Top 10 Best Metal Lathes (Reviews & Buyers’ Guide 2022)

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Shop Fox 12” x 36” Gunsmithing Metal Lathe
  • #1 Best Metal Lathe for Sale in 2022
  • Has 9 variable speed settings of up to 1400 RPM; cuts 29 different metric threads
  • Sturdy cast iron stand with cast aluminum gear cover
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes
Our Rating: 5.0/5.0
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#1-Top Expert Choice
BestEquip 7” x 14” Mini Metal Lathe
  • Runner-up best metal lathe in 2022
  • Sturdy and durable aluminum construction
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes and other features
  • Spindle speed of 0-2500 RPM with infinite speed setting options
Our Rating: 4.7/5.0
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#2-Premium Choice
Erie Tools 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe with 5-Piece Cutter Kit
  • Drills, cuts, and turns metal, wood, and plastic parts; left-handed threading is possible
  • Speeds can be adjusted up to 2500 RPM in both rotational directions
  • Digital readout display shows speed adjustments
Our Rating: 4.5/5.0
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#3
Mophorn 7” x 12” Precision Mini Metal Lathe
  • Sturdy iron construction with nylon gears; has a professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes and other features
  • Accuracy-tested chuck; speeds can be adjusted from 50 to 2500 RPM
Our Rating: 4.4/5.0
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#4
BestEquip 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe with Movable Lamp
  • Sturdy iron construction with nylon gears; has a professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes and other features
  • Accuracy-tested chuck; speeds can be adjusted from 50 to 2500 RPM
Our Rating: 4.3/5.0
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#5
VEVOR 7” x 12” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe
  • Sturdy iron construction with nylon gears; has a professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes and other features
  • Accuracy-tested chuck; speeds can be adjusted from 0 to 2250 RPM
Our Rating: 4.2/5.0
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#6
Jectse Mini Metal Lathe
  • Metal spindle box, gear, tailstock, and more; belt is covered and protected from damage
  • 60-watt motor; good for use by beginners who are just starting to learn to use metal lathes
  • Motor Speed: 12000 RPM motor speed and 2000 RPM spindle speed
Our Rating: 4.0/5.0
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#7
BestEquip 8” x 16” Mini Metal Lathe
  • Sturdy steel construction with nylon gears and a balanced and supportive base
  • Highly accurate tailstock with a professional compound rest with four-way tool post
  • Infinite speed setting options; low 0-1250 RPM, high 100-2250 RPM
Our Rating: 3.8/5.0
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#8
Techtongda 8” x 16” Metal Lathe with Brushless Motor
  • Suitable for drilling, turning, facing, and boring; can do different kinds of processing
  • Comes with a brushless motor with all-metal gears; infinite speed setting options
  • Has an emergency stop switch and an overload protection device for safety
Our Rating: 3.6/5.0
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#9
Mophorn 7” x 12” Upgraded Mini Metal Milling Lathe
  • Sturdy iron construction with nylon gears; has a professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
  • Comes with a quick-change tool post for easy tool changes and other features
  • Accuracy-tested chuck; speeds can be adjusted from 50 to 2500 RPM
Our Rating: 3.7/5.0
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#10

View the Best Metal Lathes in the Market Below:

1. Shop Fox 12” x 36” Gunsmithing Metal Lathe

The Shop Fox Metal Lathe is an efficient metal lathe that has a variety of features that make it easy, safe, and efficient to use. It has variable speeds and is built to be sturdy and relatively simple to operate. In our opinion, this is the best metal lathe for sale in 202.

You’ll be able to easily make precision cuts for a variety of metal parts without too much difficulty or issues. It has nine different spindle speeds to choose from: 70, 200, 220, 270, 360, 600, 800, 1000, and 1400 RPM. You’ll thus be able to select the right speed according to your calculations and the requirements of the part you’re working on.

To keep the machine from losing its balance, this metalworking lathe has been designed with a heavy-duty stand. This stand provides stability as well as prevents vibrations from interrupting your work. Thus, you’ll be able to ensure the precision of your cuts and protect your machine from damage.

