Metal Lathes

A metal lathe is the backbone of any machine shop — turn, face, bore, thread, and finish precision parts from raw stock. Whether you're a professional machinist, a gunsmith, or a serious hobbyist, our metal lathes deliver the rigidity, spindle bore, and variable-speed control to hold tight tolerances on steel, aluminum, and alloy.

Benchtop vs. Full-Size Metal Lathes

Benchtop lathes fit tight shops and handle smaller-diameter work with real precision — ideal for gunsmithing, model work, and repair. Larger floor and gap-bed lathes swing bigger diameters and turn longer stock for production and heavy fabrication. Match swing and distance-between-centers to the parts you actually make.

Specs That Matter

• Swing over bed: The largest diameter you can turn — size it to your biggest workpiece.
• Distance between centers: The longest part the lathe will hold.
• Spindle bore: A larger bore lets you feed bar stock and pipe through the headstock.
• Variable speed and DRO: Brushless variable-speed control and a digital readout make precise, repeatable cuts effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size metal lathe do I need?

Match the swing (largest diameter) and distance between centers to your biggest parts. Benchtop lathes suit small precision work; floor lathes handle larger and longer stock.

What is spindle bore and why does it matter?

It's the diameter of the hole through the headstock spindle. A larger bore lets you feed bar stock and pipe through for longer work — important for gunsmithing and production turning.

Is a DRO worth it on a lathe?

Yes. A digital readout shows exact tool position, making precise, repeatable cuts far easier and cutting down on scrap. It's one of the best accuracy upgrades you can add.

Every metal lathe ships free to the lower 48 and is backed by our price match guarantee. Call or text 331-272-5655 for help matching swing, length, and spindle bore to your work.