VEVOR 8x14 Mini Metal Lathe: variable speed, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR 8x14 mini metal lathe is a benchtop lathe for turning small metal parts. It suits model making, hobby engineering and small repairs, where you shape round stock by spinning it against a cutting tool. Here is what its specs mean.

What the 8x14 size means

The "8 x 14" describes the work it can hold. The swing over the bed is 8.3 inches (210mm), which is the largest diameter that can turn without hitting the bed, and the swing over the cross slide is 13.8 inches (350mm) as listed. The 14 refers to the length between centres, the longest piece that can be turned between the chuck and the tailstock. In practice, this class of machine handles small shafts, bushings, pulleys and model parts, not large castings.

Motor and variable speed

VEVOR describes a 600W motor in its features and 650W in the title, so confirm the figure in the manual. Speed is infinitely variable from 50 to 2,250 RPM (±10%), in forward or reverse. Low speeds suit larger diameters and threading, while high speeds suit small diameters and finishing cuts. Reverse is useful for some threading and parting operations. An emergency stop button is included.

The listing specifies 110V, 60Hz, so it is meant for a standard North American outlet.

Chuck, spindle and tailstock

A 3-jaw chuck of 3.9 inches (100mm) comes fitted. It centres round stock automatically. The spindle bore is 0.8 inch (21mm), the longest bar that can pass through the headstock. The spindle taper is MT3 and the tailstock taper is MT2 in the description, while the features mention MT3 for the tailstock. Check which tapers your tooling needs.

The tailstock can be offset with four set screws for cutting shallow tapers, and a lever locks the spindle.

Tool post, cross slide and feeds

A turret post lets you change tools quickly, and a cross slide moves the tool across the work. VEVOR says this allows internal cutting, facing and bevel cuts. Feed can be manual or automatic, driven by the metal gears supplied, and the handwheels carry metric graduations. A backsplash guard is fitted to catch swarf and coolant.

Build and size

The lathe is made of cast iron, which adds weight and damps vibration. It weighs about 116 lb (52 kg) and measures about 32.6 x 12.2 x 13 inches (83 x 31 x 33 cm), so it needs a solid, level bench that can carry the load.

What is included

The listing lists the lathe, 9 metal gears, 3 jaws, an oil gun, 9 cutters, 5 Allen keys, an accessory kit and a tool kit.

Who it suits

It suits hobbyists, model makers and small repair benches who want to learn turning and make small parts. It's less suited to production work or large stock, where a bigger machine is typical.

What to check before you buy

• Bench and space: make sure a sturdy bench can take 116 lb and the machine's footprint.
• Capacity: compare the swing, spindle bore and length with the parts you want to make.
• Tooling: check tool post size, and the tapers for centres and drill chucks.
• Motor power: confirm the wattage given in the manual.
• Safety: wear eye protection, keep loose clothing and hair clear of the chuck, and follow the manual.
• Upkeep: plan on regular cleaning and oiling.

The short version

• A benchtop cast iron metal lathe, 8.3 inch swing, 8x14 class.
• Variable speed from 50 to 2,250 RPM, forward and reverse.
• A 3.9 inch 3-jaw chuck, 0.8 inch spindle bore, turret tool post and cross slide.
• Includes 9 gears, 9 cutters and a tool kit.
• About 116 lb (52 kg), running on 110V, 60Hz.

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