Rockler VS 12 24 Midi Lathe Deal: Save $100, Now $499.99

Midi lathes are where most people get pulled into turning, and the price of entry just dropped. The Rockler VS 12 24 variable speed midi lathe is $100 off, down from $599.99 to $499.99. That is about 17% off a cast iron lathe with a digital readout and reverse, which is a lot of machine for the money. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support!

⚠️ Prices valid at time of posting but are subject to change at anytime.

Save $100 on the Rockler VS 12 24 Midi Lathe

Final Price Breakdown

• Regular price: $599.99

• Sale price: $499.99

• You save: $100

• Discount: about 17% off

• Deal expires: Limited time only

Why This Tool Is Worth It

The 12 in swing and 24 in between centers is the capacity sweet spot for a home shop. That covers bowls, platters, pens, handles, spindles, table legs, and most of what people actually turn. And if you outgrow the length, the optional bed extension pushes spindle capacity out to 54 in, so the machine grows with you instead of forcing an upgrade.

Cast iron is doing the heavy lifting here. The bed, headstock, and tailstock are all cast, which kills vibration and keeps your cuts clean. Vibration is the number one thing that ruins a turning session on a cheap lathe, because a machine that walks across the bench gives you chatter marks and a fight instead of a finish. Weight is your friend on a lathe.

Electronic variable speed in two ranges is the feature that really matters day to day. The low range from 300 to 1,100 RPM handles rough out work on out of round bowl blanks, and the high range up to 3,500 RPM lets you take fine finishing cuts and turn small spindles cleanly. The digital readout means you are dialing an actual number instead of guessing, and the reverse switch is genuinely useful for sanding out tool marks that only show up going one direction.

Add the 1.2 HP motor, the onboard tool rack so your wrenches are not scattered across the bench, and the fact that a faceplate, live center, and spur center come in the box, and $499.99 is a strong number to start turning at. 👍

Features

• Electronic variable speed in two ranges: 300 to 1,100 RPM and 750 to 3,500 RPM

• Digital readout with speed control knob for easy control of spindle speed

• Allows you to turn bowls up to 12 in in diameter and spindles up to 24 in long

• Lathe bed, headstock, and tailstock made from cast iron for strength, rigidity, and low vibration

• Switch from forward to reverse with the flick of a switch, great for sanding and finishing

• 1.2 HP, 120V, 60Hz motor provides plenty of power

• Tools for setup and adjustment store in onboard rack

• 7 7/8 in tool rest great for a range of projects

• Included plastic spindle washer helps prevent faceplate and chucks from getting stuck on spindle

• Includes 3 in faceplate, MT2 live center, MT2 spur center, knockout bar, and wrenches

• Optional extension (71801, sold separately) increases spindle capacity to 54 in

• Replacement drive belt available (71706, sold separately)

• Optional dedicated stand and stand extension available (72011 and 73441, sold separately)

Who This Is Best For

This is aimed squarely at the hobbyist woodworker who wants to start turning, or the turner who has been running a small entry level lathe and is ready for cast iron and real speed control. If you have been making do with a belt change lathe, the electronic variable speed alone changes how the machine feels to use.

It fits a garage shop or basement shop well because it is a midi, not a full size floor lathe. You can bolt it to a sturdy bench and reclaim the space, or add the dedicated stand later if you want it freestanding. Makers who sell bowls, pens, handles, or small turned goods at markets will find the capacity covers almost every product they would want to make.

If you are turning large architectural columns or 20 in salad bowls, you want a full size lathe instead. For everyone else, this is the right machine at the right price.

Grab the Rockler Midi Lathe at $499.99 While It Lasts

Know someone who has been talking about getting into woodturning? Share this post with them before the sale ends.

Rockler is the go-to for specialty woodworking gear and jigs. Check our Rockler Woodworking Hub for monthly specials and machine flash sales. For big-box tool discounts, visit our expert-curated guides for Lowe's, Home Depot, and Amazon.