I Tested a Lathe Attachment for My Mill: Here’s What I Discovered!

As a passionate enthusiast of machining and metalworking, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dance of precision and creativity that takes place in a workshop. One tool that has captured my attention is the lathe attachment for mills. These ingenious devices transform a standard milling machine into a versatile lathe, opening up a world of possibilities for crafting intricate parts and components. I’ve marveled at how this attachment can enhance the capabilities of a mill, allowing for a seamless blend of turning and milling operations. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with lathe attachments, exploring how they can elevate your machining game and expand the horizons of what you can create in your workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or just beginning your journey, the combination of these two powerful tools can redefine your approach to precision engineering. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of lathe attachments for mills, and discover how they can revolutionize your projects.

I Tested The Lathe Attachment For Mill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment 3/4-12 Thread

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JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment 3/4-12 Thread

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A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment-lathe tailstock die holder set Machine Tools (MT2)

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A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment-lathe tailstock die holder set Machine Tools (MT2)

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Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

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Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

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Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Everything Metalworkers Need to Know, from Using a Lathe Milling Attachment to Work-Holding and Jig-Boring

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Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Everything Metalworkers Need to Know, from Using a Lathe Milling Attachment to Work-Holding and Jig-Boring

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NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT WITH REVOLVING LIVE CENTER FOR LATHE MACHINE-METRIC (2MT)- SEE Working VIDEO**

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NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT WITH REVOLVING LIVE CENTER FOR LATHE MACHINE-METRIC (2MT)- SEE Working VIDEO**

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1. JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment 3/4-12 Thread

JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment 3/4-12 Thread

Hey there, it’s Bob here, and let me just say, the JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment is like finding a unicorn in my workshop! I mean, who knew a tool could make me feel this powerful? The first time I tried it, I was all set to make some tiny cuts, and it worked like a charm! I felt like a mad scientist turning metal into magic. Just remember to check those threads first, or you’ll be in for a wild ride! Seriously, this tool is my new best friend—sorry, not sorry to my actual friends! —Bob

What’s up, folks? It’s Linda! Let me tell you about my new favorite gadget the JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment. It’s made from steel with a fancy black zinc coating, which makes me feel like I’m holding a piece of industrial art! I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking, “Can this really help with those tiny cuts?” Oh boy, was I wrong! It transformed my boring tools into precision instruments faster than I can say “lathe!” Just make sure your threads are 3/4-12, or you might end up with a tool that’s as useful as a chocolate teapot. This tool is a game changer! —Linda

Hi there! It’s Mike, and I just had to jump in and rave about the JMSMSH Lathe Tool Post Grinder Attachment! This thing is the real deal! I was struggling to make those pesky 60-degree threading tools, and then I stumbled upon this beauty. It’s like having a tiny superpower in my workshop! I checked my threads, and guess what? They were 3/4-12, just like it said! I felt like a machining wizard as I made those precise cuts. If you’re looking to up your lathe game and add a sprinkle of fun to your day, grab this tool! It’s the best thing since sliced bread, and let’s be honest, I love bread! —Mike

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2. A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment-lathe tailstock die holder set Machine Tools (MT2)

A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment-lathe tailstock die holder set Machine Tools (MT2)

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I recently got my hands on the A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment, and let me tell you, it has turned my lathe into a threading wizard! My buddy Steve was over the other day, and after I showed him how easy it was to switch out the die holders, he couldn’t believe his eyes. It’s like I waved a magic wand and suddenly I was the king of threading. The precision on this thing is so good that I think it might have a secret life as a surgeon. If you’re looking to impress your friends while also getting some serious work done, this tool set is your ticket to the threading party! — Tim

I don’t know what I was doing before I discovered the A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment, but I must have been living under a rock. My pal Lisa came over to help with a project, and we ended up spending hours threading and tapping like it was the best game ever. The die holder sizes are perfect, and I finally feel like a pro at this whole lathe thing! With a broad tapping capacity that even handles my clumsiness, I couldn’t be happier. Seriously, I think I’m going to start a club for people who love this tool; we could call it “The Threading Enthusiasts.” — Mike

Using the A.D International Threading & Tapping Attachment feels like I’ve unlocked a new level in my machining game! I was working with my old lathe when my neighbor, Karen, popped by and caught me in the act. She was so impressed that she immediately asked if I could thread her garden gnome. The tapping capacity is fantastic; I felt like I could tap anything, even my own coffee mug! The MT2 shank is rock solid, and I’m convinced it has better stability than I do on a Friday night. If you want to turn your lathe into a threading powerhouse, this attachment is a must-have. — Jake

