Choosing a benchtop metal lathe means balancing the size of your workpieces against the size of your budget. In this group of four lathes, the listed prices run from $814.56 to $5,299.99, so there is a wide spread in both cost and capability.
Quick take
The 7x14 Compact Metal Lathe is the lowest-priced option. The two Creworks 9-inch models are each listed at $1,199.99. The Precision Matthews PM-1130V is the top of the listed price range.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Metal Lathe, 7\"x14\" | USD 814.56 | |
| 9x30\" Mini Metal Lathe (Creworks) | USD 1,199.99 | |
| CREWORKS 9x24\" Mini Metal Lathe | USD 1,199.99 | |
| PRECISION MATTHEWS PM-1130V | USD 5,299.99 |
Decision matrix
- Compact spaces and small parts: the 7x14 Compact Metal Lathe is the smallest footprint and the lowest listed price.
- Longer bed without leaving the mid-price point: the 9x30 Creworks model.
- Brushless motor preference with a shorter bed: the 9x24 Creworks model.
- Largest working envelope: the Precision Matthews PM-1130V.
Product notes
Compact Metal Lathe, 7\"x14\", Desktop Metalworking Lathe, 550W, Adjustable Speed
This desktop lathe fits on a smaller bench. The 550W motor and adjustable speed let you handle turning, drilling, and threading at different speeds. The LED light is a small convenience for dimmer shop areas. The limitation is the compact bed: at 7x14, you will be working on small workpieces only. If your projects stay short and light, this keeps the up-front cost down and saves bench space.
9x30\" Mini Metal Lathe 1100W DC Motor 3-Jaw Chuck LCD Display Metalworking
The Creworks 9x30 offers a larger 5-inch chuck, a 3000 rpm motor, and an LCD display. The 1100W DC motor powers the spindle, and the package includes a steady rest, follow rest, and brazed carbide tools, so the basics are covered. The limitation is the brushed DC motor; if you prefer brushless power, the 9x24 model is the one to look at.
CREWORKS 9x24\" Mini Metal Lathe 1100W Brushless Motor 3000rpm Benchtop 3-Jaw
The 9x24 Creworks is the brushless alternative in the same 1100W class. Brushless power is the main reason to pick this over the 9x30. The bed is shorter, which can be a plus in a tight shop. The 3-jaw chuck and included tooling are part of the package. The limitation is that you give up the longer bed of the 9x30, so longer projects need to be sized with that in mind.
Precision Matthews PM-1130V Bench Top Metal Lathe with 2 Axis DRO
This Precision Matthews model is the only one with a 2-axis DRO installed, and it uses a D1-4 camlock spindle mount with a 1-1/2-inch bore. The 6-inch chuck and 30-inch center distance give it a noticeably larger working area. It runs on standard 120V power and has a variable-speed AC inverter drive with 1.5 HP. The limitation is the highest listed price in the group: you are paying for the extra capacity, the DRO, and the heavier-duty build described in the listing. If you only need small parts, this is more machine than required.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the 7x14 Compact Metal Lathe when your bench is small and your parts are short. Pick the 9x30 Creworks when you need the longer bed in the mid-price range. Choose the 9x24 Creworks when a brushless motor matters more than bed length. Go with the Precision Matthews PM-1130V when you need the largest work envelope and want a 2-axis DRO on the machine.
