10 Best Mini Lathes 2025 in the United States

The CREWORKS Mini Metal Lathe is a compact yet powerful choice for hobbyists and professionals looking to handle small to medium metalworking tasks. With a swing over bed of 8.7 inches and a distance between centers of 23.6 inches, it strikes a balance between size and capability. The machine's 1100W brushless motor allows for spindle speeds up to 3000 RPM, granting users excellent control over their projects, which is displayed in real-time on an LCD screen. This feature is particularly beneficial for precision work, such as threading and turning, where accuracy is crucial.

The sturdy cast iron construction of the lathe not only ensures durability but also provides stability during operation, reducing vibrations that can affect precision. The inclusion of a 3-jaw chuck and a robust tailstock enhances versatility, allowing users to work with various materials, including wood, plastic, brass, and aluminum.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Some users may find the learning curve steep, especially those new to metalworking, as it requires careful handling and adjustment for optimal results. Additionally, while the lathe is designed for precision tasks, its compact size may limit its capacity for larger projects or heavier materials.

The Delta Industrial 46-460 midi lathe is a solid choice for hobbyists and light to moderate woodturning projects. It offers a 12-1/2 inch swing over the bed, which is decent for a mini-lathe and allows working on reasonably sized pieces. The 16-1/2 inch distance between centers is somewhat limited for longer spindles, but this can be extended up to 42 inches with an extension, offering some flexibility. With a 1 horsepower motor and variable electronic speed control ranging from 250 to 4,000 RPM, it covers the speeds needed for various turning tasks without manual belt adjustments, making it user-friendly for beginners and intermediate turners. The cast-iron bed construction and heavy-duty steel components provide good stability and durability, which helps reduce vibrations and improve precision. It comes with two tool rests (6 and 10 inches), but users who often work with long spindles may find these a bit short and requiring frequent repositioning.

The tailstock features a #2 MT taper with 2-1/4 inches of spindle travel, which is typical for this class of lathe and sufficient for most standard setups. Its patented belt tensioning system ensures quick and reliable speed changes while maintaining proper belt tension, enhancing power transfer and tool life. Weighing 44.9 pounds, it’s relatively portable but stable during operation. The lathe has received positive user feedback and includes a 5-year warranty, which adds confidence in its build quality. While it is not ideal for very large or professional-scale projects, this Delta midi lathe suits woodworking enthusiasts seeking a dependable, versatile tool with convenient variable speed and solid construction.

The WEN Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe is a solid choice for hobbyists and beginners interested in small woodturning projects like pens, bowls, and chess pieces. It offers an 8-inch swing over the bed and a 13-inch distance between centers, which is fairly standard for mini-lathes and allows working on moderately sized pieces. Its 3.2-amp motor with a soft-start feature is gentle on the machine and user-friendly, helping avoid sudden jolts that could damage the workpiece or the lathe. Variable speed control from 750 to 3200 RPM gives good flexibility to handle various wood types and project details. The inclusion of two interchangeable tool rests and an MT1 taper tailstock is practical, supporting better control and versatility during turning.

The bed construction appears sturdy enough for typical small jobs, though it may not satisfy those looking for heavy-duty or professional-level durability. The 2.3-inch faceplate adds convenience for mounting different workpieces. While this lathe does not boast very high power or extended capacity, it fits well into the mini-lathe category for casual woodworking and learning. The 45.9-pound weight makes it fairly stable without being too bulky, and the two-year warranty adds some peace of mind.

For users seeking to turn significantly larger or tougher materials, this lathe might feel limiting; however, it remains a dependable, affordable, and easy-to-use option for most small-scale woodturning tasks.