6 Best Mini Metal Lathes 2025 in the United States

The CREWORKS Mini Metal Lathe offers a strong set of features for anyone interested in small to medium metalworking projects. It has an 8.7-inch swing over the bed and nearly 30 inches between centers, providing enough space for most hobbyist and some professional tasks. The 1100W motor and max spindle speed of 3000 rpm deliver sufficient power and flexibility to handle a variety of materials including metals and plastics. The 5-inch 3-jaw chuck grips both round and square workpieces securely, making it ideal for precision tasks like threading or turning.

Its cast iron construction adds durability and stability, helping reduce vibrations for more accurate results. The inclusion of an LCD display allows easy speed control and real-time monitoring, a handy feature for beginners and experienced users alike. Safety features like the transparent chuck guard help prevent accidents without blocking your view.

While this lathe is fairly compact and fits on a benchtop, it weighs nearly 200 pounds, so moving it around isn’t very easy. It is designed mainly for precision and smaller work rather than heavy-duty industrial use. Since it is primarily suited for detailed work, it might be more than what a casual user needs. For those seeking a solid, precise mini lathe with good power and safety features, this CREWORKS model is a well-rounded choice.

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 Proxxon Fine Lathe FD 150/E is a compact metal lathe designed for precision work, making it a good choice for hobbyists and those needing detailed, small-scale metal turning. Its standout feature is the 2-stage belt drive combined with electronic control, allowing spindle speeds up to 5,000 rpm. This range covers most small turning tasks, from facing and longitudinal turning to drilling and ball turning. The lathe's quiet DC motor includes safety features like an emergency stop and restart protection, which is reassuring for safe operation. It comes with a 3-jaw chuck and a tailstock, useful for holding and supporting various workpieces.

The lathe's light weight (9.9 pounds) and compact size suggest it handles smaller pieces rather than large work. Its strength lies in precise, clean cuts even on tiny parts, thanks to good pulling power at lower speeds. However, it might not be suitable for heavier or larger metal projects requiring more motor power or a bigger chuck size.

This Proxxon model is well-suited for small, precise metalworking tasks and those learning or refining lathe skills but may not perform as well under heavy-duty or industrial conditions and might fall short for bulkier or high-intensity machining jobs.