8x12, or 9x20???

[forrest39]

Looking for advice...
I need to get a lathe from HF to turn threads on roton ball screws among other projects. I plan on using it manually for now but eventually convert to CNC.
Looking at both the 8x12 and 9x20 lathes, seems like the extra $150 will get me a slight increase in size but many of the moving parts like motor and spindle are the same.
I have read some reviews on the 9x20 that suggest the compound mount be upgraded from a 2 bolt mount to a 4 bolt mount. Is there a similar upgade requirement for the 8x12?
The lead screw, gears, and motor will all get replaced eventually for CNC friendly stuff so their deficiences don't matter. I don't think...

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks, -4ist

[hoss2006]

The 8X would be the way to go if you plan on cncing it, would be just as heavy duty as the 9X and you won't be spending money on features like the gearbox that would just wind up in the parts bin.
Hoss

[forrest39]

I should-a looked in the lathe section of this list before asking...
This link really helps answer the question:

Which lathe to buy?

Thanks for the reply, Hoss!

-4ist

[bearwen]

I had the same question and ended up finding a 9x lathe on craigslist for $350 so I bought that and i am very glad i did I like the extra size capability I planed to convert to cnc but never have I actually enjoy doing it by hand. I guess if i actually had to do stuff for a living on it that was repetative cnc is good but i really do enjoy turning by hand. Either way you go youll enjoy it. Just a side note have you looked around on crigslist I see lathes all the time for good prices that are old heavy cast iron units. To be honest i have built several cnc routers both from wood and steel ranging from 2'X3' to a 4'X8' and I dont see why it would be a big deal to convert a big 13" atlas lathe to cnc the big difference between that lathe and one of the HF lathes would be longer and bigger screws thats about it. But you would have a lathe that is much heavier and have far more capability.