Newbie- HF 8x12 vs HF 7x12 vs. Micromark 7x14

[andrew_h]

Hello - my name is Andrew; I've been lurking the forum for a while but this is my first post.

I am finally in the position to purchase my first mini-lathe, and am considering the HF 8x12 vs. HF 7x12 vs. Micromark 7x14. My plan is to use it mainly for building small model engines, so I'd imagine precision is important (I understand I won't get the ultimate precision machine at this price range, but with the above in mind, which one would be the most bang for the buck?)

The HF 8x12 :
- is cheaper than the Micromark - what makes the Micromark better?
- is $100 more than the HF 7x12, and is 2.5x heavier so I'm guessing it's better, but is it really worth the $100 compared to the 7x12?

Thanks for your advice!

[sansbury]

The general opinion is that the 8x is built in a different factory from the 7x and 9x lathes made by Sieg, and is in an entirely different category quality-wise. I got my 7x10 for about $350 after sale and discounts factored in. There's no way I'd buy a 7x if it was only $100 less than the 8x. You might want to check the mini-lathe group on Yahoo, I think there are a lot of guys there who know the differences better.

[andrew_h]

Thanks!

[C.BRAXMAIER]

I would go with the 8x12]14] micro mark has a good 7x witch is almost ready to turn out of the box, that would be my choice if i was to go with the 7x. I have the 8x12 witch is really 8x14 i got mine from hf they are now on sale at the store for 540. This machine was ready to go out of the crate - accesorys.Also look at lathemaster this is the by far the best 8x they are made in the same factory but lathemaster comes with alot of good stuff. The maker of the 8x is Eagle. Go with the 8x any questions i have both in my shop.

[andrew_h]

Originally Posted by C.BRAXMAIER I would go with the 8x12]14] micro mark has a good 7x witch is almost ready to turn out of the box, that would be my choice if i was to go with the 7x. I have the 8x12 witch is really 8x14 i got mine from hf they are now on sale at the store for 540. This machine was ready to go out of the crate - accesorys.Also look at lathemaster this is the by far the best 8x they are made in the same factory but lathemaster comes with alot of good stuff. The maker of the 8x is Eagle. Go with the 8x any questions i have both in my shop.

Is the lack of speed control and forward/reverse lever an issue?

[C.BRAXMAIER]

I have no problem with speed control just switch the belt to a diferant pully and go. actully i keep mine about in the middle and had no trouble you can still turn chips in reverse but if you want to make a left handed thread you would have to change some things around.

[Jaime128]

Brax, can you turn a car rotor on the 8x12? I'm just wondering if something like this would fit on it?

I have the 7x14 and although I like it, the good thing about the larger 8x12 is that you can probably turn larger items if they ever come up. Hence my question at the top. Also, I think that the 8x12 costs a lot less so you can't beat that. Yes it's a little larger, but the truth is, you really don't move this stuff once you set them somewhere, even the small lathes. But like others have said before, you can put smaller items on the larger lathe, but not the other way around. I don't have large items to work on, but now I wouldn't mind that extra bit of space to work with. Plus you have the 20% coupon this week. Just my two cents.

Originally Posted by C.BRAXMAIER I would go with the 8x12]14] micro mark has a good 7x witch is almost ready to turn out of the box, that would be my choice if i was to go with the 7x. I have the 8x12 witch is really 8x14 i got mine from hf they are now on sale at the store for 540. This machine was ready to go out of the crate - accesorys.Also look at lathemaster this is the by far the best 8x they are made in the same factory but lathemaster comes with alot of good stuff. The maker of the 8x is Eagle. Go with the 8x any questions i have both in my shop.

[high-side]

I own the Micromark, and recently decided to upgrade the head stock to tapered roller-bearings. I was surprised to find that the spindle shaft has plastic gears. Micromark tout's that their lathes have metal gears on the spindle shaft.
I would go for one of the 8x lathes if I did it again.

Pat

Originally Posted by andrew_h Hello - my name is Andrew; I've been lurking the forum for a while but this is my first post. I am finally in the position to purchase my first mini-lathe, and am considering the HF 8x12 vs. HF 7x12 vs. Micromark 7x14. My plan is to use it mainly for building small model engines, so I'd imagine precision is important (I understand I won't get the ultimate precision machine at this price range, but with the above in mind, which one would be the most bang for the buck?) The HF 8x12 : - is cheaper than the Micromark - what makes the Micromark better? - is $100 more than the HF 7x12, and is 2.5x heavier so I'm guessing it's better, but is it really worth the $100 compared to the 7x12? Thanks for your advice!

[Teyber12]

Originally Posted by andrew_h Hello - my name is Andrew; I've been lurking the forum for a while but this is my first post. I am finally in the position to purchase my first mini-lathe, and am considering the HF 8x12 vs. HF 7x12 vs. Micromark 7x14. My plan is to use it mainly for building small model engines, so I'd imagine precision is important (I understand I won't get the ultimate precision machine at this price range, but with the above in mind, which one would be the most bang for the buck?) The HF 8x12 : - is cheaper than the Micromark - what makes the Micromark better? - is $100 more than the HF 7x12, and is 2.5x heavier so I'm guessing it's better, but is it really worth the $100 compared to the 7x12? Thanks for your advice!

hey!

the best "bang for the buck" lathe is the grizzly 10x22"... it is extremely expensive but for what you get its amazing. But believe me... id have one if i could blow a grand on a lathe

it comes with a 5" 3-jaw chuck and a 6-1/2" 4-jaw chuck.

Just some food for thought

cheers!

[C.BRAXMAIER]

Originally Posted by Jaime128 Brax, can you turn a car rotor on the 8x12? I'm just wondering if something like this would fit on it? I have the 7x14 and although I like it, the good thing about the larger 8x12 is that you can probably turn larger items if they ever come up. Hence my question at the top. Also, I think that the 8x12 costs a lot less so you can't beat that. Yes it's a little larger, but the truth is, you really don't move this stuff once you set them somewhere, even the small lathes. But like others have said before, you can put smaller items on the larger lathe, but not the other way around. I don't have large items to work on, but now I wouldn't mind that extra bit of space to work with. Plus you have the 20% coupon this week. Just my two cents.

You would have to have a small rotor, im going to say no on that.