10 Best Mini Metal Lathes 2026 in the United States

The Grizzly G0752 mini metal lathe offers a decent set of features for hobbyists or light-duty metalworking. Its 1 HP motor provides enough power for small to medium projects, while the 9.5-inch swing over the bed and 22-inch distance between centers give a reasonable size range for turning a variety of parts. The 25mm spindle bore allows for decent accessory compatibility.

The 6-1/8 inch swing over the cross slide is adequate for many tasks but might feel restrictive for larger workpieces. At 180 pounds, it’s heavy enough to stay stable but still manageable for a home workshop.

This model is suitable for occasional, smaller metal turning projects and offers a budget-friendly option. For those needing more precise or demanding work or a wider speed range, exploring other options with detailed spindle speed controls may be beneficial.

The CREWORKS Mini Metal Lathe is a solid choice for small to medium metalworking projects. It offers a decent swing over bed of 8.3 inches and a distance between centers of 16 inches, making it suitable for various tasks without taking up too much space. With a powerful 1100W (1.5 HP) brushless motor, this lathe delivers a good range of spindle speeds from 50 to 2250 rpm, which lets you work on different materials and details with control.

Its 5-inch 3-jaw chuck can handle both round and square objects, which is useful for precision work like threading and cutting. The digital speed display and 4-way tool post add to its ease of use, helping beginners and experienced users alike maintain accuracy. The lathe is built with sturdy all-metal construction, which means durability and stability during operation, and it includes a transparent guard to keep you safe without losing sight of your work.

On the downside, while it covers many needs, the 1.5-inch spindle bore might limit some larger workpieces, and its weight of about 174 pounds means it’s not very portable. This lathe suits hobbyists, students, or professionals who need a compact but precise machine, especially if control and safety in metalturning projects are priorities.

The Proxxon 34002 Metal Turning Precision Lathe PD 250/E is a compact and lightweight mini lathe designed for precision work, making it suitable for hobbyists and small-scale metalworking projects. It features a quiet, vibration-free motor with 150 watts of power, which helps reduce user fatigue during detailed tasks. The slim design does not sacrifice performance, and the automatic feed adds convenience for consistent cuts.

Weighing about 34 pounds and measuring roughly 25 x 15 x 10 inches, it’s portable and fits well on small workbenches. It is praised for precision and build quality; however, the relatively low power and unspecified top spindle speed suggest it is best suited for lighter metal turning rather than heavy-duty or high-speed tasks.

This Proxxon model is a solid choice if you want a precise, low-vibration mini-lathe for fine detailed work and ease of use. For users anticipating the need for more power, larger capacity, or detailed speed control, checking specific specifications or considering other models is advisable.