Top 6 Best Hobby Metal Lathes You Can Buy Right Now!

Whether you're a beginner or experienced, a lathe should be your first choice to increase your ability to work on many complex projects.

Metal lathes are specialized products for high-speed forming, engraving, and cutting metal on vertical shafts. They are available in different sizes and configurations with specialized features. So, how to find a suitable model?

In this article, I will list the top 6 best hobby metal lathes and important factors to consider to pick one. Scroll down for more!

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Each metal lathe below has passed many of my performance tests. Check out the detailed reviews on each product to find the best option.

#1. Grizzly G0602 Bench Top Metal Lathe - Best for Overall

Grizzly G0602 Bench Top Metal Lathe (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 49.25 x 22.25 x 21.25 inches
• Horsepower: 1HP
• Weight: 447 pounds

Product Highlights

Grizzly is a globally renowned lathe manufacturer. Each device here has a unique design with smart and friendly features to well support human work. The Grizzly G0602 is such a model in my collection.

Its material is durable cast iron, solid, and sturdy to eliminate vibrations when working at high speed. In my experience, I am impressed with its performance.

I choose to operate with the highest speed, resulting in a quiet machine with less strong vibrations affecting working efficiency.

This model is the best benchtop lathe I have ever used. Its unique construction makes it easier to reach the same metal bars. 

However, its weight is quite heavy to move. If you want to bring it to other dimensions, it may require the support of more people. 

It can be a bit expensive compared to many models on the market. But in return, it possesses smart and modern features. Meanwhile, the ability to turn any hard metal into craft metal is most typical. It makes construction easier and faster.

The machine works with a powerful motor built into the device. It provides 110-volt single-phase power with a power output of one horsepower.

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What We Like

• For any project
• Perfect overall quality
• Suitable for beginners
• Provides variable speed control

Things to Consider

• Expensive

#2. TECHTONGDA Inch Metal Lathe - Best for Mini Metal Lathe

TECHTONGDA Inch Thread Metal Lathe: Best for a mini metal lathe (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 7"x12" WM180V
• Engine power: 600W
• Weight: 99 pounds

Product Highlights

The TECHTONGDA version is the best mini metal lathe on the market today, with many users interested and trusted to choose from. 

It is available in three different metal configurations. The 7 "x12" WM180V version is the most popular among them. 

As an experienced person myself, I choose this model to bring better working results. Each metal bar is cut and turned quickly and accurately.

It has a neat and light design that allows flexible movement to many desired locations without wasting resources and time. I like its design, which saves shipping costs compared to the previously introduced model.

The quiet operation is thanks to the brushless motor with impressive reverse rotation and speed control according to usage requirements. It helps my turning to achieve high results and stability and quickly obtain the desired shape. 

Compared with the equipment I have used, this product is more special because it can guarantee to provide a safe, intelligent operation mode with a moderate speed for construction.

Different from many standard models, TECHTONGDA includes an intelligent speed control knob. It allows more effortless equipment operation.

I appreciate this design because it supports your operations for the fastest and most accurate metal turning.

To ensure user safety, the manufacturer has equipped the product with an emergency stop button to use to cut off the power circuit in an emergency.

In one unfortunate incident, I had a problem. Fortunately, having the support of this button helped me keep my hands intact.

The excellent warranty makes the device even more valuable in the eyes of consumers. TECHTONGDA provides a six-month warranty for the machine, and you will get detailed information when contacting it.

The biggest drawback of this product lies in its working efficiency. I wanted something else. With complex cuts, it proved difficult and required a lot of processing time.

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What We Like

• Lightweight
• Long warranty
• Best mini desktop lathe
• Simple and neat design
• Includes safety emergency stop button

Things to Consider

• Incorrect

#3. Shop Fox M1099 10 by 26" Benchathe - Best for High Accuracy

Shop Fox M1099 10 by 26" Benchathe: Best for high accuracy (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 32 x 50 x 17 inches
• Horsepower: 1HP
• Weight: 470 pounds

Product Highlights

If you are looking for a high-precision and user-friendly lathe, this M1049 is the best choice. It has a compact, lightweight design, smooth operation, and various speed adjustments. So, it allows me to install and operate at the right level for efficient construction.

I have experienced this product and am excited about its working style. It's more professional and accurate than any other model I've used. 

The machine works with a powerful motor with 110 volts and 1HP output, ensuring extremely smooth operation.

Its gear system is more accessible for me to fine-tune than in-class models. Its reasonable price, less than half of my previous versions, impressed me the most.

Unfortunately, this model cannot be available for large projects. This product is to serve small projects with simple requirements. It can make larger projects difficult or even break your devices.

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What We Like

• High accuracy
• Value of money
• Flexible compact size
• Excellent machine construction
• Additional adjustment handwheel

Things to Consider

• Not suitable for large projects

#4. Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe - Best for High Flexibility

Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal Variable Speed Lathe (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 7" x 12"
• Horsepower: 3HP
• Weight: 90 pounds

Product Highlights

For small projects, highly flexible models are essential. And Eastwood is a prime example for you. 

