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Metalworking is a profession that has been around for centuries now. But you cannot compare today’s metalworking experiences to the pasts’. And we have the technology advancement to thank for that. Over time, new equipment and machinery have emerged in the marketplace. This has, in turn, made things a whole lot better and simpler for metalworkers like you and me.
With that in mind, metal lathes are one of these advanced equipments we get to enjoy nowadays. Better yet, they are a must for most, if not all metalworkers. Especially if you are an industrial worker.
Metal lathes we have today are also miles ahead (in terms of advancements) compared to the ones we used in the past. Just like in all other equipment, these improvements have been put in place because of you. In order to make your jobs precise, efficient, and easier.
We even have mini lathes in the market for those who are on a tight budget or need more portable equipment.
Top 8 Best Mini Metal Lathes Comparison
| Photo | Name | Avg. Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Grizzly G9972Z 11 x 26-Inch | 4.6 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Techtongda 8 x 16-Inch | 4.5 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Grizzly G8688 7 x 12-Inch | 4.4 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Mophorn 8×16 Inch | 4.2 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Erie Tools 7 x 14 | 4.1 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Grizzly G0602 10 x 22-Inch | 4.4 / 5 | Check Price |
 | BestEquip 7 x 14 Inch | 4.3 / 5 | Check Price |
 | Central Machinery 7 x 10 Inch | 4.1 / 5 | Check Price |
Best Mini Metal Lathe Reviews
Below is the list of 8 best mini metal lathes in 2023:
1. Grizzly G9972Z Bench Lathe
This is an extraordinary starter metal machine with more limit than run of the mill benchtop machines!
This uniquely structured machine is an exceptional worth and ready to take on light obligation occupations requiring a 10-1/2″ swing, a 25mm axle bore, and 26″ between focuses.
What’s more, with a 1 HP engine, you’ll have the option to make brisk work of even the most testing employments. This is a great worth and a ton of machine for a leisure activity mechanical engineer!
The gearbox is easy to use and the device itself is easy to maintain. The control panel is also easy for you to interpret and learn to use the machine.
This machine consists of an emergency stop that helps you in preventing any sort of serious injuries or harm. The motor of this machine is 1 HP, 110V with a single-phase. You can alternate between six different levels of speed ranging from 150-2400 RPM. The dimensions of this product are 57.5 x 30 x 25.5 inches.
This machine is larger and is mostly used in bigger industries or workplaces that have enough space. The machine weighs 517 pounds and is not easy to carry around from one place to another.
Pros
- It has different levels of speed.
- Easy to read and understand.
- Provides you with efficient and accurate results.
- It does not require any batteries.
Cons
- Heavy
- Larger
- Not suitable for small workplaces
2. Techtongda Precision Metal Lathe (8″x16″ WM210V)
TECHTONGDA centers around the apparatus producing industry. Our machine is utilized for a wide range of machining. It tends to be utilized for turning, confronting, boring, exhausting, and turning string.
Additionally, can be utilized for accuracy parts preparing, test handling, and model processing. It is famous for vehicle and weapon alteration devotees. Broad use and basic activity.
This machine includes a lathe that can be used for almost every purpose of machining such as turning, boring, and much more. Moreover, it can be used for the sample as well as model operation along with simple as well as wide use.
In short, this machine comes in handy for everything. It consists of a spindle. The shaft is bolstered by a shaped roller bearing for high accuracy.
The interesting part of this machine is that it consists of two gears on which the speed of the main spindle is divided. Because of this, you can easily adjust the speed according to your need. The scale is metric. However, the machined strings are in inches.
Moving towards the specifics, the machine has a voltage of 110V, 60Hz. The motor is a 750W brushless motor that allows you to work efficiently and accurately. The dimensions of these products are 33.5 inches in height, 12.2 inches in width, and 12.6 inches in height. This makes the machine small and easy to store as it is compact.
Pros
- Compact in size.
- Light in weight.
- Easy setup and assembling process.
- The lathe is waterproof and of durable quality.
- It consists of two different gears.
Cons
- Automatic control
3. Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe, 7 x 12-Inch
Grizzly is one of the most famous names in the realm of best mini metal lathes. Their tools never disappoint in terms of quality, durability, or efficiency. And this Grizzly G8688 is no different. This tool is easy to use and will deliver consistency for a very long time.
