13 best mini lathe for home machinists

Name: Mini-Lathe for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) An In-Depth Look at the Different Components of Your Small Metal Lathe, Set Up, Tuning, How to Use the Accessories, & Hundreds of Illustrations
Brand: Design Originals
Price: 71 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.1 (250 reviews)

A mini lathe for home machinists is a versatile tool used by hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts for various woodworking and metalworking projects. These compact lathes are designed for small-scale machining tasks and are a popular choice for individuals interested in precision work and craftsmanship. Here are some key points about mini lathes for home machinists:

Size and Portability: Mini lathes are smaller and more portable compared to their larger industrial counterparts.They are designed to fit comfortably in a home workshop or garage, making them accessible to hobbyists.
Versatility: These lathes can work with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and more. They allow users to turn, shape, and finish cylindrical objects with precision.
Basic Operations: Mini lathes can perform basic operations such as facing, turning, drilling, threading, and grooving. They are suitable for tasks like creating custom pens, small parts, and intricate designs.
Ease of Use: Many mini lathes are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They come with adjustable speed controls, easy-to-read dials, and tool rests to simplify the machining process.
Safety Features: Safety is a priority when working with lathes. Mini lathes often include safety features like emergency stop buttons, protective shields, and spindle locks to prevent accidents.
Accessories and Attachments: Home machinists can enhance the capabilities of their mini lathes by using various accessories and attachments, such as chucks, steady rests, and tool holders.
Cost: Mini lathes are generally more affordable than their larger counterparts, making them a suitable choice for hobbyists on a budget.
Learning Curve: Operating a mini lathe may require some skill and practice. Home machinists may need to learn techniques for tool selection, tool positioning, and proper material handling.
Project Scope: Mini lathes are well-suited for small to medium-sized projects. While they can handle intricate work, they may not be suitable for large-scale machining tasks.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and accuracy of a mini lathe. This includes keeping the machine clean, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn-out components.
Resources: There are many books, online tutorials, and forums dedicated to home machining and using mini lathes. These resources can be valuable for beginners looking to expand their skills.

In summary, a mini lathe for home machinists is a compact and versatile tool that allows hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts to work with various materials and create precise, customized projects. It's important for users to follow safety guidelines and invest time in learning how to use the machine effectively.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mini lathe for home machinists on the market

Mini-Lathe for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) An In-Depth Look at the Different Components of Your Small Metal Lathe, Set Up, Tuning, How to Use the Accessories, & Hundreds of Illustrations

Design Originals

Based on 112 reviews Check latest price

Basic Lathework for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Essential Handbook to the Lathe with Hundreds of Photos & Diagrams and Expert Tips & Advice; Learn to Use Your Lathe to Its Full Potential

Design Originals

Based on 218 reviews Check latest price

Mini-Lathe Tools and Projects for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Simple, Practical Designs & Modifications to Extend & Improve the Versatility of Your Small Metal Lathe; Over 200 Photos

Design Originals

Based on 121 reviews Check latest price

Metal Lathe for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Project-Based Course, Reference Guide, & Complete Introduction to Lathe Metalworking & Accessories, Including 12 Skill-Building Turning Projects

Design Originals

Based on 325 reviews Check latest price

The Milling Machine for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Over 150 Color Photos & Diagrams; Learn How to Successfully Choose, Install, & Operate a Milling Machine in Your Home Workshop

Design Originals

Based on 288 reviews Check latest price

The Complete Mini-Lathe Workshop

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Projects for the Mini Lathe (Schiffer Book for Woodworkers)

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Mini-Lathe (Crowood Metalworking Guides)

Based on 89 reviews Check latest price

BestEquip Metal Lathe 8x16 Inch,Mini Metal Lathe Infinitely Variable Speed 2250RPM,Precision Lathe Machine 750W,Metal Working Lathe, Small Metal Lathe,for Precision Parts Processing

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

【INFINITELY VARIABLE SPEED】- The mini metal lathe is driven by powerful motor. Variable Speed: 0-2250RPM. The LED screen shows you a clear and accurate speed for accurate working. Operate either manually or with the adjustable auto feed rate. Spindle Accuracy: 0.0004-0.0012" (0.01-0.03 mm).
【750MM LARGE SWING RANGE】- The benchtop lathe brings a 3-jaw chuck. Swing Over Bed: 8-1/4" (210 mm) and Swing Over Cross Slide: 29.5"/750mm offers more possibilities for large size or/and heavy workpieces. One 4-Jaw chuck is included.
【PROFESSIONAL COMPOUND REST】- The mini lathe machine quick change tool post can achieve positions of internal cutting, face cutting, and bevel cutting by changing the tool post angle and adjusting the compound rest, moving blades freely with feed rod. 4-Way turret tool post (3/8" max tool size).
【SUPPORTIVE & PROTECTIVE】- Soft start, change-over switch for clockwise or counter-clockwise spindle rotation. Equipped with all-metal gears. Steady rest works as end support ensuring chatter-free operation. Backsplash guard included.
【ADJUSTABLE TAILSTOCK】- Taper in Tailstock Spindle: MT2. Rotate the lever clockwise to lock the spindle and rotate clockwise to advance the handwheel. To off-set the tailstock for cutting tapers by adjusting the four set screws located on the tailstock base. Travel: compound rest 2-1/8" (54mm), cross slide 3" (76mm).

User questions & answers

Question:	How is it at cutting carbon steel
Answer:	It is capable of being set up to cut steel.
Question:	Do you offer this mini lathe with an attached milling machine
Answer:	Bad machine bad company be warned.
Question:	How do we choose the 110v version
Answer:	I didnt know of a 220v version..
Question:	How is this lathe shipped? is it ups or truck freight
Answer:	Truck Freight

Product features

Variable Speed Design

Motor Power: 0.75KW, Variable Speed(Rpm): 0-2250. LED screen, Spindle Accuracy: 0.0004-0.0012" (0.01-0.03 mm).

Large Swing Range

Swing Over Bed: 8-1/4" (210 mm), Swing Over Cross Slide: 15-3/4" (400mm), 3-Jaw Chuck Diameter: 4.9"/125mm.

4-way Tool Rest

Offers positions of internal cutting, face cutting and bevel cutting. Heat hardening lead screw is reversable by turning A & B handle.

Supportive & Protective

Steady rest for fixing large size pieces. Two backsplash guards.

Accurate Tailstock

Taper in Tailstock Spindle: MT2. Adjusting set screws to make accurate operation.

Wide Application

Can be used in areas such as mini precision parts processing, sample processing and modeling works.

8'' x 16'' Variable Speed Metal Lathe

This precision 8" x 16" Lathe is designed to perform various types of metal. It can be used in areas such as mini precision parts processing, sample processing and modeling works. It features variable-speed spindle with high and low speed ranges and convenient quick-lock tailstock.