Best Benchtop Metal Lathes and Mills Under $1,500

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 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.

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.

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

A starter R8 mill for small parts and learning, with dealer support.

A small, supported R8 mill for the hobbyist with limited bench space.

For model makers and electronics enclosures, not for steel brackets.