Metal lathe for home: types and technical characteristics

In this article you will find useful information regarding choosing the best lathes. Much depends on the purpose of the device - which parts need to be processed and in what ways.

The purpose of lathes is to process metal workpieces with a high level of accuracy. Devices can be large (industrial) or compact (home). It is impossible to say unequivocally which lathe is better, so we will consider in detail the features of different types and draw conclusions. In addition, do not forget to purchase high-quality coolant for the lathe - they are necessary so that the device does not overheat and lasts longer.

Industrial machines are equipped with many attachments that increase functionality, and they can also process large-sized parts. Mini-machines are often installed in a garage, workshop or home; they can be placed on a table and do small turning work.

The article will discuss the best metal lathes from different categories.

How to choose a metal lathe - characteristics

When choosing a device, pay attention to the material from which it is made and how the frame guides are attached: the fact is that the bed is a very important component; it not only acts as a box where other elements are attached, but working mechanisms move along its guides. The bed should be massive, preferably cast iron, and stable, then the machine will vibrate less and cut metal more accurately.

What else you should pay attention to:

• The guides are attached to the vertical posts using welding or bolts. The structure can be equally rigid in both cases, but the bolts will need to be checked and tightened occasionally.
• The bed must stand on the pedestals without distortion, otherwise the parts will be defective. The number of pedestals varies from 2 to 4 depending on the size and weight of the lathe.
• Before buying a tabletop machine, pay attention to the following aspects: absence of play in moving parts, connection method and required voltage in the network, dimensions of the workpiece that can be processed.
• It is not necessary to buy the most expensive model with many functions - in many cases it is more profitable to choose a simpler model and, over time, equip it with the necessary tools.
• Before purchasing, it is advisable to check that the device operates stably and without interruptions at all speeds declared by the manufacturer - this is the main criterion that guarantees comfortable interaction with the machine.

When considering which lathe to choose, you need to immediately take a good and accurate model, and not hope for the possibility of independent modification.

Recommendations

When purchasing a metal lathe for your garage, you should pay attention to the following points:

• manufacturer - products of domestic companies are easier to use, since there are more service centers, spare parts, and consumables in the Russian Federation;
• transmission type - belt or gear (the input shaft is always driven by a V-belt);
• gear material is preferable to caprolon, which, unlike conventional plastics, does not crumble, but self-reinforces;
• the presence of roller bearings on the spindle – ensures high-precision processing;
• type of guides - the service life of the hardened elements of the machine is an order of magnitude higher, as is the quality of processing;
• rpm - usually 0 - 1500 in 1st gear, 0 - 2500 in 2nd speed;
• the presence of several speeds - usually 1 or 2;
• protective devices - some models are equipped with plexiglass casings, which fade over time and crack, reducing visibility of the workpiece;
• headstock - preferably options with a through hole, allowing you to turn and cut threads on long parts.

Rotation transmission in a tabletop metal lathe

For an entry-level user, the budget for purchase and operation is much more important. Therefore, Chinese metalworking machines with average characteristics are more often chosen.

Best table saws

The rating will consider the following models:

METALMASTER MML 1830V is a joint production of Russia and Germany. Produced in China, Russia, Poland. This model has stepless control in two ranges. The following components are included in the package: return cams, thrust center, and replacement metal guitar gears.

Stalex SBL-280/700 is manufactured in China. The model is quite large, but the standard delivery includes a pair of steady rests.

Jet BD-6 is a miniature machine weighing only 33 kilograms. The engine is also low power, so its processing capabilities are limited, although for small home applications, choosing this option may be worthwhile.

The best machines for home (home)

In home workshops, semi-professional machines or miniature models are usually installed. The former are more expensive and larger, but more functional and powerful. Conventionally, home devices are divided into:

• Lathe-screw, screw-cutting. With their help, you can both grind parts and create threads or recesses. The price of such devices is higher than conventional ones, but the minimum spindle runout allows you to process different types of metals.
• Tabletop. Inexpensive and compact, they are used to create various cuts or bevels, trimming, drilling holes, forming grooves and much more.
• Universal, used for a variety of tasks.

If, in addition to metal, you need to process wood and other materials, then you should consider milling machines.

The list of home lathes includes a variety of brands, but the most successful of them are Stalex and JET, the representatives of which are discussed in the previous section. Examples of great models for home:

• Stalex SBD-920W
• JET BD-X7
• Stalex SBD-X7
• Jet BD-7
• JET BD-6

Their prices are relatively affordable for a private individual, but the functionality and characteristics at the same time give quite a lot of freedom of action in matters of metal processing.

Types of lathes for metal processing

The main factor that influences the choice of such equipment for the home is its purpose. Before purchasing such a small machine, you need to know exactly what it will be used for.

