If you need to work with harder metals often, it is useful to get a metal lathe.
Metal lathe helps you with wood and metal shaping and saves a lot of time and effort compared to manual shaping.
Many workers have discovered how easy to work with the metal lathe is, so there is an excellent offer on the market.
Check my list of the best metal lathe you can find on the market, and feel free to add your favorites if I forgot some quality products.
Highest Rated Best Beginner-Friendly Metal Lathe for Home Shop (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Shop Fox M1015 Micro Lathe
- 2Erie Tools Precision Bench Top Mini Metal Milling Lathe
- 3Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe
- 4Central Machinery Precision Mini Lathe
1
Shop Fox M1015 Micro Lathe
This lathe is the size of a smaller bench and has a perfect size and plenty of power to help you with a variety of applications.
The lathe can be used for small to large size proceeds.
It has a compact size, but enough power and is equipped with additional useful features.
The price tag is affordable, and the lathe is excellent for faceplate and chuck mountain, 4-jaw chuck lathing, dead center lathing, tailstock lathing, and faceplate lathing.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to use control panel
- Manual operations enabled
- Easy to switch from manual to automatic mode
- Great range of thread cutting
- Comes with a threading chart that can help you use the lathe
- The compound slide is simple to use
- Dual-purpose longitudinal hand wheel for moving and setting the machine
- Small, but heavy-duty
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Can be too fast for beginners
Michael's TakeThis lathe might be small, but is an excellent choice for heavy-duty projects.
It comes with some of the best additional features seen in more expensive units.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Erie Tools Precision Bench Top Mini Metal Milling Lathe
The Erie Tools metal lathe is a powerful, variable speed lathe that delivers 400 watts of power and 0.53 of horsepower.
Therefore, you can rely on this device to help you complete difficult tasks.
The machine has a 7-inch wing over bed and uses MT3 spindle taper as well as MT2 tailstock taper.
The cross slide with 2.56 inches of travel can accommodate up to 1,38 inches of length when used for top slide work.
The speed is variable – from 50 RPM to 2500 RPM.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Digital readout simplifies the RMP adjustments
- Easy to use thread indicator
- Can be used with imperial or metric pitches
- Multiple jaws chuck
- Equipped with the auto-feed function
- Has four cutting tools
- Comes with convenient manual
Cons
- You need to detach rust-proofing before you can use the lathe
Michael's TakeThe Erie Tools makes this amazing lathe, with plenty of excellent features.
It allows you to drill, cut, and turn metal with maximum precision.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe
Don’t let the compact size of this Grizzly lathe confuse you.
Despite its size, the product has a 3/4 HP motor which can do a lot.
Therefore, it is an excellent choice for anyone who works with different metalworking applications.
It has variable speed settings, from 0 to 2500 RMP.
Additionally, using this lathe and setting it is a breeze.
Moreover, the lathe has a turret tool post and a splash guard, chip tray, and has 7 inches of swing over bed.
The thread range is 12-52 TPI.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Compact
- Variable speed feature
- Comes with a lot of accessories and useful parts
- Included in the package are a backsplash guard, chip pan, jaw chuck, etc.
- Excellent customer service
- Durable
- Suitable for bigger projects
Cons
- Compound slide can wobble when used on solid materials
Michael's TakeThe Grizzly lathe is durable and well-built.
It fits smaller spaces beautifully and can complete heavier tasks.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Central Machinery Precision Mini Lathe
This Central Machinery lathe is a mini lathe but still can achieve a lot of work.
You can rely on this machine to help you with bushing designs, with your prototypes and spindles.
The machine comes with a chuck guard for its micro switch and additional 18 threads.
Therefore, the device is more flexible and versatile.
Additionally, switching from automatic feed to the manual is quite easy.
A variable control knob makes the lathe even easier to use.
Also, despite high power output, the machine won’t overheat.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Powerful – 250-260 watts rating with 4 amps of power
- Light indicator on the power switch
- Equipped with forward, off, and reverse function
- Variable speed settings – 0-2500 RPM
- Easy to use
Cons
- You need to get additional cutting tools
Michael's TakeThis lathe is one of the most affordable machines on the market.
Moreover, it offers great quality and flexibility for the price and is one of the best-rated devices in its category.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Best Beginner-Friendly Metal Lathe for Home Shop Buying Guide
If you are still unsure which metal lathe to buy, go through a simple buying guide.
Entry Level Choice
If you are a beginner, you can really benefit from the Shop Fox lathe.
It is small in size but can accommodate a wide range of metal lathing.
The device has a lot of power and allows you to improve your skills.
You can use it for light to medium tasks.
Variable Speed Settings Choice
If you are looking for something flexible with variable speed settings, I recommend this Erie Tools mini-lathe.
The metal lathe is fully customizable and allows you to set the device according to your needs and preferences.
Moreover, the lathe is quite powerful.
Hobbyists Choice
Hobbyists tend to work on a variety of projects, and therefore, they need something versatile and reliable.
For those purposes, I recommend the Grizzly lathe.
It has useful features, excellent attachments, and is well-built, so you can rely on the device to last for long.
Longer Operation Choice
People who use a metal lathe for long hours will enjoy the Central Machinery device.
It is efficient and has a sturdy construction, so it can withstand hours of use with precision and no loss of power.
Why Use a Metal Lathe
First of all, a metal lathe saves you time and reduces your fatigue, buy allowing the machine to complete the hard work.
A metal lathe is versatile and can accompany different machines.
Therefore, you can complete a variety of tasks in less time.
Some workers reported that with proper metal lathe, they were able to complete the job in a day, which previously took them several days to complete without a metal lathe.
Moreover, metal lathes are choice number one for a worker who focuses on creating rounded parts.
Therefore, if you are making cylindrical parts, a metal lathe can significantly improve your results.
Also, compared to manual operations, a metal lathe allows you more precise cuts.
It is an excellent machine for people who create custom tools, and have limited surface quality.
How to Pick a Metal Lathe
First of all, metal lathes with a variety of features, so you can be confused.
The best way to get the proper device for your needs is to determine your needs, your common projects, determine the budget, and check some reviews.
Write down the technical specifications and find out more about the overall performance of each lathe.
Then, compare which one metal lathe seems to be most suitable for your needs, but offers more versatility and flexibility.
Always get a metal lathe with slightly more power than you currently need, to be able to use a lathe in the future as well.
Conclusion
My list included a recommendation for all workers who can benefit from the quality metal lathe.
Shop Fox, Erie Tools, Grizzly, and Central Machinery are the best and safest choice for metal lathe right now.
If I missed other quality metal lathes, feel free to add your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section.
