Help me buy my first Mini Lathe

[cnc2k]

Here is a better deal for 9x20 lathe
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45861

[RotarySMP]

All the 7X you can buy today are the same. Get the one that is cheapest, nearest, most accesories.

I have a 7X12, but only got it due to space (it's on my Balcony in Downtown Vienna). If space is not such an issue, get a 9X or bigger.

[claas900]

..Hello,im looking at the HF 7x lathe also,im new to it and dont know much..Im wanting to make titanium a-arms and rotors for my ATV..for the arms ill need to make threaded inscrts for the arms, tubing will be 1" with1/2 threaded inscerts and the rotors are about 6" in DI..
..will the HF have enoughf power to cut titanium?..Thanks Patrick

[RotarySMP]

Power is one big limitation on these machines.

If you have the space, get a 9x lathe or bigger.

[claas900]

..ok RotarySMP Thanks,ill try to keep an eye out for a used one or save some more money for a 9X....I do like the idea of haveing a bigger one,space really isnt an issue,but at the same time i dont want to wate space with one to big....Thanks Again Patrick

[RotarySMP]

Good decision. The 7X machines are a great machine for their price, but turning 6" diameter is a huge PITA and the power available makes cuts out on that diameter a good patience training.

I only bought a 7x beacuase I'm limited to about 2 sqare feet of space on an inner city apartment balcony as a machine shop. I don't regret buying the 7x, but would have goot something much bigger (and will when I have more space).

The 7x is also a good choice for those doing smaller model making, but you aren't.

[claas900]

..I was sure it would have a hard time cutting someinthing 6"..But I wont have to something that big often so i was kinda hopeing i could just deal with it for thos times...But like I said,Im going to be cutting a lot of Ti metal and thats what i feard it wouldnt cut very well..Thanks again..

[Celtichawk]

I got one of the 7x14 chinese lathes last year. It's cheap so that means it needs lots of mods to tighting everything up, one of my first mods was to make a ballbearing crossslide extension for it, now its as smooth as butter, lovely to use compared to the original form. If you have the money get a bigger, better lathe unless you want to spend time modifying it, especially if you intend to do any car work. My decision was based on the fact that the 7x14 was the biggest I could get that I could lift by myself, plus there are great websites for modifying it

[BlueMonster]

This is all good info. I am also looking for my first lathe. I am unsure of the details, but I have about $700 to spend on one.

From what I have read, the Taig is not a good choice. I want to make RC wheels as the largest I can think of, up to about 5" in outer diameter.

I was kind of leaning towards this one...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33684

Anyone have any info on this one?