For long shafts and automatic threading in one benchtop machine, if you accept an unknown warranty.
Amazon $1,529.90The VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe is the better metal lathe overall, rated 4.0 to 3.7. The VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe leads on capacity and price. The MechMaxx 0831VD 8x16 Lathe with DRO wins on features. The VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe costs $469.10 less ($1,529.90 vs $1,999).
For accurate small parts: the DRO is what you pay for. Choose a longer bed if you turn shafts.
Amazon $1,999Prices 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 VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe for capacity (8.7 in swing x 39.4 in between centers vs 8.2 in swing x 15.8 in between centers) and price ($1,529.90 vs $1,999).
- Choose the MechMaxx 0831VD 8x16 Lathe with DRO for features (cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor, spindle bore of 1 in or more vs cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor).
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 | VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe | MechMaxx 0831VD 8x16 Lathe with DRO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Price 25% | 51 $1,529.90 | 35 $1,999 |
| Capacity 20% | 100 8.7 in swing x 39.4 in between centers | 29 8.2 in swing x 15.8 in between centers |
| Motor 15% | 92 1,250 W motor | 87 1,119 W motor |
| Features 30% | 85 cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor | 100 cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor, spindle bore of 1 in or more |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 50 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe | MechMaxx 0831VD 8x16 Lathe with DRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Swing over bed | 8.7 in | 8.2 in |
| Between centers | 39.4 in | 15.8 in |
| Spindle bore | - | 1.5 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 1,250 W | 1,119 W |
| Brushless motor | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,500 rpm | 0 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | - | MT5 |
| Features | ||
| Cuts threads | Yes | Yes |
| Power feed | Yes | Yes |
| Digital readout | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |
