11 best lathes

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A desirable piece of equipment in a home workshop or garage is a lathe. With its help, you can grind a pin, cut a thread on a workpiece, cut an end, make a hole. At the same time, the owner will be able to save not only on expensive work, but also to minimize temporary losses. Today the Russian market offers a rich assortment of household lathes. When choosing equipment for homework, you should heed the recommendations of our experts.

Recommendations for choosing a lathe

The price of the issue. Start your search for a lathe with a budget. Since there are many professional models on the market, the upper price bar will cut off the complex high-performance equipment for metalworking plants. However, it is important to consider functionality and completeness. Otherwise, the purchase of additional devices and equipment will result in a serious pretty penny.

Weight and dimensions. Depending on the place of installation of the lathe, the weight of the model and its overall dimensions are selected.

1. The heaviest floor-standing machines weighing over 100 kg are designed for stationary use. They are distinguished by good stability and processing precision.
2. Mobile models are lightweight (30-80 kg), they can be installed on a table or workbench, move to other rooms. Such models are not very accurate, but they are simple and easy to use.

Engine's type. All lathes are equipped with electric motors.

1. The maximum power (up to 5 kW) is possessed by motors with a voltage of 380 V. But not all consumers have a power grid connected, which makes the scope of application limited.
2. Models with 220 V motors are distinguished by an affordable price, a wide range of applications. But such engines require a smooth feed, since they have a small power reserve (up to 1.5 kW).

Adjustment of the spindle speed. Depending on the operation being performed, the turner selects the optimal operating modes of the machine. For this, manufacturers equip their products with a smooth adjustment of the spindle rotation speed. Typically the upper limit reaches 3000 rpm. Unfortunately, many household models with 220 V motors do not allow metal processing at low speeds (300-500).

The size of the blanks. When choosing a lathe, you should know the size of the workpieces to be processed. First of all, it is important to take into account the maximum diameter of metal semi-finished products. Serious equipment is capable of handling workpieces up to 350 mm in diameter when working on the bed and up to 200 mm when working on the slide. For household models, these indicators look more modest.

Control. To obtain a part, it is not enough just to turn on the lathe. You need to learn how to manage it.

1. The simplest budget models are equipped with mechanical control, the flow rate is determined on a metric scale.
2. More modern models are equipped with a digital display of the spindle rotation speed and automatic feed (longitudinal and / or transverse). These functions make the work of the turner easier.

We have selected 11 best lathes for review. All of them are sold in the trade network of our country. When allocating seats, the editorial board of the magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of home craftsmen.

Rating of the best lathes

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best lathes	1	JET GHB-1330A DRO	RUB 500,000
	2	STALEX C0632D / 1000	RUB 387 702
	3	MetalMaster MML 2870М (15461)	RUB 220,229
	4	JET BD-12G 220V 50000913M	RUB 265,000
	5	MetalMaster MML 2550М (15544)	RUB 177,779
	6	JET BD-X7 50000900MX	77,000 rubles.
	7	STALEX D250x400C benchtop	RUB 108,342
	8	CALIBER STMN-550/350	RUB 47 900
	9	JET BD-6	RUB 39,500
	10	MetalMaster RED S712	RUB 47,970
	11	Corvette-400	RUB 17,542

JET GHB-1330A DRO

Rating: 4.9

JET has developed a professional lathe GHB-1330A DRO, which is suitable for equipping small businesses, auto repair shops or garages. It is equipped with a digital display device, due to which the manufacturer has managed to improve the processing accuracy. The equipment allows you to work with workpieces up to 197 mm thick above the slide or 330 mm above the bed. A powerful electric motor (2.8 kW, 380 V) provides spindle rotation at a speed of 70 … 2500 rpm. The experts appreciated the automatic feed of the lateral and longitudinal caliper. The model ranks first in our review.

Russian turners consider the Swiss-Chinese lathe to be convenient and functional equipment. They praise it for its precision and reliability. The disadvantage of this model is the high price.

Advantages

• digital display system;
• reliability;
• ease of customization;
• functionality.

disadvantages

• high price.

