Metal cutting lathe

[WyrTwister]

Which metal cutting mini lath would you all recommend , for , say , under $ 1,000 ? Ones that come to mind are Grizzly or Harbor freight ?

Would be for hobby use , and not a whole lot .

Thanks ,
Wyr
God bless

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[Imp4]

Buy a used one designed for industrial use.
You could start out looking at a reseller like HGR Industrial Surplus.

 

[928]

Search your local Craigslist under "tools" then put in "lathe" if you are patient, you'll find a good value, something like a Logan or South Bend or the like.

Example:

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/d/mc-kinney-16x40-lathe/6925776355.html

 

[Eddie]

A good used ATLAS or South Bend would be the unit I'd go after. I've used both and prefer the ATLAS but, both are good. Be sure and check the Head bearing on a S. Bend because they are non-roller. Ed

 

[Oily_Thing]

Jet is a good brand.
Jet Lathes

 

[bunnspecial]

IMO, there are way too many really nice ones gathering dust out there to go with modern Chinese.

I'm partial to the ubiquitous 9" South Bend. It's not the fanciest out there, and the plain bearings do need a bit more work than roller bearings. With that said, they are simple, reliable, and with even a little bit of care will outlast you. The benefit of this particular line, too, is that there are so many of them out there that parts and accessories are easy to find and inexpensive.