This machine is light in weight, so you can easily carry it to any construction site for high efficiency. I chose to buy it to take it to various convenience areas easily. You can gently put it in the car and go to many locations.

Its all-metal construction with high-quality plastic blowers extends its life for many years. I also consulted directly with my colleagues. Most of them agree with its durability in the perfect state.

I have been running it for various projects for the past many years. But, I have yet to encounter any problems. That is a unique advantage and challenging to find in other product lines.

For burdensome metal turning requirements, you can replace plastic gears with metal models for increased strength and construction speed.

This machine allows you to cut threads in the range of 2–52 TPI for easier handling of all operations. Compared with similar models, this machine is more special than all. It has helped me complete many projects simultaneously.

The flexible speed regulation is also an outstanding advantage. Specifically, it comes with a speed control knob next to the forward/off/reverse switch. You can use it to adjust spindle speed from 0 to 2500RPM.

Yet, its shipping service has not lived up to my expectations. After receiving the goods, I noticed a few spots of the blue paint on the body peeling off.

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What We Like

• Long-lasting
• Simple design
• High flexibility
• All-metal construction
• Easy, precise speed adjustment

Things to Consider

• Poor shipping service

#5. BestEquip Metal Lathe - Best for Budget 

BestEquip Metal Lathe: Best for budget  (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 34.25 x 13.78 x 17.72 inches
• Engine power: 550 watts
• Weight: 110.9 pounds

Product Highlights

BestEquip is the best lathe for the money, fully integrated with innovative features to help support high-efficiency project handling.

This model is more modern than previous versions, with a simple structure and intelligent operation.

Through practical testing, I quickly feel the striking differences from this machine. It works more planned and results in my long-term projects.

The device is made of high-grade iron with impressive external impact resistance. I was skeptical about this feature, so I decided to try a hammer that physically impacts the model. As a result, it did not deform.

Its nylon gears make my crafting more precise and professional. I have created many unique patterns on the metal, helping to attract customers to my services.

I have been using the product for many years but have been fine with its operation. It also does not show signs of corrosion like conventional products. 

This product is worth your investment in sustainability and high wear resistance. 

The machine works with a self-centering 3-jaw chuck for stable cylindrical material placement, allowing you to handle heavier and heavier workpieces.

Being a longtime mechanic, my speed requirements for these machines are usually very high. Even so, this model can still satisfy me. 

The device offers infinitely variable speed, from 0 - 2500RPM. Accordingly, it makes the adjustment easier to achieve accuracy and stability.

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What We Like

• High accuracy
• High sustainability
• Easy speed adjustment
• Cut complicated and soft metals 

Things to Consider

• Some loose screws for starting 

#6. CO-Z 8"x16" Mini Lathe Machine - Best for Wide Application

CO-Z 8"x16" Mini Lathe Machine (Link)

Important Specifications

• Size: 37.01 x 19.29 x 19.29 inches
• Engine power: 1HP
• Weight: 144.6 pounds

Product Highlights

You can't pass up this masterpiece if you want more than one feature in the same lathe. Its unique texture can be available for many different projects.

Even for carpenters, it is the best wood lathe to master crafting and bring out the desired wood shapes.

More impressively, its powerful 750 watts allows for easy application and results in most real-world projects. 

Since working with this machine, my metal blocks have transformed. I have created unique shapes with high aesthetic value myself with this machine.

This product guarantees a longer service life and is made from high-quality metal. Its built-in chuck guard also keeps me out of potential dangers.

This device also includes an intelligent emergency stop button. It helps protect you from the adverse effects of working long hours.

It is also highly flexible and neat to move quickly to many construction sites.

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What We Like

• Wide application
• Powerful capacity
• It's easy to move
• High sustainability

Things to Consider

• No warranty

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How important is the metal lathe size?

The size helps you determine exactly where you can use it and what you can exploit its features for. Make sure the product you choose is the right size.

What speed should the motor of a metal lathe have?

In metal lathes, the motor is often available to rotate the chuck. If you want to perform tasks at a fast speed with high results, you need to own a device with outstanding speed. You can consider purchasing 2500 rpm models.

What is the best CNC lathe?

Its unique design has many perfect functions to meet your usage requirements well. On the other hand, it also ensures absolute safety during use.

Why are old lathes better?

Older lathes are more versatile for your construction operations. However, they often need more accuracy and efficiency. However, its overall quality is still better due to being suitable for many natural, complex projects.

How much does a decent lathe cost?

Each lathe has a different price, depending on the type, size, and features. On average, modern turning equipment today costs around $600 - $800.

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The in-depth reviews for the best hobby metal lathes above are based on my testing. With this objective perspective, you will certainly find the right product.

Best of all, to find the best product, you need to base it on design, size, performance, and durability. So does this article fulfill your wishes? Do you have any products that you would like to share with me?

Remember to leave feedback for my article if you have picked an ideal model!

Thank you for reading!

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