The lathe is one of the most widely used machines in machining workshops, thanks to what it offers the metalworking industry. It can carry out many different operations to shape turned parts. Small second-hand lathes are a good option if you are looking for a compact machine with extensive machining capabilities.
Why buy a small second-hand lathe?
Small second-hand lathes are an excellent choice for your workshop if you want a machine tool with the capabilities of a conventional lathe that takes up little space. These lathes, also known as metal mini lathes, deliver high-quality work; they are also very robust and offer unbeatable value for equipment of this kind.
These machines can deliver excellent results even in the most demanding professional work. Small second-hand lathes, or bench lathes, can be mounted on a workbench, but also on a stand on which the machine is placed. If you choose the latter, bear in mind that the stand must be sturdy and stable, as machining speeds and forces can destabilise the machine and cause machining errors.
Advantages of small second-hand lathes
Small second-hand lathes are very versatile and easy to use. They are suitable for the metalworking industry and professional workshops, but also for people who enjoy building their own projects. If you run a machining workshop and send certain parts out for turning, investing in a used mini lathe can be a smart move. It costs less than a new small lathe, and you will not have to pay a third party to do the machining work for you.
These machines are said to offer advantages similar to milling machines. They also work very quickly and easily. In addition, a wide range of accessories can be fitted to a mini lathe, transforming the machine and helping you get the most out of it. For example, it accepts vertical milling attachments, which greatly increase its productivity. And if you buy it second-hand, even better: companies often sell these used lathes with some accessories included in the price. In other words, you avoid having to buy them new, as you would with a brand-new small lathe.
Mini lathes are also inherently much cheaper than large conventional lathes; power consumption is much lower, and so is the cost of tooling. The only drawback is that the size of the parts that can be machined is also much more limited, as it only takes small or medium-sized parts, albeit with an excellent finish.
Small second-hand lathes can perform longitudinal turning, as well as parting off, grooving, threading and drilling, among other operations.
How to choose a mini lathe
The first thing to know before choosing a small second-hand lathe is what you want the machine for; in other words, what type of work you will do on it, how you will use it and the type of parts to be machined (size, material, design and so on). Also consider whether you will use the lathe daily or on a regular basis.
Before choosing the machine, it is important to consider its weight and dimensions. If it comes with a support stand, you will also need to take into account the working space you have in the workshop. Turning capacity and distance between centres are further aspects to consider, but these parameters depend on the parts to be machined.
Spindle diameter is a decisive factor before buying. The size of the spindle, together with the spindle taper and the tailstock, determines the dimensions of the parts that can be machined on the machine. If you want a machine that can handle even the most difficult parts at high speed, do not forget to check the machine's maximum speed and motor power.
For benchtop lathes, as well as checking that the stand is very stable, make sure the machine has an electronic variable speed drive.
Accessories for metal mini lathes
As mentioned earlier, the great advantage of buying second-hand machines, whatever the type, is that you can often acquire tooling with the machine itself at a reduced price. When you buy new machinery, accessories are not included; you have to buy them separately and brand new. As a result, the outlay is even higher.
You can also acquire second-hand tools and accessories together with the mini lathe. Which accessories does this machine need? All benchtop mini lathes require the same tooling in order to machine. These accessories are:
- Set of cutting tools. These are the machine's cutting tools and vary according to the lathe and the parts to be machined.
- Driving plate. Available in various sizes, which also depend on the dimensions of the machine.
- Clamping elements for the driving plate.
- Jaw chuck. A workholding system for the part to be machined.