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10 Best Mini Metal Lathes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Grizzly Industrial G0752-10" x 22" Variable-Speed Metal Lathe

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,344
Motor Power
Spindle Speed
Chuck Size

Most important from
6 reviews

Motor Power
Low-speed operation down to 100 rpm and a soft start help maintain stable power without causing electrical disturbances.
Spindle Speed
Variable speed control is a standout feature, providing flexibility despite the need to change belts to access the full speed range.
Chuck Size
The spindle thread uses a nonstandard size, complicating the purchase of compatible backing plates and accessories.

The Grizzly G0752 mini metal lathe offers a decent set of features for hobbyists or light-duty metalworking. Its 1 HP motor provides enough power for small to medium projects, while the 9.5-inch swing over the bed and 22-inch distance between centers give a reasonable size range for turning a variety of parts. The 25mm spindle bore allows for decent accessory compatibility.

The 6-1/8 inch swing over the cross slide is adequate for many tasks but might feel restrictive for larger workpieces. At 180 pounds, it’s heavy enough to stay stable but still manageable for a home workshop.

This model is suitable for occasional, smaller metal turning projects and offers a budget-friendly option. For those needing more precise or demanding work or a wider speed range, exploring other options with detailed spindle speed controls may be beneficial.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,344
Motor Power
Spindle Speed
Chuck Size

Most important from
6 reviews

Motor Power
Low-speed operation down to 100 rpm and a soft start help maintain stable power without causing electrical disturbances.
Spindle Speed
Variable speed control is a standout feature, providing flexibility despite the need to change belts to access the full speed range.
Chuck Size
The spindle thread uses a nonstandard size, complicating the purchase of compatible backing plates and accessories.
#2

CREWORKS Mini Metal Lathe 9" x 30" Benchtop Metal Lathe with 3 Jaw Chuck and 3000rpm Max. Spindle Speed, 1100W Metalworking Machine with LCD Display, Metal Lathe Machine for Threading Turning Drilling

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.

#3

VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe, 8"x14", Mini Lathe Machine 2250 PRM Variable Speed Change, Precision Mini Lathe 650W Metal Working Lathe, Milling Machine for Various Types of Turning

Rating
9.4
Motor Power

Most important from
39 reviews

Motor Power
Some units may have significant quality control issues, such as poor assembly and weak motor performance, making them unsuitable without major adjustments or returns.

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.

Rating
9.4
Motor Power

Most important from
39 reviews

Motor Power
Some units may have significant quality control issues, such as poor assembly and weak motor performance, making them unsuitable without major adjustments or returns.

Buying Guide for the Best Mini Metal Lathes

Choosing the right mini-metal lathe can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. Mini-metal lathes are versatile tools used for shaping metal and other materials. They are perfect for hobbyists, small workshops, and even some professional applications. To make an informed decision, you need to consider several key specifications that will determine the lathe's suitability for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you pick the best fit for your projects.
Swing Over BedThe swing over bed is the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned over the lathe bed. This spec is important because it determines the largest size of the material you can work with. If you plan to work on larger pieces, you will need a lathe with a larger swing over bed. For smaller, more detailed work, a smaller swing over bed will suffice. Consider the typical size of the projects you intend to undertake when choosing this spec.
Distance Between CentersThe distance between centers is the maximum length of the workpiece that can be mounted between the lathe's headstock and tailstock. This is crucial for determining the length of the material you can work on. If you need to turn longer pieces, look for a lathe with a greater distance between centers. For shorter projects, a smaller distance will be adequate. Think about the typical length of the items you plan to create to guide your choice.
Motor PowerMotor power, usually measured in horsepower (HP), indicates the strength of the lathe's motor. This spec is important because it affects the lathe's ability to handle tougher materials and perform more demanding tasks. Higher motor power is better for heavy-duty work and harder metals, while lower power is sufficient for lighter tasks and softer materials. Assess the types of materials and the intensity of the work you plan to do to determine the appropriate motor power.
Spindle SpeedSpindle speed refers to how fast the lathe's spindle rotates, usually measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). This is important because different materials and tasks require different speeds. A lathe with variable speed settings allows you to adjust the RPM to suit the material and the precision needed. For versatility, choose a lathe with a wide range of speeds. Consider the variety of materials you will work with and the precision required for your projects.
Bed LengthThe bed length is the total length of the lathe bed, which affects the overall size of the machine and the maximum length of the workpiece. This spec is important for ensuring that the lathe fits in your workspace and can handle the size of the materials you plan to work on. If you have limited space, a shorter bed length may be necessary. For larger projects, a longer bed length will be beneficial. Measure your workspace and consider the size of your typical projects to choose the right bed length.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size indicates the maximum diameter of the workpiece that the lathe's chuck can hold. This is important for securing the material during operation. Larger chuck sizes can hold bigger workpieces, while smaller chucks are suitable for finer, more detailed work. Think about the size of the materials you will be working with most often to determine the appropriate chuck size for your needs.

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