Metal Lathes · 16 compared side by side

Best Benchtop Metal Lathes in 2027

Choosing a benchtop metal lathe comes down to a few specs. Swing over the bed sets the largest diameter you can turn. Distance between centers sets the longest piece you can hold. Motor power and top speed affect how well the machine handles metal, and chuck size limits the stock you can grip. Weight shows whether the lathe fits on your bench. This page puts 16 products on one spec sheet so you can compare these numbers directly and see which gaps the maker does not publish.

Quick answer

  • Best overall: SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6" (#1, Best Score 72; max spindle speed 3000 RPM, swing over bed 8.70 in)
  • Longest bed, 39.37 in: INTSUPERMAI S028501 (#2, Best Score 68; max spindle speed 2500 RPM, swing over bed 8.27 in)
  • Long-part capacity: VEVOR TQ2275 (#3, Best Score 66; max spindle speed 3000 RPM, swing over bed 8.66 in)

Ranked from 16 metal lathes that met our standard, compared on swing over bed, center distance, motor power.

Updated November 202625 reviewed · 16 met our standard11 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6"

SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6"SHENGJINSH Metal Lathe 8.7x23.6

Top motor power and the largest swing on this page, at 8.7 in.

Max spindle speed
3000 RPM
Swing over bed
8.70 in
Weight
—
Check price on Amazon
Longest bed, 39.37 in
#2
INTSUPERMAI S028501

INTSUPERMAI S028501INTSUPERMAI 8x39 Gearless Metal Lathe

The longest distance between centers on this page, with gearless panel thread changes.

Max spindle speed
2500 RPM
Swing over bed
8.27 in
Weight
—
Check price on Amazon
Long-part capacity
#3
VEVOR TQ2275

VEVOR TQ2275VEVOR Benchtop Metal Lathe 8.7x30

30 in between centers and a listed range of metric and imperial threads.

Max spindle speed
3000 RPM
Swing over bed
8.66 in
Weight
159.84 lb
Check price on Amazon

Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 10 metal lathes
Spec
#1
SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6"
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
INTSUPERMAI S028501
Longest bed, 39.37 inCheck price on Amazon
#3
VEVOR TQ2275
Long-part capacityCheck price on Amazon
#4
VEVOR TQ2275S
Gearless automatic feedCheck price on Amazon
#5
INTSUPERMAI S028353
Brushless with auto feedCheck price on Amazon
#6
VEVOR 7"x14"
Lightest listed weightCheck price on Amazon
#7
VEVOR Metal Lathe Machine, 8.3'' x 29.5''
Check price on Amazon
#8
TECHTONGDA L028359
Electronic thread switchingCheck price on Amazon
#9
Generic 8SJ7X1455006188233V1
Compact 7-in swingCheck price on Amazon
#10
Generic 8XY-0618
Check price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 10072686662615349444141
Motor powerW1100 W (best in row)1100 W (best in row)1100 W (best in row)1100 W (best in row)1100 W (best in row)550 W750 W1100 W (best in row)550 W550 W
Max spindle speedRPM3000 RPM (best in row)2500 RPM3000 RPM (best in row)2500 RPM2500 RPM2500 RPM2500 RPM2500 RPM2500 RPM2500 RPM
Spindle speed rangeRPM0–3,000 (best in row)50–2,500—0–2,50050–2,50050–2,50050–2,50050–2,5000–2,5000–2,500
Swing over bedin8.70 in (best in row)8.27 in8.66 in8.70 in (best in row)—7.09 in8.30 in—7.09 in7.09 in
Distance between centersin—39.37 in (best in row)30.00 in30.00 in—13.78 in29.50 in———
Weightlb——159.84 lb171.96 lb—103.00 lb (best in row)197.00 lb160.00 lb——
Chuck diameterin4.90 in4.92 in (best in row)——4.92 in (best in row)4.00 in——4.00 in4.00 in
Thread cutting options—metric_and_imperialmetric_and_imperial—metric_and_imperial—metric_and_imperialmetric_and_imperial——
Gearless drive—Yes (best in row)—Yes (best in row)Yes (best in row)—No———
Emergency stop switchYes—Yes———YesYesYesYes
Warrantyyr——————————
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 25 metal lathes and kept only the 16 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on specifications and listing information only. They do not describe hands-on use.