STALEX C0632D / 1000

Rating: 4.8

Experts include the STALEX C0632D / 1000 screw lathe as a universal type of equipment. With it, you can perform a number of operations (turning, threading, drilling). To ensure high machining accuracy, the manufacturer has equipped its product with precision roller bearings (to support the spindle). Convenience in work is ensured by automatic feeding. The model complies with CE standards, electrical components are manufactured by Siemens. The machine is not inferior to the leader of the review in the diameter of workpieces processing (198 mm above the slide, 330 mm above the bed). The spindle speed is regulated in the range of 70 … 2000 rpm, the model looks more modest in terms of engine power (1.5 kW).

There is still little information on the work of the lathe on thematic forums; the novelty is rarely found on sale.

Advantages

• versatility;
• processing precision;
• ease of use;
• reliability.

disadvantages

• high price.

MetalMaster MML 2870М (15461)

Rating: 4.7

The Russian turning and milling machine MetalMaster MML 2870M (15461) is designed for industrial enterprises. Professionally, the equipment is capable of performing a large number of operations without switching to other metal-cutting machines. The manufacturer equipped its product with two low-power electric motors (850 W each), but their advantage lies in being connected to a household network of 220 V. It is allowed to install workpieces with a diameter of 170 mm above the support (280 mm above the bed), the spindle speed is adjustable within 150-2000 rpm The experts praised the manufacturer for the smooth adjustment of the router and for the anti-slip pads on the lowering handle.

Users consider the disadvantages of the lathe to be low power and not very high processing accuracy.

Advantages

• no power supply required;
• multifunctionality;
• smooth adjustment of the router;
• comfortable grip.

disadvantages

• no coolant supply system.

JET BD-12G 220V 50000913M

Rating: 4.6

The JET BD-12G lathe allows cutting metric and inch threads on metal blanks. The model is designed to operate on a 220 V household network. The engine power is 1.1 kW, it spins the spindle up to 150-2000 rpm. The maximum workpiece diameter above the slide is 170 mm, above the bed – 300 mm. The Swiss manufacturer has taken care of the safety of the turner by equipping its product with a protective screen. The experts liked the automatic feed for turning and the polished cast iron bed.

Russian users praise the model for high-quality workmanship, high processing accuracy, and resistance to high loads. The disadvantages are high price and modest functionality.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• safety;
• automatic feed;
• reliability.

disadvantages

• high price;
• modest functionality.

MetalMaster MML 2550М (15544)

Rating: 4.5

A reliable assistant in a garage or workshop is the MetalMaster MML 2550M desktop turning and milling machine. The experts included the model in our rating for its versatility, low noise level and economical power consumption. With the help of compact equipment, you can mill grooves, countersinks, drill holes, cut threads. The advantages of the model include the presence of a digital indicator, due to which high processing accuracy is achieved. The working area is illuminated, there is a protective screen and an emergency button.

Domestic craftsmen in the field of metalworking have identified some of the disadvantages of the lathe. First you need to sort out and wash the equipment. The grooves for the guides were not scraped, the recess for the guide screw was inaccurately made.

Advantages

• economical power consumption;
• multifunctionality;
• high processing precision;
• safety.

disadvantages

• a lot of dirt;
• there are flaws.

JET BD-X7 50000900MX

Rating: 4.4

An excellent combination of functionality and affordable prices was discovered by experts in the JET BD-X7 lathe. This compact model weighs only 50 kg, which makes the equipment mobile. In this case, the machine is connected to a 220 V household network. The spindle rotation speed is regulated within the range of 0-2500 rpm. The manufacturer installed a small electric motor (750 W), the caliper has an automatic longitudinal feed. On workpieces, it is possible to cut threads in the range of 2-16 mm with a pitch of 0.4-2.0 mm.

Domestic users lack a coolant supply system and automatic cross feed in this equipment. On the plus side, they include decent accuracy and low noise level.

