Best Benchtop Metal Lathes Ranked

For long shafts and automatic threading in one benchtop machine, if you accept an unknown warranty.

A lot of lathe for about $1,100: long bed, big bore and auto feed, with no stated warranty.

For a hobbyist who cuts many threads and wants to skip change gears. The electronics are the selling point and the risk.

For long work on a budget when easy returns matter more than a wide thread range.

For the hobbyist who wants a near full size lathe on a bench, with a readout already fitted.

For accurate small parts: the DRO is what you pay for. Choose a longer bed if you turn shafts.

For long work and panel set threading at a price below the MechMaxx readout lathes.

For a beginner who values a warranty and support over size. It is small, but it is backed.

For turning longer work, such as axles and shafts, on a hobby budget.

For a hobbyist who wants a quiet brushless mini lathe that cuts threads for under $800.

For turning larger diameter stock through the spindle. Confirm threading ability with the seller first.

For plain turning of long, thick stock. Pick another model if threading matters.

A low cost WM210V class lathe for threading and general hobby turning. Confirm the length you need before buying.

A well supported 7x14 for the beginner who wants inch and metric threading and a dealer behind it.

A complete, supported 8x16 that needs few extra purchases before the first cut.

For a home shop ready for a small toolroom style lathe that still fits on a sturdy bench.

For a first lathe on a tight budget, to learn on small aluminum and brass parts. Expect to tune and upgrade it.

For a beginner who wants dealer support with a classic 7x12 mini lathe. The motor limits it to light work.

For a serious hobbyist or small shop that wants a gearbox lathe from a known brand and will pay for it.

For model makers and clockwork scale parts, not general shop work.

A proven, heavy gear head design for the hobbyist who threads often and does not mind moving belts.