For many aspiring and intermediate woodturners, the dream lathe includes modern conveniences like Electronic Variable Speed (EVS) and a Digital Readout (DRO) for precise control. However, these features often come with a premium price tag. Enter the Grizzly T25920 12″ x 18″ Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe. Grizzly Industrial has a reputation for packing features into tools at competitive prices, and the T25920 aims squarely at hobbyists seeking advanced speed control without emptying their wallets.
But does this popular, often readily available midi lathe deliver reliable performance alongside its attractive feature set? In this detailed Grizzly T25920 review, we’ll examine its specifications, dive into its key features, discuss its performance, weigh the pros and cons, and help you determine if this machine truly offers the best EVS/DRO value in the midi lathe category for 2025.
Grizzly T25920: Specifications Overview
(Disclaimer: Specifications can sometimes vary slightly by manufacturing run or retailer listing. Always verify the exact specs from the seller at the time of purchase.)
- Lathe Type: Benchtop Midi Wood Lathe
- Motor: Typically 3/4 HP, TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled), 110V
- Swing Over Bed: 12″
- Distance Between Centers: 18″
- Speed Control: Electronic Variable Speed (EVS)
- Speed Range: Approx. 300 – 3700 RPM (Requires manual belt changes between ranges – typically 2 or 3)
- Readout: Digital RPM Readout (DRO)
- Headstock Taper: MT2
- Tailstock Taper: MT2
- Spindle Thread: 1″ x 8 TPI
- Indexing Positions: Often 24 positions
- Tool Rest Length: Typically 6″
- Construction: Cast Iron Bed, Headstock, Tailstock
- Weight: Approx. 90 – 99 lbs (41 – 45 kg)
Key Features Analyzed
The T25920’s appeal lies in bringing desirable features to a more accessible price point.
Electronic Variable Speed (EVS) & Digital Readout (DRO): The Main Draw
This is the headline feature. Having EVS allows you to smoothly adjust the spindle speed via a dial without stopping the lathe and manually changing belts (within a given belt range). This is incredibly convenient for finding the optimal speed for different woods, diameters, or operations (like roughing vs. sanding). The accompanying DRO provides immediate visual confirmation of your RPM, aiding consistency and safety. Getting both EVS and DRO on a midi lathe at this price is a significant selling point.
Solid Midi Capacity (12″ x 18″)
With a 12″ swing over the bed and 18″ between centers, the T25920 offers standard midi lathe capacity. This is sufficient for a wide range of popular projects, including bowls up to 12″ in diameter, platters, tool handles, chair spindles, small table legs, boxes, and more. It’s a versatile size for most hobbyist woodturners.
Capable Motor (3/4 HP)
The motor (typically 3/4 HP) provides adequate power for most tasks within the lathe’s capacity. It can handle roughing moderately sized bowl blanks and turning common hardwoods for spindle work. While not as powerful as the 1HP or 1.5HP motors found on premium midi lathes, it’s generally considered sufficient for the hobbyist target audience, especially when paired with sharp tools and appropriate cutting techniques.
Cast Iron Construction
Grizzly utilizes cast iron for the essential bed, headstock, and tailstock components. This provides necessary weight and rigidity to dampen vibrations, contributing to smoother cuts and more stable operation compared to lighter-weight or non-cast iron alternatives in the budget category.
Standard MT2 Tapers & Spindle
Equipped with industry-standard MT2 tapers in both the headstock and tailstock, and a common 1″ x 8 TPI spindle thread, the T25920 ensures compatibility with a vast array of readily available aftermarket accessories like chucks, drive centers, live centers, drill chucks, and more.
Performance in the Workshop
Based on its features and typical user feedback:
- Speed Control: The EVS dial allows for easy speed adjustments within each belt range. The DRO is clear and responsive. Changing belts between the speed ranges is necessary for full RPM access but is usually a straightforward manual process.
- Stability & Vibration: The cast iron construction provides decent stability for most operations. While perhaps not as vibration-free as much heavier premium lathes, it generally performs well when securely mounted on a sturdy bench.
- Power Delivery: The motor handles most common midi lathe tasks adequately. Users might notice it bog down slightly on very large, dense bowl blanks or with very heavy cuts compared to 1HP+ machines, but it’s generally capable for its class.
- Bowl & Spindle Turning: It’s a versatile machine suitable for both. The EVS is particularly helpful for finding the right speed for bowl turning stages, while the capacity is good for common spindle lengths.
- Setup & Ergonomics: Setup is typically straightforward. Controls are generally well-placed and intuitive for users familiar with lathes.
Pros
- Excellent Value: Delivers Electronic Variable Speed and Digital Readout at a highly competitive price point for a midi lathe.
- Convenient EVS: Makes speed adjustments quick and easy within ranges.
- Helpful DRO: Allows for precise monitoring of spindle speed.
- Good Midi Capacity: 12″ swing and 18″ distance handle many common projects.
- Standard Tapers & Spindle: Ensures wide compatibility with accessories (MT2, 1″x8 TPI).
- Solid Cast Iron Components: Provides good weight and vibration dampening for the price.
- Widely Available: Often found on Amazon and directly from Grizzly, making it accessible.
Cons
- Motor Power: The common 3/4 HP motor is capable but less powerful than the 1HP+ motors found on some premium competitors.
- No Reverse Function (Typically): Most configurations of this model likely lack a spindle reverse feature, limiting some advanced sanding techniques. (Verify specific listing).
- Fit and Finish: May exhibit minor imperfections or less refinement in castings or paint compared to higher-end brands like JET or Laguna.
- Requires Belt Change for Full Range: EVS only works within the selected belt position; manual change needed to switch between low/medium/high ranges.
- Customer Support: While generally available, Grizzly’s support experience can sometimes be perceived as less comprehensive than premium brands known for top-tier service.
Who is the Grizzly T25920 Ideal For?
The Grizzly T25920 is a strong contender for:
- Budget-Conscious Hobbyists: Individuals who prioritize getting EVS and DRO features without paying a premium price.
- Intermediate Turners: Those upgrading from a basic mini lathe or manual speed machine seeking more features and capacity.
- Online Tool Buyers: Users comfortable purchasing machinery online and potentially performing minor setup adjustments.
- General Purpose Woodturners: Anyone needing a versatile midi lathe for a variety of projects like bowls, spindles, and boxes, where top-of-the-line power isn’t the absolute priority.
Conclusion & Verdict: A Feature-Packed Value Leader
The Grizzly T25920 successfully carves out its niche by delivering the highly desirable combination of Electronic Variable Speed and a Digital Readout in a capable midi lathe format, all at a price point that significantly undercuts many premium competitors. While it might make small compromises in areas like absolute motor power or the final degree of fit-and-finish compared to top-tier brands, these are often acceptable tradeoffs for the substantial cost savings.
Its solid cast iron construction, standard MT2 tapers, and good midi capacity make it a versatile and practical machine for a wide range of hobbyist projects. If you value modern speed control conveniences and want the most features for your money in a midi lathe package, the Grizzly T25920 represents outstanding value and is a highly recommended choice in 2025 for the budget-conscious yet feature-seeking woodturner. Just be sure to verify the exact motor HP and features on the specific listing before you buy.
In summary, the Grizzly T25920 provides incredible value for hobbyists seeking EVS and DRO features in a capable midi lathe. It’s a solid choice for many intermediate users or ambitious beginners ready for variable speed control. If you’re just starting out and feel simpler options might be better, be sure to explore our dedicated Best Wood Lathes for Beginners guide. For those comparing the T25920 against the absolute top-tier machines on the market, see how it fits into the broader picture in our overall Best Wood Lathes of 2025 review.
