LatheMaster

[anorris]

I have been trying to contact LatheMaster throught emails and phone but haven't had any luck. The phone number I have is 225 753 4385. Is this the correct number? Is LatheMaster still in business?

any help would be appreciated.

archie

[tt_raptor_90]

Hey Archie,

I had the same problem when ordering from Lathemaster. Here is the number that I used: 225-377-7001. Try calling him between 1-3 pm western time. That is when he goes home from his warehouse and then it is easy to reach him. I got that number from the order online shopping cart that he has setup.
Are you getting the 8*14 lathe?

Cheers

Sebastian

[anorris]

thanks a lot. I'll try that number tomorrow. Yes I'm thinking about buying the 8X14. I live near Baton Rouge, Lathemaster's home, so I will save on the shipping. Do you have any experience with their lathe, if so I would be interested in your opinion.

thanks

Archie

[angelballer]

I also have had problems getting ahold of Bob. We exchanged emails a couple times and when I asked how to send money he didn't reply for about a week. If it wasn't a good deal I would have went elsewhere.

You might want to look into Harbor Freight's version of the 8x14. Sometimes Harbor Freight's merchandise is crap and I don't know how well they stand behind their product. If you ever have an issue with a Lathemaster product Bob stands behind it (assuming you can get ahold of him).

Josh

[sanddrag]

As far as I know, the Harbor Freight 8x12 is the same as the LatheMaster 8x14. AFAIK the physical size (and everything else) is not different, just the naming. I believe the HF 8x12 is actuall 8x14 by standard lathe measuring. The lathe is on sale for $440 and you can get 10 or even 20% off sometimes if you have a coupon and order it through a store. That leaves you plenty of money for a two year warranty ($80) that HF claims is unconditional and some tooling. The only difference between HF and Lathemaster is the color afaik. Also, the HF does not include steady rest, follow rest, or splash gaurd that I think the Lathemaster does.

I got my HF 8x12 just the other day. While I have not cut anything with it yet, I am quite pleased so far. It appears to be of good quality and ready to go as soon as the grease is gone. No damage or missing parts. Only a couple screws on the hinges for the belt cover had come off in shipping, but there were right there in the crate.

So far I like it a lot. It is massive compared to the 7x10 (like twice the size).

[tt_raptor_90]

Hey anorris,

I ordered the lathe while at school this term so I have not actually seen it, but my dad has been having a blast at home He says that it is perfect quality and that the cuts are perfect. As for the HF lathe, it missing some important factors that drop the price. 1: it is not the same size, and 2: it does not have the hardened iron bed. My dad also looked at it, but decided that the Lathemaster would be better in the long run, and 250$ for shipping to Canada was a steal!

Sebastian

[sanddrag]

While HF calls it an 8x12, I believe it is actually an 8x14, and nearly identical to the LatheMaster.

On your LatheMaster, is the whole bed hardened? I know on my HF the ways are hardened.

Anyway, congrats on getting an 8x14. I think it is a great machine regardless of where you got it from.

Happy turning!