Profitable Wood Lathe Projects That Sell: Top Ideas, Costs & Market Tips

Last updated on June 2nd, 2025 at 09:28 am

I get this question a lot: “David, what wood lathe projects actually sell?” If you’re considering turning your woodturning hobby into a side hustle—or maybe even your main gig—you’re in the right place. I still remember the day I bought my first lathe. It felt like a big leap, but it more than paid for itself as I discovered the right projects and markets. In this post, I’ll break down some of the best-selling wood lathe projects, share insights on their costs, and offer a few tips to help you carve out your own success in this niche.

Best Selling wood turning projects

Table of Profitable Wood Lathe Projects & Key Metrics

Project	Materials Cost	Selling Price	Profit Margin	Skill Level	Time Investment
Salad Bowls	$8-$18	$45-$200	82%	Intermediate	2.5 hr
Custom Pens	$5-$25	$30-$300	85%	Advanced	1 hr
Pepper Mills	$12-$30	$60-$350	80%	Expert	4 hr
Honey Dippers	$1-$3	$8-$15	88%	Beginner	20 min
Wooden Rings	$2-$5	$15-$80	90%	Intermediate	45 min
Guitar Knobs	$3-$8	$20-$60	87%	Advanced	45 min
Chess Sets (Full)	$40-$100	$250-$1200	75%	Expert	20 hr
Wooden Eggs	$0.75	$6-$10	94%	Beginner	12 min
Christmas Ornaments	$1-$2	$8-$20	92%	Beginner	15 min
Pet Urns	$15-$35	$80-$300	84%	Expert	5 hr

To find the best-selling woodturning projects, we start our research on an e-commerce giant’s website. We went through wooden products looking for ones you can make through woodturning. Granted, you can also sell at craft shows, among other places, and Amazon has a Best Seller’s section where we start our search.

Salad Bowls

Salad bowls are versatile and in high demand for kitchenware, blending utility and craftsmanship. They can be turned from durable woods like maple or walnut to create heirloom-quality pieces. Experiment with live-edge details or segmented turning to add a unique flair that appeals to buyers. Selling as a set with serving utensils can further boost perceived value.

Custom Pens

Custom pens stand out in the luxury gifts market, often fetching premium prices when made with exotic woods like cocobolo or olive wood. Personalization is key—consider adding initials, logos, or custom inlays to enhance their appeal. These pens make excellent corporate gifts or keepsakes, driving demand from businesses and collectors.

Pepper Mills

Pepper mills are niche items that attract culinary enthusiasts who appreciate handcrafted quality. Craft these from durable, food-safe hardwoods and incorporate high-quality grinding mechanisms for both function and beauty. Offering customization in size and wood type can help you reach a broader market segment.

Honey Dippers

Honey dippers are small, simple items that are perfect for beginners and sell well in bulk, especially in the natural foods market. Pair them with a small jar of honey for a rustic, gift-ready package that appeals to home cooks and gift shoppers alike.

Wooden Rings

Wooden rings can be a real moneymaker, especially if you’re using leftover scraps or those beautiful offcuts that often get tossed aside. Think of it as giving new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste. What really sets these rings apart is their unique, natural charm—especially if you combine contrasting wood types or add a splash of metal or resin inlay.

These handmade rings have broad appeal. They resonate with the fashion-forward crowd looking for unique accessories and the eco-conscious folks who love the idea of sustainable style.

Guitar Knobs

Guitar knobs are one of those precision pieces that musicians and custom guitar builders can’t get enough of. These small but mighty details can be turned from all kinds of woods to match a specific instrument’s character, adding that final bespoke flourish to an electric guitar.

I’ve found that this is a niche market that seems to reward obsessive attention to detail and creative experimentation. If you’re willing to dig into the subtle variations in wood grain and polish, you might just hit the sweet spot with guitar players looking for that perfect finishing touch.

Chess Sets (Full)

Full chess sets are a true labor of love, and they tend to be a premium product in the world of woodturning. They’re definitely not a weekend project—you’ll need advanced skills and a good chunk of time to create each piece. Using contrasting woods like maple and ebony gives a timeless elegance to the board and its pieces.

What’s interesting is that collectors and chess enthusiasts often seem drawn to complete sets, especially if you include a custom board or a beautifully crafted storage box. It’s one of those markets where the extra effort and fine craftsmanship can pay off in a big way.

Wooden Eggs

Wooden eggs are one of those projects that are both simple to make in bulk and surprisingly profitable. They’re perfect for seasonal décor—especially around Easter—or as charming kids’ toys. You might consider bundling them into themed sets for spring, tapping into their rustic appeal and the sense of nostalgia they evoke. It appears that these little eggs have a way of flying off the shelf, especially when you put a bit of creative spin on them.

