For a hobbyist who cuts many threads and wants to skip change gears. The electronics are the selling point and the risk.
Amazon $1,017.36The VEVOR MX-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe is the better metal lathe overall, rated 3.8 to 3.5. The VEVOR MX-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe leads on features and capacity. The WEN ML712 7x12 Metal Lathe wins on price. The WEN ML712 7x12 Metal Lathe costs $167.39 less ($849.97 vs $1,017.36).
For a beginner who values a warranty and support over size. It is small, but it is backed.
Amazon $849.97Prices 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-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe for features (cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor vs cuts threads, variable speed, power feed) and capacity (8.7 in swing x 17.7 in between centers vs 7 in swing x 12 in between centers).
- Choose the WEN ML712 7x12 Metal Lathe for price ($849.97 vs $1,017.36).
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-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe | WEN ML712 7x12 Metal Lathe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Price 25% | 77 $1,017.36 | 88 $849.97 |
| Capacity 20% | 39 8.7 in swing x 17.7 in between centers | 10 7 in swing x 12 in between centers |
| Motor 15% | 92 1,250 W motor | 50 motor power not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 30% | 85 cuts threads, variable speed, power feed, digital readout, brushless motor | 55 cuts threads, variable speed, power feed |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 100 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| VEVOR MX-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe | WEN ML712 7x12 Metal Lathe | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Swing over bed | 8.7 in | 7 in |
| Between centers | 17.7 in | 12 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 1,250 W | - |
| Brushless motor | Yes | - |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,500 rpm | 100 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | - | MT3 |
| Features | ||
| Cuts threads | Yes | Yes |
| Power feed | Yes | Yes |
| Digital readout | Yes | - |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
