10 best lathes
Lathes are designed for processing workpieces made of metal, wood and other materials. With their help, you can make your own products with very high accuracy and save significant money. Lathes are large (for industrial enterprises) and small (mini-lathes). Depending on the nature of the work performed, one or another machine is selected.
Lathes for industrial enterprises have great functionality, many different additional attachments. On such machines, you can work with large workpieces. Mini lathes are designed for private use, for small workshops or for home, most often they have a desktop version. Working with large-sized workpieces on such machines will not work, but they are quite suitable for turning work for the home.
In this ranking, we will present the best lathes and compare them in terms of price, power, size, functionality, surface finish and other characteristics.
TOP 10 best lathes
10 "Proma" series DSO-1000
Proma is a Czech company, but the machines are assembled in China. The power of the equipment is 400 W. The machine can work with parts with dimensions from 35 to 100 cm. The unit operates on a 220 V AC mains. Thanks to this, the machine is perfect for home, garage. The range of rotation frequencies is from 850 to 1250 rpm, there are 4 speeds. The machine weighs nothing at all - 35 kg. Due to its small size and weight, it is very easy to store and transport. The disadvantage of the model is the not too extensive network of service centers (there are corresponding workshops in Moscow and St. Petersburg), as well as the fact that it can only work with soft metals.
9 JET series JWL-1220
This is a more powerful machine than its Czech counterpart. The power of the unit is 770 W. The machine is not too cheap, but the relatively high price for compact class machines is more than compensated for by the convenience and comfort of work, rich equipment, and a larger network of service centers. It can handle workpieces up to 30.5 cm in size. This is a compact bench-top machine designed for processing small wood workpieces. Great for turning at home. The powerful cast iron bed gives the machine stability and dampens vibrations.
8 Corvette 400 series
The model is best suited for home use. This is a versatile machine that can work with materials such as metal, wood, plastics. The following types of work can be performed on it: turning, facing. The machine is powered from a 220 V network, and its power is 400 W. It has very limited capabilities in terms of the dimensions of the processed parts - only up to 18 cm. However, the low price, Russian production and the availability of service centers and spare parts in Russia make the purchase of such a machine quite attractive. This option is an excellent purchase for a lathe master who works from home.
7 TV-9 manufactured by "Rustan"
Another representative of Russia in the ranking. Differs in high power (1 kW and more) and wide possibilities for processing parts. The electric motor is three-phase, powered by an alternating current with a voltage of 380 V. The machine can perform the entire range of turning work thanks to the presence of centers, chuck, collet. The disadvantages, in turn, are a rather large mass - about 230 kg and a high cost. The model has a very high build quality, reliability of assemblies and parts, is characterized by high precision surface treatment. The machine has a desktop design. Equipped with a lamp for better visual perception of the work being done.
6 Stalex SBL-280/700
The machine is manufactured in China. It has a lot of weight and dimensions: machine weight - 190 kg, length - 140 cm, width - 55 cm, height - 50 cm. Power - 1.5 kW.This is one of the most powerful machines covered in this review. The engine is durable. The following types of work can be performed on the machine: turning workpieces, cutting threads, drilling holes. Spindle rotation speed - 50-1800 rpm. The through hole in the spindle is 38 mm. There is an electronic indication of the spindle speed. The machine has a modern design. The heavy cast iron bed minimizes vibrations and enhances working comfort. The model has a rich package bundle.
5 Stalex SBL-250/550
Model of the Russian brand Stalex. It has dimensions: 1100x590x500, machine weight - 120 kg, power - 1.1 kW. The motor is single-phase, asynchronous. Spindle rotation speed - from 50 to 2000 rpm. The spindle rotation regulator is stepless. There is an electronic indicator that displays the spindle speed. The scope of delivery includes a set of jaws for the lathe chuck. It is possible to install parts of various lengths thanks to the 7 cm stroke of the tailstock quill. Very convenient controls and a modern design of the machine are additional advantages.
4 Zenitech MD 250-550 VARIO
This model has small dimensions, due to which it is widely used in small workshops, workshops. The machine meets all the high quality standards that a tool developed in Europe must meet. The materials from which it is made have a high margin of safety, are designed for operation in harsh conditions, for long-term operation with minimal wear. The motor power is 0.75 kW. Rotation frequency - 50-2500 rpm. The machine can work with workpieces of large sizes and weights. There is a function of automatic work of the cutter after preliminary manual setting.
3 FDB Maschinen Turner 320X1000S
The model is great for organizations that are engaged in metal processing. The machine is equipped with a 1.1 kW three-phase motor. The unit weighs 650 kg, it is quite large and bulky. Large weight and massiveness on the one hand is a disadvantage, but on the other hand, it is a guarantor of high accuracy of surface processing, because the machine is not subject to vibrations and vibrations. A very useful option is also the ability to copy parts during mass production. Another advantage of the unit is its low scrap rate. You can machine parts of complex geometric shapes.
2 METALMASTER MML 1830V
Metalmaster is a joint Russian-German group of companies that manufactures and manufactures machines for various purposes in Poland, Russia and China. This is a modification of the previous version of the machine. Its dimensions: 830x395x355, weight - 65 kg. The DC brushed motor has a power of 0.6 kW, there are 2 ranges of stepless control. The spindle rotation speed of 150-2500 rpm is realized using two speeds. The maximum processing diameter is 180 mm. The main advantage of the machine is metal gears and a V-belt, which protect the engine from overheating under increased load on the spindle. It should also be noted that the package is quite rich.
1 JET BD-920
This model has a caliper play of only 0.1 mm - this is one of its main advantages. The nut is fixed very tightly, without gaps, which is a big plus when working with small workpieces and soft metal. A wide range of work can be performed on this machine: turning, boring, threading, end machining and much more. The engine has a power of 0.97 kW, power consumption is 550 W. The set includes a jaw faceplate, a rotary jaw chuck. The model has an option for automatic feed of the longitudinal support. There is a reverse of the spindle rotation.