This machine has a quick change tool post that makes it easy to change tools on the lathe. The carriage handwheel and cross slide and compound handwheel, meanwhile, allow you to make quick and easy adjustments without having to change too many settings on the machine. These adjustments aren’t only easy to do, but also maintain precision.

Includes Shop Fox 12” x 36” Gunsmithing Metal Lathe, 6” 3-jaw chuck, 8” 4-jaw chuck, 10” faceplate, change gears, and 1/2” chuck with MT3 arbor
Features Cuts 29 different metric threads
Sturdy cast iron stand
Cast aluminum gear cover
Quick-change tool post for easy tool changes
Carriage handwheel for moving the carriage left or right
Cross slide and compound handwheel for precise adjustments
9 speed settings
Dimensions (L x W x H) 61” x 26” x 54.5"
Size 12” x 36”
Weight 1410 lbs
Voltage 220 V
Motor 2 HP
Motor Speed 1725 RPM
Spindle Speeds 70, 200, 220, 270, 360, 600, 800, 1000, and 1400 RPM
Spindle Taper MT #5
Tailstock Taper MT #3
Swing Over Bed 12”
Swing Over Cross Slide 7”
Spindle Bore 1 5/8"
Distance Between Centers 36”
Cross Slide Travel 6.25"
2. BestEquip 7” x 14” Mini Metal Lathe

The BestEquip Metal Lathe is a highly accurate and sturdy machine that comes with numerous features. Additionally, it has high-performance features and a reliable motor that can provide you with the juice you need to work on your metal lathe projects. In our experience, this metal lathe is a step above most of the competition, and earned our #2 spot for the best metal lathe in 2022.

In general, this is a reliable and well-balanced machine. It’s made of aluminum, a material that’s durable and resistant to different sorts of damage, including corrosion. A strong 550-watt motor provides more power to perform tasks with ease, and the machine’s nylon gears provide a smooth operation for precision cutting.

With variable speeds that range from 0 to 2500 RPM, you’ll be able to work with a wide range of parts for a wide range of applications. You’ll be able to easily adjust the speed to ensure that you work with the highest accuracy possible. In fact, you can get spindle accuracy of up to 0.0004", or up to a hundredth of a millimeter.

This machine also comes with a variety of useful features that enable ease of use and meet various requirements. It has a professional cross-slide, high accuracy chuck, and a four-way tool post that provide reliability and high precision. It can fit in well in large production shops or your home garage for your personal projects.

Includes BestEquip 7” x 14” Mini Metal Lathe, accessories, and user manual
Features Aluminum construction
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
Accuracy-tested chuck
Infinite speed setting options
Size 7” x 14”
Weight 101.9 lbs
Voltage 110 V
Motor 3/4 HP
Wattage 550 W
Spindle Speed 0-2500 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004”
Spindle Taper MT #3
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 7.09"
Swing Over Cross Slide 4.33”
Chuck Diameter 3.94"
Spindle Bore 0.82"
Distance Between Centers 13.78"
Cross Slide Travel 2.53"
Power Source Electric
3. Erie Tools 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe with 5-Piece Cutter Kit

The Erie Tools Metal Lathe is a high-precision and variable speed machine that’s capable of handling various kinds of operations. It has a variety of features that improve the machine’s operation, and you’ll be able to make adjustments that allow you to work on a wide range of projects.

This is a highly versatile small metal lathe that works with different materials. It can drill, turn, and cut metal or wood. Additionally, it also works on plastic thanks to its flexible design. Setting up this machine will likely take a lot of work once it’s delivered, but after it’s properly set up, its performance will be all you expect and maybe even more.

Produce the best work possible with this high-precision and high-accuracy lathe that allows you to work more efficiently. You can make use of a digital readout that shows the adjustments to the spindle speed, thus ensuring that you’re getting the exact speeds you want.

With its easy variable speed control, you’ll be able to make the adjustments necessary for creating different kinds of parts. You can adjust the speed from 50 to 2500 RPM in both rotational directions, which means that you’ll be able to do left-handed threading without having to fiddle with gears and levers.

