Table of Contents
Our Top 5 Picks for Best Metal Lathe
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
About Metal Lathes
Metal lathes are very technical, powerful and expensive tools used for metalworking. It is very important to know which one you need and for what purpose. In this metal lathe review article, we’ll be going over some important details you should consider before investing in a metal lathe and then we’ll go over the reviews of our top picked metal lathes we’ve researched online.
Before you buy a metal lathe, you need to ask yourself some questions to help you with choosing.
- How much space do you have in your workshop?
- What kind of projects do you work on?
- What’s your budget?
Your answer to these questions will affect your decision on which product to choose. Most lathes you can order online are mini metal lathes because they are easier to ship. That being said, we’ll only be including mini metal lathes in this article. These are good if you don’t have the budget of a large business but like to do some small scale metalworking projects. For bigger lathes, you’ll need to go to retailers near you.
Before You Buy
Types Of Metal Lathe
One of the things that became very clear after hours of research we conducted was that metal lathes are a very diverse group of power tools. Going over all the lathes in a detailed manner will take too much time so we summarized each category.
Center metal lathes or engine lathe machine:
- This is a type of lathe that is currently widely used and can perform operations such as turning, end face, grooving, knurling, and threading. The feed mechanism of the engine lathe can operate the cutting tool in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The center lathe can be divided into belt drive, motor drive and reducer depending on the drive source. It is a very versatile tool and is the most common metal lathe
Speed lathe machine:
- The high-speed lathe can also be called a wood lathe, which can be operated at high speed and is operated manually. The spindle speeds range for a high-speed metal lathe is approximately 1200 to 3600 RPM. This lathe is used for the rotation, centering, polishing and machining of wood.
Capstan and turret lathe machine:
- Capstan and turret lathes are improvements in engine lathes that can be used for high volume production and for large jobs. The head of the machine tool is a hexagonal head, which can be rotated to change the operation without manual change, including turning, end face, boring and reaming.
Toolroom lathe machine:
- The tool room lathe is similar to the engine lathe, but its parts are manufactured with great precision and in order, so this machine is used for high precision grinding machining.
Benchtop metal lathe machine:
- Also called mini metal lathes, the small size of the benchtop lathe can be used for smaller and more precise work, with parts similar to engine lathes and high-speed lathes.
Automatic lathe machine:
- The automatic lathe can perform work automatically and can be used for mass production. The automatic machine will automatically change without having to change the tool manually. The advantage is that an operator can handle the operation of multiple machines at the same time. The automatic lathe is a high-speed and heavy-duty machine.
Special lathe machine:
- Special lathes are used to perform special operations that are not possible with the rest of the lathe. Special lathes include vertical lathes, wheeled lathes, T-type lathes, multi-axis lathes, production lathes, duplex or tracer lathes, etc., which are known for their heavy-duty production of the same parts.
CNC lathe machine:
- The CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) lathe is used to control the operation of the machine tool through a computer program. Once the program is input in steps, mass production can be performed with high precision and high speed, and once the operation code is set, it can be produced without re-entering the next time. CNC lathes are the most advanced types of lathes available today, and the tolerances of the parts they produce are extremely precise.
Basic Features of Mini Metal Lathes
Metal Lathe Size
This is the first and probably the most important detail you need to consider before buying a metal lathe. Depending on the type of metal lathe, these things can be big. Ranging from a few feet to a few meters in length and width. Metal lathes can weigh hundreds of pounds.
It’s essential that you do your due diligence and measure the area you plan to put the metal lathe in and what kind of metalworking projects you plan to work on.
Headstock
The headstock is located on the left of the metal lathe and houses the main spindle, speed control knob, power switch and gears. The headstock is required to be made as robust as possible due to the cutting forces involved, which can distort a lightly built housing, and induce harmonic vibrations that will transfer through to the workpiece, reducing the quality of the finished workpiece.
Centering Chuck / Main Spindle
This part of a metal lathe holds the workpiece in place during operation. The centering chuck acts as a set of external jaws and some models come with a chuck guard. The end of the spindle usually also has an included taper, frequently a Morse taper, to allow the insertion of hollow tubular tapers to reduce the size of the tapered hole, and permit use of centers
Variable Speed Motor
Variable speed control is important in metalworking because not all metals have the same density and some require more or less speed. Variable speed control allows you to select the necessary spindle speed required. This feature is very common among most metal lathes nowadays.
Carriage
In its simplest form the carriage holds the tool bit and moves it longitudinally (turning) or perpendicularly (facing) under the control of the operator. The operator moves the carriage manually with a handwheel or automatically by engaging the feed shaft with the carriage feed mechanism. This provides some relief for the operator as the movement of the carriage becomes power assisted. The handwheels on the carriage and its related slides are usually calibrated, both for ease of use and to assist in making reproducible cuts.
Cross Slide
The cross-slide rides on the carriage and has a feedscrew which travels at right angles to the main spindle axis. This permits facing operations to be performed, and the depth of cut to be adjusted.
Tool Post
The tool bit is mounted in the toolpost which may be the traditional four-sided square style, or a quick-change style such as the multi-fix arrangement.
The advantage of a quick change set-up is to allow an unlimited number of tools to be used (up to the number of holders available) rather than being limited to one tool with the lantern style, or to four tools with a four way tool post. Interchangeable tool holders allow all tools to be preset to a center height that does not change, even if the holder is removed from the machine.
