Which Lathe?

[MoparAndy04]

I'm in the market for a lathe. Sorry if I ask really obvious and or stupid questions as I am new lathes. I've wanted one for quite some time now and I have finally decided it's time. I am in need of some opinions as well as some info. Any help with be greatly appreciated.

First off, I'd like to keep the price under $550. I have been looking at either a Cummins 7x12, or a Harbor Freight 8x12. Now, what are the benifits of going from the 7x12 to the 8x12? Are there any? Also, what would the thickest roundbar the 8x12 could hold compared to the 7x12? Is there even a difference? Please, any info you can give me would be very helpful. I'm kind of lost in all the decisions. Thanks!

[GaryCorlew]

One thing to think about is that at some time you will want to drill into the end of a piece and the shorter the distance between the centers the more difficult it will be

[Ed Boysun]

It is really an 8X14 and much heavier than is listed in many of the HF catalogs. It is a heavier and more substantial machine the the 9X20s. I just got one about a month ago & am quite happy with it. I think it is still on sale for $439 + $50 freight anywhere in the USA. Parts also had the following accessories in stock and it took about a week to get them: Faceplate $12.42, Follow rest $16.57, Steady rest $17.63. 5" Four jaw chuck @ $58.50 is still on BO.
I have posted some pics of the lathe and table I made for it here: 8X12 Lathe

Ed B.

[scottsh]

I bought a Lathemaster 8x14. It is basically an 8x12 but is a bit more expensive due to the fact that the lead screw is fractional, not metric. I have had it for a little over three years and have been very happy with it.
Another thing about the "8's" is that their change gears are metal, not plastic. The "7's" are plastic and from what I have heard are easily damaged.

The Lathemaster is a bit out of your stated price range but definately worth the extra $.

[Ed Boysun]

The HF 8X12 also has true inch lead screws. Aside from the color of paint and included accessories, it is the same lathe as the LM.
Having inch lead-screws, it cuts true inch threads for most pitches. Its metric threads are only close approximations. One puzzler to me is its inability to cut true 13 TPI for 1/2 inch bolts. There is a combination of gears that gets very close but not quite. Will your LM cut 13 TPI threads?

[scottsh]

No, I can't get true 13tpi with the lathemaster with the supplied change gears as far as I can tell. The closest I can get is
12.995.

[acondit]

Ed,

I did some calculations for somebody else of some possible gear combinations that would allow them to thread 13tpi. I seem to recall that the HF 8x12 has a 12 tpi leadscrew? I think the solution involved getting (or making) a 78 tooth gear for the lathe. If you need more info I'll try to find my earlier calculations.

Alan

[Ed Boysun]

I'm sure that's correct. I also did some calculations and came up with a 78 tooth gear.(I think? Can't find the piece of scratch paper right now.) I looked at the selection of gears that is offered for sale on the LM site. He does not offer this gear either.

[philbur]

I think that 12.995 is plenty good enough for any class of work you can reasonably expect to attempt on a machine such as this. If my calc is correct that's a descepency of 0.005" in a 12" long thread. That's almost for sure within the tolerance of the lead screw in the first place.

Regards
Phil

Originally Posted by scottsh No, I can't get true 13tpi with the lathemaster with the supplied change gears as far as I can tell. The closest I can get is 12.995.