I've decided to get a metal mini lathe instead of a wood lathe and wondered what's a good brand ? In my opinion you have greater flexibility with a metal lathe than a wood lathe hence the decision to get one. Perhaps, I'm a little swayed by the fact that I used to run CNC lathes and Millers at one time in my various careers. Bill

Define "good." A good machine lathe will run into the many thousands of dollars. But for most rod building work I would think you could get by with any of the oriental machines that sell for under a thousand dollars. My preference would be the Jet ten inch model. Build a stationairy tool rest for the post and you have the best of both worlds for machining parts and doing freehand wood turning.

The 7X12 lathes from China and sold by the likes of HF, Grizzley, Tools Now, and others will do a decent job of building rods, jigs, and tooling... if you learn how to run it and are willing to deal with less than perfect fit. The next step up is the 9X20 series that usually comes with a quick change gear box and more accessories. The 7X12 should set you back somewhere in the $500 range, and the 9X20 about $850. You should add about 50% to the cost of the lathe for tooling and a stock of materials to get you going. All of the lathes under a few thousand dollars come from China and a single model is usually offered by multiple dealers at various prices. You should check out [littlemachineshop.com] . They sell accessories and spare parts for the common hobby lathes. LMS prices will help you make sense of the various options and their cost.

I have owned hobby level wood and metal lathes and used the lathes and mills in a corporate model shop. Unless you are going to turn large diameter bowels or long spindles, the 7X12 and 9X20 metal working machines will do most jobs. I probably would have baught the 9X20 if it had been available, but the 7X12 is working fine. If you want to get into Bamboo and maybe be building binders, mills, bevelers, and other one off machines, the 7X12 coupled with a mini mill would make a nice shop.

Larry

By good I mean the ones that come from China not the so called "good ones found in most machine shops that cost thousands of dollars. Thanks for your imput . Bill

I have an Enco 7x12 and it is great. Takes a little bit to get it set up from put of the box but once you dial it in its great!! Only cost me $400 free shipping!

I have bought two older Atlas lathes on craigslist locally, Free shipping! Free Tooling!