{"id":187,"date":"2019-07-16T19:38:45","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T00:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/robotsbench.com\/?p=187"},"modified":"2023-12-18T21:40:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T02:40:24","slug":"best-mini-metal-lathes-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robotsbench.com\/best-mini-metal-lathes-reviewed\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the best mini metal lathe?"},"content":{"rendered":"
TLDR; Many mini metal lathes have similar features, but the <\/strong>BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe 7 x 14<\/strong><\/a> and the <\/strong>Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe 7 x 12<\/strong><\/a> are the best choices since they have better documentation and customer support, which is important for a complex tool such as this. All of them will require some adjustments and oiling after you receive them to make sure they work at peak performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mini lathes are popular with modellers, jewellery makers and amateur machinist, but they are useful for all makers. If you’ve never worked with one, a lathe rotates a piece metal or wood, which is then shaped by a tool you hold. An experienced machinist can create complex parts by cutting off parts, drilling into it, enlarging holes and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A small lathe is generally considered “mini” when it is 7″x15″ in size or less. If you’re working on relatively small projects only and don’t have a lot of space to spare, this is a great space-saving option. Also, a lathe that is strong enough to cut metal will also be able to cut wood and some plastics with the proper tools. Mini wood lathes are cheaper, but they are even smaller and generally not strong enough to cut metal, except very soft ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we’ll review the best mini metal lathes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those lathes are pretty small compared to industrial machines, but they are big enough for many DIY projects, even it’s they’re not as strong when working with harder metals such as stainless. You still have to make sure that the lathe you’re purchasing has a working area big enough for the parts you want to create and is precise enough. Also, lathes are heavy tools: you need a sturdy bench to work on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A new lathe will require some cleaning, oiling and assembly: it is relatively complex as far as tools goes and it’s rarely just plug and play. If you’re able to find a course locally at a school or hackerspace, it’s a great way to get started and see if you like it and how it should work before purchase. Also, you must be very careful any time you’re using it and make sure that nothing you’re wearing (or your hair) can be caught in it: it’s a tool rotating at high speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Why do you need a metal lathe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n