NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable vs WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by
Both made our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch if you want variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load. Choose the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe if you'd rather have lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category. Overall we rank the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list.
Winner overall: NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch
NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch vs WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Budget |
| Brand | NOVA | WEN |
| Key features | Variable speed 250-4,000 RPM; 16-inch swing; 18-inch between centers | 8-inch swing; 12-inch between centers; Variable speed 580-3,700 RPM |
| Biggest strength | Variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load | Lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category |
| Main trade-off | 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects | 8-inch swing too small for bowl turning beyond 6 inches |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch if…
- Variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load
- 16-inch swing accommodates most bowl-turning project sizes
- NOVA's headstock quality and spindle runout are better than most competitors at this price
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe section.
#2 pick · Best Budget
Choose the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe if…
- Lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category
- 8-inch swing and 12-inch between centers covers small spindle work and pens
- Variable speed across a useful range for small turning
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch section.
Pros and cons of each
NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch
Pros
- Variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load
- 16-inch swing accommodates most bowl-turning project sizes
- NOVA's headstock quality and spindle runout are better than most competitors at this price
- Headstock indexing for fluting and decorative cuts
Cons
- 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects
- Higher price than basic midi lathes
WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe
Pros
- Lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category
- 8-inch swing and 12-inch between centers covers small spindle work and pens
- Variable speed across a useful range for small turning
- WEN warranty and customer support are good for the price tier
Cons
- 8-inch swing too small for bowl turning beyond 6 inches
- Motor can bog under aggressive cuts in dense hardwood
NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch vs WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe: common questions
Which is better, the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch or the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe?
Choose the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch if you want variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load. Choose the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe if you'd rather have lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category. Overall we rank the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list.
What is the difference between the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch and the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe?
The NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch stands out because variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load, while the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe stands out because lowest price in the variable-speed lathe category. The trade-offs differ too: the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch's main caveat is that 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects, and the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe's is that 8-inch swing too small for bowl turning beyond 6 inches.
Is the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch worth it over the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe instead if 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe instead of the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch?
The WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money, while the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch is best for buyers who want the best overall package.