Metal lathes are essential tools for machinists, mechanics, and other professionals who work with metal. A metal lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece on an axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, drilling, and deformation with tools that are applied to the workpiece to create an object with symmetry about that axis. With the right model, these machines can produce some of the most accurate, detailed, and precise parts. With such a wide variety of models available, this article will provide an overview of the best metal lathes on the market today.
Best Metal Lathes
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Grizzly G8688 Mini
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Erie Tools SP2102
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Grizzly G0602
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Shop Fox M1112
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Shop Fox M1016
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Jet BDB-1340A
|
8. 2
|
1. Grizzly G8688 Mini
I recently purchased the Grizzly G8688 Mini and I’m loving it! It’s a great mini milling machine that is perfect for small projects and hobbyists. It has a sturdy construction and a good range of features, including a digital depth gauge and adjustable speed. The supplied tools were of good quality too, allowing me to get right to work. The price was very reasonable too, making it a great buy for anyone looking for a milling machine.
- Compact design allows for easy portability
- Powerful 3/4 horsepower motor
- Adjustable speed control from 0 to 2500 RPM
- Spindle lock for easy and safe bit changes
- Cast iron construction for maximum strength and durability
- Precision machined aluminum table for smooth operation
- Easy-to-read depth scale for accurate repeatable cuts
- Forward and reverse switch for easy operation
- Includes chuck key, drill chuck, and wrench
2. Erie Tools SP2102
I recently purchased the Erie Tools SP2102 and I am very pleased with its performance. The machine is well built and sturdy, and its powerful motor allows for easy and precise operation. The controls are well placed and intuitive, making it easy to use. It has multiple speeds, allowing for the perfect amount of power for whatever task that needs to be done. It also comes with a dust collection port, helping to ensure a dust-free workspace. Overall, I am very satisfied with the performance and quality of this product, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, affordable power tool.
- Heavy duty 2HP motor capable of reaching speeds up to 3450 RPM.
- Table size of 9.5 x 18.5 with a tilting range of 0-45 degrees.
- Aluminum table with T-slots and a miter gauge.
- Spindle size of 3/4 with a speed range of 500-3000 RPM.
- Comes with a 0.01 digital readout, as well as an adjustable magnetic safety switch and a dust collection port.
3. Grizzly G0602
I recently purchased the Grizzly G0602 lathe and I am very satisfied. It is a great machine for the money. It runs very smoothly and has plenty of power. I was able to make a variety of projects with it ranging from pens to bowls. The instructions that came with it were very helpful and straightforward. I found it easy to assemble and setup. The controls are clearly labeled and easy to use. The overall construction of the machine is superb and it looks great. All in all it was a great purchase and I am very happy with the Grizzly G0602 lathe.
- Cast iron table with precision ground surface
- Full cast iron construction
- Electronic variable speed control
- Large handwheel for easy speed control
- Heavy duty tapered roller bearings
- Tilting table with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees
- Precision ground and hardened spindle and table ways
- Comes with 4 inch dust port
- Table size of 14-1/2 inch by 19-3/8 inch
4. Shop Fox M1112
I recently purchased the Shop Fox M1112 and I am really pleased with it. I found the setup to be straightforward and easy to use. The machine is robust and well-built, with a good amount of power behind it. The dust collection is also excellent. The machine has plenty of features to help make my shop projects run smoother. It has adjustable speed settings, as well as a reverse switch. I especially like that it has an emergency stop button, which is a great safety feature. Overall, I’m very happy with this machine and would highly recommend it.
- 1-1/2 hp, 110V motor
- Table size of 8-3/4″ x 12-3/4″ with 3 T-slots
- 3-3/4″ of spindle travel with easy to read, dual inch/metric dials
- Precision ground and hardened ways
- 2 Speed ranges of 0 to 1100 RPM and 0 to 2500 RPM
- Spindle taper of MT#3
- Headstock swivels 360 degrees
- 3-3/4 quill travel
- Rack and pinion carriage handle for easy and precise positioning
- R8 spindle taper
- Deluxe stand with chip tray
5. Shop Fox M1016
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and high-quality machine for your shop, look no further than the Shop Fox M1016. This machine is designed for precision and accuracy, and it definitely delivers. It’s easy to operate and provides a wide range of features that make it perfect for just about any job. The cutting capacity is impressive, and the overall design is sturdy and reliable. I’m very impressed with the performance of the Shop Fox M1016, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent machine for their shop.
- 1. Heavy duty cast iron table with precision ground surface
- 2. Includes full range of chisels and cutters for slotting and grooving
- 3. Motor power: 1/3 HP, 110V/220V
- 4. Maximum slotting depth: 0.5″ (2.54mm)
- 5. Adjustable depth stop with micrometer scale
6. Jet BDB-1340A
The Jet BDB-1340A is a great tool for DIYers and professionals alike. It is a heavy-duty drill press that is able to handle a variety of projects. It is equipped with a wide range of features and can accommodate a wide range of drill bit sizes. It is easy to use and produces consistent results. The speed and power of the drill can be easily adjusted to accommodate different materials and tasks. The adjustable table makes it easy to work with different sizes of material. The safety features ensure that the user is safe while using the drill press. Overall, the Jet BDB-1340A is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and capable drill press.
- High-quality and durable
- Heavy-duty construction with cast iron body and stainless steel cover
- Integrated safety feature with an automatic shut off and overheat protection
- Multi-purpose drill with 1340 RPM variable speed and double reduction gear box
- Ideal for drilling on metal, wood, plastic, and most other materials
- Compact and lightweight design with built-in carrying handle