Distance Between Posts
The term, “distance between centers” refers to the maximum length of the material that the lathe can accommodate. In other words, how long your project can be.
Swing
The term, swing over bed , swing, or swing distance refers to the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be handled by the metal lathe. In other words, how thick or wide your project can be.
Best Mini Metal Lathes, Our Top Picks
BestEquip 7×14 inch Mini Metal Lathe
Specifications:
- 550W DC motor
- 0-2500 RPM spindle speeds
- 7 inch swing over bed
- 14 inch center distance
- 101.9 lbs
- 21mm / 0.82 inch spindle bore
- 12-52 TPI thread range
Features:
- Variable speed setting
- Mini metal milling lathe three jaw chuck
- Rack and pinion cross slide
Overview:
This BestEquip mini metal lathe is great for metalworkers on a budget. Don’t let the price tag make you cast a doubt though. You can use this tool for making mini precision parts and modeling projects.
This lathe machine is durable, capable of accurate and professional cuts, has variable speed from 50-2500 RPM and comes with a splash guard among other safety features.
It features a lot of space with a 7 inch swing over bed and 13.788 inch distance between centers. This gives you space to work on your projects.
One of its best features is a 4-way rotating turret that allows you to fit four cutting tools at any given time.
This is overall a great product for those looking for a starter lathe at an affordable price.
Check out the BestEquip 7×14 inch Mini Metal Lathe here:
Grizzly G8688 7×12 inch Mini Metal Lathe
Specifications:
- 7 inch swing over bed
- 12 inch distance between centers
- 0-2500 RPM spindle speeds
- 12-52 TPI thread range
- 89.8 lbs
- 3/4 HP, 110V motor
- 16mm / 0.78 inch spindle bore
Features:
- Chip pan and backsplash guard
- 16 TPI reversible lead screw
- Variable speed settings
Overview:
This reliable piece of equipment features high quality components providing the user with years of reliable service.
This is a great pick for a home workshop or small business due to its small size yet capable 3/4 HP, 110V single phase motor.
It has features like variable speed dial ranging from 0-2500 RPM, threading dial indicator with a range of 12 to 52 TPI, a chip tray and a backsplash guard for safety.
Check out the Grizzly G8688 7×12 inch Mini Metal Lathe here:
BestEquip 8×16 inch Mini Bench Lathe
Specifications:
- 0-2250RPM spindle speeds
- 0.01-0.03 mm spindle accuracy
- 8-¼ inch swing over bed
- 16 inch distance between centers
- 750W motor
- 0.83 inch / 21mm spindle bore
- 0.5-3.0mm TPI thread range
Features:
- Variable speed setting
- Digital readout
- adjustable auto feed rate
- Soft start feature
- 4 jaw chuck
Overview:
Another great product from BestEquip. It has larger capacities compared to other mini lathes. It has a digital readout for more accurate real time readings. A Brushless motor makes it energy efficient and has potentially a longer lifespan.
It features a large center distance of 16 inches, 750W motor power, variable spindle speed, two jaw chucks and even a box for tools and spare parts.
This professional lathe tool requires some getting used to with all the adjustments needed for a precise performance. Add that on top of the price tag and that makes this a professional tool and not for newcomers to the trade.
Check out the BestEquip 8×16 inch Mini Bench Lathe here:
Mophorn 7×12 inch Mini Metal Lathe
Specifications:
- 7 inch swing over bed
- 12 inch distance between centers
- 550W motor
- 50-2500 RPM spindle speed range
- 21mm / 0.83 inch spindle bore
- 12-52 TPI thread ranges
- 80mm /3.15 inch chuck diameter
Features:
- Work lamp
- Variable speed setting
- adjustable auto feed rate
- Back splash guard
- Three jaw chuck
Overview:
This mini metal lathe is another somewhat budget friendly tool for those seeking a good starter lathe.
With its variable speed of 50-2500 RPM from a 550W motor, this will get the job done and do it well. It has an adjustable manual and auto feed rate.
Some other features include a 3 jaw self centering chuck, a spindle supported by bearings, a cross slide with abrasive resistance, a center distance of 11.8 inches and a work lamp.
This lathe machine is a great pick for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Check out the Mophorn 7×12 inch Mini Metal Lathe here:
Eastwood Benchtop 7×12 inches Mini Metal Lathe
Specifications:
- 550W DC motor
- 50-2500 RPM spindle speed range
- 7 inch swing over bed
- 12 inch center distance
- 90 lbs
- 12 – 52 TPI thread ranges
- 20 mm spindle
Features:
- jaw chuck set
- Includes HSS cutter kit
- Auto-feed and selectable gear train components
- Plastic change gears set
- Chuck guard
- Chip tray
- Holder for service tools
Overview:
This BestEquip mini metal lathe tool was designed with home workshops in mind. It offers a 3/4 HP motor, a multi jaw chuck set, an auto feed and selectable gear train components.
This benchtop metal lathe model also features a 12 inch space between centers making it easy to work materials upto 4 inches in diameter by 11 inches in length easily and in the comforts of your home.
It has a 4 way indexable tool post so you can switch tools and even comes with HSS (High Speed Steel) cutting bits and a tool holder.
Check out the Eastwood Benchtop 7×12 inch Mini Metal Lathe here:
Conclusion
Metal lathes come in all shapes, sizes and prices. We can’t tell you which specific one to get because only you know exactly what you need and want in a lathe but we hope that this article helped you make an informed decision.