Advantages

• compactness and lightness;
• smooth adjustment of the spindle rotation speed;
• automatic longitudinal feed;
• decent processing accuracy.

disadvantages

• no coolant supply system;
• cross feed is not automated.

STALEX D250x400C benchtop

Rating: 4.3

The STALEX D250x400C desktop lathe has found wide application in everyday life. It allows you to perform operations such as turning, drilling and threading. The manufacturer installed a 1.1 kW electric motor with a voltage of 220 V. The spindle speed varies between 50-2000 rpm. The experts drew attention to the effective protective screen, it absolutely does not interfere with the operator during work. In automatic mode, only longitudinal feed works; digital indication of rotation allows to achieve high accuracy.

Domestic users liked the high-quality assembly, decent equipment and precise processing. Of the minuses, they distinguish a large weight (110 kg) and the absence of an automatic cross feed.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• effective protective screen;
• high processing precision;
• good equipment.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;
• no automatic cross feed.

CALIBER STMN-550/350

Rating: 4.2

The attractive price helped the Russian-Chinese machine tool KALIBR STMN-550/350 to get into our review. Experts consider the model to be a good option for equipping a home workshop. But first you have to eliminate minor flaws. For example, replace plastic gears with metal analogs, eliminate backlash in longitudinal feed and spindle runout. The advantages of the equipment are low weight (40 kg), quiet operation, precise dials. The machine consumes a little electricity (550 W), the spindle speed is adjustable from 0 to 2500 rpm. A transparent shield and an emergency shutdown button are responsible for safety during operation.

The Russian craftsmen liked the cheap parts and the low noise level. But the build quality is poor.

Advantages

• compactness and lightness;
• safety;
• low noise level;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• constructive flaws;
• plastic gears and pulleys.

JET BD-6

Rating: 4.1

The JET BD-6 desktop machine is distinguished by its low price and compact size. The experts praised the ease of setup and ease of use. The equipment allows processing metal blanks with a maximum diameter of 180 mm and a length of 200 mm. The operator is protected from unforeseen situations by a reliable transparent casing, there is a red emergency button. The movement of the caliper is regulated on a clear metric scale with high precision. The kit contains everything you need to get started. However, the Swiss-Chinese product needs some work.

Users note cases of longitudinal feed wedging, modest motor power (250 W), and there is no protective cover for the lateral feed gear. But, according to the owners, the equipment is worth the money.

Advantages

• low price;
• safety;
• compactness and lightness;
• quiet work.

disadvantages

• weak motor;
• wedges longitudinal feed.

MetalMaster RED S712

Rating: 4.0

Turning metal blanks and cutting threads at home allows the MetalMaster RED S712 lathe. The Russian-Chinese equipment perfectly combines lightness (40 kg), compactness and affordability. The model is equipped with a 550 W electric motor, which spins the spindle up to 2500 rpm. Thanks to smooth adjustment, it is possible to select the optimal modes for each operation, taking into account the hardness of the metal. The low build quality did not allow the machine to rise higher in our review.

Many users eliminate the disadvantages of the machine on their own. Before the first start, it is necessary to remove rust, lubricate rubbing parts and assemblies, and overtighten fasteners.

Advantages

• low price;
• lightness and compactness;
• metal gears;
• smooth speed control.

disadvantages

• instruction in English;
• poor build quality.

Corvette-400

Rating: 3.9

Corvette-400 is the basic model of a whole line of lathes. When designing new equipment, the manufacturer has implemented a number of advanced solutions. Experts note the possibility of deep modification of the model using additional equipment. The machine is equipped with a 400 W collector motor, the spindle speed reaches a maximum of 2500 rpm. The centers can process workpieces up to 300 mm long. The smooth running of the caliper is ensured by a slide. The model closes our review due to some shortcomings.

DIYers are unhappy with the raw metal chuck and the plastic transmission gears. The asset of the model includes a reasonable price, low weight (37 kg) and ease of use.

Advantages

• the possibility of modification;
• low price;
• lightness and compactness;
• Ease of controls.

disadvantages

• raw metal cartridge;
• plastic gears.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.