Pressed for time? Check our best picks
BestEquip Metal
- Rotating turret
- High-speed precision
- Unique chuck supports all kinds of stock
Grizzly G9972Z
- Astounding power output
- Reliable auto-feed system
- Large capacity by mini lathe standards
SUNWIN 6
- Decent power
- Highly versatile
- Excellent drilling and sanding performance
Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.
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Lathes are one of the most versatile tools you could have in your workshop.
They can help turn blocks of wood into beautiful bowls and pens and thread metal bars. You can even use a lathe to sand rounded wooden or plastic objects to perfection.
However, if you don’t have much space in your workshop, or if you’re just starting your woodturning journey, we highly recommend investing in a mini lathe.
In today’s guide, we’ll show you what the best mini lathe of all time is out of the 36 models we researched and compared.
Best Mini Lathe – BestEquip Metal Lathe 7″ x 14″
The best mini lathe out of the three-dozen lathes we analyzed is the BestEquip Metal Lathe 7″ x 14″.
This machine is mainly used to add threads to metal blanks, but its wide RPM range will allow you to work with all kinds of materials.
Here’s what the BestEquip Metal Lathe’s key specifications look like at a glance—
- ¾-HP Motor
- 7 x 14-inch Capacity
- 50-2500 RPM
- 3-Jaw, Self-Centering Chuck
This BestEquip mini lathe comes with a ¾-HP motor that operates at 550W at 110V.
This allows hobbyists to plug the machine into any standard wall outlet to reach the max 2250-RPM speed for woodworking.
However, you’ll want to utilize the 50-200-RPM range to cut and shape metal objects.
This machine offers a ton of versatility that makes it stand out among all other mini lathes.
It features a 3-jaw, self-centering chuck which lets you work effortlessly with unevenly-shaped blanks with minor adjustments.
Although aligning the centers is easy, you’ll have to check up on them from time to time.
Pros
- Rotating turret
- High-speed precision
- Unique chuck supports all kinds of stock
- Multifunctional machine for amateurs and pros
Cons
- Could require less checking-up
The BestEquip 7 x 14 mini lathe is the best option for shaping all kinds of materials, including metal and precious stones.
Top Mini Lathe Compared
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - BestEquip Metal Lathe 7" x 14" |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Premium - Grizzly G9972Z |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget - SUNWIN 6 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Grizzly G8688 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Erie Tools 7 x 14 Precision Bench Top |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Shop Fox M1015 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Jectse 12000RPM Mini Lathe |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Lagako 7 x 14 Inch Mini Metal Lathe |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Best Mini Lathe
Best Premium - Grizzly G9972Z
Key Specifications
- 1-HP Motor
- 11 x 26-inch Capacity
- 150-2400 RPM
- Chip Tray and Splash Guard
The Grizzly G9972Z is a premium-grade lathe that somewhat exceeds the capacity of a mini lathe (26-inch-long capacity).
So, if you plan on creating longer objects like furniture legs and mini baseball bats, this Grizzly mini lathe is your best option.
It features a full 1-HP motor that spins all kinds of blanks at up to 2400 RPM.
You’ll definitely find this a worthy machine for woodturning and even metalworking.
The G9972Z also comes with a chip tray and splash guard around the headstock.
This prevents metal fragments from flying around your workshop and even getting into the spindle.
As a mini lathe for metal, you’ll also enjoy the auto-feeding system to ensure evenly spaced threads every time.
Pros
- Astounding power output
- Reliable auto-feed system
- Helpful guard and chip tray
- Large capacity by mini lathe standards
Cons
- Splash guard may arrive damaged
Fixing the splash guard is simple, but you’ll need to see how damaged it is upon arrival. Assuming everything is up and running, you won’t be disappointed by the Grizzly G9972Z’s performance.
Best Budget - SUNWIN 6
Key Specifications
- 24W Motor
- 4.8 x 3.9-inch Capacity
- 20000 RPM
- 6-in-1 Tool
As a budget-friendly, super-versatile tool, you might expect to have to spend more on the SUNWIN 6 in 1 DIY Mini Lathe.