Depending on the purpose, all turning units are divided into three main types:

• desktop;
• semi-professional;
• professional.

In production, powerful metal-working units are used; smaller models are more suitable for domestic purposes.

Desktop devices for private use at home are distinguished by their small dimensions and, accordingly, weight. The minimum weight of such micro-machines is 13 kg, and the maximum does not exceed 100 kg. In turn, semi-professional floor options, which are also often used in home workshops, can weigh up to 400 kg. The power of the desktop unit reaches 400 watts.

Semi-professional machines are also used in small industries and are distinguished by higher power (up to 1000 watts) and functionality. As a rule, such units combine, in addition to turning functions, two more: drilling and milling. This expansion of capabilities significantly increases the functionality of the machines.

Professional units are installed in large and medium-sized industries. They are often controlled by software. They are large in size and weight.

Only the first type of machine is suitable for use at home. Depending on the method of processing parts, they are divided into three main types:

• turning and milling;
• screw-cutting lathes;
• combined.

Each type of machine has its own set of functions and technical characteristics

Metal turning and milling machines are used, as a rule, for removing chamfers from workpieces, as well as for organizing holes and facing. The second type of desktop devices is used for sharpening parts and applying threads to them. In turn, combined devices used at home are capable of performing all of the above functions.

The best lathes for the workshop

A small workshop requires a machine of compact size, but with a wide range of functions and good power - after all, orders can be very different.

Examples of suitable models:

• JET BD-920. 120 thousand rubles. Produced in Switzerland. Works well with small elements. There is no play in the caliper, the nut is fixed very tightly, which is convenient when processing soft metals. Motor power is 0.97 kW, consumes 550 W.
• FDB MASCHINEN TURNER 320 X 1000 S. 260 thousand rubles. Produced in Germany. It shows very high precision in processing parts, but the device itself is heavy and massive - it weighs 650 kg. This can also be called an advantage, since due to the large weight, vibrations are minimal, the machine sits on the floor like a glove.
• ZENITECH MD250-550 VARIO. 140 thousand rubles. Produced in Russia. It has a stylish design, which attracts many buyers. The quality of processing is also excellent. Power 1.1 kW. The spindle rotation speed is displayed on a special display, so it is convenient to monitor it.
• TV-9 "RUSTAN". 470 thousand rubles. Produced in Russia. A functional representative of the rating, distinguished by the high quality of assembly and operation of each unit. Equipped with a collet, chuck, centers, so it allows you to perform a wide range of work. For greater convenience, TV-9 can be equipped with an LED machine lamp.

Which lathes to choose for a garage

A garage machine is one of the most popular use cases. There are many options for its use both in working with a car and in the process of arranging a personal plot. Sometimes some small part cannot be found in any stores - but turning it yourself is easy and quick.

Key selection criteria:

• Budgeting. As a rule, they purchase a basic assembly, and, if necessary, subsequently purchase additional components.
• Small dimensions. There are already a lot of things stored in the garage and a car, so the machine should not take up a lot of space.
• Proven quality. The thing is expensive, so you need to approach the choice with all seriousness.

The main options for devices for garage use are desktop (often without a tailstock and with minimal functionality), universal (with a milling cutter included), school (smooth speed adjustments, reverse, light weight) and screw-cutting lathes (expensive models with minimal spindle runout) .

Examples of suitable companies:

• Encore - Corvette 407 and other modifications. Semi-automatic machines in which peeling must be done manually, and the remaining operations must be carried out with automatic feed of the caliper.
• Optimum. German brand, but made in China.
• Weiss. Tabletop machines with minimal vibration levels. Their feature is that after the spindle stops rotating in the roller bearings, it can be reversed to move the caliper.

Specifications

A tabletop garage metal lathe most often has the following performance characteristics:

• power button - may be absent (for example, in the Corvette-2 model), rotation is activated by a rheostat that regulates the speed
• Dimensions – length 1.2 – 1.7 m, width 0.5 – 0.6 m
• weight – within 120 – 200 kg
• workpiece diameter – 10 – 20 cm above the bed or 5 – 15 cm above the support
• center-to-center size RMC – 20 – 50 cm
• drive power – 0.15 – 0.6 kW

Desktop option

For a metal lathe for a garage, 220 V asynchronous or commutator motors are used. The designs of speed control systems and transmission of torque to the caliper shafts differ significantly from different companies. In some modifications, the reverse is switched by a lever, in others, to obtain reverse rotation you have to flip the transmission belt.

Speed ​​change lever in a benchtop lathe

Most lathes only cut metric and imperial threads in one direction. Of the domestic manufacturers, the most popular are “Home Master”, “Craftsman”, “Caliber”. All other products, regardless of the brand’s homeland, are manufactured in China - “Optimum”, “Corvette”, “JET”, “Proma”, “DIY”.

