The 11 best lathes brands in 2026

Myford, Harrison and Emco lead our ranking of 11 lathes brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Lathes brands, ranked

TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.

  1. 1

    Myford

    Myford Spares Counter, Myford Lathes, Myford Original Website, Model Engineering Lathes and Parts built and made in the UK

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Harrison

    Hand selected shoes from only the finest brands like New Balance, Pikolinos, Birkenstock and more.

    Popularity 8.9/10

  3. 3

    Emco

    Every corner of a dream house needs special treatment and touch. Emco is a German brand of bathware essentials founded in 1952. It offers premium quality and exclusive bathroom and sanitary essentials worldwide. Its luxurious range of cabinets, mirrors, bathtubs, washstands, washbasins, and other accessories are exclusively furnished and curated by expert designers for the elite experience. Over 60 years, it has provided absolute bathroom architecture with highly functional fittings and sophisticated designs. Emco works closely with its customers to provide the service according to personal taste and preferences to make you feel home as possible.

    Popularity 7.5/10

  4. 4

    Sandvik

    Sandvik has been a mammoth presence in the niche of industry hardware since its inception in 1942. It has introduced many products and services throughout its course, which uprooted old industry practices and set new ones. Apart from a comprehensive assemblage of tools serving many hardware activities, they allow options for customizing tools and creating tailored tool assemblies. They have a global presence which enables them to provide a vast range of meaningful services.

    Popularity 7.1/10

  5. 5

    ISCAR

    The group of the world’s leading producers of metal removal technology, IMC, comprises fifteen companies within which the largest of all is ISCAR. This company is the dynamic producer of carbide metal networking tools, such as the products having carbide endmills, and is also termed the largest manufacturer of automotive, aerospace, etc., products. It provides engineered solutions to its customers based on their requirements and demand. It aims to supply reliable, premium quality, and productive products globally.

    Popularity 3.7/10

  6. 6

    Axminster

    Axminister Tools has had an eventful journey starting from its humble beginnings as a small high street store specializing in woodworking tools. Beginning as a family business, the company has slowly built itself up over the last 50 years. Today, it is an industry leader in the machinery industry. Their catalog includes products that are used y professionals and amateurs. Axminster Tools are dedicated to its customers and ensure they get the quality they deserve.

    Popularity 2.9/10

  7. 7

    Clarke

    Clarke is a leading global supplier of floor maintenance tools for the corporate world. Customers' demands may be met by its integrated systems, which comprise sweepers and scrubbers, in any setting, including retail chains, airports, schools, and healthcare institutions. They may be used to maintain cleanliness and sanitization in more traffic areas and are completely customizable. With straightforward, dependable, and affordable solutions that deliver top-notch performance and long-lasting durability, Clarke helps keep its clients' floors looking fantastic every day. Clarke provides you with a one-stop-shop solution that is created to match your unique needs.

    Popularity 2.4/10

  8. 8

    CERATIZIT

    CERATIZIT is leading the future of tool production and manufacturing. For over 100 years, the company has continued to specialize in creating the best hardware solutions. The company uses high-technology engineering to create specialized cutting tools and hard material solutions. They hold over 1000 patents and utility models across the world. What's more? The company also has special operations that allow it to create ecologically sustainable and economic products while maintaining its strong quality.

    Popularity 2.0/10

  9. 9

    Schaublin

    Since 1915, Schaublin has been the traditional standard for the highest quality Swiss precision for components and tools on the German market. Now, they also are among the top providers in the mechanical engineering and clamping technology field. The company...

    Popularity 1.9/10

  10. 10

    Walter

    Walter is a custom-made evening gown line that offers the most incredible quality and delicate designs to ensure every customer looks their best at every event. Hundreds of fabric, color, and style possibilities are available. They assist you in making...

    Popularity 1.5/10

  11. 11

    FERM

    Ferm, a Netherlands-based power tools company, has evolved and developed professional tools with over fifty years of experience. From welding to sawing to drilling and much more for every specific purpose, you will find it all at Ferm. The brand...

    Popularity 0.6/10

Lathes Buying Guide

Lathe machines are a universal machine tool for turning, drilling, facing, and threading of workpieces. They have diverse applications in precision machining, workshop production, and are essential for manufacturing industries. Lathes come in various shapes and sizes, and choosing the best one for your workshop or factory can be a challenging task. This guide will give you valuable information that you need to consider when shopping for a lathe machine.

Types of Lathes

There are different types of lathe machines available on the market, and each one is used for specific applications. Here are the most common types of lathes:

Engine Lathes

Engine lathes are the most common type of lathe machine used in workshops, repair shops, and manufacturing industries. They are versatile and can handle a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics. With engine lathes, you can perform various operations such as turning, facing, drilling, boring, and threading, among others.

Turret Lathes

Turret lathes are specialized machines that have a rotating tool head with multiple tools that can be easily changed. These machines are designed for high-volume production of parts that require different operations. With a turret lathe, you can perform drilling, boring, reaming, tapping, and other operations in a single setup. They are commonly used in the production of automobile parts, aerospace components, and other applications that require high-volume production with high precision.

Automatic Lathes

Automatic lathes are designed for high-speed production of small parts. These machines are fully automated and require less human intervention. They are commonly used in the production of electronic components, screws, and pins, among other small parts.

CNC Lathes

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathes are advanced machines that are designed for high-precision machining. They are controlled by computer software that allows for accurate and consistent cuts. With a CNC lathe, you can produce complex parts with tight tolerances, in large quantities. They are commonly used in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lathe

When shopping for a lathe machine, there are several factors that you need to consider to ensure that you make the right choice. Here are the most important factors:

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of the lathe are crucial factors to consider. The size of a lathe is determined by the swing over bed (the diameter of the largest workpiece that can be turned on the lathe) and the distance between centers (the length of the workpiece that can be turned). When choosing a lathe, consider the size of the parts you will be working on and ensure that the lathe can handle them comfortably. If you plan to work on larger parts, go for a machine with a larger swing and distance between centers.

Speed Range

The speed range of the lathe is another critical factor to consider. The speed range is the range in which the lathe can operate, and it is usually determined by the number of belt pulleys that the machine has. Lathes with more belt pulleys have a wider speed range, and they are more versatile. When choosing a lathe, consider the speed range that you need for the applications you will be working on.

Power and Motor Capacity

The power and motor capacity of the lathe are important factors to consider. The power of a lathe is determined by the horsepower (HP) of the motor. The higher the HP, the more power the lathe has, and the more it can handle. When choosing a lathe, consider the power requirements for the applications you will be working on, and ensure that the motor capacity can handle them.

Budget

The budget is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a lathe machine. Lathes come in different price ranges, and the cost is usually determined by the size, capacity, and features of the machine. When shopping for a lathe, set a budget that you are comfortable with, and compare different machines to find the best one that fits your needs and budget.

Build Quality

The build quality of the lathe is another critical factor to consider. Look for a machine that is built with high-quality materials and has a sturdy construction. A well-built lathe will last longer and perform better than a low-quality machine.

Brand Reputation

The reputation of the brand is also an important factor to consider when choosing a lathe. Look for a brand that has a good reputation and positive reviews from customers. A reputable brand is more likely to produce high-quality machines that are reliable and perform well.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lathe machine is crucial for the success of your workshop or factory. Consider the factors mentioned above when choosing a lathe, and ensure that you get a machine that fits your needs, budget, and requirements. With the right lathe machine, you can increase your productivity, reduce your production time, and produce high-quality parts with tight tolerances.