Choosing among lathes, mills and drilling machines is less about finding a single all-purpose machine and more about matching the lathe to the work you expect to turn. Here, the biggest dividing lines are between-centers capacity, motor configuration, feed and threading controls, and whether an installed digital readout matters to your setup. Listed prices span $4,100.00, while the two CREWORKS models share the lowest listed price.
Quick take
The Precision Matthews PM-1130V is the distinct choice for a 2-axis DRO, a 6-inch chuck, and the longest stated 30-inch distance between centers. The 8.7 x 18 in Precision Bench Power Metal Lathe centers its appeal on automatic feed and electronic switching between metric and imperial threading. Between the two CREWORKS lathes, the 9x24 model uses a brushless motor, while the 9x30 model extends the stated center distance to 29.5 inches and includes an LCD display in its title.
Listed-price comparison
| Benchtop metal lathe | Listed price | Price position | Main decision cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Matthews PM-1130V | $5,299.99 | 2-axis DRO and 30-inch between-centers capacity | |
| 8.7 x 18 Automatic-Feed Metal Lathe | $1,305.99 | Automatic feed and electronic threading system | |
| CREWORKS 9x24 Brushless | $1,199.99 | 1100W brushless motor and 3000 RPM maximum spindle speed | |
| CREWORKS 9x30 LCD | $1,199.99 | 29.5-inch center distance with a 3-jaw chuck |
Decision matrix
- Choose the Precision Matthews PM-1130V when an installed digital readout and the largest stated work length are central to the decision.
- Choose the 8.7 x 18 Automatic-Feed Metal Lathe when electronic metric/imperial threading changes and automatic feeding are the priority.
- Choose the CREWORKS 9x24 Brushless when a brushless 1100W motor is the preferred configuration.
- Choose the CREWORKS 9x30 LCD when the longer of the two CREWORKS center distances is more useful than the brushless motor specification.
Product notes
PRECISION MATTHEWS PM-1130V BENCH TOP METAL LATHE WITH 2 AX DRO
The PM-1130V suits shoppers who want its installed 2-axis DRO rather than adding readout equipment separately. Its stated 30-inch distance between centers, 6-inch chuck, 1.5-inch spindle bore, and D1-4 camlock spindle mount make it the largest-capacity option in this group by listed center distance. Variable spindle speed runs from 75 to 2,000 RPM across two ranges, and the machine is specified for 120V single-phase input. The limitation is straightforward: it carries the highest listed price in the comparison, placing it in a very different cost bracket from the other three benchtop lathes.
Metal Lathe Machine 8.7 x 18 in Precision Bench Power Metal Lathe Automatic Feed
This 8.7 x 18 model is the pick for a shopper focused on automated movement and easier threading-mode changes. It combines fully automatic feeding with an electronic threading system that switches between metric and imperial units, plus a belt-free drive system. The description specifies a 1250W brushless DC motor, a 2,500 RPM maximum speed, and 8.7-inch maximum processed material diameter. Its cast iron and aluminum-alloy construction is also stated. The key constraint is its 18-inch maximum processed material length, the shortest listed length here, so it is less aligned with projects requiring the extended between-centers capacity of the longer machines.
CREWORKS 9x24" Mini Metal Lathe 1100W Brushless Motor 3000rpm Benchtop 3-Jaw
Choose the CREWORKS 9x24 when a brushless motor and high stated maximum spindle speed are the lead requirements. It pairs an 1100W brushless motor with a 3,000 RPM maximum spindle speed, a 1.5-inch spindle bore, and a 5-inch chuck diameter. The package description also names a steady rest, follow rest, brazed carbide tools, change gears, and a toolbox. With a stated 23.6-inch center distance, it provides more working length than the 18-inch model. Its limitation is that the listed center distance is shorter than the 30-inch Precision Matthews and the 29.5-inch CREWORKS 9x30.
9x30" Mini Metal Lathe 1100W DC Motor 3-Jaw Chuck LCD Display Metalworking
The CREWORKS 9x30 is the natural alternative to the 9x24 for shoppers who want a longer stated 29.5-inch center distance while staying at the same listed price. It has an 1100W brushed motor, a 3,000 RPM maximum spindle speed, a 1.5-inch spindle bore, and a 5-inch 3-jaw chuck. Its title also identifies an LCD display, while the included items list names both steady and follow rests, metal gears, carbide tools, and a toolbox. The trade-off against the 9x24 CREWORKS is motor type: this version is specified with a brushed motor rather than the brushless motor used by the shorter model.
Final recommendation by use case
For a readout-equipped benchtop lathe with the greatest stated between-centers capacity, select the Precision Matthews PM-1130V. For automatic feed and electronic metric/imperial threading changes in the shortest format, choose the 8.7 x 18 Automatic-Feed Metal Lathe. Pick the CREWORKS 9x24 Brushless for its brushless-motor configuration, or the CREWORKS 9x30 LCD when near-30-inch center distance is the stronger requirement.
