VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe
#1 in LathesFull review
For long shafts and automatic threading in one benchtop machine, if you accept an unknown warranty.
Amazon $1,529.90$1,529.90
A benchtop metal lathe or mill puts a small machine shop on a sturdy bench and runs from a household outlet. A lathe spins the work and turns it round, faces it flat, bores it and cuts threads. A mill-drill holds the work still on a moving table and cuts flat faces, slots, pockets and accurate holes. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: price, how big a part the machine takes, motor power, the features that save time, and how long it’s covered.
Machine type is the first choice. Most home shops start with a lathe, because it makes round parts, bushings, spacers and threads that no other tool can. Add a mill when you need flat faces, slots or holes placed accurately. Each type is ranked on its own.
Capacity is the second. A lathe is sold by swing (the largest diameter it turns over the bed) and the distance between centers (the longest part it holds between the chuck and the tailstock). A 7x14 lathe suits small parts; an 8x30 or 10x30 handles axles and shafts. A larger spindle bore lets long bar stock pass through the headstock. A mill is sold by table size and travel, and an R8 spindle takes the widest range of collets and cutters.
Threading and feed are the third. Change gears, a gearbox or an electronic leadscrew let a lathe cut threads; a power feed moves the carriage at a steady rate for a better finish. A digital readout shows where the tool is, which saves measuring and trial cuts.
Rigidity and accuracy matter most of all, but makers don’t publish them in a way that can be compared, so they aren’t scored. Weight is listed when published, and a heavier machine of the same size usually chatters less.
Top Picks
VEVOR MX-S716G 7x16 Metal Lathe
#10 in LathesFull review
For a hobbyist who wants a quiet brushless mini lathe that cuts threads for under $800.
Amazon $740.99$740.99
Shop by Machine Type
Lathes
21 rankedMini and benchtop lathes for turning, facing, boring and cutting threads in steel, aluminum and brass.
Top rated: VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe $1,529.90
Mills
9 rankedMill-drills and mini mills for flat surfaces, slots, pockets and accurate holes.
Top rated: Yokoma AL028356 R8 Mill Drill 1300W $1,859
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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.
Best Benchtop Metal Lathes
- VEVOR MX-S117 8.7x39 Metal Lathe#1 of 21Full review
For long shafts and automatic threading in one benchtop machine, if you accept an unknown warranty.
Amazon $1,529.90$1,529.908.7 x 39.4 in1,250 W- - Garvee 9x30 Metal Lathe 1100W#2 of 21Full review
A lot of lathe for about $1,100: long bed, big bore and auto feed, with no stated warranty.
Amazon $1,099.99$1,099.998.7 x 29.5 in1,100 W188 lb - VEVOR MX-S450 8.7x18 Metal Lathe#3 of 21Full review
For a hobbyist who cuts many threads and wants to skip change gears. The electronics are the selling point and the risk.
Amazon $1,017.36$1,017.368.7 x 17.7 in1,250 W- - VEVOR TQ2275 8.7x30 Metal Lathe#4 of 21Full review
For long work on a budget when easy returns matter more than a wide thread range.
Amazon $1,159.90$1,159.908.7 x 30 in1,100 W- - MechMaxx 1030VD 10x30 Lathe with DRO#5 of 21Full review
For the hobbyist who wants a near full size lathe on a bench, with a readout already fitted.
Amazon $3,299$3,2999.9 x 29.5 in1,119 W399 lb
Best Benchtop Milling Machines
- Yokoma AL028356 R8 Mill Drill 1300W#1 of 9Full review
A well equipped large bench mill for the price, if you can accept no stated warranty.
Amazon $1,859$1,8597.1 x 27.5 in table1,300 W- - MechMaxx VM25L 7x27.5 Mill Drill#2 of 9Full review
For a hobbyist who wants G0704 sized capacity with a stronger brushless motor for less money.
Amazon $2,199$2,1997 x 27.5 in table1,119 W260 lb - MechMaxx VM18L 6x20 Mill Drill#3 of 9Full review
A good value brushless R8 mill in the popular 6x20 size.
Amazon $1,599$1,5995.5 x 19.6 in table746 W180 lb - Grizzly G0704 7x27 Mill/Drill with Stand#4 of 9Full review
The default choice for a home shop R8 mill with room for real parts, best bought direct.
Amazon $2,840$2,8407.1 x 26.6 in table746 W372 lb - Grizzly G0758 6x20 Mill/Drill#5 of 9Full review
A supported mid size R8 mill with a depth readout, for the hobbyist who values a dealer.
Grizzly $1,995$1,9955.8 x 19.8 in table560 W204 lb
How We Rank
Each machine is ranked against others of the same type, and scored on its price, its work capacity, its motor, its features and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | price at the cheapest linked store | 25% |
| Capacity | lathes: swing times distance between centers; mills: table area | 20% |
| Motor | motor power in watts | 15% |
| Features | threading, power feed, digital readout, R8 spindle and similar | 30% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 10% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.