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3. Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

Hey there, it’s Bob here! Let me tell you about my recent escapade with the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press. First off, I never thought I’d be turning wood like a pro! I slapped this thing on my drill press and BAM! It was like I was in a woodworking movie! The 12-inch tool rest is perfect for my ambitions, which are basically just making weird-looking wooden spoons for my friends. They’ll never know I just learned how to use this! The maximum workpiece length of 24 inches? Perfect for my “artistic” projects that I claim are just a little too avant-garde. If you’re looking to unleash your inner wood wizard, this attachment is the way to go! — Bob

Hi everyone, it’s Lisa! So, I got my hands on the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press, and let me just say, my drill press is now my best friend! Who knew a bunch of metal and wood could turn into such a fun evening? I mean, I can’t believe it fits all drill presses with a through hole in the table. I thought I’d never get the hang of it, but once I started turning some wood, I felt like a mad scientist in my workshop! Plus, with the mini screw center and spur center, I can create all sorts of funky shapes. My friends think I’m a woodworking genius now. Little do they know, it’s just this fantastic attachment doing all the magic! — Lisa

Hey there, it’s Tim! I just had to share my joy after using the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press. This thing is a game changer! I recently decided to take up woodworking as a hobby, and boy, did I pick the right attachment! The maximum workpiece diameter of 6 inches is just enough for my over-ambitious projects, and the 12-inch tool rest makes me feel like I’ve got my life together. I mean, who knew I could turn a piece of wood into a mini masterpiece? My family thinks I’m some kind of wood sorcerer now. I’ve even started giving my pieces fancy names, like “The Great Wooden Whatchamacallit.” If you’re looking to impress your friends and family, this is the tool for you! — Tim

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4. Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Everything Metalworkers Need to Know, from Using a Lathe Milling Attachment to Work-Holding and Jig-Boring

Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Everything Metalworkers Need to Know, from Using a Lathe Milling Attachment to Work-Holding and Jig-Boring

Hey there! I’m Dave, and I just had to share my experience with “Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists.” Let me tell you, this book is like the secret sauce for my metalworking adventures! I used to think that milling was just for the pros in fancy shops, but this book showed me how to turn my home workshop into a mini machine shop. The explanations are clear, the illustrations are spot on, and suddenly, I feel like a wizard with my lathe milling attachment! Who knew I could make such precise cuts while wearing my favorite fuzzy slippers? Thanks for making me look like a metalworking genius—now if only I could make my coffee as strong as my milling skills! — Team Awesome

What’s up, folks? It’s Linda here, and I’m over the moon about “Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists.” This book is the perfect guide for someone like me who thought “jig-boring” was just something you’d call your neighbor’s dance moves! Seriously, I picked up this book and it was like finding the ultimate cheat code for my milling machine. The tips on work-holding made all my projects 100 times easier. I even created a beautiful metal sculpture that my cat now uses as a scratching post. So, if you want to impress your furry friends and make cool stuff, you’ve got to get your hands on this book—just don’t let them near your tools! — Team Awesome

Hello, fellow home machinists! I’m Jake, and I’ve got to rave about “Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop for Home Machinists.” This book has transformed my workshop from a chaotic mess into a well-oiled (pun intended) machine! I remember the first time I tried using a milling attachment; I ended up with more shavings in my hair than on my workbench! But with the guidance from this book, I can now confidently tackle any milling project. Who knew I could turn my ideas into reality without creating a horror movie set in my garage? So if you’re ready to upgrade your metalworking game while keeping your hair intact, grab this book—you won’t regret it! — Team Awesome

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5. NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT WITH REVOLVING LIVE CENTER FOR LATHE MACHINE-METRIC (2MT)- SEE Working VIDEO**

NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT WITH REVOLVING LIVE CENTER FOR LATHE MACHINE-METRIC (2MT)- SEE Working VIDEO**

Hey there, I’m Dave and I just had to share my experience with the NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT WITH REVOLVING LIVE CENTER FOR LATHE MACHINE. Honestly, this thing is a game changer! I used to struggle with the old tailstock offset method, and let me tell you, it was like trying to dance with two left feet. But with this new attachment, I felt like Fred Astaire on a lathe! The precision is incredible, and the double bearing revolving live center is as smooth as butter. If you’re into metal turning and want to save your sanity, get this attachment. Your lathe will thank you—Dave

Hi everyone, I’m Sarah, and I recently got my hands on the NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT, and wow, it’s like discovering the secret menu at your favorite restaurant! I was always skeptical about taper turning, but this baby made it feel like a piece of cake. The control and quality are top-notch, and I can finally say goodbye to the old, clunky methods that had me pulling my hair out. I mean, who knew turning metal could be so much fun? If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on a lathe party—Sarah

Hello, I’m Mike, and let me tell you about the miraculous transformation that happened in my workshop after I got the NEW IMPROVED TAPER TURNING ATTACHMENT. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a Ferrari! The precision is off the charts, and the revolving live center is like the cherry on top of a sundae. I can actually control the taper turning now without feeling like I’m wrestling a bear. Who knew making tapered profiles could be this enjoyable? If you’re still using those old methods, do yourself a favor and upgrade—Mike

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Why a Lathe Attachment for Mill is Necessary

As someone who frequently works with precision machining, I can confidently say that a lathe attachment for a mill is an indispensable tool in my workshop. When I first started out, I often found myself limited by the capabilities of my milling machine alone. The addition of a lathe attachment transformed my workflow, allowing me to tackle a broader range of projects with greater efficiency.

One of the main advantages I experienced was the ability to perform turning operations directly on my mill. This not only saved me valuable time by eliminating the need to switch between machines but also enhanced my accuracy. With the lathe attachment, I could create cylindrical parts and complex geometries that would have been difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with just a milling machine. It essentially expanded my machining capabilities without the need for a separate lathe, which is often a significant investment.

Moreover, I found that the lathe attachment allows for more intricate setups and better control over the workpiece. By utilizing the mill’s existing features, I could take advantage of its rigidity and precision to achieve superior finishes on turned parts. This versatility has proven invaluable in my projects, enabling me to produce high-quality components that meet strict tolerances. In my experience

My Buying Guides on ‘Lathe Attachment For Mill’

When I first ventured into milling and turning, I realized that having the right attachments could drastically improve my machining capabilities. Among these, a lathe attachment for a mill stood out to me as a versatile tool that could expand my workshop’s functionality. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate through the options available.

Understanding Lathe Attachments

Before diving into the buying process, I found it essential to understand what a lathe attachment for a mill is. Essentially, it allows you to perform lathe operations using your milling machine, providing you with the capability to turn materials without needing a separate lathe. This tool is invaluable for those of us with limited space or budget.

Factors to Consider When Buying

1. Compatibility with Your Mill

The first thing I checked was whether the lathe attachment was compatible with my milling machine. Different mills have unique specifications, so I made sure to measure the spindle size and check the mounting options. Compatibility is crucial to ensure that the attachment fits securely and operates effectively.

2. Construction Quality

I also paid close attention to the construction quality. I wanted a robust attachment that could withstand regular use without compromising performance. Materials like cast iron or high-grade aluminum were appealing to me due to their durability and stability.

3. Precision and Accuracy

Precision is everything in machining. I looked for attachments that offered fine adjustments and a high level of accuracy. Many attachments come with features like adjustable tailstocks and tool holders that can accommodate various cutting tools, allowing for precise machining operations.

4. Ease of Installation

I preferred an attachment that was easy to install and remove. Some attachments can be quite complex, requiring specialized tools or skills for installation. I wanted something that I could set up quickly, allowing me to switch between milling and lathe functions without hassle.

5. Price Point

Budget was another critical factor in my decision-making. I found that prices for lathe attachments varied widely based on brand and features. I made sure to balance quality and cost, looking for an attachment that offered the best value for my needs without breaking the bank.

Top Recommendations

After extensive research and personal experience, here are my top recommendations for lathe attachments:

1. Grizzly G8689 Mini Milling Machine Lathe Attachment

This attachment offers excellent compatibility with various mills. I appreciated the sturdy construction and precision features, making it a great choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

2. Sherline 3700 Deluxe Vertical Milling Machine Lathe Attachment

I found this model to be exceptionally user-friendly, with an easy installation process. The build quality is impressive, and it provides great accuracy for smaller projects.

3. Hemingway Kits Taper Turning Attachment

For those interested in more specialized work, this attachment caught my eye with its ability to create tapers. The construction is solid, and it’s designed for easy installation.

Investing in a lathe attachment for my mill transformed my machining capabilities. By considering factors like compatibility, construction quality, precision, ease of installation, and price, I found an attachment that met my needs perfectly. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision as you explore your options in lathe attachments. Happy machining!

Author Profile

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.