Includes Erie Tools 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe, five-piece carbide-tipped cutter kit, 11 feed rate gears, chuck key, internal chuck jaws and external chuck jaws, and user manual
Features Drills, cuts, and turns materials
Works with metal, wood, and plastic parts
Speeds can be adjusted in both rotational directions
Left-handed threading is possible
Digital readout displays speed adjustments
Dimensions (L x W x H) 35” x 16” x 18”
Size 7” x 14”
Weight 103 lbs
Voltage 120 V
Frequency 60 Hz
Motor 0.53 HP
Wattage 400 W
Spindle Speed Up to 2500 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004”
Thread Range 12 to 52 TPI
Spindle Taper MT #3
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 7”
Chuck Diameter 4”
Spindle Bore 0.79”
Distance Between Centers 14” / 8”
Cross Slide Travel 2.56”
Top Slide Travel 1.38”
4. Mophorn 7” x 12” Precision Mini Metal Lathe

The Mophorn Metal Lathe is a versatile metalworking lathe that can be used for a variety of applications. It is durable and easy to operate. It comes with various features that enhance user experience, and you’ll be able to produce high-quality work without breaking a sweat.

This is a small but powerful machine that’s built to be durable and designed to be easy to use. It has a metal lathe bed that’s made of high-quality iron, and it has gears that are made of hardwearing nylon. Plastic may not seem like a durable material, but you’ll find that these gears are made of sturdy material that’s resistant to breaking, cracking, staining, and rust.

Like some of the other metal lathes on this list, this one has infinitely variable speed settings that range from 50 to 2250 RPM. This will allow you to work on different kinds of parts, which means that you’ll be able to work on a wide range of projects. Additionally, you can make manual adjustments yourself, or you can rely on the machine’s adjustable auto feed rate.

This machine also comes with a range of features that can help you work more efficiently. It has a professional compound rest with a tool post that makes tool changes easy, and it also has a three-jaw chuck that ensures high accuracy. With a backsplash guard and an abrasion-resistant professional slide, this machine has all the bells and whistles you need.

Includes Mophorn 7” x 12” Precision Mini Metal Lathe, chuck claw, accessories, mask, shock-proof foot cushion, and oil can
Features Iron construction with nylon gears
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
Accuracy-tested chuck
Infinite speed setting options
Dimensions (L x W x H) 33” x 14” x 18”
Size 7” x 12”
Weight 100 lbs
Voltage 110 V
Wattage 550 W
Spindle Speed 50-2250 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004”
Spindle Taper MT #3
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 7”
Swing Over Cross Slide 2.56”
Spindle Bore 0.83”
Distance Between Centers 12”
Cross Slide Travel 2.56”
Top Slide Travel 1.38”
5. BestEquip 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe with Movable Lamp

The BestEquip Metal Lathe with Movable Lamp is a durable machine with a wide range of potential uses. It can produce highly accurate work and is built to be able to last for a long time.

This is a heavy-duty machine that can help you work on heavy-duty metal lathe projects with the utmost ease. It has a hardwearing iron bed and durable nylon gears that are made to resist breaking and corrosion. This machine is built for long-term usage and is highly unlikely to break down on you for years to come.

Additionally, what makes this one of the best metal lathes, is because its designed to work in manual and automatic modes. You’ll be able to easily choose between 50 to 2500 RPM speeds so you’ll be able to use this machine for a wide range of applications. With this kind of versatility, you’ll be able to use this machine for different jobs and projects.

Aside from versatility, this machine can also offer a high degree of accuracy. The spindle is accurate to up to a hundredth of an inch, so you’ll be able to use this machine for different parts without worrying about accuracy or precision. It also has a three-jaw self-centering chuck, which also works to maintain accuracy.

Includes BestEquip 7” x 14” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe with Movable Lamp, accessories, and user manual
Features Iron construction with nylon gears
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
Accuracy-tested chuck
Infinite speed setting options
Size 7” x 14”
Dimensions (L x W x H) 34.7” x 13.8” x 15.8”
Weight 88.18 lbs
Wattage 550 W
Spindle Speed 50-2250 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004”
Inch Thread 12-52 TPI
Metric Thread 0.5-2.5 mm
Swing Over Bed 7.09”
Chuck Diameter 3.94”
Spindle Bore 0.83”
Distance Between Centers 13.78”
Power Source Electric
6. VEVOR 7” x 12” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe

The VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe is a versatile, reliable, and sturdy metal lathe that can help with many different projects. It has a powerful motor that is capable of handling various kinds of parts and projects. Additionally, it’s designed and built to be highly accurate, regardless of what your project may be.