We’ll be the first to admit that its low, low cost is somewhat frightening, but after giving it a go, you’ll realize there’s nothing to worry about.
Its 24W motor power output can be undersized for most cutting and shaping jobs, but for the most part, you’ll only use this tool for rings or super-small bowls.
The SUNWIN is a 6-in-1 tool that transforms into a jig saw, drill press, milling machine, sander, and lathe for metal and wood. Just keep your expectations within reason; it’s not a perfect substitute for any of these tools individually.
Pros
- Decent power
- Highly versatile
- Excellent drilling and sanding performance
- Great for beginners and small-scale woodturning
Cons
- Could be less wobbly
All things considered, we feel that the SUNWIM 6 in 1 DIY Mini Lathe is a good option for those who want to learn how to use all of the six tools.
Grizzly G8688
Key Specifications
- 3/4-HP Motor
- 7 x 12-inch Capacity
- 0-2500 RPM
- Forward/Reverse Gears
The Grizzly G8688 is another mini lathe that’s designed to handle all sorts of materials, although it excels at shaping metal.
You can see this by how slowly it cuts the turning workpiece, providing enough torque to shave minimal layers off of metal for threading.
The 7 x 12-inch capacity should be large enough for most users.
This mini metal lathe comes with an MT#2 dead center and 6.25-inch faceplate to help you turn both cylindrical and blocky blanks.
A thread dial indicator will help you in creating identical screws time and time of between 12 and 52 TPI.
Pros
- Compact, sturdy design
- Great for turning metal
- Forward and backward operation
- Variable speed for extra versatility
Cons
- Plastic parts could be more durable
Despite there being some plastic components in the Grizzly G8688, what you’re getting is an ultra-reliable mini lathe that works on metal, wood, acrylic, and virtually any other material in between.
Erie Tools 7 x 14 Precision Bench Top
Key Specifications
- ½-HP Motor
- 7 x 14-inch Capacity
- 50-2500 RPM
- Comes with 5-Piece Carbide Tipped Cutter Kit
The Erie Tools 7 x 4 Precision Bench Top Mini Metal Milling Lathe is a bit tricky to call by name, but using it couldn’t be easier.
It comes with a ½-HP motor that provides enough torque and speed to turn 7-inch stock measuring 14 inches in length between the centers.
The tailstock slides effortlessly to the left to accommodate shorter workpieces of 8 inches or more.
This mini lathe has both forward and backward operations, letting you cut, shape, and sand your blanks easily while ensuring even results.
The company also throws in a five-piece cutting tool set that uses long-lasting carbide tips.
Pros
- Helpful speed readout
- Works with metal and wood
- Generous carbide-tipped cutting tool kit
- Motor adjusts for forward and backward operation
Cons
- Could be less noisy
The ½-HP motor can be loud at times, but you’ll be wearing hearing PPE anyway (hopefully).
Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe
Key Specifications
- ¾-HP Motor
- 7 x 10-inch Capacity
- 0-2500 RPM
- Automatic Feed
The Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe pretty much tells the entire story of what this lathe is and can do.
It features a ¾-HP motor that spins up to 7 x 10-inch stock at speeds of around 2500 RPM.
You can always drop the speed to around 100 RPM when working with metal workpieces.
Like most lathes for metal, this mini lathe features an automatic feeding system that drives the carriage to the left. This ensures flawless, repeatable 12 to 52-TPI threading.
If you want to turn wood, you’ll have to invest in your own tool rest.
Pros
- Runs smoothly
- Easy to clean
- Comes with chuck guard
- Solid turret-style post
Cons
- Plastic feed gears could be more durable
Overall, the Central Machinery mini lathe is a great option if you’re looking for a metal lathe on a super-tight budget.