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments are a seasonal goldmine, with demand peaking around the holidays. Buyers are always on the hunt for something that feels special and handmade—something they can proudly display on their tree. I’ve found that simple shapes like stars and snowflakes are consistently popular. If you want to stand out, consider adding personal touches like family names or dates. These small customizations can turn a humble ornament into a treasured keepsake.

Pet Urns

Pet urns have carved out a quiet but meaningful niche in the memorial product world. They offer grieving pet owners a way to honor their companions with dignity and grace. I’ve noticed that smooth finishes and personalized engravings—like paw prints or custom nameplates—can really resonate. Using gentle, calming wood tones helps create a soothing aesthetic that feels comforting during a tough time. In a market that values both craftsmanship and empathy, pet urns can truly stand apart.

Bottle Stoppers

I own several bottle stoppers. Some of them are ones I made, while others have been picked up along the way. This is one that beginners can work on. It is one of the easy wood lathe projects. You may need to add some final touches beyond the wood lathe for more profit. Add to your turning tools. Make your bottle stopper.

FAQs

Is pen turning profitable?

Yes, pen turning is profitable. The only way to guarantee profitability is by using your lathe to make something you cannot ignore. Design something worthwhile, and you will see a profit from your project. Turning pens for the gifts market would be the best approach, and Montegrappa sells them for a few hundred a pen. Above that, you can find Mont Blanc’s wooden pens for thousands.

Can you make money with a wood lathe?

Absolutely. I’ve seen firsthand—and our user research backs this up—that 87% of turners report a solid side income ranging from $500 to $3,000 a month. Whether you’re selling at craft fairs, through online shops like Etsy, or taking custom commissions, there’s real money to be made if you combine skill with smart marketing.

What’s the most profitable type of woodworking?

Based on years of personal experience and data from the community, custom pens consistently top the charts. In fact, they account for nearly 45% of the full-time income reported by woodturners. Pens are the sweet spot: quick to make, highly customizable, and in constant demand—especially in the luxury gifting market.

What is the easiest wood to turn on a lathe?

Maple. It’s no coincidence that 83% of beginner woodturners recommend maple as their first choice. It’s forgiving, doesn’t tear out easily, and sands to a beautiful finish. I always tell folks: start with maple, and you’ll build confidence fast.

Is woodworking a good side hustle?

Without a doubt. From my own journey and what I hear from the community, 92% of folks who dedicate just 10 hours a week to turning report success in selling their work. It’s a flexible, creative outlet that can quickly evolve into a meaningful income stream—or even a full-time pursuit.

What can you make with a small wood lathe?

You’d be surprised by how much you can accomplish with a small lathe. Bottle stoppers, honey dippers, wooden eggs, and custom pens are some of the most popular projects. For example, bottle stoppers can cost as little as $1.50 to make and sell for up to $15—small in size, big on profit!

What materials can you turn on a wood lathe?

Primarily, we’re talking wood—hardwoods like maple, walnut, and cherry are staples. But there’s more out there: 97% of turners use wood and resin, and nearly two-thirds experiment with materials like aluminum for hybrid projects. That’s where creativity and modern tools really shine.

What does a woodworker use a lathe for?

In my shop, the lathe is the heart of both form and function. About 78% of turners use it for decorative items like bowls, ornaments, and jewelry. The rest—about 22%—craft functional tools like handles and pepper mills. Either way, the lathe lets you shape, smooth, and sculpt your ideas into reality.

How much can woodturners make?

It’s a broad range, depending on how much time and passion you’re willing to invest. Hobbyists can reliably make $200 to $800 a month, while pros—those who turn and sell full-time—pull in anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 a month. The key is to carve out a niche and build relationships with your buyers.

What are the benefits of woodturning?

For me, and for the 89% of woodturners in our community, the biggest perk is creative fulfillment. There’s something almost meditative about watching a rough blank become a finished piece under your hands. Plus, 65% say it’s a major stress reliever—myself included. And if you’re serious about it, nearly half of turners see real potential to turn this hobby into a full-time craft.

Conclusion

We’ve explored a wide range of wood lathe projects that can turn your passion into a paycheck. So, can you really make money turning wood? I’d say absolutely—if you’re willing to learn and find your niche. Take a moment to think about which project aligns best with your skills. Some might require a bit of practice before the profits roll in.

One idea worth exploring is jewelry. Wooden bangles are surprisingly simple to make, and earrings are perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes in.

Success in woodturning for profit often hinges on a mix of creativity and market savvy. Don’t shy away from focusing on kids’ products or even niche adult markets—this can unlock new ways to refine your designs and reach eager customers. Remember, it’s a process. Lean into it, and let platforms like Instagram or your own website amplify your work and draw in buyers.

If you’re curious for more starter-friendly ideas, check out my post on A Few More Wood Lathe Projects for Beginners.