Power Metal Lathe is a woodworking machine used to shape wood or other materials using a rotating abrasive tool. The woodworker controls the speed and direction of the power metal lathe, and the size and shape of the finished product. Power metal lathes come in a variety of sizes from personal to professional grade. The most common type of power metal lathe is the back-strap lathe, which is controlled by a strap attached to the operator’s hand or foot. Some of the renowned brands are Grizzly, Woodtek, Jet and Atlas.
Choosing the right power metal lathe is difficult as there are many factors to consider like size, shape, speed and price. To make it easier to find the exact power metal lathe you’re looking for, we rounded up the best power metal lathes on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite power metal lathes in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Power Metal Lathes Reviews
- Electronic Gear System: Seamlessly switch between metric and imperial threads without changing gears. Our benchtop metal lathe saves you time with simple panel controls. Supports 9 metric threads (0.5-3 mm), 19 imperial threads: 6-40 T.P.I., and custom mode: 0.5-3 mm
- Belt-Free Operation: With a belt-free spindle drive, there are no belt consumables, reducing costs and simplifying maintenance for a smoother, more efficient operation
- Fully Automatic Feed: Adjust the stroke (center distance) from 0 to 1000 mm and feed rate from 0.01 to 0.40 mm via the panel. Our power metal lathe can fully automate threading. The 8.7 x 39 in worktable allows for processing materials with a maximum diameter of 220 mm and length of 1000 mm
- High Precision Processing: Featuring max speed of 2500 RPM with variable speed control, our metal lathe machine allows for adjusting machining speed based on material and process for optimal accuracy. The tailstock handle and movable center feature precise scales for fine-tuned control during precision work
- Versatile Applications: Capable of machining soft metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminum), acrylic, plastic, and more. Our bench metal lathe is ideal for drilling, boring, reaming, knurling, threading, and other machining operations
- Electronic Gear System: Electronic Gear System: Seamlessly switch between metric and imperial threads without changing gears. Our benchtop metal lathe saves you time with simple panel controls. Supports 9 metric threads (0.5-3 mm), 19 imperial threads: 6-40 T.P.I., and custom mode: 0.5-3 mm
- Belt-Free Operation: With a belt-free spindle drive, there are no belt consumables, reducing costs and simplifying maintenance for a smoother, more efficient operation
- Fully Automatic Feed: Adjust the stroke (center distance) from 0 to 450 mm and feed rate from 0.01 to 0.40 mm via the panel. Our power metal lathe can fully automate threading. The 8.7 x 18 in worktable allows for processing materials with a maximum diameter of 220 mm and length of 450 mm
- High Precision Processing: Featuring max speed of 2500 RPM with variable speed control, our metal lathe machine allows for adjusting machining speed based on material and process for optimal accuracy. The tailstock handle and movable center feature precise scales for fine-tuned control during precision work
- Versatile Applications: Capable of machining soft metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminum), acrylic, plastic, and more. Our bench metal lathe is ideal for drilling, boring, reaming, knurling, threading, and other machining operations
- 7" x 14" Metal Lathe: Our metal lathe machine adopts external poly-V-belt drive technology. The output torque is increased by 3 times, up to 1:9, so you can turn 45# steel bar easily. With 20 mm / 0.79 in hole through spindle diameter, you can process all kinds of rotating surfaces and end faces of rotating bodies.
- 4-Speed Adjustment: The benchtop metal lathe adopts a 4-speed continuously variable function so that you can adjust spindle speed flexibly from 0 to 2200 rpm according to your demand. Intelligent electric control speed regulation and digital display equipment are more convenient for you to adjust and operate accurately.
- High Accuracy & Professionalism: The tailstock spindle features an MT2 taper with top-press thread quick-lock technology for user-friendly use without effort. The precision dial is provided in the tailstock handle so that you can work more accurately and professionally.
- Forward & Reverse Thread Turning: All gears of the power metal lathe are made of high-quality metal material, ensuring a longer service life. It can turn 18 types of imperial threads (12-52 T.P.I) in both forward and reverse.