Shop Fox M1015
Key Specifications
- 1/5-HP Motor
- 6 x 10-inch Capacity
- 100-2000 RPM
- Automatic Feed
The Shop Fox M1015 looks like a simpler version of a mini metal lathe as opposed to other products on this list.
However, this has the benefit of being user-friendly, and you don’t need to have a ton of mechanic-know-how to operate this machine.
This mini lathe can accommodate workpieces of up to 6 x 10 inches while turning them at up to 2000 RPM.
What’s surprising is that despite its straightforward design, it even comes with an auto-feed option. This will let you create between 16 and 24 TPI on narrow metal.
There’s also a pretty decent chuck guard, but it doesn’t block most fragments and chips from flying toward the operator.
Pros
- Durable design
- User-friendly
- Decent holding capacity
- Comes with auto-feed system
Cons
- Chuck guard could be better
Shop Fox is one of the more well-known manufacturers of high-quality residential-grade power tools, and the Shop Fox M1015 certainly fits the bill.
Jectse 12000RPM Mini Lathe
Key Specifications
- 60W Motor
- 3 x 5.3-inch Capacity
- 12000 RPM
- Steel Construction
The Jectse 12000RPM Mini Lathe is an incredibly compact machine, even by mini lathe standards.
It can only support stock of up to 3 x 5.3 inches, which means you might not get a ton of work out of this benchtop model, but it certainly sits easily on any workbench or table.
Despite its miniature stature, this machine can deliver up to 12000-RPM turning speed or several times faster than most.
This is unsurprising, seeing as how its swing over bed is so limited.
The entire unit is made of steel instead of cast iron, which means it’s prone to warping when dropped but still quite durable.
Pros
- Supports central block
- Durable construction
- Powerful motor for benchtop lathe
- Works with nonferrous metals and wood
Cons
- Could come with variable speed system
The Jectse doesn’t offer much in terms of swing, but at 12000 RPM, you shouldn’t have any trouble sanding or shaping.
Lagako 7 x 14 Inch Mini Metal Lathe
Key Specifications
- ¾-HP Motor
- 7 x 14-inch Capacity
- 50-2250 RPM
- Emergency Shutdown Button
The Lagako 7 x 14 Inch Mini Metal Lathe is, per customer reports, works decently well at producing threads on metal objects.
It doesn’t have an auto-feed system, which can be quite devastating if you need to make multiple screws at identical TPI sizes.
However, its ¾-HP motor does a beautiful job at turning wide stock of up to seven inches in thickness.
We like that this machine can turn stock as slow as 50 RPM. This will give you maximum precision when shaping larger pieces of metal.
There’s even an emergency stop button that will immediately put a seize on all operations, just in case anything goes awry.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Quick-working stop button
- Great turning speed range
- Works on metal and softer materials
Cons
- May arrive with slight faults
Overall, there’s nothing too astounding or unique about the Lagako. It at least meets the requirements of what a mini lathe for metal should do.
Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal
Key Specifications
- ¾-HP Motor
- 7 x 12-inch Capacity
- 0-2500 RPM
- Includes HSS Cutting tools
Last up, we have the Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal Lathe, a homeowner-friendly cutting machine that’s used specifically for metalworking projects.
It comes with two speed settings with caps at 1100 RPM and 2500 RPM, ensuring that you always use the right speed for all projects.
It can handle stock as wide and as long as 7 x 12 inches.
Like the Erie Tool mini lathe, Eastwood throws in a set of HSS cutting tools to help you begin working. HSS isn’t as durable as carbide and will ear quickly when used on metal objects.
However, it’s a nice addition that will help homeowners begin shaping as soon as the Eastwood mini lathe arrives.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact design
- Great speed control
- Comes with HSS cutting tools
Cons
- Could have a sturdier base
The Eastwood mini lathe for metal is a suitable option for homeowners and amateur metalworkers, though it doesn’t grow well.
Best Mini Lathe Buying Guide
Let’s quickly go over what a mini lathe is and how to find the right model for your workshop.
What is a Mini Lathe?
