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expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 10, 2023 10:20 AM
expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 10, 2023 10:20 AM

WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe (Variable Speed, Two Direction)

+ Free Shipping

$531

$885

40% off
Amazon
36 Comments 48,502 Views
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Deal Details
Amazon has WEN 7" x 12" Benchtop Metal Lathe (ML712) on sale for $530.87. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal.

Features:
  • Turn aluminum, steel, brass, and more up to 12 inches in length or 7 inches in diameter
  • Two full variable speed ranges allow for operation anywhere from 100 to 2500 RPM in either direction
  • Threading dial indicator helps turn 18 different screw thread sizes ranging from 12 to 52 TPI
  • Operate either manually or with the adjustable auto feed
  • Features a 3-jaw chuck, 5/16-inch capacity tool post, an MT3 spindle taper, an MT2 tailstock taper, a 5/16-inch tool rest, a 4-amp motor

Editor's Notes

Written by StrawMan86 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Our research indicates that this offer is $149.10 lower (22% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $679.97.
  • About this product:
    • 2-year warranty
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has WEN 7" x 12" Benchtop Metal Lathe (ML712) on sale for $530.87. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal.

Features:
  • Turn aluminum, steel, brass, and more up to 12 inches in length or 7 inches in diameter
  • Two full variable speed ranges allow for operation anywhere from 100 to 2500 RPM in either direction
  • Threading dial indicator helps turn 18 different screw thread sizes ranging from 12 to 52 TPI
  • Operate either manually or with the adjustable auto feed
  • Features a 3-jaw chuck, 5/16-inch capacity tool post, an MT3 spindle taper, an MT2 tailstock taper, a 5/16-inch tool rest, a 4-amp motor

Editor's Notes

Written by StrawMan86 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Our research indicates that this offer is $149.10 lower (22% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $679.97.
  • About this product:
    • 2-year warranty
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+34
Good Deal
Visit Amazon

Price Intelligence

Model: WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe, Variable Speed, Two Direction in Orange | ML712

Deal History 

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Sort: Lowest to Highest | Last Updated 4/4/2026, 10:32 PM
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Amazon$849.97
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Top Comments

blueman123
630 Posts
76 Reputation
On eBay you can get 8x14 new lathe for a similar price. They are much much beefier than the 7x12 kind, i would go strongly consider going that way
climbhard13
214 Posts
85 Reputation
Most used machining equipment is all about the condition. Something high quality like a South Bend or Logan that spent it's whole life being used everyday in a factory is more likely to be worn out than a cheaper import model that a hobbyist bought new and used a few times a year. Make sure everything moves smoothly with minimal backlash, make sure you're getting ALL the parts since you don't want to be on a never ending hunt for parts, and with as much tooling as possible. Seriously, tool steel and chucks and drills will cost you more than the lathe it's self over time.

There are several friendly machining forums like hobbymachinist that are a big source of info. PracticalMachinist is geared more towards professionals but it's a treasure trove of knowledge.
climbhard13
214 Posts
85 Reputation
I had a harbor freight branded one as my first lathe. They work for small bushings and the like but can't take a very deep cut so the work goes slow. Cheap carbide tooling really helps a newbie out so your not grinding your own HSS tooling.

Honestly for this price you can usually find a used old lathe on Craigslist that will have considerably more capacity, versatility, and a higher resale value. Keep in mind though that the footprint will be far far larger.

All said, it's a decent first lathe that you'll end up out growing pretty quickly if you're actually using it on a regular basis. For this price, it's an easy introduction into the amazing world of machining.

36 Comments

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Nov 10, 2023 02:47 PM
6 Posts
Joined Feb 2015
sosekoskiNov 10, 2023 02:47 PM
6 Posts
Man wish their mini mill would go on sale.
1
Nov 10, 2023 05:26 PM
214 Posts
Joined Apr 2012
climbhard13Nov 10, 2023 05:26 PM
214 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank climbhard13

I had a harbor freight branded one as my first lathe. They work for small bushings and the like but can't take a very deep cut so the work goes slow. Cheap carbide tooling really helps a newbie out so your not grinding your own HSS tooling.

Honestly for this price you can usually find a used old lathe on Craigslist that will have considerably more capacity, versatility, and a higher resale value. Keep in mind though that the footprint will be far far larger.

