Germany
Model-scale machines built properly, and honest about their scale
Proxxon makes small machines properly rather than large machines cheaply, and the distinction matters. The DB 250 micro lathe has electronic speed control, which most machines of that size do not, and a faceplate for larger work.
This is a spindle lathe for pens, bottle stoppers, small boxes, model and clock parts. It will turn a small faceplate piece and it will not turn a salad bowl. Buying it for bowl work is the one way to be disappointed by it.
Rim speed follows diameter. A 30 mm (1.18 in) pen blank and an 80 mm (3.15 in) faceplate blank at the same rpm are moving at very different speeds at the surface, and the larger one needs slowing — otherwise it chatters, burns, and in the worst case leaves the plate.
Proxxon builds and supports its range for a long time, which on a machine bought for a hobby that lasts decades is worth more than the specification sheet suggests.
Micro lathe · electronic speed control
A micro lathe for model work, with proper electronic speed control and a faceplate — and no pretensions to being a furniture machine.
Best for: Pens, small boxes, model parts — precise work at small scale
≈ $295