- Security Comes First: The benchtop metal lathe has chuck cover disconnection protection, automatic overload protection, and an added circuit board protector to avoid high-speed reverse short circuits, which protects the security of the operator and the machine motor.
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with high-power motors for all drive shafts, achieving speeds up to 20,000 RPM for efficient cutting and polishing. This mini metal lathe machine significantly reduces processing time. Its compact size makes it suitable for small projects, hobbyists, and as a teaching tool
- Precision Processing: With a maximum processed material diameter of 2.76 in / 70 mm and a material length capacity of 5.12 in / 130 mm, our power metal lathe handles a wide range of applications. It is ideal for processing small, intricate parts
- Stable Operation: The all-metal lathe machine with an integrated motor and spindle box design avoids deformation. This feature enhances surface quality and machining precision, especially during fine machining tasks
- Multiple Protection: With a built-in cooling fan along with over current, over voltage, and overheat protection functions, our benchtop metal lathe ensures reliable performance even with extended use
- Versatile Applications: This didactical mini metal lathe machine is ideal for of machining soft metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminum), acrylic, plastic, and more
- Security Comes First: Our metal lathe machine has multiple security features in case of emergency, ensuring operator security. These include an emergency stop switch, overload protection, chuck cover power off switch, pulley set housing power off switch, and a main control panel security switch.
- Continuously Variable: Features a spindle that can turn in both forward and reverse directions, with two-speed options: a high gear of 100-2500 rpm and a low gear of 50-1250 rpm. It also has intelligent electric speed controls and a digital display, allowing for accurate speed adjustments and making your work easier.
- 750W Brushless Motor: Our benchtop metal lathe features a 750W brushless motor that provides more power and avoids the need for brush replacements, saving time and effort.
- Built to Last: Our power metal lathes are built to last with high-quality HT200 cast iron. They come equipped with wear-resistant and strong metal gears and aluminum alloy handwheels, ensuring a longer service life.
- Widely Used: Our metal lathe machine, measuring 8.3'' x 29.5'', is perfect for processing precision parts and models. It has a wide range of turning pitches that can create 24 different kinds of threads, including 14 metric system (ranging from 0.3-3mm) and 10 imperial system (ranging from 10-44 TPI) threads.
- Turn aluminum, steel, brass, and more up to 12 inches in length or 7 inches in diameter
- Two full variable speed ranges allow for operation anywhere from 100 to 2500 RPM in either direction
- Threading dial indicator helps turn 18 different screw thread sizes ranging from 12 to 52 TPI
- Operate either manually or with the adjustable auto feed
- Features a 3-jaw chuck, 5/16-inch capacity tool post, an MT3 spindle taper, an MT2 tailstock taper, a 5/16-inch tool rest, a 4-amp motor, and a two-year warranty
- 【STURDY & DURABLE CONSTRUCTION】The mini lathe is made of high-quality HT200 cast iron, which stands up to tear and wear. It is equipped with an 750W motor that delivers a great deal of energy. If you are into making models, it would be your punctilious assistant.
- 【High Precision Operation】Spindle Bore: 1.5"/38 mm. Our metal lathe is pre-installed with a 3-jaw chuck, 4.9"/125 mm in diameter, which clamps raw materials tight, and a back splash guard that ensures your safety during operation. The metal lathes boast exceptional precision, ensuring that every work piece meets the tightest tolerances and specifications.
- 【INFINITELY VARIABLE SPEEDS】Revolving Speed Range: 50-2500. The mini lathe machine comes with variable speeds that give you the convenience to achieve the best work. This lathe allows you to work on both forward or reverse of any possible speed. The feeding rate can be adjusted manually or automatically. And an emergency button is accessible just in case.
- 【STABLE & RELIABLE OPERATION】Swing Over Bed: 8"/210 mm; Swing Over Cross Slide: 28.3"/720 mm. The small metal lathe features a turret post for quick tool change and a center rest for tight pieces holding, making internal cutting, face cutting, and bevel cutting possible.
