I need to bite.?? And I should add I've watched your video's also and you do a great job...so I just subscribed...

I’ll be so happy when I can get me one of these.

great video mike . lol you know what i turn on and maybe someday ill have a fancy one but the one i have seems to be doing the job right now lol . thanks again mike good info as always and i will keep it in mind when i go to buy a bigger lathe buddy .

I recently bought a Jet 1216 VS and am happy with it. It has smillar features to your Laguna.

Very nicely done, Mike. Thanks.

Very informative, Mike, thank you. Also, I love your shirt.

I pick mine up next Tuesday. It's at my local Woodcraft but I'm out of town for the weekend. I also purchased the extension bed, I'll build my own stand. ☺

Love my 12/16. So smooth and quiet. Just a note, the Chuck will not just screw on the outboard spindle as it interferes with the indexing knob. Although the faceplate will fit on just fine. Supposed to come with an adapter spacer, but mine did not. Had to call and they sent one. Great customer service.

...yeah, I know...this vid is several years old but it popped up during my research for a new lathe...not being sure about whether I would like turning or not, I picked up a very well used Central Machinery 8x12 benchtop lathe and have made quite a few projects...and yes, I found that I do like turning. The lathe has one belt position but does have variable speed from 750-3200rpm, so that was nice...but the tailstock is VERY sloppy and, of course, with the small motor, bogs down easily...so the search was on... Your video, along with a few others, convinced me that this was the one...a little more than I wanted to spend but Laguna was running a 10% off sale and off I went to my Woodcraft store earlier today to pick one up...woohoo... I did opt for the stand, also 10% off, but that was it...I also want it mobile in my overstuffed garage but the wheel assembly was pretty steep...I plan on adding a WEN mobile base (about $49 at Amazon) very quickly...already have one of these for my bandsaw and it works well... I should have the Laguna setup and running this weekend and am really looking forwad to using it! Thanks for the great video as it really sealed the deal for me...👍 Matt

A good review of a terrific lathe. Thanks.

I bought the same lathe a week ago and live it. All of your talking points are dead on correct. I feel you missed one irritation of mine. The tool rest locking knob on the banjo does interfere with the banjo locking bar to the bed. I would prefer to lock the knob down on the right side but the bar is in the way. I am not saying it is a major issue just an irritation. This in no way changes my thoughts on this awesome lathe. I did purchase the bed extension and stand and could not be happier. But I have to ask Mike, why buy a very heavy midi as a demo? Either you have Samson’s strength or a couple of strong helpers on your demos... Keep turning Mike, God bless you brother... 😁

Great review Mike...All the best.....Andy

Mike, Thank you, your advise was perfect and right on. I appreciate it. Roger Dirkx.

Great video and very informational. Looking at this item for my entry into turning👍😊.

I like your shirt btw!

Hi Mike, loved the presentation on the Laguna. Smart little lathe for anyone regardless of experience. Wish I had one. I also like your tee-shirt’s logo. Only exception I would have is the inclusion of the human arm. Course I know what it is saying, it’s just us humans perception of God being human instead of Spirit. Only way we can visualize Him is thru our elements. Regardless I appreciate giving Him some free advertising.? Thanks for the video!

Mike I am at the point of upgrading from my jet 1015 and I really have been doing some thinking comparing the 1221 with the 1216 . I have been doing some research and have seen many sites comparing many of the midi lathes. My question is why have they neglected to put the 1216 in the mix? Is the 1216 new enough to not be involved or is it lower than the Wen?

On bare steel it is very easy to permanently etch dept marks on the tailstock, with DC current and saltwater.

LOL, I bought a small lathe to go along with my Powermatic but never use it. Thinking of getting rid of it. Had it over a year.

Mike, Great review, I have the same lathe and I like your hand wheel idea. I purchased two extensions instead of getting the stand rather making a home made one. I was looking at a larger lathe and asked myself what I am I really doing and for the price I thought this would be better. Just a note on the extensions, keep an eye on Acme Tools who run sales on the extensions for $120.00. Thats what I paid for mine. Happy Turnings.

