We are living in a technology era. Recent innovations improve user experience by providing an easy way of doing tasks. Among the significant improvements in technology, one is metalworking. And one among them is mini metal lathes. With this latest innovation, we can shape metals, plastic, woodland and other types of materials. But unfortunately finding the best mini metal lathe is the most challenging task. To make this task more comfortable, we are here to provides information about mini metal lathes. Our review covers types, brands, and features..
What is a miniature metal lathe tool?
List Of Best Mini Metal Lathes
1/Mophorn Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe
This is a metal lathe that comes with a sturdy frame. The bed is made up of the best industrial-grade iron material. This will be the longest-lasting machine that you will ever bring to your shop.
This tool comes with a 550 watts motor. It delivers a top speed of 2500 revolutions per minute. The speed can also be adjusted with the help of a knob and can be changed to a minimum of 50 RPM. The forward and reverse functions improve convenience. The cross slide is perfectly designed. The tool also comes with a user manual.
2/BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe
This machine comes with a 1.1-kilowatt motor that is enough to perform any task. The machine comes with an RPM of maximum 3000 and minimum 50 depending on the project’s nature. This machine comes with an easy to read LED screen, which shows the machine’s exact speed.
It comes with a manual and automatic feed to bring more convenience to the users. You can perform internal cutting, bevel cutting and face cutting by adjusting the angle of the tool.
3/BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe 550W 7 x 14 Inch
It is a reviewed product from the same manufactures. It comes with several features that are in the predecessor. It is a very durable construction and outstanding stability. The spindle is accurate within 0.01 mm. It can allow different cuts like face cuts, bevel cuts and internal cuts by adjusting the tool’s angle. This unit is a small-sized variant when compared to the previous one. With this small size, it will be perfect for shops and homes. Instead of 1.1 KW motor it comes with a 550 KW motor that will help you deliver a top speed of 2500 RPM. the price is half of the previous one.
4/Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe
This machine comes in the right size that is well suited for most of the shops. This machine comes with high-grade components that work well and has long durability. With the size of this machine, you can move it anywhere across your shop or home. It seems to be a little complicated for the beginners. But this machine comes with an instruction manual that allows you to get in touch with the machine, and after a few uses, you can comfortably use this machine. It comes with a single phase 0.75 HP motor that is well enough to handle the projects. It comes with two speed ranges one is low, 0-1100 and the high is 0-2500 RPM.
5/TECHTONGDA Brushless Motor Precision Mini Metal Lathe DIY Bench Lathe
If you want a machine for drilling, boring, turning thread, or facing, this machine will be a perfect choice. The machine is made from premium quality materials, so it guarantees not only durability but also reliability.
The multi jaw chuck is good quality and 100mm wide. The machine comes with a 600 watts motor that is more than enough to do all kinds of tasks or projects. The speed of these machines is from 50-2500 RPM. All of these are great features. But only one minus point in this machine is the weight which is 150 lbs. It is also somewhat costly when compared with other machines.
6/Erie Tools Precision Bench Top Mini Metal Milling Lathe
This machine is not the most affordable that is available in the market. But the cost of the machine is comparatively low. It is a 7/14 inch model which does not occupy more space in the room. A reputed company manufactures it. So this gives us confidence while using the machine. The machine can do various tasks like turning, cutting, drilling and other professional DIY tasks.
The package comes with a five pieced carbide cutter that can cut various materials like metal, wood, plastic and many other materials. The machine can deliver a speed of 2500 RPM. You can also increase or decrease the speed according to your needs.
7/Vikye Metal Mini Lathe, 12000RPM 60W 12V DC 5A
For the metalworkers or DIY enthusiasts who wanted this machine in a low budget, this machine is a perfect fit. You may think that due to this small budget, this machine does not perform tasks up to your expectations if you are thinking like this, then I suppose you might be wrong because this machine is perfect in any task and can reach your expectations.
This machine is made from high-quality materials which have long durability. It may not come with the fancy features that are available in the expensive machines. But the features in the machine are so useful to do all types of work. This machine comes with a 60-watt motor that is enough to handle all the low-end tasks. One impressive thing in this machine is that it delivers 12000 RPM and can be reduced to 2000 RPM.
8/Grizzly G0602 Bench Top Metal Lathe
This machine is the biggest brother of the previously reviewed model. This machine is a 10/22 unit machine that can tackle all the tasks and has many thread ranges compared with the other machines in the market. It has a 25mm spindle bore. It comes with two chucks one is 5 inches 3 jaw chuck, and the other is 6.5 inches 4 jaw chuck.
It also comes with a forward and reverses button with which you can change the spindle’s direction. It comes with 1 HP motor that can perform six speeds like 150, 300, 560, 720, 1200, and 2400 RPM.
9/Shop Fox M1015 6-Inch by 10-Inch Micro Lathe
When you are buying machines like this, you must ensure that it performs the task for several years. If you are looking for a product that gives you trouble-free life, this will be the best choice. It is a 6/10 inch tool that will fit in small areas. With this size don’t expect this machine to do heavy tasks. The speed range is 100-2000 RPM.
The tool comes with a control panel that is easy to access. The control panel has various features like forward and reverse features, clutch knobs and speed dial sector. All these features make the machine perfect in handling every task.
10/Central Machinery Precision Mini Lathe by Central Machinery
It is a 7/10 inch sized machine. So this machine also does not take up much space in the room or shop. This machine comes with a 0.75 HP motor which is easy to handle. It also comes with an automatic feed. This tool is excellent for engineering settings, labs and educational institutions. This machine comes in two-speed variations: 1-1100 RPM, and the other is high 0-2500 RPM.
The variable control knob can adjust speeds. This feature allows you to change the speed settings for each type of material. It is ETL certified so it can be used safely.
FAQ
Factors You Need To Consider When Buying A Mini Metal Lathe
Size
Although the name contains mini, the machine comes in different sizes. But size doesn’t matter. But you need to consider the machine’s size depending on the size of your room or workspace.
Build quality
You must pay attention to the build quality of the machine if you are buying the machine. It would be best to consider the machines with the high and durable build quality for longtime use.
Weight
Most mini lathe machines come in the sizes between 70 lbs to 500 lbs which are lighter and heavier models. If you need a machine that you can move around the workspace then consider buying the lighter one. But in case you keep the machine stationary, the weight may not be significant.
Adjustability
If you are buying a mini metal lathe, consider the one with adjustability—the greater the adjustability, the greater the flexibility
Extra features
Some machines will have extra features. So consider the machines with extra features like LED screens. This feature is necessary to do the work with precision.
How to use a mini lathe?
To use a mini lathe, first, you need to know the safety rules of this machine. You should wear safety goggles, gloves and ear protection. Adjust the tool rest to the size of the work piece and align it with the center of the rotating spindle. Insert the work piece into the chuck and tighten it using a chuck key. Set the speed of the machine and turn it on. Keep your hands away from the work piece and the cutting tool, and apply minimum pressure on the tool while it is in motion. Verify the spindle rotates in the right direction, and gradually apply more pressure on the tool. Once the work piece is cut to the desired shape, you can finish it by sanding.
How to cut threads on a mini lathe?
