Proxxon Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready vs Taig Micro Lathe II L1017-5C
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready and Micro Lathe II L1017-5C are not direct competitors: very different prices (~3.2×). Micro Lathe II L1017-5C costs less (~€900) and is the entry-level choice; Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready offers more capability at a higher price (~€2850). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready
Proxxon
F2 · Intermediate
|
Micro Lathe II L1017-5C
Taig
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2600–3100 € | ~820–980 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40 × 90 × 30 cm | 39.37 × 46.99 × – cm |
| Weight (kg) | 45 kg | — |
| Z-axis height (mm) | — | 203.2 mm |
| Power (W) | 870 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 2800 rpm | 4000 rpm |
| Declared precision | — | 0.0127 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Swing over bed (mm) | 85 mm | 114.3 mm |
| Distance between centers (mm) | 400 mm | 222.25 mm |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The machine includes neither a controller nor software: the choice of control ecosystem is entirely up to the user. Proxxon sells the complete CNC kit separately (NO 24 500), which includes a proprietary Windows-compatible control unit via RS-232/USB. Alternatively, the machine is compatible with third-party controllers that handle stepper motors through a standard interface; the axis connections are factory-prepared. Open-source software such as Mach3, LinuxCNC or equivalent solutions has been used successfully by community members, but these are not officially supported configurations by Proxxon. | The lathe is entirely manual with no software interface or CNC control of any kind. The unit ships with pulleys and a four-step 2L belt, but without a motor: the user must source a compatible 1750 RPM motor and, if needed, an external inverter for speed regulation. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 2850 € vs Micro Lathe II L1017-5C 900 € — Micro Lathe II L1017-5C wins (+217%)
- Distance between centers: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 400 mm vs Micro Lathe II L1017-5C 222.25 mm — Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready wins (+80%)
- Swing over bed: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 85 mm vs Micro Lathe II L1017-5C 114.3 mm — Micro Lathe II L1017-5C wins (+34%)
Which one to choose
Choose Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready if…
you value distance between centers.
Choose Micro Lathe II L1017-5C if…
you value price and swing over bed.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.