$399 worth it for a HF 7x10?

[mattbesquare]

Just as the title states, I was saving for a time when I could get the grizzly 10x22 which I consider the best optioned lathe for the money.

But most recent Home Shop Machinist had a coupon for the 7x10 mini mill for 399.. I thought it seemed like a good deal for my first lathe, and would be a good basis for a fourth axis or smaller cnc machine later.

I just haven't followed the prices on these because I never thought I would consider one, can it be had for a lower price?


Thanks everyone

[rpovey]

The 7x10 is very short almost 4 inches shorter than the 7x12.
Personally I own a 7x12 and wish I'd waited and gone larger.

[dugpits]

That is an ok price for it. You MAY be able to find one cheaper from time to time on the 'bay. I got mine on e-bay used and the pictures didn't work so I got it kind of cheap - I think including freight sub $300.

I've had fun learning and playing with it - but you outgrow it VERY quickly and want something with some more umph. I too am saving for a G0602, but I'm also wanting to make my own and/or restore an old classic as well...too many projects.

I made a lot of the parts for my G0704 mill conversion on the 7x10, including threading the ballnut mounts and boring the holes in the motor mounts because I didn't have the tooling for the mill. It isn't capable of taking very big cuts at all - even in aluminum - but that can be good as it makes you take your time and think. Parting off on it (at least mine) - is the worst operation though - it tends to trigger the overload frequently.

NOTE...

Consider the tooling that you would buy on this little guy and whether it will translate to the bigger lathe later. Tooling is expensive! I got a quick change tool post (practically a must unless you are extremely patient) - $100. Add some smaller lathe tools - $100. 3" x 4 jaw china chuck - 50-60$...etc.

You will be way over $400 in tooling and accessories - and a lot of it may not prove extremely useful on a 10 size lathe later on.

That being said, I would think that if you kept everything in good condition and learned on it for a while - you would probably be able to get most of that money back selling it used to the next person wanting to learn.


Good luck

-Doug

PS - it is a very short bed lathe, really like a true 7x8, not 7x10.

[luv2ride]

I paid $300 for mine local and didn't want to pay that much. It has been good to learn and does serve a purpose.
Now I wish I had a bigger lathe but maybe later.
The $399 price is the lowest I've seen in a while for new.
If your store doesn't stock it you also have to figure shipping and don't forget tax.
I think used may be the way to go on these little things.

[coherent]

I bought grizzly's mini lathe (7x12 I think) about 3-4 years ago and have been very pleased. At the time I was working on building a mid size cnc machine and found the cost of having the ends of lead screws turned down and threaded for bearings/mounts to be outrageous. For less than the cheapest quoted price for just the machining, I bought the screws from McMaster Carr, lathe, tooling, digital calipers etc., and had fun and learned a lot doing it myself. Since then I've continued learning and have done a number of projects on the lathe. I personally don't have a need for anything larger so it's suited my needs. I suppose it just depends on what you want to do and plans for future lathe projects/needs (and shop space?).

[sansbury]

Stay away from the x10 model. I got mine a few years ago on an impulse and a coupon, got it down to $270 I think. I've thought multiple times about swapping it out for 7x14 or 7x16, but since I have the CNC conversion running, I don't want to redo all that work. I'd save the extra hundred or two and get the 7x12 at least.

If you have the room for a 10x22 but not the money, I'd go for the HF 8x12, it seems to be the best lathe out there until you get to the 10" ones. It's a few hundred more than a 7x and a lot bigger,

[mattbesquare]

Thanks for the feedback. I will hold off, I think. Or look for one at a cheaper price.

[RotarySMP]

The only good reasons to get a 7x are space restriction (like me) or you only make really small parts.

If you have the space, get a bigger machine.