Few tools strike as much intimidation into the hearts of beginner and advanced woodworkers alike as the common lathe. However, this hesitation is mostly misplaced, as lathes are all bark and no bite. While it isn’t an easy skill to master, don’t let the large size, the abrasive sound or the sight of flying wood chips deter you. All you need to get started is a few beginner-friendly projects and the right tools; we’ve already researched and tested the best lathes for you. You can also check out our guide to woodturning for beginners to jumpstart your progress.
Like most things in woodworking, mastering the art of woodturning is about engaging in a process of consistent, productive challenges that end in a product you are proud of, so don’t be too hard on yourself the first few times! Because your imagination is the only limitation on what you can make with a lathe, we’ve narrowed down the best beginner lathe projects to help you get started.
I remember my first time using a lathe—nerve-wracking, for sure, but so rewarding once I got the hang of it! One thing I’ve learned is that starting small really helps build confidence. Experts often suggest beginning with simpler projects to get a feel for the lathe’s speed and the way wood reacts to your tools. A handy tip I picked up along the way: keep a notebook to track your progress—what worked, what didn’t, and how each piece turned out. It’s amazing to see how quickly your skills grow with practice! Safety is key, too—always wear protective gear like goggles and a dust mask, as those wood chips can fly everywhere.
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1. Bowls
Bowls are one of the best wood turned projects to build foundational skills with because you can make them as simple or complex as you like. Large projects on the lathe are often harder to complete, so you can start with small bowls and work your way up. Plus, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for what a bowl should look like, so you can turn your mistakes into “modern art” and find inventive uses for them. Then, after a few tries you’ll have a nice, clear timeline of your skill progression. Bowl gauges like this one available on Amazon are essential lathe tools, as they are versatile and can be used for a variety of beginner projects.
Bowls are my go-to starting point, and I love how forgiving they are! One practical tip: start with a softer wood like pine to get the hang of shaping, then move to harder woods like maple or walnut for durability. Did you know that woodturning bowls has been a craft for centuries, with evidence of turned wooden vessels dating back to ancient Egypt? The science behind it is pretty cool—when you spin wood on a lathe, the centrifugal force helps you shape it evenly, but you’ve got to balance speed and pressure to avoid tear-out. I’ve found that keeping your tools sharp is a game-changer; dull tools can make the wood chatter and ruin your piece. A good bowl gauge can set you back around $30 to $60, but it’s worth every penny for the control it gives you!
2. Wooden Bangles and Bracelets
Wooden bracelets and bangles are among the best beginner woodturning projects because they’re fairly large and they finish nicely. Sanding is just as much a part of woodturning as it is traditional woodworking, and bangles offer a great way to practice your skills on curved wood. Also, you don’t need a large setup to make bangles or bracelets, which is why they’re a popular item for craft sellers. If you’re wondering if you can make money with woodturning, the answer is certainly yes when it comes to popular, impressive products that aren’t too demanding, such as bowls and bangles.
I’ve made a few bangles, and they’re a blast to create! One trick I’ve picked up is to sand in stages—start with a coarse grit like 80 to shape, then move to 220 for a smooth finish. The market for handmade wooden jewelry is growing; some craft sellers report earning a few hundred bucks a month from bangles alone! The key is to experiment with woods like cherry or oak for a rich grain pattern. A light coat of food-safe finish, like mineral oil, brings out the beauty and protects the piece. Just be patient—rushing the sanding can leave scratches that are tough to fix later.
3. Candle Holder
Candle holders are a great project to try out once you’re ready for medium-sized projects. Although candle holders come in all shapes and sizes, you can use the lathe to create tall stems with swooping curves that make for stunning centerpieces. Although the market for candle holders may be harder to pin down than that for bowls, this is another viable product if you’re looking to make money with your lathe. If you want to take your homemade skills to the next level, you can try your hand at making your own candles with a curated candle-making kit.
Candle holders are where I started to feel more confident with curves! A tip from my own trial and error: keep your lathe speed moderate to avoid wobbling, especially for taller designs. The beauty of woodturning here is how the lathe lets you create smooth, flowing shapes—physics at work! Hardwoods like ash or cherry work great for durability and a polished look. If you’re thinking of selling, smaller holders can fetch $20 to $50 each at craft fairs. Pairing them with homemade candles is a nice touch—folks love the handmade combo for gifts or home decor!
4. Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are a great way to show off your skills as well as the natural beauty of the wood because they offer varying perspectives on the grain given the fact that the handle is cylindrical and the ‘bowl’ part of the spoon is flattened. Another reason why spoons are good for beginners is because walnut, cherry, and maple, which are some of the best species for woodturning, are also ideal for wooden spoons that need to be sturdy enough to withstand use in the kitchen and porous enough to accept a food-safe finish.
I’ve turned a few spoons, and they’re a fantastic mix of fun and function! Here’s a trick: use a gouge to rough out the bowl part, then refine it with a scraper for a smooth scoop. Woods like walnut and cherry not only look gorgeous but hold up well—maple’s a favorite of mine for its light, clean grain. A food-safe finish, like a mix of beeswax and mineral oil, is key; I’ve found it soaks in nicely and keeps the spoon safe for cooking. Fun fact: handmade wooden spoons are a hot item, with some artisans selling them for $15 to $30 each!
5. Handles for Anything and Everything
Woodturning is a complementary skill in that you can often use it to enhance existing DIY passions—or even regular activities like gift-giving by adding a personal touch with custom-made handles. Like all the projects on our list, you can approach making handles with as much simplicity or sophistication as possible, which makes them ideal for getting started and measuring your progress. Everything from kitchen knives to bottle openers and pots and pans have wooden handles, and you can easily make your own with little to no prior experience. You can add another degree of customization by making intricate engravings with a wood-burning tools.
Handles are my favorite for adding a personal touch! I’ve made a few for kitchen knives, and it’s amazing how a custom handle transforms a basic tool. Start simple—maple’s easy to turn and takes a finish well. A pro tip: keep your cuts light and steady to avoid tearing the wood. I love using a wood-burning tool for engravings; it’s a bit tricky at first, but practice makes a big difference. Cost-wise, you’re looking at maybe $10 for wood and a few bucks for finish—super affordable for a unique gift!
6. Rings
Rings, like bracelets and bangles, have relatively simple designs and are suitable for practicing because they don’t require a large amount of material. However, rings are a bit harder to make than bangles because they’re smaller and require more precision, making them among the small woodturning projects that are ideal for practicing control of your movements. Once you have made a few rings that you’re satisfied with using common turning wood such as maple and cherry, you can experiment with some rarer or more challenging wood species such as bubinga, which is incredibly hard and will require a high rate of speed on the lathe, or softer woods that are more likely to tear out.
Rings are a challenge, but so rewarding! I started with maple, and the precision took some getting used to—small movements make a big difference. A steady hand and sharp tools are your best friends here. Once I got comfortable, I tried bubinga, and wow, the rich color was worth the extra effort! Just a heads up: go slow with harder woods to avoid overheating your lathe. A ring might cost you just a few dollars in wood, and they sell well—some crafters get $20 to $40 per ring at markets!
7. Wooden Beads
Like rings, wooden beads are a commendable choice for novices because small woodturning projects are easier in general. They’re also much less expensive if you make a mistake, which, after all, is what you’re supposed to do when you’re learning. Beads are an effective way to practice making various shapes symmetrical and smooth. Beads are also a fantastic way to practice hollowing out the middle of your project, which you may not be able to do with an electric drill if the bead is curved.
Beads are a fun, low-stakes way to practice! I love how they let you play with shapes—round, oval, whatever you fancy. A tip from my own messes: start with a soft wood like cedar to get the hang of symmetry, then try harder ones. Hollowing takes patience; I’ve found a small gouge works better than a drill for curves. Mistakes are cheap here—wood for beads might run you a couple bucks. They’re great for jewelry or decor, and the skills carry over to bigger projects!
8. Round Boxes
Boxes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wood lathe project ideas because they tend to be square, but that’s exactly what makes round-turned boxes so special. Round boxes are good projects for beginner and intermediate turners to undertake because the fact that the box and lid have to snugly fit together means making them exercises your spatial symmetry skills. Also, turned boxes are often made from a single piece of wood, which means you also have to work on turning thin, easy-to-break parts, such as the lip that holds the lid in place.
Round boxes feel like a little victory every time! I’ve made a few, and getting the lid to fit just right is tricky but so satisfying. A tip: measure twice and cut slow—precision is everything for that snug fit. I like using walnut for its rich tone, though maple works great too. The thin lip part tests your control; I’ve snapped a few, but that’s how you learn! Wood for a small box might cost $5 to $10, and they make awesome gifts or storage pieces.
