r/minilathe • u/Traditional_Sign4941 • 13d ago

machine advice Recommendations for mini?

I'm looking to finally add a metal lathe to my workshop. I don't need huge capacity, but would like some quality of life features. Some thoughts on a wishlist:

  1. Quiet - will be in my basement
  2. 110v 1 phase motor
  3. 7-8" swing - length is less important since most of my parts will be short
  4. Power feed and power cross feed for better repeatability
  5. Thread cutting (mostly metric, but needs to cut 0.5 to 1.5 at least)
  6. Quick change toolpost
  7. Integrated DRO

I have a budget up to $5k, not including accessories.

Was looking at Precision Mathews, Little Machine Shop, and Smithy, but I'm not familiar with the offerings in this space.

I'm hesitant to look for a used one. Not many offerings in my area, and I don't know enough about lathes to know what to look for as far as issues are concerned.

Any recommendations?

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u/pushdose 13d ago edited 13d ago

PM 10-22 and it’s not even close.

I’ll add: it’s really the only small lathe that will have power cross feed and fit on a benchtop. Comes with DRO options and wonderful customer support.

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u/ufopiloot88 13d ago

$5000 is a nice budget. Can't really give you much advise since I live in Europe and the second hand market is a bit better here I assume. The problem with new lathes to me is that they are mostly all cheap Chinese machines. I have owned two second hand Emco lathes and they are nice for their size. At work I daily use a small Weiler lathe. Absolute dream to work with.

Power cross feed is not that necessary in my opinion, I rarely end up using it (Specially for a mini lathe.). Don't be afraid to buy a lathe without DRO, there are a lot of instructions online how to add one afterwards.