Better yet, this mini metal lathe is also a small unit that will save space on your workshop. If you need to carry it to a different work site, then you can do that as well as it is very lightweight. Its shade will also blend in with any workshop space.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Relatively affordable
- Saves space
- Nice design
- From a trusted brand
- Very durable
Cons
- Cannot be used on heavy duties
- Not appropriate for professionals
- Head and housing, as well as threading gears, are made of plastic
4. Mophorn 8×16 Inch Metal Lathe
This Mophorn 8×16 Inch Metal late does an astounding job of delivering high precision work. And it does all this without consuming too much real estate in your workshop. Being capable of running from 0 all the way to 2500 RPM, this precision metal lathe will perform exceptionally. This is especially true when it comes to making bushings, models, prototypes, spindles and much more. It also did a great job of counter facing and turning.
Mophorn Metal Lathe further retails with a tool post, a micro switch, and a chuck guard. The manufacturing company nicely finished the chuck and spindle on this unit to shine. Better yet, a hardened steel spindle on the tool contains a standard six-hole layout. This will come in handy for directly mounting 3 inch, 3 jaw, and 4 jaw chucks.
The spindle’s diameter on this equipment is 3 inches. And utilizing the appropriate black plates, the tool can accept the optional 5 inch and 4-inch diameter chucks.
The tool also retails with an ON and OFF emergency cut out switch. The emergency button that’s colored red is placed on a hinged lid. Under this lid, you will find the red OFF button and the green ON button.
If you are on the market looking for the best precision mini metal lathe, then you are in luck. Because this is another tool that I’m confident is worth your hard-earned dollars. Give it a chance and let me know what you think. I am also confident it will blend in with your workshop’s interior design.
Pros
- Is versatile and can do many tasks including making spindles, creating, and turning prototypes
- Can also work on multiple speeds so you can choose the one you’re comfortable with
- It is easy to assemble and operate even if you’re a beginner
- The material used in this unit is strong and very high quality
- It will be easy for you to adjust and handle the lathe thanks to its digital display
- Delivers clean and smooth materials
Cons
- Only retails with the basic functions
5. Erie Tools 7 x 14 Precision Bench Top Mini Metal Milling Lathe
Erie Tools gives clients up to 2500 RPM of turning power for accurate cutting of metal. This small machine gives a 7-inch swing and a 14-inch space between focuses. The machine turns metal up to 84-cubic-crawls in size. The variable-speed engine is flexible from 50 to 2500 RPM either rotational way. This makes left-hand stringing an alternative.
Simple to-peruse advanced readout while modifying the RPMs. The string pointer assists clients with diverting screw strings from 12 to 52 TPI with either metric or magnificent pitches.
The multi-jaw toss holds workpieces firmly set up while the discretionary auto-feed can be changed by address the issues of the current venture. The 5/16-inch limit apparatus present permits up on four slicing devices to be mounted without a moment’s delay, making for basic replacements mid-venture. The bundle incorporates connectors, slides, carbide-tipped shaper packs, and complete arrangement of plastic switch gears.
This machine consists of a motor that you can adjust according to your need. The product dimensions are 36 x 17.3 x 14.6 inches making it comparatively large that the other machines. The motor has a voltage of 120 V. This machine provides you excellent results and accuracy. The weight of this machine is 104.2 pounds making it slightly but not too heavy for you to move it from one place to another.
Pros
- It consists of a full set of plastic gears.
- The motor speed can be adjusted accordingly.
- Does not require any sort of batteries.
- Provides precision and accuracy.
Cons
- The motor driver is very fragile.
- Does not come with a 1-year warranty
6. Grizzly G0602 Bench Top Metal Lathe, 10 x 22-Inch
The Grizzly G0602 benchtop metal lathe is the best product for anyone out there who is looking for a tool for hard materials. This tool has also made its way into the best work areas in the market. And all thanks to its high functionality and amazing performance.
Better yet, when you first check out this tool you will understand why it’s a must buy for you. You will also realize why it’s potentially the best tool in its price range right now.
One of the most mesmerizing factors about this product is its price. It is extremely affordable given the features it is packed with. This is primarily the reason it is among the best in its price range.
If you have industrial need CNC milling services can be your solution.
Other than that, the tool also retails with lots of thread changes, several spare parts included, and a wide bed. The features do not stop there. It also comes with a 1” spindle bore as well as one to three MT4 spindle and TPI spindle taper.
To top it off, Grizzly is a leading manufacturer in the market and all their products are high quality. This one is no different.
Pros
- Can run on six different speed ranges
- Saves time
- Very versatile
- Extremely efficient
- Delivers accurate cuts and smooth finishes
- Very beginner friendly
- Great quality given its price range
- Is pretty durable
Cons
- For some people, the one year warranty is too short
- According to some buyers on Amazon, the tool may reach you (the buyer) with some defects so inspect it accordingly
7. BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe 550W 7 x 14 Inch
This tool is not really a budget-friendly choice. But I guarantee that it will award you the functionality that will rival even the best tools in the marketplace. This tool is also made of high-grade iron.