All said, it's a decent first lathe that you'll end up out growing pretty quickly if you're actually using it on a regular basis. For this price, it's an easy introduction into the amazing world of machining.
2
Nov 10, 2023 07:57 PM
630 Posts
Joined Sep 2015
blueman123Nov 10, 2023 07:57 PM
630 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank blueman123

On eBay you can get 8x14 new lathe for a similar price. They are much much beefier than the 7x12 kind, i would go strongly consider going that way
4
1
Pro
Nov 10, 2023 09:15 PM
3,960 Posts
Joined Nov 2013
TrollingBy
Pro
Nov 10, 2023 09:15 PM
3,960 Posts
Quote from sosekoski :
Man wish their mini mill would go on sale.
What's the difference between this one and their mini
2
Nov 10, 2023 09:25 PM
11,912 Posts
Joined May 2005
smartdealsNov 10, 2023 09:25 PM
11,912 Posts
679.97 at wen.com
Nov 10, 2023 11:47 PM
31 Posts
Joined Nov 2020
DesetiJugovicNov 10, 2023 11:47 PM
31 Posts
Quote from blueman123 :
On eBay you can get 8x14 new lathe for a similar price. They are much much beefier than the 7x12 kind, i would go strongly consider going that way
Can you suggest a brand?
Nov 11, 2023 01:17 AM
174 Posts
Joined Sep 2022
testtubegubgubNov 11, 2023 01:17 AM
174 Posts
Quote from TrollingBy :
What's the difference between this one and their mini
Well, this is a lathe, and the guy you're replying to is talking about a mill
1

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Pro
Nov 11, 2023 01:52 AM
3,960 Posts
Joined Nov 2013
TrollingBy
Pro
Nov 11, 2023 01:52 AM
3,960 Posts
Quote from testtubegubgub :
Well, this is a lathe, and the guy you're replying to is talking about a mill
Oh I thought he said mini lathe. You are right, I got cross eyed for a second
1
Nov 11, 2023 01:26 PM
1,681 Posts
Joined Jul 2015
baller11111Nov 11, 2023 01:26 PM
1,681 Posts
Quote from climbhard13 :
I had a harbor freight branded one as my first lathe. They work for small bushings and the like but can't take a very deep cut so the work goes slow. Cheap carbide tooling really helps a newbie out so your not grinding your own HSS tooling.

Honestly for this price you can usually find a used old lathe on Craigslist that will have considerably more capacity, versatility, and a higher resale value. Keep in mind though that the footprint will be far far larger.

All said, it's a decent first lathe that you'll end up out growing pretty quickly if you're actually using it on a regular basis. For this price, it's an easy introduction into the amazing world of machining.
any site or advice on what type / brand / model to look for? hard to tell if something used is any good without some experience under your belt using one
Nov 11, 2023 02:24 PM
31 Posts
Joined Nov 2013
JustinJ3744Nov 11, 2023 02:24 PM
31 Posts
Quote from DesetiJugovic :
Can you suggest a brand?
NOT Grizzly. I've gone through 4 of their lathes. A shop teacher friend of mine recommended one from Penn State Industries so that's what I'll be trying next.
1
1
Nov 11, 2023 03:16 PM
2,084 Posts
Joined Jun 2007
barebottomsNov 11, 2023 03:16 PM
2,084 Posts
Quote from JustinJ3744 :
NOT Grizzly. I've gone through 4 of their lathes. A shop teacher friend of mine recommended one from Penn State Industries so that's what I'll be trying next.
The wood turning company? They have metal lathes?
1
Nov 11, 2023 04:27 PM
214 Posts
Joined Apr 2012
climbhard13Nov 11, 2023 04:27 PM
214 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank climbhard13

Quote from baller11111 :
any site or advice on what type / brand / model to look for? hard to tell if something used is any good without some experience under your belt using one
Most used machining equipment is all about the condition. Something high quality like a South Bend or Logan that spent it's whole life being used everyday in a factory is more likely to be worn out than a cheaper import model that a hobbyist bought new and used a few times a year. Make sure everything moves smoothly with minimal backlash, make sure you're getting ALL the parts since you don't want to be on a never ending hunt for parts, and with as much tooling as possible. Seriously, tool steel and chucks and drills will cost you more than the lathe it's self over time.

There are several friendly machining forums like hobbymachinist that are a big source of info. PracticalMachinist is geared more towards professionals but it's a treasure trove of knowledge.
3
1
Nov 11, 2023 05:06 PM
6,934 Posts
Joined May 2006
diveborgNov 11, 2023 05:06 PM
6,934 Posts
Quote from barebottoms :
The wood turning company? They have metal lathes?
They sell all kinds of metal working machines and tooling. Just look at their website.
Nov 11, 2023 05:09 PM
479 Posts
Joined Oct 2010
NessismNov 11, 2023 05:09 PM
479 Posts
Here is an 8x14 for roughly the same money...https://www.ebay.com/itm/165600986868

The 8" lathe family is far more rigid than the 7" jobbies.
1

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Nov 11, 2023 07:39 PM
2,084 Posts
Joined Jun 2007
barebottomsNov 11, 2023 07:39 PM
2,084 Posts
Quote from diveborg :
They sell all kinds of metal working machines and tooling. Just look at their website.
Grizzly yes, but I don't see metal lathes on Penn State Industries. PSI the lace for wood turning supplies. The posted said next machine won't be a Grizzly and looking to PSI

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