A metal lathe can help a home workshop make round parts, bushings, shafts and threaded components. The right machine depends on the size of the workpiece, the material and the operations you need.
A turning lathe rotates the workpiece against a cutting tool. With appropriate tooling, it can turn outside diameters, face ends, bore holes and cut supported threads.
Accuracy depends on machine setup, workholding, cutting tools and operator technique. A high maximum spindle speed alone does not guarantee a precise result.
This guide compares three benchtop metal lathes: a compact VEVOR, the larger Grizzly G0602 and a brushless TECHTONGDA. Check the exact capacity, electrical supply and included accessories before buying.
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VEVOR 500W 7 x 13.78 Benchtop Metal Lathe
- Capacity: nominal 7-inch swing and 13.78 inches between centers
- Motor: 500 W brushed motor
- Spindle: variable speed up to 2,200 RPM; four drive ranges
- Spindle bore: 20 mm; approximately 4-inch three-jaw chuck
Grizzly Industrial G0602 10 x 22 Benchtop Metal Lathe
- Capacity: 9.5-inch actual swing; 22 inches between centers
- Motor: 1 HP; 110 V single phase
- Spindle: six stepped speeds, 150–2,400 RPM
- Spindle bore: 25 mm; cast-iron bed
TECHTONGDA 600W Brushless Mini Metal Lathe
- Motor: 600 W brushless
- Spindle: variable speed, 50–2,500 RPM
- Forward and reverse rotation; metal gears
- Bench machine for turning, facing, boring and threading
1. VEVOR 500W 7 x 13.78 Benchtop Metal Lathe
This VEVOR is the 500 W, 7 x 13.78-inch version. Its compact capacity suits small parts and model-making projects that fit its work envelope.
VEVOR 500W 7 x 13.78 Benchtop Metal Lathe
- Capacity: nominal 7-inch swing and 13.78 inches between centers
- Motor: 500 W brushed motor
- Spindle: variable speed up to 2,200 RPM; four drive ranges
- Spindle bore: 20 mm; approximately 4-inch three-jaw chuck
The nominal 7-inch swing describes the space above the bed, while 13.78 inches is the distance between centers. Workholding and tooling reduce the space available for an actual job.
Its 20 mm spindle bore allows suitable small stock to pass through the spindle. That is a different limit from the swing over the bed.
VEVOR specifies an HT200 cast-iron body and metal gears for this version.
The external poly-V-belt drive provides four ranges, with variable electronic speed control and a digital speed display.
The manufacturer lists a maximum spindle speed of 2,200 RPM. Choose the speed for the workpiece diameter, material and tool rather than using the maximum for every cut.
The machine has an approximately 4-inch three-jaw chuck, an MT3 spindle taper and an MT2 tailstock taper. Check the supplied tool list and budget for any cutting tools and measuring equipment your work needs.
The chuck-cover interlock, overload protection and emergency stop supplement correct operation. They do not remove the need for suitable workholding and the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
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Pros
- Compact 7 x 13.78-inch work envelope
- Variable speed with four drive ranges
- 20 mm spindle bore and three-jaw chuck
Cons
- Limited workpiece capacity compared with a larger bench lathe
- Brushed motor; follow the maintenance schedule
2. Grizzly Industrial G0602 Benchtop Metal Lathe
The Grizzly G0602 offers more room between centers than the compact machines in this guide. It is sold as a 10 x 22-inch benchtop metal lathe, with an actual swing over the bed of 9.5 inches.
Grizzly Industrial G0602 10 x 22 Benchtop Metal Lathe
- Capacity: 9.5-inch actual swing; 22 inches between centers
- Motor: 1 HP; 110 V single phase
- Spindle: six stepped speeds, 150–2,400 RPM
- Spindle bore: 25 mm; cast-iron bed
This model uses six stepped spindle speeds from 150 to 2,400 RPM. Speed changes use the belt and pulley arrangement; the G0602 is not a continuously variable-speed lathe.
Its 22-inch distance between centers suits longer parts when the chuck, tailstock and tooling leave sufficient working space.
The spindle bore is 25 mm. The bed and headstock use cast iron, and the machine requires a rigid, properly leveled support.
Thread cutting requires the appropriate gear and control settings for the selected pitch.
The current Grizzly manual lists 31 inch-thread settings from 8 to 72 TPI and 26 metric settings from 0.25 to 3.50 mm.
The 1 HP motor uses 110 V single-phase power. Grizzly lists a 20-amp minimum circuit for the current G0602 and a machine weight of approximately 330 pounds; plan the electrical supply, bench and lifting arrangements before delivery.
Pros
- 22 inches between centers and 25 mm spindle bore
- Inch and metric threading settings
- Six spindle speeds with a cast-iron bed
Cons
- Approximately 330 pounds; needs a rigid support and suitable lifting arrangements
- Belt changes required for spindle-speed selection
3. TECHTONGDA 600W Brushless Mini Metal Lathe
The TECHTONGDA listing links to a bench metal lathe with a 600 W brushless motor. It is intended for turning, facing, boring, drilling and supported thread-cutting operations with appropriate tooling.
This is a standalone machine for a workshop bench. Match its work envelope and electrical requirements to your planned jobs before ordering.
TECHTONGDA 600W Brushless Mini Metal Lathe
- Motor: 600 W brushless
- Spindle: variable speed, 50–2,500 RPM
- Forward and reverse rotation; metal gears
- Bench machine for turning, facing, boring and threading
Its brushless motor avoids motor-brush replacement, but the rest of the machine still needs the lubrication, adjustment and inspection specified in its instructions.
The listing specifies metal gears and tapered roller spindle bearings. Those components do not guarantee a particular finished tolerance; setup, tooling and the cut remain important.
Spindle speed is adjustable from 50 to 2,500 RPM, with forward and reverse operation.
Check the exact model supplied, thread ranges and included accessories with the seller. Do not assume that specifications from another TECHTONGDA size apply to this listing.
Pros
- 600 W brushless motor
- Variable speed from 50 to 2,500 RPM
- Metal gears and forward/reverse operation
Cons
- Confirm exact capacity, power supply and tooling before purchase
- Lubrication and mechanical adjustments remain necessary
Video: Eastwood demonstrates general mini-lathe setup and operation. Follow the instructions for the specific machine you buy.
Choose a metalworking lathe by workpiece capacity, supported operations, spindle bore, electrical supply and the space available in your workshop. Read the machine’s own instructions and appropriate metal-lathe safety guidance; tooling and operator technique matter as much as the headline motor rating.