# SawStop vs Lathe Machine 3D

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SawStop at none against Lathe Machine 3D's 6. Lathe Machine 3D's advantage is ratings volume (187 vs 3) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lathe Machine 3D sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. SawStop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lathe Machine 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lathe Machine 3D has 187 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of SawStop's written reviews are positive against 63% of Lathe Machine 3D's.

SawStop ships an update every 7 months, Lathe Machine 3D every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SawStop | Lathe Machine 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sawstop/id959432883/reviews) | **[4.6 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lathe-machine-3d/id1478244279/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **187** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **62.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 190 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SawStop, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542854204) | [U&I Next d.o.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1059211402) |

## What reviewers say

### SawStop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sawstop/id959432883)

Test your reflexes against a simulated safety system that stops a spinning blade in milliseconds. Build your ideal saw configuration and locate nearby dealers.

**Highlights:** Simulated safety system challenge, High score tracking, Customizable saw builder, Dealer locator, Adjustable test time

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lathe Machine 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lathe-machine-3d/id1478244279)

Simulate operating a lathe machine to create unique 3D objects from various materials. This game offers realistic physics, customizable tools, and a chance to prototype designs without risk.

**Highlights:** Lathe simulation gameplay, Realistic turning physics, Create thread/spiral shapes, 360-degree 3D graphics, Customizable knives, Unlockable products, Save unfinished work

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all products | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all knives | $1.99 | one-time |
| Disable breaking of knives | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all products slots | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all career workpieces | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock everything | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Realistic simulator experience
- 👍 Good graphics and visuals
- 👍 Educational for woodworking
- 👍 Engaging gameplay
- 👍 Developer responsiveness (resolved issues)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 💰 Unlocking full game costs money
- 💰 Tools break frequently, requiring payment
- 💰 In-app purchases not working for some users
- 💰 Frustrating pay-to-progress model

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchases not unlocking content
- Unlock all in-app not working
- Cannot restore purchases
- Unable to move on to next job
- Purchased features not unlocked

**Requested features**

- Option to sand, paint, and lacquer
- Long-term projects (furniture, instruments)
- Lessons on tapering and blade options
- Hand-turning tools option
- Freestyle mode with custom wood selection


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SawStop free?

SawStop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Lathe Machine 3D free?

Lathe Machine 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SawStop or Lathe Machine 3D?

Lathe Machine 3D is rated higher. SawStop averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Lathe Machine 3D averages 4.6 from 187 ratings.

### Do SawStop or Lathe Machine 3D have ads?

Neither SawStop nor Lathe Machine 3D shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SawStop or Lathe Machine 3D?

SawStop ships an update every 7 months, and Lathe Machine 3D every 2 months. Most recently, SawStop was updated on October 2, 2026 and Lathe Machine 3D on October 15, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*