Which mini lathe would you recommend?

[woody1]

Out of the 6-7 brands made primarily by sieg, which machine in the 7x10-7x12 size range would you pick? Such as Grizzly, Cummins, HF, Homier etc.. Im ready to purchase one, just cant make up my mind. There seems to be a few small differences between all the Sieg manufactured machines. Thanks

[mjarus]

For what it is worth, I just went through the same thing and got a Cummins. Why? Because except for the Homier it was the cheapest, all said and done for a 7x12 shipped. I had the opportunity to get a HF 7x10 at cost, but they never had any in stock. I also hear that the HF 7x10 no longer has a taper on the spindle.

The Homier is $299, the Cummins is $399, but comes with quite a bit of accesories (probably at least worth the $100 difference). Enco would have been a little more ($40 or so) after price, shipping and tax, but no extra accesories and 4 in shorter working area (the 7x10 is really only 8 in)! The MicroMark was quite a bit more (150 or so after price and shipping diff, but no accesories) for a few more bells and whistles that I do not think that I needed. The lady at Cummins was very nice and it only took about 3 days from the time I ordered to get it.

I must have thought about it non-stop for a couple of weeks or so before I bought it. I did every kind of analysis, but in the end I think they are all pretty much the same. BTW, I did look at the 8x14 too, but HF was out of stock.

So, morale of the story is, just get what ever one is cheapest and in stock. I am pretty sure that they are all identical within the same model. It is easy to keep pouring over the subtle differences, but by and large they all do the same thing, so I just went by price.

mjarus.

[woody1]

Originally Posted by mjarus For what it is worth, I just went through the same thing and got a Cummins. Why? Because except for the Homier it was the cheapest, all said and done for a 7x12 shipped. I had the opportunity to get a HF 7x10 at cost, but they never had any in stock. I also hear that the HF 7x10 no longer has a taper on the spindle. The Homier is $299, the Cummins is $399, but comes with quite a bit of accesories (probably at least worth the $100 difference). Enco would have been a little more ($40 or so) after price, shipping and tax, but no extra accesories and 4 in shorter working area (the 7x10 is really only 8 in)! The MicroMark was quite a bit more (150 or so after price and shipping diff, but no accesories) for a few more bells and whistles that I do not think that I needed. The lady at Cummins was very nice and it only took about 3 days from the time I ordered to get it. I must have thought about it non-stop for a couple of weeks or so before I bought it. I did every kind of analysis, but in the end I think they are all pretty much the same. BTW, I did look at the 8x14 too, but HF was out of stock. So, morale of the story is, just get what ever one is cheapest and in stock. I am pretty sure that they are all identical within the same model. It is easy to keep pouring over the subtle differences, but by and large they all do the same thing, so I just went by price. mjarus.

Man I hear ya, im going crazy over here. Probably for no good reason either. I like the variable speed on the 7's and I only do very small combustion engines and such. Homier seems to keep pushing their timeline of when they will have any in stock back. I cant wait 2-3 weeks anymore, im itching bad to get it. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it much.

[sanddrag]

The 7x series are really small and light machines. Consider looking at something like the Harbor Freight 8x12 (which is actually 8x14) As far as I can tell, it is made in China but not by Sieg and appears to be almost identical to the LatheMaster (only difference is the color and name plate as far as I can tel). Physically, it is about twice he size and weight of the 7x10. It appears to be of pretty good quality. Right now, it is on sale for $440 and with the current 20% off coupon that brings it down to only $352 (plus tax of course) What a steal!

[woody1]

Originally Posted by sanddrag The 7x series are really small and light machines. Consider looking at something like the Harbor Freight 8x12 (which is actually 8x14) As far as I can tell, it is made in China but not by Sieg and appears to be almost identical to the LatheMaster (only difference is the color and name plate as far as I can tel). Physically, it is about twice he size and weight of the 7x10. It appears to be of pretty good quality. Right now, it is on sale for $440 and with the current 20% off coupon that brings it down to only $352 (plus tax of course) What a steal!

thats really tempting since I live 15 minutes from an HF retail store were I can use the coupon. I do really like the variable speed on the 7x's. Is manually changing speed a big deal? Also everywhere I read about the 8x12 it indicates 12" centers, how do you get 14"? Thanks

[sanddrag]

You might have a hard time finding it in a store, but if they don't have it, ask them to check other stores or check if you can pick it up directly from the warehouse. I had to get it directly from their Camarillo, CA warehouse. Or, ask if you can have the store order it (using your coupon) and have it shipped to the store or your house. You'll be able to get it somehow.

I read about it being 8x14 here: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...72&postcount=7

and also from fignoggle (www.fignoggle.com)

and to the best of my own measuring ability.

changing speeds isn't too big of a deal. Just takes a wrench to loosen then you can slide the pulley and move the belt.

Overall, the machine is approximately 36 inches long and 20 inches deep and takes two strong people to lift.

The only thing that kind of bugs me about it is the carraige wheel is only graduated in .020 increments. I'll probably rig up a makeshift DRO using a 12" digital caliper.

[woody1]

Originally Posted by sanddrag You might have a hard time finding it in a store, but if they don't have it, ask them to check other stores or check if you can pick it up directly from the warehouse. I had to get it directly from their Camarillo, CA warehouse. Or, ask if you can have the store order it (using your coupon) and have it shipped to the store or your house. You'll be able to get it somehow. I read about it being 8x14 here: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...72&postcount=7 and also from fignoggle (www.fignoggle.com) and to the best of my own measuring ability. changing speeds isn't too big of a deal. Just takes a wrench to loosen then you can slide the pulley and move the belt. Overall, the machine is approximately 36 inches long and 20 inches deep and takes two strong people to lift. The only thing that kind of bugs me about it is the carraige wheel is only graduated in .020 increments. I'll probably rig up a makeshift DRO using a 12" digital caliper.

Thus far the 8x looks the way to go, thanks alot

[woody1]

Well its not possible to get the 8x and use the 20% off coupon unless you live in california and HF had them in stock there. Its an internet only item, sucks

[mjarus]

Welcome to my world... same issue that I had.

I agree that the 8x12 would kick tail for under $400, but the conditions have to be right to get one at that price. I couldn't get the stars to align on that one either.

mjarus

[sanddrag]

So the local store will not order one into the store for you? Even if it is paid for in advance?

[woody1]

Originally Posted by sanddrag So the local store will not order one into the store for you? Even if it is paid for in advance?

Just talked to the manager and he said av ailability is none and its soon to be discontinued. The way harbor freight warehouse and retail stores work is a really crazy thing. Bottom line for me and my 20% off coupon is either the 9x20 for 550 dollars or the 7x10

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by woody1 Just talked to the manager and he said av ailability is none and its soon to be discontinued.

I don’t know if I would believe that, I don’t think the local store manager would have any idea what corporate is planning.

I recently purchased an 8x12 from HF, and have spent more that a few hours in the HF store playing with the 7x and 9x. In my opinion the 8x12 is the best machine out of the 3.

-Dan S.