Top 10 Lathes

Proma –  this is a Czech company, but the machines are assembled in China. The power of the equipment is 400 watts. On the machine, you can work with parts whose dimensions are from 35 to 100 cm. The unit is powered by an alternating current of 220 V. Thanks to this, the machine is perfect for home, garage. Speed ​​range –  from 850 to 1250 rpm, there are 4 speeds. The machine weighs nothing - 35 kg. Due to its small size and weight, it is very easy to store and transport. The disadvantage of the model is not a very 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.

This is a more powerful machine than the Czech counterpart. The power of the unit is 770 watts. The machine is not too cheap, but the relatively high price for machines of a compact class is more than offset by the convenience and comfort of work, rich equipment, and a larger network of service centers. It can process parts up to 30.5 cm in size. This is a compact desktop machine designed for processing small wood blanks. Great for turning at home. The powerful cast iron bed gives the machine stability and dampens vibrations.

The model is best suited for home use. This is a universal unit that can work with materials such as metal, wood, plastics. It can perform the following types of work: turning, facing. The machine is powered by a 220 V network, and its power is 400 watts. It has very limited capabilities in terms of the dimensions of the machined 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 a great purchase for a turner working at home.

Another representative of Russia in the ranking. It features high power (1 kW and above) and wide possibilities for processing parts. Three-phase electric motor, powered by 380 V AC. The machine can perform the entire range of turning operations due to the presence of centers, a chuck, a collet. The disadvantages, in turn, are a rather large mass - about 230 kg and high cost. The model has a very high build quality, reliability of components and parts, and is distinguished by high precision surface treatment. The machine has a desktop version. Equipped with a lamp for better visual perception of the work being done.

The machine is made in China. It has a large 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 that are discussed in this review. The engine is durable. On the machine, you can perform the following types of work: turning workpieces, threading, drilling holes. Spindle speed - 50-1800 rpm. Through hole in the spindle - 38 mm. There is an electronic indication of the spindle speed. The machine has a modern design. Heavy cast iron bed minimizes vibration and adds comfort to work. The model has a rich package.

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 speed - from 50 to 2000 rpm. The spindle speed control is stepless. There is an electronic indicator that displays the spindle speed. The scope of delivery includes a set of jaws for a lathe chuck. Various lengths of workpieces can be fitted thanks to the 7 cm tailstock quill travel. Very user-friendly controls and the modern design of the machine are additional advantages.

This model has small dimensions, due to which it is widely used in small workshops and 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, 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 operation of the cutter after preliminary manual adjustment.

The model is great for organizations that are engaged in metal processing. The machine is equipped with a three-phase motor with a power of 1.1 kW. The weight of the unit is 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 guarantee of high precision in surface treatment, because the machine is not subject to oscillations and vibrations. A very useful option is also the ability to copy parts in mass production. Another advantage of the unit is the low rejection rate. It is possible to process parts of complex geometric shapes.

Metalmaster is a joint Russian-German group of companies that manufactures machine tools 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 commutator motor has a power of 0.6 kW, there are 2 ranges of stepless control. The spindle speed of 150-2500 rpm is implemented 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 when the spindle is under increased load.It should also be noted a fairly rich set of delivery.

This model has a caliper backlash 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. On this machine, you can perform a wide range of work: turning, boring, threading, end processing and much more. The engine has a power of 0.97 kW, power consumption - 550 watts. The kit comes with a cam faceplate, a three-jaw chuck. The model has the option of automatic feed of the longitudinal support. There is a spindle rotation reversal.