BACHIN Wood Lathe Metalworking Review
Our verdict
The BACHIN Wood Lathe is a 24-volt, 1.75-kilogram micro lathe priced at $37.99 that reaches 8000 RPM, earning 3.8 stars across 824 reviews, which signals borderline acceptance from a large owner base drawn in by its very low price.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Crafters and hobbyists who want a micro lathe for pen blanks, small figurines, or beginner wood turning experiments at the absolute lowest entry cost.
Skip if
You plan any sustained or serious woodturning work. The 1.75-kilogram weight and 24-volt supply mean this is a tabletop craft tool, not a workshop lathe.
- Power Source Corded Electric
- Voltage 24 Volts
- Amps 4.17 Amps
- Speed 8000 RPM
- Weight 1.75 Kilograms
- Priced 93% below the category median ($538.64 across 8 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating3.8/5
3.8 average across 824 owner ratings
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Popularity5.0/5
824 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The BACHIN Wood Lathe is the lowest-cost option in this batch at $37.99 and one of the most-reviewed, with 824 owner ratings. Its spec sheet reflects its class: 24 volts, 4.17 amps, and 8000 RPM from a corded electric supply, all in a machine weighing just 1.75 kilograms. This is a micro lathe by any measure, closer to a hobby craft tool than the benchtop machines that make up the rest of this comparison.
The 8000 RPM figure is the standout spec. High rotational speed in a lightweight machine is useful for very small-diameter work like pen blanks, small handles, and decorative items where surface speed at small diameters requires high RPM to feel smooth. The tradeoff is that the machine's 1.75-kilogram mass provides no vibration damping, which becomes a limitation as workpiece size increases even slightly.
At 3.8 stars across 824 reviews, the BACHIN sits exactly at the satisfaction floor. It passes, but just barely, and the large review count gives a clear statistical picture: a meaningful number of the 824 owners did not find it met their expectations. For $37.99 and a micro lathe form factor, buyers who limit their expectations to small craft work will likely be satisfied. Anyone expecting workshop-level performance will not.
Pros
- 824 reviews provides one of the largest data sets in this batch for gauging real-world owner experience
- 8000 RPM is a high ceiling for small-diameter work like pen blanks and miniature turning
- $37.99 price removes financial risk for first-time lathe buyers
- 1.75 kg weight makes it fully portable for craft fairs or travel use
Cons
- 1.75 kg mass is far too low for vibration damping on anything beyond the smallest workpieces
- 24-volt supply and 4.17-amp draw give limited torque for hard stock or any meaningful diameter
- 3.8-star rating from 824 reviews means a large absolute number of dissatisfied owners
Specifications
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 24 Volts |
| Amps | 4.17 Amps |
| Speed | 8000 RPM |
| Weight | 1.75 Kilograms |
Performance notes
The BACHIN Wood Lathe operates on 24-volt corded electric power drawing 4.17 amps and reaching 8000 RPM. At 1.75 kilograms, the machine is a micro lathe only. Its high RPM ceiling suits very small-diameter work where rotational speed is needed to maintain surface speed. The limited amperage means torque is restricted to soft, small stock. Any workpiece larger than a pen blank or small handle will quickly exceed the useful performance envelope of this machine.
What buyers say
Based on 824 reviews averaging 3.8 stars, the BACHIN Wood Lathe sits at the borderline of owner satisfaction. At this volume, the data is statistically stable. Owners who use it within its intended micro-lathe range tend to rate it positively; those who attempt more demanding turning report vibration, motor strain, and inconsistent results. The price point draws buyers across a wide range of expectations, which contributes to the spread in ratings.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the BACHIN Wood Lathe turn small bowls?
Based on its 1.75-kilogram weight and 24-volt, 4.17-amp supply, this lathe is not suited for bowl turning. It is designed for small-diameter work such as pen blanks and miniature spindles. Attempting bowl blanks will produce vibration and motor strain.
Is 8000 RPM useful for hobby woodturning?
At very small diameters such as pen blanks and small handles, 8000 RPM provides smooth surface speed. For larger stock, such high RPM becomes unsafe and unnecessary. The BACHIN's high RPM ceiling is most useful when workpieces stay under roughly 2 inches in diameter.
What is the minimum lathe I should consider for workshop-grade woodturning?
For sustained workshop use, look for lathes weighing at least 70 pounds with dedicated AC power circuits. The WEN 3424T at $362.29 and 70.3 pounds is the lowest-cost option in this batch that crosses into workshop territory. Questions? Reach us at hello@toolgalaxy.com.