Just bought one today and pick it up tomorrow they have to get the extension I got it at the woodcraft in Knoxville Tn I am not happy with the woodcraft in Delaware they would not sell me the lathe with out the stand because it was there display but the Knoxville is selling me just the lathe

Thank you.

Mike, thanks very much for your review. You mentioned that the Coronet was another option, other than its 14” capacity, is there other factors that made you decide on the Laguna? I’m thinking about the two as well as the Rikon midi. My shop is big enough for any of the above. Your time and effort are appreciated. Best.

mike im like you,, i think this is a great lathe and i believe you sold me on it,,,,do you have a video showing how you do outboard tuning on it,,,,

Mike -- Thanks for the review. I have two concerns with your lathe, only one of which applies to your lathe in particular. For all the midi-lathes, my concern is the 1" lathe spindle. I have no concern with a 1" spindle's strength and durability. My concern is with the capability of the lathe spindle with all my other accessories that fit my 'big' lathe's 1.25" spindle. Yes, I know that you can use an adapter. I have a lathe with a 1" spindle and I use adapters when necessary. But, adapters have disadvantages. They move your chuck or faceplate farther from the headstock and they introduce additional run-out. Not a deal breaker, but more than a mere irritation. The second issue has to do with the fact your lathe is from Laguna. At one time, Laguna earned a very poor reputation for their lack of customer service. Partly, this may because their stuff comes from overseas and they didn't, at the time, maintain a sufficient stock of replacement parts. So, if your Laguna went down, you might be waiting months for the part to get it back up and running. Reportedly, their customer service has improved. Let's hope so. However, their shorter warranty doesn't give a lot of confidence. I wish you nothing but luck with your new lathe. I hope it performs well for you and maybe for future generations of Peace woodturners.

Great video,just purchased this lathe and stand from Woodcraft yesterday,its such a beautiful piece of machinery and I had a blast turning my very first piece of wood on it,only trouble I have is getting the centers algined,they are maybe a 32nd or so out of dead center alignment,any suggestions?

Will you be ordering a hand wheel from JT Turning Tools for vacuum chucking or does the DIY hand wheel you made be used with there vacuum adapter?

Great review. I have been looking for a midi to get into turning, and I think the Laguna is it.

Great review 👍

Thank you for this review. I have a Delta 460 MIDI lathe for a while but looking to go bigger. My budget is 3k though, what would you recommend? Thank you for your educational videos!! You have made me a better turner! (my wife agrees)

The captions are hilarious. "Paramedic" lathe, for example

Nice review, what did you see the laguna had over the Jet 12-21

I Love your T Shirt

Hi Mike, Thank you for the review of the Laguna Midi Lathe. I was considering buying a Nova Galaxy, but then I asked myself, what did I want to turn from now and where are interests directed to? I started looking at the Rikon 70-220VSR and then I noticed on RU-vid there were other Midis on the market. I will futher into the Laguna Midi. Thanks again and have a great day.

Mike, in a new review posted on Woodcrafts web page for this lathe there was concern expressed about the outboard bearing being tightened or loosened when the outboard parts are changed. Did you see the bearings loosen when you changed outboard parts? is this a potential problem or perhaps his lathe is missing parts or defective? Thanks for your review and for talking through your thought process when purchasing your new lathe.

Mike , I have a question. It’s about turning the lathe on n off. HOW ? Once plugged in I know how to turn it on to spin , my issue is. The led speed display lights up constantly. I cannot find a switch to turn it off and no mention of one in instructions. Am I to understand this lathe must be unplugged each time or the display indicator will stay lite constantly ???? Ty. Gary

Hi Mike, I'm trying to decide between this one and the Jet 1221VS. I'm leaning toward the Laguna for the versatility, but I see so many message boards say to go with the Jet. Wondering what made you choose this one? The tool rest post? Thanks for all your great videos!

Mike, I have a Laguna 1216 lathe. Have you experience this situation? The shaft moves laterally, something must be lose. The left hand wheel is threaded on, but I haven’t been able to get it off two check it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your help. Roger

Great Review Mike thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Looks like a great little machine. Did the motor have to go through a Break in period before turning it was it broke in at the factory?