With an iron bed, this small metal lathe is sure to be sturdy and well-balanced. It also has nylon gears, which can resist wear and tear and does not rust regardless of the environment the machine is in.

Other than its sturdy construction, this machine also boasts a range of features. It comes with a lamp that can go on top of the machine, providing enough illumination for your workspace and helping you avoid straining your eyes. Additionally, this machine also has an accurate three-jaw chuck, a quick-change tool post, and other features.

Because it has infinite speed settings, you’ll be able to use this machine for various operations. You can use it to process small precision parts, cut metal at an angle, machine metal and other materials, and more. It also enables manual and automatic operation, which can make certain projects easier to accomplish.

Includes VEVOR 7” x 12” Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe, lamp, accessories, and user manual
Features Iron construction with nylon gears
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
Accuracy-tested chuck
Infinite speed setting options
Dimensions (L x W x H) 32.3” x 12.6” x 16.5”
Size 7” x 12”
Weight 85 lbs
Wattage 550 W
Spindle Speed 0-2250 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004”
Inch Thread 12-52 T.P.I
Metric Thread 0.4-2mm
Spindle Taper MT #3
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 7.09”
Chuck Diameter 3.15”
Spindle Bore 0.83”
Distance Between Centers 11.81”
7. Jectse Mini Metal Lathe

The Jectse Mini Metal Lathe is an affordable machine that comes with a lot of useful features at an entry-level price point. Even so, it’s built to be durable and is great for beginners who are looking for an affordable metal lathe that they can use to build their skills.

This is a small machine that’s built to do jobs of all sizes and is perfect for workshops, home shops, or garages with limited space. All of its main parts are made of sturdy metal, and its belt is protected from damage. With a build like this, you’ll be able to rely on this machine for a long time.

Even though it’s durable and reliable, this machine comes with an affordable price tag and offers great value for money. It’s best suited for precious and non-ferrous metals. It will be able to work with softer metals without causing damage, so you’ll be able to use it for different metal lathe projects.

With its reliable and powerful motor, this machine is easy to operate. If you’re a beginner and you’re looking for a cheaper option to start working with, this is the machine you’ve been looking for. It’s one of the best options on the market for those who are just starting out in their craft or hobby.

Includes Jectse Mini Metal Lathe, adapter, power cord, accessories, machine bottom plate, and user manual
Features Metal spindle box, gear, tailstock, and more
Belt is protected from damage
Dimensions (L x W x H) 13.78” x 10.24” x 8.66”
Weight 11 lbs
Voltage 12 V
Amperage 5 Amps
Wattage 60 W
Motor Speed 12000 RPM
Spindle Speed 2000 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.003”
X-Axis 1.26”
Z-Axis 5.7”
Max Diameter of Machined Material 100 mm
Length of Machined Material 135 mm
8. BestEquip 8” x 16” Mini Metal Lathe

The BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe is a versatile machine that can be used in many different ways. You can use it to produce precise and accurate parts for various jobs. This machine is not only durable and accurate by design, but it also offers several useful features to make it versatile.

While this machine is built to be durable and sturdy, it’s also designed to be well-balanced. It has a steady base so you won’t have to worry about the machine tipping over while working. Thus, you’ll be able to easily work on large pieces.

This machine can be used for many different types of projects with little to no issues. It has variable speed settings so you’ll be able to pick the right speed that will work best for you. Additionally, it comes with an accurate tailstock that ensures the accuracy of your output.

Other than durability and versatility, this machine comes with various features that can make you work more efficiently. It has a four-way tool rest that helps you do different kinds of cutting without difficulty. You’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments to different features of the machine.

