Best Metal Lathe Under $1000 – Beginner Benchtop Metal Lathe of 2019

When we want to do some work correctly, it is essential to have the right tool. Inappropriate tools can delay the process and cause frustration. Sometimes, it can spoil the entire project, and we have to start it again from scratch. We need excellent quality tools the most when we are associated with some technical stuff like woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, glass-working, etc.

A mini metal lathe is one of the finest inventions. There are several brands available manufacturing best benchtop metal lathes. Benchtop lathe is designed explicitly for precise machining on the hard materials like metal, plastic, and some other materials. Such tools can also remove material from a rotating workpiece while cutting. In this article, you can get detailed reviews of the top and inexpensive mini metal lathes.

Best Metal Lathe Under $1000

1. Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe

If you are a true admirer of metal benchtop lathe, you must know about Grizzly. It is one of the best mini machines, and it does not cost you much. It has all the features you want or need for all your DIY projects. It works best for small and casual workers.

Features and Specifications

• Grizzly G8688 includes a chip tray, backsplash guard, and a threading dial indicator. It can handle 33-inch threads from eight to up to 72 TPI.
• It measures about 10 x 22 inches and comes with 110 volts. Because of the mini size, it can easily fit in any space.
• It has a lower amount of power. Hobbyists and newcomers find this one horsepower machine very comfortable.
• We can use the machine with variable speeds. Even, forwarding and reversing at any speed is possible while using G8688.
• Grizzly G8688 includes a four-way tool post. It’s a useful feature overall, but some customers find it inconvenient.

2. Erie Tools Precision Benchtop Mini Metal Milling Lathe

If you want to drill, cut or turn metal, wood or plastic parts with precision; then you must go for the Erie tools. It also comes with speed options. The user can adjust the speed of mini metal lathe up to 2500 RPM in any direction. Like this, it allows left-handed threads.

Key Features and Specifications

• This machine comes with five cutters and the shielded Chuck. Apart from that, it includes chuck key, internal and external chuck jaws, 11 feed rate gears and owners manual.
• Everything is adjustable, including the chuck. It has an auto feed and a tool post which holds up to four cutting tools. The chuck is safe as a plastic shield covers it.
• We can use a standard household plug for power as this lathe is just a 0.53 horsepower machine with a single phase motor.
• It uses a digital readout to indicate the rpm output. The range of threads is 12 to 52 TPI and swing over bed is 7 inches.
• There are some plastic gears, which are comfortable to use. But, you may have to replace them from time to time.

3. Best Equip Mini Metal Lathe

Best Equip mini lathe is a 7 x 14-inch metal lathe with lower cost and higher quality. It is made of high-grade iron. Because of the metal gears, it is cheaper than the other cutters and more long-lasting. This lathe suits best for small scale projects and hobbyists. This machine can be used in mini precision parts processing, sample processing, and modeling works.

Features and Specifications

• It is capable of performing various types of metal turning. It has a variable RPM setting between 50 and 2500.
• It is one of the best small metal lathes with 0.75 horsepower and thread range of 8 to 44 TPI.
• Talking about more technical stuff, it can covers distance between 14” with the swing over bed of 7”. The chuck diameter is 3.93” to be very precise.
• This machine is using the four-way rotating turret, which makes it easier in each side turning. You can turn it within the foreign trade.
• The customers are satisfied with the fact that there are no issues of lubrication or greasing. The chuck has four independently adjustable chuck jaws.

4. Mophorn Precision Mini Metal Lathe Variable

Mophorn mini lathe is designed to perform various types of processing jobs like turning, threading, cutting, etc. Even if the materials are made up of round bar, they also can be performed with this machine.

Key Features and Specifications

• The distance between the centres is 14″ with the Swing over the bed is 7″. It has variable speed, and the spindle speed is between 50 and 2500 RPM.
• The machine bed width is 3.15″ that is 80 mm. It comes with 0.75 horsepower and 550 W.
• Not only for some everyday tasks, but you can also use this benchtop lathe Machine for vehicle or home maintenance. Even for some scientific research units, this machine can become the ideal equipment.
• This micro lathe has no significant functions or an automatic system to process commands. It is easy to control and sync the gears.
• It comes with the two headed wrench and other protective wrenches, oil can, nylon gears, chuck claw, protecting mask, four times better shockproof foot cushion.

5. Shop Fox M1015 Micro Lathe

You can consider Shop Fox for the micro lathe. Users find M1015 better, compared to some other mini metal lathes. It is just about 6 x 10 inches with the overall dimension of 30 x 12 inches. If you read the reviews of M1015 mini metal lathe, you can know the difference.

Features and Specifications

• It comes with variable speed motor, small footprint, and sturdy construction. The instruction manual is limited, but the machine is easy to use.
• The package includes a two ended wrench, socket head wrench, etc., oil cup, start key, and three external jaws.
• Spindle speed is between 100 and 2000 RPM with the spindle taper MT #2 and tail stock taper MT #1.
• It is a well-designed machine that can fit in a small location. It is durable and also easy on your pockets as it’s under $1000.
• Shop Fox is famous for its convenient control panel, easy access, and a variety of functions like rotation selector knob, speed dial, and clutch knob.

So, these are few options of the best benchtop metal lathes to give you a head start. All of them can tackle a wide range of jobs in various fields like metal, steel, woodcraft, plastic models, vehicles, and jewelry, etc. You can start your favorite task without any hesitation by purchasing any of the lathe mentioned above. They all are the best five