9. Drumsticks
Drumsticks, although simple, are a good project for those interested in improving their woodturning skills because both of the independent pieces have to be nearly identical in weight, shape, size, and feel. Furthermore, drumsticks usually have a slight taper, which gives them an approachable and enjoyable element of difficulty. In that vein, even if you don’t play the drums, making drumsticks for someone else is a thoughtful gift for a friend who does.
Drumsticks are a cool challenge! I made a pair for a drummer friend, and matching them up took some focus—weight and balance are key. A trick I learned: use a caliper to check dimensions as you go. Hickory’s a classic choice for durability, but maple works too. The taper’s fun to shape; just keep your cuts light and steady. Wood for a pair might cost $5 or so, and your friend will love the personal touch!
10. Mortar and Pestle
Making a mortar and pestle is a good way for a beginner to step into more complex projects that allow for more design freedom. Making a mortar and pestle requires a thick, durable bowl with a sturdy base, which is the mortar, and a smooth, ergonomic crushing tool, which is the pestle; both items have to be food safe and able to withstand significant pressure, which is why they’re often made from stone. However, strict durability standards also give a novice turner an excuse to venture into the world of hardwood and try using a more advanced species, such as olive wood.
I’ve tackled a mortar and pestle, and it’s a step up for sure! The mortar needs to be thick—olive wood’s my pick for its strength and gorgeous grain. A tip: focus on a steady base so it doesn’t tip while grinding. The pestle’s shape is key for comfort; I sand it extra smooth for a good grip. Both parts need a food-safe finish—beeswax works great. Wood might run $10 to $20, but the result is a kitchen tool you’ll use for years!
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11. Bottle Stopper
Bottle stoppers are perfect for beginner woodturners who want to produce low-cost, beautiful gifts and products. Bottle stoppers are also ideal for people who are completely new to the lathe because the part that you actually put into the bottle, which does all the important work, isn’t made on the lathe and has to be purchased. This takes the pressure off the turner to have a perfect fit and gives them the space to try their hand at creating different shapes and sizes to put on top of the stopper.
Bottle stoppers are a beginner’s dream! I love how you can get creative with the top—try funky shapes or keep it simple. Since the functional part is store-bought, I focus on making the wood pop—cherry’s a favorite for its warm tone. A quick tip: sand to a fine grit, like 320, for a polished look. Wood and a stopper kit might cost $5 to $15 total, and they’re perfect for gifting or selling at craft shows!
12. Wooden Plate
Another useful woodturning project for beginner and intermediate turners is making a wooden plate. The process of creating a plate is similar to that of a bowl, but requires a bit more precision in most cases, making it a logical progression from turning a bowl. Plates tend to be wider than bowls, and thinner as well. However, working with larger projects is part of progressing as a turner, and plates are a smart place to start because they’re functional and simple, as far as big projects go. Also, unlike drumsticks, a bit of variation in a set of handmade plates, whether they’re made of wood or clay, can lend them a desirable sense of character.
Plates take bowls to the next level! I’ve found they demand a steady hand—keep your tools sharp to avoid tear-out on the wider surface. Maple or walnut works well for a balance of strength and beauty. A trick: check thickness often with a caliper for consistency. I love how a little variation adds charm—no two plates I’ve made are exactly alike! Wood for a plate might cost $10 or so, and they’re great for everyday use.
13. Wooden Vase
Wooden vases are popular woodturning projects because they’re functional and beautiful. However, before you embark on a large-scale vase, try to make some smaller ones; large vases are among the more challenging woodturning projects and are time-consuming. Small wooden vases, on the other hand, are useful for practicing making different shapes and curves in the same piece.
Small vases are a favorite of mine—perfect for practicing curves! Start small to get the hang of it; I’ve messed up a few big ones by rushing. A tip: use a gouge for smooth, flowing shapes, and keep speed moderate to control the cut. Woods like cherry or ash give a lovely finish. A small piece of wood might cost $5 to $10, and the result is a stunning piece for flowers or decor!
14. Succulent Planter
Succulent planters are one of the easiest lathe projects because they are small enough that you can use a drill or drill press to hollow out the inside, where the succulent will sit. Luckily, learning how to make perfect 90 degree holes without a drill press isn’t too much trouble. Not having to deal with the inside of the lathe reduces the level of difficulty by a significant margin, which means all the turner has to focus on is making the outside smooth. Bowls and other flower planters often have a taper or a more complex design, which is another reason why succulent-specific planters are a good place to start.
