Small workshop metal lathe aimed at teaching and light fabrication, promising fine control and robust construction, the ZR Miniature Metal Lathe suits bench-top projects. Ideal for hobbyists, model makers and jewellers who want repeatable results and secure clamping. Will the compact design meet the demands of routine small-scale turning?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Cutting Quality: Accurate cuts on soft metals and plastics thanks to dovetail connecting block, super alloy hand wheels with 0.02 mm scale and rigid all-metal construction
- • Best for: Hobby machinists, model makers and jewellers working on small parts up to 50 mm diameter
- • Not ideal for: Heavy industrial turning or machining hard steels beyond soft metals and engineering plastics
High-speed 36 W motor reaches up to 20,000 rpm and accepts a 50 mm diameter workpiece. All-metal construction, built-in cooling and precise hand wheels focus on durability and fine control.
Fine, repeatable accuracy – with 0.02 mm scale super alloy hand wheels
Super alloy hand wheels sit on the X, Z and tailstock axes and have moulded scale lines at 0.02 mm. The connecting block uses a dovetail structure to match machine slots and reduce play.
Very small incremental adjustments are possible, helping to hit repeatable depths and diameters when machining small components.
Versatile clamping and materials – with three-jaw chuck, collet and steel turning tools
Three-jaw and four-jaw chucks plus collets cover 1–6 mm tooling and jaw grip ranges of 3–30 mm (positive) and 3–50 mm (opposite). Turning tools are made of steel suitable for soft metals and plastics.
Secure clamping and a wide grip range make handling jewellery parts, model components and small aluminium or acrylic pieces straightforward.
Stable high-speed running – thanks to a 36 W motor, built-in fan and transformer protections
High-power motor runs up to 20,000 rpm with a 12 V / 3 A / 36 W input and a 110–240 V switch power supply. A built-in ultra-quiet fan aids cooling and 3C quality transformers provide over-current, over-voltage and overheating protection.
Sustained turning and rapid material removal are possible while the cooling and electrical protections reduce thermal and electrical risk during extended use.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for ZR Miniature Metal Lathe
- All-metal construction – Improves durability and resists wear under vibration for reliable long-term use
- High-speed motor – Enables rapid material removal up to 20,000 rpm safely
- Solid base plate – Reduces movement and helps stable bench mounting during machining
- Secure chuck clamping – Hex-nut fixation reduces slippage during drilling and turning
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Miniature metal lathe
- Motor: High power motor, max 20,000 rpm
- Input Power: 12V / 3A / 36W
- Switch Power Supply: 110V–240V
- Max Work Diameter: 50 mm
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What materials can be machined on this lathe?
A: Soft metals such as gold, silver, copper and aluminium can be machined, along with acrylic and engineering plastics according to the product description.
Q: What is the maximum workpiece size the lathe will accept?
A: The largest diameter is 50 mm and the processed material length is 150 mm; positive jaw grip range is 3–30 mm and opposite jaw grip range is 3–50 mm.
Q: What power and protections does the motor have?
A: Rated input is 12 V / 3 A / 36 W with a switch power supply of 110–240 V, and the unit includes 3C transformer protections for over-current, over-voltage and overheating.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for hobby machinists, model makers and jewellers who need compact, repeatable turning for small parts. Robust all-metal construction combined with precise hand wheels and a high-speed motor makes the machine well suited to repeated bench-top use. While the initial outlay may be significant, solid build quality and protective electrical features point to good long-term workshop value.
