The Ultimate UK Guide to Buying Lathes: Find the Best Deals and Right Machine for Your Workshop

Why a lathe is the heart of many workshops

If you love making things by hand — whether turning a wooden bowl, machining a metal shaft, or tinkering with model parts — a lathe is the single tool that often separates a “nice enough” workspace from a proper workshop. Think of it as the hearth: once it’s lit, everything else feels right. A lathe lets you take a rough blank and coax it into a precise, round, repeatable shape. It’s the tool of choice when roundness, concentricity, and surface finish matter. In short, buying the right lathe can make your projects faster, cleaner, and more satisfying.

Types of lathes you’ll encounter in the UK market

Not every lathe is built for the same job. Before you browse the deals, get familiar with the main families so you don’t buy a Swiss army knife when you need a scalpel.

Woodturning lathes

Woodturning lathes are designed for spindles, bowls, and furniture parts. They often have a larger swing — typically 12 inches up to 24 inches or more — and variable speed ranges to suit soft or hardwood. If your projects involve bowls or chair legs, a dedicated wood lathe with a toolrest and outboard turning capacity will be more enjoyable than a generic machine.

Metalworking lathes

Metal lathes are built to handle harder materials and finer tolerances. Expect features like a hardened bed, precise lead screws, and chucks for holding metal stock. Swing sizes for hobby metal lathes commonly range from 8 inches to 20 inches, with distance between centers from 16 inches to 36 inches or more, depending on the model. These machines excel at turning shafts, threads, and precision parts.

Mini and benchtop lathes

Short on space? Benchtop lathes are compact workhorses that sit on a bench and handle smaller tasks. Swings in this class might be 6 inches to 10 inches, and centers often run 10 inches to 18 inches. They’re ideal for model makers, watch repair fans, and hobbyists who value portability and a small footprint.

CNC and automated lathes

For repeatability and complexity, CNC lathes convert numerical designs into finished parts. These range from hobby desktop CNC lathes to full-featured shop machines. If you need precise, repeatable parts in batches, a CNC option can pay back its cost over time — especially when paired with CAD/CAM workflow.

Top UK retailers and places to hunt for lathes

The UK market offers a healthy mix of specialist retailers, general tool chains, and online marketplaces. Each has pros and cons: specialist stores often provide expert advice, while online marketplaces give wider choice and often better prices.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and hobbyists alike. They stock benchtop lathes and some larger models, with frequent promotions that can shave a decent chunk off the price. Their network of branches means you can often see a demo unit or pick up accessories quickly.

Axminster Tools

Axminster is a specialist for woodworking and metalworking machinery. They’re known for stocking brand-name lathes and offering solid after-sales support, spare parts, and a range of accessories. If you’re buying a wood lathe and want expert advice, Axminster is worth a look.

Machine Mart

Machine Mart caters to engineers and serious hobbyists, offering a wide choice of metalworking lathes, drill presses, and milling machines. Their range often includes recognised brands and industrial-style machines for people who want heavier duty capability at competitive prices.

Amazon UK and eBay

Online marketplaces offer enormous choice — from brand-new imports to second-hand gems. Amazon provides fast delivery and easy returns, while eBay is a treasure trove for used machines and bargains. The trick is to check seller reputations, item descriptions, and photos carefully. You can pick up a nearly new lathe for a fraction of the price if you’re willing to inspect it properly.

Key features to compare before committing

When you’re comparing lathes across retailers, don’t be seduced by the lowest price alone. Think about which features will matter in day-to-day use.

Swing and distance between centers

Swing (the largest diameter you can turn) and distance between centers (how long a stock you can mount) are two numbers that tell you what size jobs the lathe can handle. For woodturning, a 16-inch swing and 36-inch between centers covers most hobby needs, while a metal lathe with an 8-inch swing and 20-inch centers suits small parts and shafts. Match these numbers to the typical size of your projects.

Motor power and speed ranges

Motor power determines how aggressively you can cut. Hobby benchtop lathes might have motors under 1 horsepower, while heavier shop lathes push 2 horsepower or more. What’s often more important is a flexible speed range — low speeds for large-diameter turning, higher speeds for fine finishing. Look for variable speed controls or multiple stepped pulleys for versatility.

Build quality and bed type

A lathe’s bed is its backbone. Cast-iron beds damp vibration and stay truer over time, while cheaper cast steel or fabricated beds may flex. Look for a rigid, well-machined bed and tight slideways; they make the difference between a sloppy turn and a crisp, accurate finish.