Mike, I watched your review of the Laguna 1216 lathe. I bought one shorty after your review. I’ve been pretty happy with it. One question about the left outside hand wheel. It’s the original one. Have you experienced this situation? There is play in the shaft. When I use the knock out rod the shaft moves laterally, it’s not tight. I know the hand wheel is threaded on, but what could be causing the shat to move. It should be tight. The play can’t be good. Any help or ideas would be appreciated. Thank you very much for any help. Thanks again, Roger

Hi Mike, After reading the owners manual and watching your review of the Laguna #1216 lathe, I bought one. I had a couple of questions. Could you please explain why the faceplate has an insert with 2 set screws in it, it looks like it’s removable for some reason? And the hand wheel on the left of the head stock has 2 set screws also, when removed are threads under there? I enjoy your videos, I’ve learned a lot from them. Thanks for your help. Roger D.

I purchased the Rikon 70-220VSR and it was a great lathe until the control board failed. Found out Rikon had issues with the control board electronics and am getting it replaced under warranty i hope because i was sent a drill press motor the first time and aftet contacting Rikon about it I'm still waiting on the correct parts to be sent. Oops at the shipping dept. And I'm wondering if i guy with a drill press got my lathe parts. Service dept was easy to contact and deal with but we' ll see on the parts I'm supposed to get. Im seriously considering selling the Rikon and getting the Laguna midi. The Laguna was not available when i purchased the Rikon but had it been i think I would have gone with the Laguna or the Jet 1221

Mike, if money was not the issue would you have bought a powermatic 2014? I am looking to upgrade from my nova comet 11. I have set my budget at $2500. Thanks for any advise

I think most mini lathe have 1/2 to 3/4 HP. I could be mistaken.

Where did you find the spindle adapter where you can still use mt2.

Hi Mike, I'm looking at replacing my Nova 16/24 with something a bit smaller and this video provided me with some good information. Are there any other midi lathes you would consider? I was looking at Record but the footprint is a bit large also the spindle is Metric. Not that metric is a big deal but I either need an adapter or need to purchase inserts for my chucks.

Kicking myself for not checking out this brand, I ended up with a Nova comet 2 and have been mostly disappointed with lack of quality. Too much soft metal is my biggest gripe.

I have seen several reviews where people say that have had serious unresolved problems with laguna lathes, one problem was wiring. I know reviews can be false. As far as I know Laguna lathes are chinese, maybe not a positive Thanks James

When I removed the hand wheel on my 12/16 laguna and placed the chuck on the outboard end then attempted to turn a bowl the shaft in the head stock slid out about 3/8 inch also the outboard bearing almost came out.can you give me any info on what’s wrong. I’ve had the lathe about eight months and only turned three bowls with it. I haven’t been able to contact their service department.

What size spindles can you turn with yours?

Thanks Mike for a great review. I purchased mine through Rockler and had it shipped to my home. I waited until Rockler was having a "10% off" sale on Laguna products and was able to get them to honor the discount even though the website didn't reflect that. A quick message to their customer support and all was well. Having a small shop, this lathe fits perfect. Keep up the great videos. I've learned many tips and tricks from you since starting out less than a year ago. (IG=wilcoxwoodworking)

Soooo... the laguna, rikon vsr (mostly because it fits my budget better), or the jet 1221.... any advice will help

Can the tail stock be completely removed (easily)? I'm new to lathe work. I have a small, cheap lathe right now and when i try to hollow out bowls the tail stock always seems to get in the way.

Love the shirt !

Where is this lathe made?

Mike, I bought this lathe, barely used it, and a few weeks after the warranty period was up I was trying some precision work, and could not do it. Why ? The bed is not flat. Lower in the middle than on the ends, so no amount of shimming will fix it so the headstock and tailstock are in alignment from end to end. The bed needs to be machined flat. Laguna basically told me to go suck eggs. There is no way someone could bend or warp that bed. It was very poorly machined and quality control was lacking. Stay away from Laguna. They do not care about their customers.

I really like the design of this lathe compared to the Jet models. But Googling online I Laguna has a terrible rep for customer service. There are horror stories all over.