Succulent planters are super beginner-friendly! I love how simple they are—drill out the center, and you’re halfway done. A tip from my experience: focus on a smooth exterior with light cuts and plenty of sanding. Cedar or pine works great and keeps costs low—maybe $5 for wood. They’re perfect for small plants, and the ease builds confidence for trickier projects like bowls!
15. Rolling Pins
Rolling pins are a staple of the woodturning community, and for good reason. They are useful, relatively easy to make and excellent at displaying the natural grain flow of the wood. French rolling pins are slightly easier to make than their ball-bearing counterparts since they’re made of a single solid cylinder. Conversely, ball-bearing rolling pins are good for showing off your woodturning skills as you also have to make customized, comfortable handles.
Rolling pins are a classic for a reason! I started with a French style—super straightforward and shows off the wood’s grain beautifully. Maple or cherry is my go-to for durability. A tip: keep cuts light for a smooth cylinder, and sand well for a comfy grip. Wood might cost $10 to $15, and the result is a kitchen tool you’ll love using or gifting!
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16. Cups
Cups are great starter projects because they have myriad uses and are relatively simple to make. Whether you want something to drink your morning coffee out of or a vessel for your pens and pencils, a wood-turned cup can get the job done while looking beautiful. Another wonderful thing about making wood-turned cups is that you can pair them with handmade coasters or you can even make a lid on the lathe and turn your cup into a travel mug.
Cups are so versatile—I’ve made some for coffee and others for desk storage! A trick I’ve learned: start with a wider base for stability, and sand the inside smooth for function. Maple’s a solid choice for its clean look. Wood for a cup might run $5 to $10, and adding a lid for a travel mug is a fun twist. They’re practical and pretty—can’t ask for more!
17. Salt and Pepper Shakers or Mills
Salt and pepper shakers are a fine project to get started with, and you can move on to making your own mills on the lathe soon after making a few shakers. If you cook frequently, you know better than anyone that there’s no such thing as too handy when it comes to salt and pepper, so making a few extra sets is a useful way to get some use out of your practice pieces.
I love making salt and pepper shakers—perfect for the kitchen! Start simple with shakers; I’ve found a steady hand and a gouge make shaping easy. Walnut or cherry gives a rich look. A tip: sand to 220 grit for a smooth feel. Wood’s cheap—maybe $5 a set—and extra pairs make great gifts or practice pieces for a cook like me!
18. Goblets
Perhaps the only thing better than drinking out of a regal goblet is drinking from one that you made yourself. Thankfully, making a goblet on the lathe isn’t too difficult and the process provides numerous opportunities for you to improve on specific skill sets. Goblets can be made in all shapes and sizes and with virtually any type of wood, as long as whatever you choose can withstand a thorough cleaning with soap and hot water.
Goblets feel fancy and aren’t too tough! I’ve made a few, and shaping the stem is my favorite part—great for practicing control. A tip: use a light touch to avoid breaking the thin parts; maple or ash holds up well to washing. Wood might cost $5 to $10, and the result is a unique piece you’ll love showing off at dinner!
19. Wooden Pen
Every woodturner remembers their first pen. Making a pen is the perfect combination of precision, elegance, and skill, which is why it’s a great project for a beginner who’s ready to take on intermediate-level projects. If you want to brush up on your skills before buying a pen turning kit and trying your hand at making a pen, we’ve reviewed the best online woodworking courses so you don’t have to do the research.
My first pen was a milestone! It takes focus—precision is key for the fit. I started with maple, and a pen kit (around $10 to $15) made it doable. A tip: practice on scrap wood first to get the feel; a smooth finish makes it elegant. It’s a proud moment when you sign your name with a pen you turned yourself!
20. Lamps
Lamps are among the hardest lathe projects a beginner or intermediate can try. Although lamps can be as small or large as you want, you’re likely going to want to take the opportunity to show off your skills. Stunning lathe-made lamps have unique, elegant shapes and a smooth feel. Thankfully adding the lighting is as simple as purchasing a light kit, such as this highly rated option available on Amazon, that takes care of all the pesky wiring for you.
Lamps are a big challenge, but so worth it! I’ve tried a small one, and shaping the curves took time—patience is key. A tip: use walnut or cherry for a bold look, and keep cuts light for smoothness. Wood and a light kit might cost $20 to $30 total. The result is a showpiece that lights up a room in style!
