Best Benchtop Metal Lathes
Top benchtop metal lathes ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Grizzly G0602 10x22 Benchtop Metal Lathe
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Real machine-tool rigidity at hobby pricing
- Cuts a wide range of inch and metric threads
- Large user community with documented upgrades
Cons
- Change gears instead of a quick-change gearbox
- 400-pound delivery requires planning
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you lack a way to move 400 pounds into your shop; freight curbside delivery is just the start.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Grizzly support beats generic import sellers
- Variable speed with digital readout
- Manageable 90-pound bench weight
Cons
- 7x14 capacity limits part size quickly
- Plastic change gears on a metal machine
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy for steel parts over 2 inches in diameter; mini lathes lack the rigidity for heavy cuts.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- True micro-machining precision for tiny parts
- Quality fit and finish for its class
- Fits on a desk corner
Cons
- 1/5HP motor is strictly for light cuts
- Small capacity excludes most practical parts
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid as a first general-purpose lathe; it is a specialist tool for miniature work only.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers better low-speed torque
- Complete tooling starter package included
- US-based seller support
Cons
- Costs more than near-identical imports
- Tailstock requires shimming on some units
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you are comfortable tuning machines yourself; the same chassis sells cheaper under other labels.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Cheapest functional metal lathe sold
- Same basic chassis as pricier imports
- Adequate for aluminum and brass hobby parts
Cons
- Quality control is inconsistent unit to unit
- Expect to deburr, shim, and adjust before first cut
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy if you want a machine that works perfectly out of the box; budget imports are kits in disguise.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- More capacity and power than 7x14 rivals
- 50 RPM low end helps threading practice
- Larger 5-inch chuck included
Cons
- Documentation is poorly translated
- Spare parts sourcing is a gamble
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid if downtime matters; when a part breaks, replacements can take months to source.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Rock-bottom entry price to metal turning
- Compact 12-inch bed fits small benches
- Fine for learning basic operations
Cons
- Shorter bed restricts between-centers work
- Motor controller is a known failure point
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you can stretch to a 7x14 with brushless motor; the savings buy recurring frustrations.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Decades of community mods and documentation
- Grizzly parts inventory and support
- Proven Sieg-based platform
Cons
- Dated brushed motor design
- 12-inch bed fills up fast with tailstock in place
Don't buy this if…
- Do not pick it over the G0765 unless the price gap is large; the newer machine is better in every way.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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