3 Best Mini Metal Lathes 2025 in the United States

The VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe offers a solid option for hobbyists or small workshop owners looking to engage in metalworking projects. With a swing over bed of 8.3 inches and a distance between centers of 14 inches, it provides sufficient workspace for various turning tasks, making it suitable for model making or small parts production. The 650W motor delivers decent power, and the variable speed range of 50-2250 RPM allows for versatility in operations, whether you need high speed for finer cuts or slower speeds for more robust tasks.

The sturdy cast iron construction contributes to its durability, which is essential for maintaining precision over time. The pre-installed 3-jaw chuck and adjustable tailstock enhance usability, enabling users to securely hold materials and perform precise cuts. Additionally, the turret post allows for quick tool changes, which is a significant advantage for users who often switch between different tasks.

There are some drawbacks to consider, such as the weight of 122.4 pounds, which could pose challenges for mobility, particularly in smaller workspaces. Furthermore, the manual or automatic feeding rate adjustment may not be intuitive for all users, especially those who are new to metal lathes.

The Mini Metal Lathe Machine is a versatile tool designed for small-scale projects, hobbyists, and educational purposes. It supports turning, drilling, boring, and threading on materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals (excluding alloys). This makes it suitable for hobbyists, students, and even young learners in technical and science education settings.

With its 12V safe DC transformer, the machine offers a secure operation environment, especially beneficial for beginners and younger users. The machine's components, including the headstock, intermediate block, and sliders, are constructed from high-quality metal, enhancing its durability and precision. The ability to adjust the height of the turning tool using provided shims further adds to its versatility, allowing for precise and customizable results.

It's important to note that the machine's capabilities are limited when dealing with harder materials, as it requires a slower feed rate. Additionally, the machine is not suitable for working with metal alloys, which could be a limitation for those looking to work on more robust materials. The relatively compact size (10.94 inches wide) and moderate power source (240V AC) make it a good fit for benchtop use in workshops and educational environments. This mini metal lathe is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, hands-on tool for smaller, detailed projects and educational applications.

The ECUTEE Mini Lathe is a lightweight benchtop machine designed mainly for small DIY woodworking and craft projects, especially bead polishing and light woodturning. It offers 7 speed levels, providing decent control over spindle speed for different materials or tasks. At roughly 4.3 pounds, it is very portable but suggests limited robustness compared to larger metal lathes.

This mini lathe is best suited for hobbyists or beginners working with soft materials like wood or aluminum alloys rather than serious metal machining. It doesn’t require batteries and has a compact size, making it easy to fit on small workbenches.

If you need a small, affordable lathe for light craft work and are okay with limited power and size, this model could be a fit. For heavier metalworking or more precise machining, a more powerful and clearly specified mini-metal-lathe would be better.