There are several kinds of lathes out there, which are classified by what they can cut and their size. By definition, a mini lathe is a lathe that has a maximum of 7 x 14-inch holding capacity.
Now, you might see certain models on our list that go beyond the 14-inch-long mark, making them technically full-sized lathes, but their narrower swing over bed ratings is what sort of muddy the water.
Due to their more compact sizes, mini lathes don’t generally support motors larger than ¾ HP, but there are a few exceptions. Obviously, a larger motor will be ideal for turning larger stock.
What can a mini lathe cut?
Generally, mini lathes are smaller versions of metal lathes.
They’re designed to cut through metal, but you can always swap out components and turn wooden stocks with the lathe.
Important Factors to Consider
When shopping for a mini lathe, you’ll want to check up on the following specs and features.
Weight
Mini lathes are never as heavy as their benchtop for full-sized counterparts.
However, there should still be some weight to the unit so as to provide extra stability when operating at high speeds.
Swing and Bed
This refers to the maximum stock size that will fit between the headstock and tailstock centers.
Higher swing and bed ratings indicate that the machine can handle larger stock, but mini lathes are generally capped at a 7-inch swing over bed and 14-inch bed (centers distance).
If you’re looking for something bigger, check out our best metal lathe and best wood lathe guides.
Stand or Mount
Mini lathes can rest on top of workbenches but without mounts or a stand, the tool is going to cause miniature earthquakes in your workshop.
Additional Features
Things like a digital readout, electric variable speed, and work lights are nice-to-have features.
Some models also come with cutting tools, which will help you get started as soon as you assemble the mini lathe.
Why You Should Get a Mini Lathe
Here are a couple of reasons why people shop for mini lathes instead of benchtops or freestanding models.
Space efficiency
If your workshop is limited in floor space, then you might not have the space to allocate to a full-sized lathe.
As for benchtop and mini lathes, benchtops come with longer beds, which can take up more than twice the amount of tablespace as opposed to a mini lathe.
Usable on all sorts of materials
Mini lathes are usually marketed at metalworkers, but depending on their specs, you can certainly pop a wood, jade, acrylic, or plastic workpiece between the two centers and get to work.
Multifunctional
Mini lathes are just like their full-sized counterparts, just smaller. This means you can also create bowls, bats, rings, pens, and furniture legs.
However, because the swing and centers distance are a lot shorter, mini lathes will limit the size of your project.
FAQ’s
That’s entirely up to you. Mini lathes are great for beginner woodworkers and metalworkers, but they certainly will not allow you to grow. As you become more accustomed to turning and lathing, you’ll undoubtedly want to begin working with larger stock. We recommend heading over to our guides on the best wood lathe and best metal lathe to see which models will last you for a lifetime.
For most of these mini lathe models, you will. From our list, only two models come with cutting tool kits: The Erie Tools 7 x 14 Inch (carbide) and the Eastwood Benchtop Mini Metal (HSS). Also, if you want to use a mini lathe for woodturning, you might need to pick up additional faceplates, spindles, tool rests, and/or chisels.
Because of the smaller swing and bed, you might not be able to produce wooden plates, bats, long furniture legs, and the sort. Your work is basically limited to making bowls, pens, rings, and threaded screws. This limitation might not be the worst thing in the world, especially if you’re just getting started. Plus, some of these machines come with large motors for their size, so you shouldn’t have much trouble working with all kinds of materials.
Don’t get the two mixed up. Midi lathes are just regular lathes that generally come with 12-inch swings and 20-inch beds. Basically, they can hold onto blanks that are twice as thick and long as mini lathes. They can be costlier, but they also allow you to, a woodturner or metalworker, to grow over time.
Summary
That, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of our best mini lathe guide.
We hope you learned a thing or two about mini lathes and how to choose the best lathe for your workshop.
When in doubt, you can always refer to our ten picks, as we’ve done all of the research for you.
If you have any thoughts or concerns, we’d love to hear them in the comments section.