Best overall

SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6"SHENGJINSH Metal Lathe 8.7x23.6

Top swing and motor power for a bench lathe

Motor power
1100 W (best of the reviewed tools)
Max spindle speed
3000 RPM (best of the reviewed tools)
Swing over bed
8.70 in (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
—

The SHENGJINSH 8.7 × 23.6 in model has an 8.7 in swing over the bed, tied for the largest on this page. Its 1100 W motor is the top motor rating listed here. The spindle runs 0-3000 RPM in high gear and 0-1500 RPM in low gear, with forward and reverse. That range covers most small metal turning and threading jobs.

The listing gives a 4.9 in three-jaw chuck and a 1.5 in spindle bore, which suits small round and square stock. It has an emergency stop button and an LED speed display. The listing also notes a cast iron body, metal gears, a turret post for quick tool changes, and a center rest for longer pieces.

The listing does not give a weight or a warranty term, so check both with the seller before you buy. The weight is not listed, so plan for a sturdy bench.

Pros

  • Top motor power listed
  • Largest swing on this page
  • Emergency stop and speed display

Cons

  • No weight or warranty listed
  • Needs a sturdy bench
Buy it if
you want the most swing and power in a bench lathe.
Skip it if
you need a published weight or warranty before buying.

VerdictA strong first pick for small to medium hobby metal work if the listing details fit your bench.

Longest bed, 39.37 in

INTSUPERMAI S028501INTSUPERMAI 8x39 Gearless Metal Lathe

Longest bed on the page with gearless threading

Motor power
1100 W (best of the reviewed tools)
Max spindle speed
2500 RPM
Swing over bed
8.27 in
Weight
—

The INTSUPERMAI S028501 has the longest distance between centers on this page at 39.37 in, or 1000 mm. Its swing over the bed is 8.27 in, and the chuck is 4.92 in. The spindle runs 50-2500 RPM on a brushless 1100 W motor. The listing calls the drive gearless, using a belt.

The listing says you switch between metric and imperial threads from the control panel, not by changing gears. It includes three-jaw and four-jaw chucks. It also lists a spindle precision of 0.01 mm and a telescoping scale for measuring. The listing does not mention an emergency stop switch.

No weight or warranty is listed, so check both before buying. Its top speed of 2500 RPM is lower than the 3000 RPM models here. Choose it if you need long stock capacity and a gearless thread setup.

Pros

  • Longest center distance listed
  • Gearless panel thread switching
  • 4.92 in chuck with two chuck types

Cons

  • Top speed is 2500 RPM
  • No emergency stop listed
Buy it if
you turn long stock and want panel-based thread changes.
Skip it if
you need a 3000 RPM spindle or an emergency stop.

VerdictA capable long-bed option for hobby work, provided the lower top speed suits your jobs.

Long-part capacity

VEVOR TQ2275VEVOR Benchtop Metal Lathe 8.7x30

Long workpiece capacity with a heavy frame

Motor power
1100 W (best of the reviewed tools)
Max spindle speed
3000 RPM (best of the reviewed tools)
Swing over bed
8.66 in
Weight
159.84 lb (best of the reviewed tools)

The VEVOR TQ2275 lists an 8.66 in swing over the bed and 30 in between centers. That lets you turn longer shafts, lead screws, and pipe in one setup. It has a 1100 W motor and a 3000 RPM max speed. The listing says the speed is variable, so you can match it to the material without changing gears.

The listed weight is 159.84 lb, which is heavier than the 103 lb VEVOR 7 × 14 on this page. The emergency stop switch and chuck guard interlock cut power when the cover opens. The listing also covers turning, drilling, threading, and knurling on iron, aluminum, copper, plastic, and wood.

The listing names 8 metric pitches from 0.5 to 2.5 mm and 8 imperial pitches from 10 to 44 TPI. No chuck diameter is listed. This model fits buyers who want long-part capacity and a wide thread range on a bench machine.

Pros

  • 30 in between centers
  • Wide metric and imperial threads
  • Emergency stop and chuck guard interlock

Cons

  • Weight is 159.84 lb
  • No chuck diameter listed
Buy it if
you turn long shafts or pipe on a bench lathe.
Skip it if
you need a light lathe you can move often.

VerdictA good fit for longer workpieces and thread work, though it is heavy for a bench.

