Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe
#18 in LathesFull review
For a beginner who wants dealer support with a classic 7x12 mini lathe. The motor limits it to light work.
Grizzly $1,045$1,045
The Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe and the Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe are evenly matched, rated 2.9 and 2.9. The Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe leads on motor and capacity. The Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe wins on warranty. The Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe costs $80 less ($1,045 vs $1,125).
Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe
#20 in LathesFull review
For model makers and clockwork scale parts, not general shop work.
Amazon $1,125$1,125
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe for motor (249 W motor vs 149 W motor) and capacity (7 in swing x 12 in between centers vs 6 in swing x 10 in between centers).
- Choose the Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every lathes metal lathe; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe | Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Price 25% | 75 $1,045 | 71 $1,125 |
| Capacity 20% | 10 7 in swing x 12 in between centers | 0 6 in swing x 10 in between centers |
| Motor 15% | 22 249 W motor | 0 149 W motor |
| Features 30% | 40 cuts threads, variable speed | 40 cuts threads, variable speed |
| Warranty 10% | 50 1-year warranty | 100 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Grizzly G8688 7x12 Mini Metal Lathe | Shop Fox M1015 6x10 Mini Metal Lathe | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Swing over bed | 7 in | 6 in |
| Between centers | 12 in | 10 in |
| Spindle bore | 0.8 in | 0.4 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 249 W | 149 W |
| Spindle speeds | 100 to 2,500 rpm | 100 to 2,000 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | MT3 | MT2 |
| Features | ||
| Cuts threads | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 90 lb | 78 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |