1.much space.

You can purchase it and not worry about how to store it.
Metal lathe
Metal lathes are complex machines with automated functions, making them heavier and larger. These machines are usually placed in a workshop.

Metal lathes are not portable because of their larger size. It is mainly used for stationary work, so you will need to mount it on any surface to do woodturning.
The portability of the device
Wood lathe
A wood lathe's smaller size makes it easily portable. You may have to exert some physical effort to move it.
Your lathe can be used as a mobile device as it does not need to be mounted to any surface.

2.Use

Metal lathe
The metal lathes are equipped with many automated processes
Wood lathe
Even the most expensive wood lathes are still manual., as they have programmed components. You can control speed and turn angles with this.

3.Accuracy

Metal lathe
There is virtually no chance of error with a computerized metal lathe. You can use it easily, as you only need to program it to be suitable.

The lathe can be used to carve small pieces for machines, as it is extremely precise and accurate.
Wood lathe

You are more likely to make mistakes with this tool, as it is manual and less precise. This tool requires you to be very careful and attentive.


4.Health Issues

Metal lathe
Due to its high rotational speed, you need to use caution when operating your metal lathe. The metal working piece can cause you to become blinded by the metal dust and sparks.
This device is not only noisy, but it can also be harmful to your ears. To be safe, follow the safety tips listed below.
Wood lathe
It is important to always take safety precautions, even though a wood lathe may not be difficult to use.
If you are in direct contact with the rotating wood, it can still cause injury. The wood dust can also get into your eye. Always wear safety goggles to ensure your protection.

5.Price
Metal lathe
Metal lathes are expensive because of their high power, complexity and advanced features. This machine is a great value for the money, considering all it can do.
Wood lathes are available in different types.
Wood lathe
This type of lathe is more affordable due to its straightforward design.To get the best wood lathe experience, you only need to spend $300.

6.Size
Mini/Benchtops: These have the shortest distance between centers (20 inches or less). These types also have a SOB (Swing Over Bed), which is 12 inches or less.
Midi: This type has a smaller range of DBC. They are often below 20 inches. They usually have a SOB of 12 inches or more.
Full-size lathes: these are usually four foot high. These lathes are large and have a wide DBC. They can reach up to 45 inches. The SOB diameter typically exceeds 15 inches.

Also known as imitation turning lathe, this is a copying wood lathe. The stylus is used here to shape the wood using a template. It is better for creating repetitive irregular shapes.
Automatic Wood Lathe: These machines can rotate automatically in accordance with the processing order. These lathes can automatically feed, retract, and turn the product.
Vertical Wood Lathes: Their main axis of rotation is vertical. They have horizontal beds. These machines are ideal for small-sized workpieces with large diameters.

Traditional wood lathes are available in a variety of types.
Strap Lathes: These are the oldest types and require two people to operate.
Bow Lathes: These are improved versions of strap lathes, as they can only be operated by one person.

Metal lathes come in many different types.
Conventional Engine Lathe or Center Lathe : This is the most common manual lathe machine. It's used mainly for turning, threading, knurling and grooving.
Inverter or Speed Lathes are lathes that have inverters to control the main spindle motors. These lathes have high spindle speed and are used mainly in metal spinning and polishing.
Turret or Capstan lathes: These are semi-automatic machines that are used primarily for repetitive turning of parts. These machines are unique in that they can perform several cutting processes without having to install and remove the tools.
ToolRoom and Bench Lathes. Toolroom lathes offer high precision and speed, and are an alternative to conventional engine lathes.
The name bench lathe comes from the fact that they are mounted on a workbench and are mainly used to turn small projects.
Tracer lathes are also known as automatic copy turning lathes. When CNC lathes weren't available, tracer lathes cut profiles. They can produce a variety of cylindrical and profile shapes.
Horizontal Lathes & Vertical Lathes are used for a variety of tasks, including threading pipe, threading shafts, grooving and rounding, profiling, Inch and Metric threading and drilling.
Vertical lathes can only be used for high-powered and heavy-duty cutting processes. These lathes are used for heavy pieces of work that a horizontal machine cannot handle.
CNC Lathes: These CNC lathes are computer-controlled and can perform many complex tasks at the same time. These machines can also perform many operations quickly, saving a great deal of time.

For details, please refer to the following link：https://www.xendolltools.com/category/micro-cnc-machine.html