Thread cutting on a screw-cutting lathe

For example, it produces turning and milling modifications of the Corvette 407, lathes Corvette 401 - 403. Automatic caliper feed is used only for thread cutting; processing and roughening is carried out manually. The chuck is equipped with straight and reverse jaws; parts can be clamped without a chuck in the centers. The smallest of them (Corvette 401) is equipped with a 0.5 kW electric drive, 2,500 rpm, and an electronic system that allows you to maintain the same speed under any load. A through hole in the spindle allows processing 20 cm of parts.

Tabletop device for metal Corvette 401

Corvette 401

The machines are equipped with motors of 0.5 - 1.5 kW, the RMC reaches 40 - 70 cm, the height of the centers is 7 - 14 cm. The homeland of the brand is Germany, 95% of production is concentrated in China. A special feature of the equipment is an error of 0.025 mm and 0.01 mm (displacement, spindle runout, respectively).

Tabletop metal lathe

desktop metal cutting machine from Optimum

Weiss table lathes have the lowest possible vibration and sound pressure. The spindle rotates in roller bearings; after the rotation stops, the possibility of automatic reverse to displace the caliper remains. The tailstock has longitudinal movement with fixation of its position in space.

Universal lathe for the garage produced by Weiss

garage lathe made by Weiss

Related article:

Homemade metal lathe with your own hands . In the publication we will look at step-by-step instructions for making the machine with photos and videos, a review of finished models, and safety precautions when working on the machine.

Best CNC Lathe

There are several main criteria for selection. For example, budget: CNC (computer numerical control) machines are generally expensive, but the price range is quite wide. The minimum cost can be called 450 thousand rubles, these are amateur options. The cost of industrial models reaches 15 million.

Which device to choose depends on what parts are planned to be processed - this means dimensions, complexity of shape, material used, and quantitative volumes.

The main popular brands:

• Hyundai . For example, turning center KIT4500.
• Takisawa . For example, the NEX series, which is used in all areas of the mechanical engineering industry, aviation, and instrument making.

By what criteria to choose, how to choose the best?

The choice must be based primarily on the tasks that the machine must perform. After this, the reliability of the equipment, dimensions and technical characteristics are studied.

Specifications

The following characteristics are important for a lathe:

1. Power . This parameter determines the processing speed of the workpiece. For domestic use, 500-750 W is sufficient.
2. Type of food . The equipment can be powered by 220 or 380 volts. For the second type, it is necessary to install a separate power supply line, which cannot always be done in a garage.
3. Engine's type . It is advisable to choose asynchronous, as it has a longer service life.
4. Transfer type . There is a belt and a gear.
5. Reverse . This is the ability to switch the direction of rotation. In some cases this function is very important.
6. Rotation frequency . It is necessary to select one for each metal, so it is desirable to have several operating modes.
7. Additional equipment . You need to select it for specific tasks.
8. Division of the limb . The accuracy of processing depends on this. The smaller the division, the better.
9. Housings . The presence of protective elements makes work safer.

Materials and build quality

There are models of domestic and foreign production on sale. But almost everyone still gathers in China. Most people prefer to choose domestic machines, since it is easier to find spare parts for them in the event of a breakdown.

Size

It is necessary to allocate space for the lathe in advance and select a table that can withstand heavy loads. The dimensions of the equipment completely depend on the size of the parts being processed.

The best Soviet lathes (USSR machines)

In the Soviet Union they made things that lasted for centuries. The industry was structured in such a way that the emphasis was not on variety of models or beautiful design, but on durability. Therefore, Soviet lathes are successfully used to this day. For example:

• IT-1M. A screw-cutting lathe, most often used in small workshops or educational institutions. Has light weight. Allows for axial drilling, turning of conical workpieces, processing of rounded blanks, threading, etc.
• Universal 2 and Universal 3. Quite compact and functional models that allow for jointing, sharpening operations, processing with a circular saw or jigsaw, drilling, etc.

We hope that now it is easier for you to choose a lathe. And you can purchase coolant and related products for it from the Loc-Line company, located in St. Petersburg.

Scope of application of lathes

The purpose of creating equipment is to process various parts on a metal and wooden base. To do this, various operations are performed:

1. Cutting.
2. Turning.

Turning cutters boast the widest functionality if you have the necessary tools and equipment:

• Drilling.
• Trimming, end processing.
• Thread cutting.
• Internal surface treatment.
• Turning grooves, cones and other similar shapes.
• Boring, turning surfaces in the form of cones, cylinders, smooth shaped type.

The machines can be used in both large-scale and small-scale production. Each owner chooses the option that suits him. The choice of models was wide from the very beginning.