ZHRUI Electroplated all Metal Mini Miniature Didactical Metal Lathe 50mm Center 36W 20000RPM for Processing Aluminum,Wood, Plastic Materials (Heighten Style)

I really wanted to write one of these. The quality with these mini lathes is all over the place. If you get a raised bed, you can use the large diameter steps of the lathe chuck. By the way, this machine is dated this year. They machined new jaws for the typical cast chuck! Most parts are painted or anodized and it is heavier than you’d expect. I’m guessing around 5 pounds or more. They thought of so many little things… the 2.5mm Allen wrench for the slots is a T handle, there’s a little plastic bin with all your other tools, including a cast metal center finder, parts lists and stuff like that. Slots are trapezoid t slots, with grub screw expanders, and Phillips screws on the painted plates on the back. I use a little Phillips bit glued into a wire nut to quickly loosen those. There is a knurled live center, and a grub screw in a milled slot on the tail stock. It is well greased, like everywhere. It’s white lithium grease which may wear away after a while, wanna keep an eye on that. Single speed, rocker switch inline from the motor, thicker power cord than the old ones. It’s from an education company and I’m very impressed. They included a metal point to put in the chuck to meet the live center. It’s off by like… maybe a sheet of paper and I think that’s the point sitting in the 3 jaw chuck a little crooked, but we’re splitting hairs, almost literally. Worth it!

I believe this is an excellent intro into the world of lathe. It is small (less than 12 inches so you will not be able to turn long objects with a tail stock present. Also, they will not be big in diameter but what this lathe does, it teaches you basics. Do not expect using this lathe to do precise work. It is meant mostly to introduce you to turning while not spending an arm and leg. However, I am sure that once you get a bug (taste of it), you will upgrade to a bigger, more precise lathes very quickly.I would give it 5 if the motor did not quit on me after only 5 times of use. The machine has not been abused, used lightly as to not exert anything, mostly with wood so I am surprised.I contacted the seller to see what they will say. I hope it is not meant for a few uses only. That would be a shame.

Had a little project that needed a lathe to do the job and while it was very slow with this lathe it was able to get it done but don't think you will be turning anything harder than aluminum or brass but lots of things you can make with this little guy with a little Imagination and some Patience it can be a handy and fun little tool for model building to crafts as long as you keep it small

Not sure it will do the simple jobs I expected to do.