For the hobbyist who wants a near full size lathe on a bench, with a readout already fitted.
Amazon $3,299The MechMaxx 1030VD 10x30 Lathe with DRO rates 3.7 among lathes metal lathes; the MechMaxx VM25L 7x27.5 Mill Drill rates 3.6 among mills ones. The MechMaxx VM25L 7x27.5 Mill Drill costs $1,100 less ($2,199 vs $3,299).

For a hobbyist who wants G0704 sized capacity with a stronger brushless motor for less money.
Amazon $2,199Prices 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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different machine type classes (lathes and mills), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own machine type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | MechMaxx 1030VD 10x30 Lathe with DRO | MechMaxx VM25L 7x27.5 Mill Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Price 25% | 4 $3,299 | 17 $2,199 |
| Capacity 20% | 96 9.9 in swing x 29.5 in between centers | 96 7 x 27.5 in table (192.5 sq in) |
| Motor 15% | 87 1,119 W motor | 87 1,119 W motor |
| Features 30% | 100 cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor, spindle bore of 1 in or more | 80 R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed, tilting head |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| MechMaxx 1030VD 10x30 Lathe with DRO | MechMaxx VM25L 7x27.5 Mill Drill | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Swing over bed | 9.9 in | - |
| Between centers | 29.5 in | - |
| Spindle bore | 1.5 in | - |
| Table | - | 7 x 27.5 in table |
| Longitudinal travel | - | 19.5 in |
| Cross travel | - | 5.5 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 1,119 W | 1,119 W |
| Brushless motor | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,000 rpm | 0 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | MT5 | R8 |
| Head tilt | - | 90° each way |
| Features | ||
| Cuts threads | Yes | - |
| Power feed | Yes | - |
| Digital readout | Yes | - |
| Weight | 399 lb | 260 lb |