Tool picks
Tool picks for the home metal shop
Mini lathes, measuring tools, cutting tools, workholding and shop machines, each with a beginner, intermediate and expert pick researched from published specs and owner reviews.
SheetTool picks
BasisResearched
Checked2026-09-24
Tool picksBest mini lathe for a home metal shopTop pick from $609.90. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest benchtop metal lathe for serious hobby workTop pick from $1099.90. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest benchtop mill for a home metal shopTop pick from $1699.00. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest digital calipers for a home metal shopTop pick from $77.95. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest outside micrometers for a home machine shopTop pick from $86.01. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest dial indicators and magnetic bases for a home shopTop pick from $57.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest height gauges and surface plates for a home shopTop pick from $149.77. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest end mill sets for a home metal shopTop pick from $58.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest lathe tool set for a home metal shopTop pick from $43.69. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest quick change tool post for a mini latheTop pick from $139.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest drill bit sets for metal in a home shopTop pick from $59.40. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest tap and die sets for a home metal shopTop pick from $39.85. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest reamer sets for a home metal shopTop pick from $25.09. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest machinist vise for a home metal shopTop pick from $121.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest collet set for a home metal shopTop pick from $46.89. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest clamping kit and parallels for a home metal shopTop pick from $61.50. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest bandsaw for cutting metal in a home shopTop pick from $274.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest drill press for drilling metal in a home shopTop pick from $379.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest bench grinder for sharpening HSS lathe toolsTop pick from $83.29. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest cutting fluid for a home metal shopTop pick from $13.77. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest deburring tools and files for a home metal shopTop pick from $9.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest machining books for a home metal shopTop pick from $84.70. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest DRO kit for a lathe or millTop pick from $210.70. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest lathe chuck and accessories for a home metal shopTop pick from $142.94. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest machinist tool chests for calipers and precision toolsTop pick from $169.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.Tool picksBest safety gear for a home metal shopTop pick from $13.99. Beginner, intermediate and expert tiers.