What is a Best Mini Metal Lathe Machine?
It is basically a high number of lathes designed for precisely cutting pieces of raw materials into preferred final size and shape by a controlled process. These firm best mini metal lathe machine tools remove material from a spinning workpiece through the actions of numerous cutting tools, for instance, drill bits and tool bits.
So if you’re confused or lack knowledge in selecting mini metal lathe for home shop or the best metal lathe for beginner then you’re in the right place because our Top 8 benchtop metal lathe review and mini metal lathe review is the best.
Things To Make on a Best Mini Metal Lathe Machine
Some cool things to make on a metal lathe are shown below:
Table of Contents
Slide Hammer:
The slide hammer is an easy project that is good for complete beginners. It doesn’t take a long time to do but still gives a chance if you want to learn the basics of turning.
Machinist’s Hammer:
The hammer is a nice project to get acquainted with taper cutting using the lathe.
Edge Clamps:
This is a nice preparation for a few grinding and milling operations, other than that these clamps can help teach problem-solving regarding work holding.
Metal lathe vs Wood lathe
A CNC Turning lathe is an apparatus used to shape and cut either wood or metal. Metal lathes are designed for two purposes, to polish and cut metals. On the other hand, Wood lathes are used to sand, polish, shape and cut various wooden materials.
Use:
A Wood lathe is manually operated and requires greater physical strength whereas a Metal lathe is more accurate because its process is programmed via computer.
Cutting and Shaping:
Wood lathes can polish and shape metals but are not powerful enough to cut hard metal objects. Whereas Metal lathes are stronger thus they can shape and cut both metal and wooden objects.
Features:
Wood Lathe is a simple mechanism so anyone can easily operate it and it is more affordable offering greater flexibility when it comes to designing. Comparatively, metal lathes are made up of electronic components and require proper training. But it offers greater accuracy since it cuts perfectly.
Metal Lathe Tools And Their Uses
Boring Bar:
Boring bars are used to make a hole bigger than it already is. Like if you want to make room for a larger screw when you are building, or if you just want to make a larger hole for any other reason.
Chamfering Tool:
Chamfering tools are use to break off an edge on a piece. It is also used in making a chamfer on the stock’s edge. It is economical, and you will have the capacity to use this tool for a very long time.
Parting Tool:
This tool is one of the most essential types of tools that you can buy for your lathe. No matter the type of work you’re doing with your lathe, it is probable that you will need one of these.
They are used to basically shorten things or to cut off certain areas of stock. This will be critical when you’re trying to make everything fit together appropriately.
Top 7 Best Mini Metal Lathe Machine
| Image | Name / Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe ☑ Easy to use ☑ Fits labs ☑ User-Friendly | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | 550W Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe ☑ Easy to use ☑ Strengthens the wood fibers ☑ Lasts longer | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe ☑ High Horsepower ☑ Fits easily on the workbench ☑ Variable spindling speeds | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | RIKON 70-100 ☑ Versatile ☑ User friendly ☑ Largest Capacity | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe ☑ Affordable ☑ Durable ☑ Handles almost everything | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe ☑ Lightweight ☑ Very versatile ☑ Easy to install | Check Prize on Amazon |
 | RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe ☑ Air-Cushioned Heels ☑ Rubber Sole ☑ Nylon Shank Support Arch | Check Prize on Amazon |
1. BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe
About this item:
This remarkable machine has all the features you need to get any metal turning job done with its durable construction, high quality, and solid overall performance. It is one of the best mini metal lathe machine.
The mini metal lathe is built using high grade iron. This lathe machine is very durable, wear-resistant and has more accurate rotation equipped with nylon gears, with power of motor: 550W. Variable speed from 50-2500 Rpm.
The Spindle accuracy is within 0.0004″. It has got a 3-jaw self-centering chuck, to set any cylindrical materials slowly. Thus making it one of the best metal lathe for home shop or the best metal lathe for beginner.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fits labs, workstations and educational settings easily
- Very Precise
- User-Friendly
Cons
- Too Expensive
- Too Heavy
2. 550W Delta Industrial 46-460 Midi Lathe
About this item:
If you’re looking for a strong and reliable mini-lathe then you may want to try Delta Industrial 46-460 as it is designed for lengthy and repetitive work. It has been awarded the Best Overall Award and includes Chrome 3″ Face Plate, tool rest base 6 inch and 10 inch Tool Rest including a live center, spur center with a knockout Bar and wrenches.
It has forward and reversing functions which permit the turner to get accurate precisions and finishes. To achieve a super smooth finish you have to rotate this turned piece in both directions.
