Turning, facing, boring, drilling, thread cutting, taper turning and milling are all possible on the lathe, and fitted with the right type of accessories, there is almost nothing it can't do. While the purchase cost of a metal lathe might seem to be hard to justify in the shortterm, the machine pays for itself over time by being able to quickly modify, repair or make parts when repairing machinery.

The biggest stumbling block for many when contemplating a metal lathe is the skill required to use it. Like with any workshop task such as welding, skills can be built on by using the tool and becoming familiar with its operation. There is much that can be learnt through books and online videos, and a little instruction from a knowledgeable person can go a long way.

View the PDF report here: Buying a metal lathe