It also retails with a variable rotation per minute of between 50 and 250. The gears on the tool are metal. This makes a bit expensive but durable as well. It also boasts a thread range of between 8 and 4 TPI.
It is more suitable for small scale proficient startups or serious hobbyists who have some nice amount of cash saved.
Pros
- Versatile RPM setting
- Comes with two chucks
- Very precise
- Delivers smooth and consistent results
- User-friendly
Cons
- A bit too expensive for most individuals
8. Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe
The Central Machinery is quite similar to another product we will also look at in this enumeration in a minute. It is extremely versatile, lightweight, and will not take up too much space in your workshop. It’s lightweight considering how much most metal lathes weigh.
This tool also retails with an automatic feeding system that makes your work more straightforward. You can also control the tool’s speed using the knob. The tool’s chuck also boasts a micro switch and some plastic gears. However, I recommend that you change these plastic gears with metal alternatives later on.
The only downside with this appliance is the fact its replacement materials are not very easy to come across. It boasts a thread size of 12 to 52 TPI.
Pros
- Quite lightweight
- Boasts an automatic feed system
- Very powerful compared to other tools that are its size
- Easy to install and operate in your workshop
- Very versatile
- Saves space in your workshop because it is small
Cons
- When a part of the tool breaks down, it would be very hard to find a replacement
- Is only able to handle small to medium pieces of material only
Let us skip to the next section of the post. Let us look at things to consider when choosing the best mini metal lathe.
Things to consider when choosing the best mini metal lathe.
We’ve already got to the tool’s enumeration. Now I want you to see how you can ensure you pick the best one. This guide will also show you the things I looked for when coming up with this post.
See video: Metal lathe basics
In addition, as a carpenter, the metal lathe you choose now probably won’t be the one you use forever. There is a good chance you’ll need a replacement down the line. This implies that this info will also come in handy at a future date. You’ll already know what to look for and won’t need to go through a similar section again.
So, what are the factors you should consider?
Weight and stability
When you’re working with metals, lighter products are always better. You need a stable machine that comes with a great base. This further ensures you do not bump the appliance and hurt yourself or ruin the work you’ve done.
Most mini metal lathes are heavy aluminum and cast iron. In addition, you’ll find that their weight in the market ranges from 78 pounds to nearly 500 pounds. This allows you to pick the one that matches your needs and preferences
The size of your regular projects
The size of projects you usually undertake is also an important factor you ought to consider. Ask yourself this question before you blow up your cash on the “best” metal lathes.
Modern mini metal lathes have been made quite suitable and versatile for almost all sorts of projects. However, it is pretty obvious that the smallest projects like bangles, door handles, bowls, pens and so on do not need a large machine in your workshop. First, getting a large one will utilize important space you could have used for something else.
Second, the larger one will probably cost more, even though it won’t deliver more compared to if you had bought a smaller one.
That said, if you contemplate on working on larger projects, then your priority ought to change. You should consider acquiring either a full-sized lathe or a medium sized lathe.
Lathe Chuck and Faceplates
Lathe Chucks are normally mounted on the equipment’s adopt jaws and spindle nose. These are the same ones used to hold metal workpieces in place while you’re working on them.
But note that they come in different types. Most proficient metalworkers I have come across prefer the four jaws independent lathe chuck. This is mostly because you can adjust the various jaws individually in order to hold metal pieces of different shapes.
That is a consideration I urge you to take into consideration as well.
See video: Lathe Machine Operation
The tool’s bed length
Typically speaking, the lathe’s bed length of most mini metal lathes range from 760mm to 920mm. and the one you pick will also depend on the sizes of material you usually work with. If you usually work with small pieces of metal, then you won’t need a longer bed. Using a small metal on a larger bed will create vibrations, which are uncomfortable.
Conversely, if you tend to work with larger pieces of metal, then contemplate on getting equipment with a larger bed.
Lathe Bed
Ensure you check the material that has been used to design the lathe bed. In most cases, it should be durable material boasting a flat cast bed and metal bars.
The tool’s stand
If you do not own a bench or stable working site, then contemplate on acquiring a stand that you will use to mount your mini metal lathe.
Now I hope that you know the things you should look at when picking the best mini metal lathe. With those factors in mind, let us skip to the enumeration and look at the best ones in the marketplace right now.
How To Use A Metal Lathe
Watch this video
Check some more useful resources:
Conclusion
I hope this guide and review was helpful to you. I really hope that at this point, you can pick the best tool for you. Remember, the one you pick should have a combination of most, if not all features I mentioned before.
All the best.
Im looking for a lathe for both metal working and wood working. I heard that a metal lathe can work for wood working also, is it correct?
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, a metal lathe can work for woodworking also.
There is a mini lathe no made in China?
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