Due to its Patented belt tensioning system, you get quick and easy speed changes setting the belt at the right tension every time for the best power transfer and greater tool life. It is one of the best metal lathe for beginners.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strengthens the wood fibres besides sanding them
- Lasts longer than most other mini lathes
Cons
- Plenty of space required to mount
- May not work well in remote locations
3. SHOP FOX W1704 Benchtop Lathe
About this item:
For a smaller project, an accessible and lightweight mini-lathe like the SHOP FOX W1704 is the best. This machine has all the features, specifications, and items needed to make this happen. It is the best mini lathe for pen turning.
Made of cast iron this lathe includes a 1/3 HP variable speed motor and provides spindle speeds between 700 and 3,200 RPM using a ¾ by 16 inch TPI RH spindle. This also has an MT No.1 spur and live center with a safety paddle switch, a 5- ¾ inch faceplate and 4 quarter inch and 7 inch tool rests. it is one of the best metal lathe for homeshop.
It has a variable speed from 700-3200 RPM which comes in use when you’re turning either hard or soft pieces of wood. For non-spindle turning its 5-¾ inch faceplate threads onto the headstock spindle.
Pros
- High Horsepower
- Fits easily on the workbench
- Variable spindling speeds
Cons
- Not suitable for larger projects
- High Power consumption
- Complicated to use
4. RIKON 70-100
About this item:
Need a mini lathe that does more in less space? Then the 12 by 16 inch Rikon 70-100 mini lathe is the one for you. It has the largest capacity with selections for multiple extensions, so you can work with larger pieces. You can easily and quickly vary speeds from 430 to 810, 1230, 1810, 2670, and 3900.
The lathes spindle can be fix in place for easy removal of chucks, faceplates and any other equipment. It has a 12-position indexing head that enables you to lock the workpiece in different positions for more accurate and detailed work.
It has a flip-up handle for freedom of movement, a nylon faceplate washer and near the back of the machine a tool holder, all of which make it more User friendly and one of the best metal lathe for home shop or the best metal lathe for beginner.
Pros
- Versatile
- User friendly
- Largest Capacity
Cons
- Heavy
- Weak Tailstock
5. Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe
About this item:
If you’re looking for the best value for money then the Grizzly G6888 is the product for you. Powered by a 3/4 HP motor it may look small but can do a lot of things, featuring variable speeds from 0-2500 RPM (forward and reverse), turret tool post, chip tray, inch, and metric reading dials, and splash guard. It’s perfect for small jobs or if it is a hobby, making it one of the best metal lathe for home shop.
It also has 2.5-inch tailstock travel, 7-inch swing over bed, 2.75-inch cross slide travel, 20mm spindle, and 12-inch distance between centers,. The threading competences have a range of 12-52 TPI, 10 metric threads, and 18 standard pitches. Including metric handwheel graduations and a threading dial standard and indicator.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Handles almost everything
Cons
- Complex design
- Not for use over a long time
6. Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe
About this item:
Do you need a mini lathe that is lightweight and useable in engineering labs, educational settings, and even workshops? Then check out the Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe. It is effective, easy-to-use, and precise.
This portable lathe has an automatic feed, a variable speed control knob, a chuck guard with micro switch, and a tool post. You can also use threads from 12 to 52 TPI. Overall speed of 0-2500 PRM.
It also sells with an automatic feeding system which will make your work more straightforward. The tool’s speed can be controll using the knob. The tool’s chuck also boasts a micro switch and some plastic gears. Therefore making it one of the best metal lathe for home shop or the best metal lathe for beginner.
But it has been note that it’s almost impossible to find a replacement part for this mini lathe and that the manual is difficult to understand.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very versatile
- Easy to install
Cons
- Hard to find replacement for a part
- Plastic parts
7. RIKON Power Tools 70-105 Mini Lathe
About this item:
This machine has specifically been design at the demand of pen turners who want a strong machine for their craft. Thus making it one of the best mini lathe for pen turning. It is a perfect choice for any beginner wood turners who want to explore the craft of woodturning with the least investment without sacrificing any quality or performance.
This simple scale down mini lathe is made of cast iron thus vibration isn’t a problem. The 5-speed ranges cover the bases for roughing out pen billets, boring barrel holes, turning to shape and finishing thus making it one of the best metal lathe for home shop. It also includes a knock-out bar, live center, tool rest, and wrenches.
Pros
- 5 speed ranges
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- No bed extension
Conclusion:
With so many different models and brands we know that it can be really tricky to find the best mini metal machine, the best metal lathe for home shop or the best metal lathe for beginners but now that you’ve read our mini metal lathe reviews and benchtop metal lathe reviews, choosing the right one for you should be a walk in the park!