Accessories and tooling

Check what comes in the box: chucks, faceplates, tool rests, tailstock centers, steady rests, and change gears matter. A lathe that includes a good 3-jaw chuck and a live center saves you money and gets you turning straight away. Also factor in the cost of tooling — carbide tips, turning tools, and tooling holders add up.

How to choose the right lathe for your projects

Choosing is a lot like picking shoes: you want something that fits the job and feels comfortable when you’re using it day after day.

For hobbyists and beginners

If you’re starting out, prioritize ease of use and safety. A benchtop lathe with a simple speed control, stable base, and included tooling will keep frustration low. Something with a swing of 10 inches and 18 inches between centers is a good compromise for mixed wood and metal hobbies.

For small professional shops

Workshops that bill for their time need machines that spend hours turning without losing accuracy. Look for 12-inch to 20-inch swing metal lathes with 24-inch to 36-inch centers, cast-iron construction, and higher motor power. Invest in a stable stand and quality chucking gear to keep downtime minimal.

For woodworkers

Woodturners often value swing over center distance. A bowl turner benefits from 20-inch plus swing and outboard turning capability, while spindle turners are fine with a 12-inch swing. Variable speed control and a smooth toolrest are essential for that fine surface finish.

Budgeting and where to find the best value

Price guides and “price lists” are useful, but real savings come from patience and knowing where to look. Here’s how to stretch your pound or pound-and-a-half without sacrificing quality.

New vs used savings

Buying used can be a bargain, but condition is king. Inspect bed wear, bearings, and the responsiveness of the headstock. A well-cared-for used lathe can save you hundreds of pounds. If you buy new, aim for bundle deals that include tooling and stands to reduce the cost per usable feature.

Seasonal sales and price comparison tips

Black Friday, bank holiday sales, and end-of-line clearances are when retailers move stock. Use price comparison tools and set alerts for the model you want. If you find a deal at a reseller like Screwfix or Machine Mart, check specialist suppliers like Axminster for matching or better support — sometimes paying a bit more now saves headaches later.

Safety and maintenance: keep your machine working for years

Lathes are powerful and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. A little care goes a long way to keeping you safe and your machine reliable.

Routine checks and lubrication

Keep moving parts clean and lubricated. Check belts, change gearbox oil as recommended, and inspect the spindle bearings for play. Tighten any loose bolts and watch for bed wear. A quick 10-minute walk-around before each session is like a regular health check for your machine.

Protective gear and safe operation

Always wear eye protection and, for metalworking, ear protection too. Avoid loose clothing and secure long hair. Use tool rests properly and don’t reach over rotating parts. For woodturning, a face shield is often preferable to goggles because it guards against flying chunks. Think safety first — it keeps your hands and your lathe working for a lifetime.

Popular brands and models to consider in the UK

Brands carry reputations for durability, parts availability, and support. Here are a few names that regularly appear in UK workshops and retailer listings.

Warco

Warco machines are a favourite among UK engineers for their rugged build and good value. They offer metal lathes with swings commonly from 9 inches up to 16 inches and a solid aftermarket for parts and accessories.

Record Power

Record Power is a respected name in woodturning gear. Their lathes suit hobbyists and professionals alike, with models offering smooth variable speed control and sturdy cast bases. Expect wood lathe swings from around 12 inches to over 20 inches for bowl work.

Axminster-brand models and imports

Axminster sells a wide range of both wood and metal lathes, including own-brand and partner imports. They’re a good place to start if you want a machine bundled with accessories and UK-based support.

Final tips for a confident purchase

Before you click “buy,” do these quick checks: match the swing and centers to your typical projects, prioritise bed quality over flashy extras, and verify what tooling comes with the lathe. If you can, see a demo or watch other makers using the same model on video; it helps you imagine living with the machine every day.

Also, remember that a lathe is an investment in capability. Pair it with decent tooling, a sturdy stand, and good lighting, and you’ll be surprised how much better your turns look and how much faster you finish jobs. Treat your lathe well and it’ll return the favour for years.

Good luck hunting for your next lathe. Whether you’re after a compact benchtop unit, a heavy shop machine, or a CNC workhorse, the UK market has options across budgets and skill levels. Shop smart, compare features, and don’t be afraid to ask other makers for their honest experience — nothing beats real-world feedback when you’re making a big decision.

Conclusion: Choosing the right lathe comes down to matching machine size and power to the projects you want to do, buying from a retailer that supports your needs, and focusing on build quality and tooling. Take your time, compare prices across specialist stores and online marketplaces, and you’ll find a lathe that suits your workshop and your wallet.