Lots of small lathes on the market...

by Brian A, Monday, March 05, 2012, 12:28 (4646 days ago) @ Hoot

I have not personally worked with a UniMat but they have a pretty fair reputation among those I know who have. Any miniature lathe has some significant limitations, but can be rather handy for someone who knows, is willing to accept, and works within their limitations.

Another US made lathe that might be worth considering is the 6" Atlas/Craftsman series. These are a bit larger, but not too heavy that one man cannot pick it up to move, and the increased size allows further options, not to mention there are lots of parts out there for them.

I even met a mechanic once who uses a Chinese mini-lathe frequently for a variety of purposes when servicing heavy machinery and keeps it in a box in his work truck.