Gearless automatic feed

VEVOR TQ2275SVEVOR 8.7x30 Benchtop Metal Lathe

Automatic feed and gearless drive, but heavy

Motor power
1100 W (best of the reviewed tools)
Max spindle speed
2500 RPM
Swing over bed
8.70 in (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
171.96 lb

The VEVOR TQ2275S lists an 8.7 in swing over the bed and 30 in between centers. Its 1100 W motor gives strong torque, according to the listing. The speed runs 0-1250 RPM in low mode and 0-2500 RPM in high mode, so you can pick a range for rough or fine cuts.

This model uses a gearless drive, which the listing says picks the transmission ratio automatically. You set cross feed with buttons for automatic feeding, and it supports automatic threading and fixed outer diameter cuts. The listing describes a cast iron and carbon steel plate structure for rigidity.

The listing does not show an emergency stop switch or a chuck diameter. Choose it if you want automatic feed and a gearless setup, and you have room for a heavy machine.

Pros

  • 1100W motor, two speed modes
  • Gearless drive, automatic ratio
  • Automatic cross feed and threading

Cons

  • Weight is 171.96 lb
  • No emergency stop listed
Buy it if
you want automatic feed and gearless operation on a bench.
Skip it if
you need a light lathe or an emergency stop switch.

VerdictA solid automatic-feed option for shops with space, though it is one of the heavier models here.

Brushless with auto feed

INTSUPERMAI S028353INTSUPERMAI 8x24 Gearless Benchtop Lathe

Brushless motor and auto feed for hobby use

Motor power
1100 W (best of the reviewed tools)
Max spindle speed
2500 RPM
Swing over bed
—
Weight
—

The INTSUPERMAI S028353 uses an 1100 W brushless motor that runs 50-2500 RPM. The listing says the brushless design needs no carbon brush replacement, which lowers upkeep. It also uses a belt drive and an electronic leadscrew, so you can switch thread types without changing gears.

A 4.92 in three-jaw chuck and a 1.50 in spindle bore are listed. The X-axis automatic feed runs from 0.01 mm to 0.4 mm. The listing includes an MT2 tailstock taper and 110V wiring for US outlets. Overload protection is also noted, which suits hobby use.

The listing does not give swing over the bed, distance between centers, or weight, so compare those with other models before you buy. No emergency stop is listed. The listing's own use notes point to hobby DIY, model making, and small shop work.

Pros

  • Brushless 1100W motor
  • Automatic X-axis feed
  • 110V wiring for US outlets

Cons

  • Swing and length not listed
  • No emergency stop listed
Buy it if
you want automatic feed and a brushless motor for hobby work.
Skip it if
you need published swing, length, or an emergency stop.

VerdictA useful hobby option with auto feed, but the listing leaves out key size specs.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Check swing over the bed

Swing sets the largest diameter you can turn. Among the models that list it, 8.7 in is the top figure here. If you turn wide parts, check this number first, then compare it with the chuck size.

Match turning length to your work

Distance between centers sets the longest piece you can hold between the headstock and tailstock. Long shafts and pipe need a bigger number. Short parts can use a smaller bed without trouble.

Look at motor power and speed

Most listings here show 1100 W or 550 W motors and top speeds of 2500 or 3000 RPM. Higher power helps with tougher metal. Check whether the speed range is variable, since that affects finish quality.

Think about weight and bench space

Heavier lathes stay steadier during cuts but are harder to move. Several models here list weights from 103 lb to 230 lb. Measure your bench and confirm the listed weight before you buy.

FAQ

What is the best benchtop metal lathe for a beginner?

It depends on the work. On this page, the SHENGJINSH 8.7 × 23.6 in model ranks first on our spec score, with the largest swing and top motor power. Buyers who want something lighter may prefer the 103 lb VEVOR 7 × 14 on this page.

Does a benchtop metal lathe need a 1100 W motor?

Not always. The 1100 W models here offer more power for tougher metal. The 550 W models suit smaller, lighter turning jobs. Check the material and size of your typical project before choosing a motor size.

What swing size do I need on a bench lathe?

Swing over the bed sets the largest diameter you can turn. The listings here range from 7.09 in to 8.7 in. If you turn small parts, a 7-in swing may be enough. For wider stock, look for 8.7 in.

Can a benchtop metal lathe cut metric and imperial threads?

Several models here list metric and imperial thread options. Some switch between them from a control panel, while others use metal gears. Check the thread pitch list in each listing to confirm the range you need.

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Helpful guides

Top pick · #1SHENGJINSH 8.7"x 23.6"
Check price on Amazon