Making parts, not just joining them · review
A precision lathe small enough for a bench corner — and the cheapest way into turning that is not a toy.
Where we come out The small precision option, from a maker whose accessories will still exist in ten years.
Bushes, spacers, small shafts, modelmaking — work measured in tens of millimeters rather than hundreds. Within that range it is a proper lathe with facing, longitudinal turning and boring, not a hobby toy.
Swing over bed and distance between centers, the two figures that define a lathe’s capacity. The listing does not publish them, and we do not estimate: check PROXXON’s sheet for reference 24150 before ordering if a specific part size is the reason you are buying.
Every figure above comes from the manufacturer’s published specification for this reference. Fields the listing does not publish are left out rather than estimated. Market availability was verified per market on the EAN.
| Drive | Two-step belt drive with additional electronic control |
|---|---|
| Operations named by the maker | Facing, longitudinal turning, boring |
| Amazon reference | B008M69MGM |
| EAN | 0772040202453 |
Because an electronic speed controller alone loses torque as it slows the motor — exactly when a large diameter needs it most. Belt steps change the mechanical ratio, so the motor keeps working near its efficient speed while the spindle turns slowly with force behind it. Electronics then fine-tune within the step. It is the arrangement most serious small lathes use.
Tooling. A lathe without tools is a stand: expect to add turning tools or an indexable holder set, a drill chuck for the tailstock, centers, and eventually a four-jaw chuck. Price that list before comparing machines — it routinely equals a third of the machine’s cost.
7.2/ 10
The small precision option, from a maker whose accessories will still exist in ten years.
A reference exists on these Amazon stores: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. Listed is not the same as in stock — availability changes daily.
Details checked on August 13, 2026.
Small parts, bushes, spacers and modelmaking, on a bench that also does other things
Here because the consumable states this machine by name.
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for welding and metalworking machines and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
12 V DC · lathe and mill in one · tool-height shims · soft metals only
A 12-volt combination mini lathe and mill that supplies shims to set the tool height — the one adjustment that decides whether a small lathe cuts or rubs.
Best for: Teaching turning and milling on one machine, in wood, plastic and pure copper or aluminum
≈ $235
36 W · 20,000 rpm motor · 3,000 rpm spindle · 0.1 mm (0.004 in)/division
The 36-watt version of the XENDOLL desktop mill, with the same spindle speed, the same handle scale and the same bullets as the 24-watt one.
Best for: The same model and STEM work as the 24 W machine, with half again the motor
≈ $200
7 in swing · 14 in centers · 2,500 rpm variable · reversible · DRO
The only real metal lathe in the American half of this hub — 7 by 14 inches, variable to 2,500 rpm, reversible for left-hand threads, with a digital readout and a cutter kit.
Best for: Turning steel parts on a bench, where the tooling has to come with the machine
≈ $510
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
