Choosing Your First Metal Lathe

If you're the type person, who wants to go beyond woodworking or perhaps try your hand at building a small steam engine or IC (internal combustion) engine you most likely will be looking for a metal lathe. Choosing a metal lathe is somewhat intimidating, especially for the first time buyer. A simple web search will yield all kinds of opinions and choices. One thing you quickly learn is there can be fierce loyalty to brand names, country of origin, size, and sometimes-even color!

Choosing Your First Metal Lathe

Choosing Your First Metal Lathe

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Choosing Your First Metal Lathe

Choosing Your First Metal Lathe

So I may as well get into the fray and submit my ideas. However, be forewarned, I have a few dogs in the fight. Over the past 20 years I've owned an American and Asian lathes, in fact I'm on my forth lathe right now. I hope that during the past 20 or so years I've beenable to pick up a few tidbits that may help you in your choice.

First, let me break tradition. Most people will tell you "any lathe is better than no lathe". However, I don't necessarily agree with that. I believe, in worn out lathe is nothing but trouble, ESPECIALLY for someone who has never used a metal lathe before. Therefore, before we start talking about size, color, heriTAGe, or if this is your first lathe, please seek out a lathe that is at least in "good" condition, not some worn out hunks of cast iron.

Choosing Your First Metal Lathe