Metal Lathes

Metal lathes for turning shafts, bushings, spacers and threads in your own shop instead of sending them out. Starting with JET, sized for a garage or small shop floor.

Metal Lathe
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  • JET BDB-1340A 13 x 40 Belt-Drive Bench Lathe

    JET BDB-1340A 13 x 40 Belt-Drive Bench Lathe

    JET BDB-1340A 13 x 40 Belt-Drive Bench Lathe

    13 in. swing, 40 in. centers, 1-3/8 in. bore, D1-4, 2 HP 230V.

    $10,810.00

Choosing your first metal lathe

The advice you'll hear most from machinists: buy the biggest, heaviest lathe your space, power and budget allow. A light lathe chatters and limits what you can turn. But a lathe also has to fit through your door and onto your floor, so start with the space.

Swing and between centers

A 13 x 40 lathe swings 13 in. over the bed and holds 40 in. between centers. Swing sets the largest diameter you can turn; between centers sets the longest part. A gap bed lets you swing larger short parts. Think about the parts you actually make (shafts, bushings, axle stubs, fixtures) and size up from there.

Spindle bore and mount

The spindle bore decides how big a bar you can pass through the headstock. The spindle mount (D1-4 is common on 12 to 14 in. lathes) decides which chucks fit and how easy they are to change.

Threading and feeds

A quick-change gearbox lets you set most inch threads and feeds without swapping gears. Check the range on the product page if you need metric threads too.

Tooling costs real money

The price of the lathe is only part of it. Look at what comes in the crate: chucks, faceplate, steady and follow rests, tool post. Then budget for a quick-change tool post, tool holders, carbide inserts or HSS, a live center, a drill chuck, and measuring tools. Every listing has a "What's in the crate" and "What else you'll need" box.

Power and moving it in

Many 12 to 14 in. lathes need a 230V single-phase circuit. Floor lathes ship in crates that can top 1,000 lb, so plan the unload (engine hoist, pallet jack or forklift) and the path into the shop before delivery day.

Questions about Metal Lathes

What size lathe do I need for a home shop?
For general shop work (shafts, bushings, threaded parts and fixtures), a 12 to 14 in. swing with 36 to 40 in. between centers covers most jobs. Smaller bench lathes fit tight spaces but limit part size and rigidity.
Does a metal lathe need 240V?
Many floor and large bench lathes need a 230V single-phase circuit. Smaller bench lathes often run on 120V. The product page lists the motor voltage and phase.
What tooling do I need to buy with a lathe?
Plan on a quick-change tool post and holders, cutting tools (carbide inserts or HSS), a live center, a drill chuck with arbor, and measuring tools. Check the What's in the crate list to see which chucks and rests are included.
How heavy is a metal lathe, and how do I get it in the shop?
A 13 x 40 floor lathe can weigh over 1,000 lb with the crate. Freight is delivered curbside, so plan on an engine hoist, pallet jack or forklift and a clear path to its spot.
Should I buy a new or used lathe?
A good used American lathe can be a great buy if you know how to inspect one and can move it. A new import gives you a known condition, current parts and a warranty. Beginners usually do better with new.