- 【Wide Application】Capable of handling a wide range of materials, our metal lathe offers versatility that suits diverse applications. Whether you're working on small intricate parts or large-scale component.The lathe produces precision work without taking up a lot of room in your shop or garage, making bushings, spindles, prototypes, models, and more.
Best Power Metal Lathes Buying Guide
Before choosing the best power metal lathe you should consider following options:
1. Power Source: The first step in choosing a metal lathe is to determine the power source you want. Electric, diesel and gas are the three most common options.
Electric models typically have a maximum speed of 800-1,500 RPM, and are more affordable than other options. But they are also the noisiest and produce the most vibration.
Diesel models are the most powerful and have a maximum speed of 2,000-3,000 RPM. They also produce the least amount of vibration and noise. However, they are the most expensive option.
Gas-powered models typically have a maximum speed of 1,800-3,000 RPM and produce the least amount of vibration.
But you will have to buy gas and oil for them. They are also the second most expensive option. The first step in choosing the right power source is determining what your job requirements are.
If you will be cutting a lot of steel, then a diesel or gas model will be a better option. If you will mostly be woodworking, then an electric model will be a better option.
2. Tonnage: Tonnage refers to the mass that the lathe can hold while cutting. It also gives an idea of the maximum cutting diameter that the machine can hold.
A lathe with a higher tonnage will be more stable and can hold a larger work piece. A higher tonnage also means that the cutting tools will have to travel a shorter distance while cutting.
This leads to a lesser amount of heat being produced, which in turn leads to a longer tool life. The first step in determining the tonnage of a lathe is to calculate the mass of the largest work piece that you will be cutting.
You can then calculate the tonnage based on the mass and maximum cutting diameter. A common rule of thumb is to get a lathe with a tonnage that is at least 2-3 times the mass that you will be cutting.
3. Horsepower: Horsepower is the measurement of the torque or twisting force of a lathe. It is measured in kilo-newton meter (kNm) and is calculated by multiplying the RPM by the belt ratio.
A higher horsepower indicates that the machine will have a higher cutting capacity. It also indicates that the lathe will have a higher speed.
A higher horsepower also means that the cutting tools will have to travel a shorter distance while cutting, which leads to a lesser amount of heat being produced, and in turn a longer tool life.
A higher horsepower also indicates that the machine will be more powerful and can support longer work pieces. The first step in determining the horsepower of a lathe is to calculate the mass of the largest work piece that you will be cutting.
You can then calculate the horsepower based on the mass and maximum cutting diameter. A common rule of thumb is to get a lathe with a horsepower that is at least 2-3 times the mass that you will be cutting.
4. Spindle Speed: The speed at which the cutting tools rotate is called spindle speed. It is measured in RPM.
A higher spindle speed indicates a higher cutting capacity. It also leads to a lesser amount of heat being produced, and in turn a longer tool life.
A higher spindle speed also indicates that the machine will have a higher horsepower. The first step in determining the speed of the lathe is to calculate the mass of the largest work piece that you will be cutting
What else you should know about power metal lathes
1. What are the best power metal lathes?
The best power metal lathes are those that offer the most features and versatility. Some of the best power metal lathes on the market include the Jet JWL-1221VS, the Delta Industrial 46-460, and the Grizzly G0602. These lathes offer a variety of features that make them ideal for a variety of different applications.
2. What are the features of the best power metal lathes?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the best power metal lathes vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the user. However, some of the features that are commonly considered to be important in a power metal lathe include a strong motor, a sturdy build, a large spindle bore, and a wide range of speed settings.
3. What are the benefits of using a power metal lathe?
Some benefits of using a power metal lathe include the ability to work with harder metals, greater precision, and increased speed and efficiency.
4. How do I choose the best power metal lathe for my needs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the specific needs of the user and the budget. However, some tips on choosing the best power metal lathe for your needs include considering the lathe’s capabilities (such as its maximum speed, power, and size), as well as its features (such as its chuck size and type, tool rest, and spindle). It is also important to read reviews of power metal lathes before making a purchase.
5. What are the top power metal lathe manufacturers?
The top power metal lathe manufacturers are Willis, Bolton, and Grizzly.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best power metal lathes. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best power metal lathes will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.