Quick answer: Pick a lathe by the largest diameter and longest part you will turn, then leave room to grow. For a home or small shop, 10 x 30 to 13 x 40 covers most work.
For milling, a bench mill-drill suits hobby and light shop work. A knee mill is the step up for rigid, accurate production work. Add a DRO to either one, because it pays for itself quickly.
Part 1: Choosing a metal lathe
Size: swing x distance between centers
Lathes are named by two numbers. A 13 x 40 lathe has a 13 inch swing and 40 inches between centers.
- Swing is the largest diameter that clears the bed. Over the cross slide, the usable diameter is smaller, so check that number too.
- Distance between centers is the longest part you can hold between the headstock and the tailstock.
Measure the biggest part you expect to make and buy a size up. Nobody ever complains that their lathe is too big.
Spindle bore
The spindle bore is the hole through the headstock. Bar stock that fits through it can be fed from behind instead of cut to length first. Many of the MechMaxx bench lathes we carry have a 1.5 inch bore, which is generous for their size.
Gearhead vs variable speed
- Gearhead lathes change speed with levers and gears. They deliver strong torque at low RPM for big diameters and threading. Baileigh's geared-head lathes, such as the PL-1340 and PL-1440E, are good examples.
- Variable speed lathes use a motor controller, often a brushless DC motor, so you dial speed up and down while cutting. That is handy for facing, where the ideal speed changes as the tool moves in. Most of the MechMaxx lathes we carry are variable speed.
DRO
A digital readout shows the carriage and cross slide position on a screen. It cuts measuring time and mistakes, especially on repeat parts. Many models come in a DRO version, usually marked with a D in the MechMaxx model number.
Part 2: Choosing a milling machine
| Type | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Bench mill-drill | Hobby, prototypes, light shop work | Less rigid. The head moves to adjust height. |
| Gear-head mill-drill | Heavier cuts on a bench footprint | Still smaller travel than a knee mill. |
| Knee mill (vertical mill) | Production, tool room, accurate repeat work | Larger, heavier, needs floor space and often 220V. |
| Combination lathe-mill | Very small shops, mobile repair | One machine does both, but neither as well as two. |
Table size and travel
Mills are sized by table length and width, for example 9 x 49 inches on a knee mill. Travel matters as much as table size, so check X, Y and Z travel against your largest part.
Spindle taper
Most of the mills we carry use an R8 spindle. It is the most common taper in American shops, so collets and tool holders are easy to find.
Power
Bench lathes and mill-drills often run on 110V or 115V. Larger gearhead lathes and knee mills usually need 220V, and some are three-phase. Check the voltage in the product title and read our shop power guide if you are unsure.
Quick picks
Tell us what you are making and we will help you size the machine. Chat with us on the site or call (888) 990-8016.