Includes BestEquip 8” x 16” Mini Metal Lathe, toolbox, 4” four-jaw chuck, oil can, and accessories
Features Steel construction with metal gear
Balanced and supportive base
Highly accurate tailstock
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Infinite speed setting options
Dimensions (L x W x H) 38” x 20” x 20”
Size 8” x 16”
Weight 182 lbs
Voltage 110 V
Frequency 60 Hz
Wattage 750 W
Spindle Speed Low 0-1250 RPM, High 100-2250 RPM
Spindle Accuracy 0.0004-0.0012”
Inch Thread 8-44 TPI
Metric Thread 0.5-3.0 mm
Spindle Taper MT #5
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 8 1/4"
Swing Over Cross Slide 15 3/4"
Spindle Bore 0.83”
9. Techtongda 8” x 16” Metal Lathe with Brushless Motor

The Techtongda Mini Metal Lathe is a multipurpose tool that can be used for various purposes. It's also durable and built with safety in mind, which means that you’ll be using this machine for a long time to come with little to no issues.

Whatever your job or project may be, this metalworking lathe will be able to help you out. You can choose the right speed setting for a particular job, ranging from 50 to 2500 RPM. This machine can also be used for drilling, turning, facing, and boring, as well as different sorts of processing.

Additionally, this machine is built to be durable. It has a powerful brushless motor, which requires less maintenance and prevents overheating. Additionally, this machine comes with sturdy metal gears, and its parts are made of high-quality materials.

Aside from being durable, this machine also has a variety of safety features. It has an emergency stop switch and an overload protection device, which ensures that this device will remain safe even in emergencies. If you’re looking for a metal lathe with efficient safety features, this is the machine for you.

Includes Techtongda 8” x 16” Metal Lathe with Brushless Motor
Features Suitable for drilling, turning, facing, and boring
Can do different kinds of processing
Comes with a brushless motor
All gears are made of metal
Has an emergency stop switch and an overload protection device for safety
Infinite speed setting options
Size 8” x 16”
Bed Width 3.9”
Voltage 110 V
Frequency 60 Hz
Wattage 900 W
Spindle Speed 50-2500 RPM
Spindle Taper MT #5
Tailstock Taper MT #2
Swing Over Bed 8.3”
Swing Over Cross Slide 5.5”
Chuck Diameter 4.9”
Spindle Bore 1.5”
Distance Between Centers 15.7”
10. Mophorn 7” x 12” Upgraded Mini Metal Milling Lathe

The Mophorn Upgraded Mini Metal Lathe is very durable, has variable speeds, and comes with useful features for user convenience. It’s built for ease of use, and you’ll be able to use it for different kinds of projects.

This small metal lathe features a sturdy, durable iron bed with corrosion-resistant nylon gears, which are reliable for long-lasting use. Plastic gears may make you pause, but they have their own advantages. Nylon is a durable material and can meet the demands of this machine.

You can also use this metal lathe for a variety of purposes. You can choose speed settings from 50 to 2500 RPM, which allows you to work on different parts. The machine also allows you to go forward or reverse in any speed setting, and you can also choose between manual or automatic operation.

Additionally, this machine comes with various features that help you work more efficiently. It has a compound tool rest that allows internal, face, and bevel cutting. It also has a professional cross slide with abrasive resistance, allowing the blades to move more freely.

Includes Mophorn 7” x 12” Upgraded Mini Metal Milling Lathe, cutters, combined center drills, drill press clamp, live center, lamp, accessories, and user manual
Features Iron construction with nylon gears
Professional compound rest with four-way tool post
Professional cross-slide with abrasive resistance
Accuracy-tested chuck
Infinite speed setting options
Size 7” x 12”
Weight 88.18 lbs
Wattage 550 W
Spindle Speed 50-2500 RPM
Inch Thread 12-52 TPI
Metric Thread 0.5-2.5 mm
Swing Over Bed 7.09”
Chuck Diameter 3.15”
Spindle Bore 0.83”
Distance Between Centers 11.81”

We hope that our list of the top 10 best metal lathes for sale in 2022 has provided you with sufficient information to choose the best metal lathe for your needs. There are a lot of possibilities, but we're convinced that if you pick on an option from our list, you'll have one of the best metal lathes on the market in 2022.

So, what are you waiting for? Bring home the best metal lathe now to complete your workplace!

Do you need some more tools to go with your metal lathe? You may read all of our product reviews to ensure you're buying the best tools and equipment on the market.

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