X8 or X9?

[bearwen]

I have the chance to buy a 9X 20 HF lathe that is barely used for $450.00. I was looking at getting the 8 X 12 new even with the 15% discount its over $500. So the question I pose is which one should I get this will be my first lathe and I plan to convert it to CNC as I have all the parts from the router I built. I have heard that the 8X is the better of the lathes but the 9X20 is bigger and cheaper. Please reply ASAP as I need to pick up the 9X20 tomorrow if thats the one to get.

Looking to you guys for help as I have never owned a lathe.

[Teyber12]

i have never owned either lathes.

but since there are no replies-

i would say its a win-win. The 8x12 is a more rigid machine, heavier and overall bigger(right!??) then the 9x20 but has less travel (8x14). If you really need the extra 1" and extra 6" go for the 9x20 otherwise the 8x12 is great also.

a lot of people don't like the 9x20 for various reasons but i believe most of those reasons would be null once cnc'd.

hope this helps, and sorry i can't give you a better response.

cheers

[DonF]

Originally Posted by bearwen I have the chance to buy a 9X 20 HF lathe that is barely used for $450.00. I was looking at getting the 8 X 12 new even with the 15% discount its over $500. So the question I pose is which one should I get this will be my first lathe and I plan to convert it to CNC as I have all the parts from the router I built. I have heard that the 8X is the better of the lathes but the 9X20 is bigger and cheaper. Please reply ASAP as I need to pick up the 9X20 tomorrow if thats the one to get. Looking to you guys for help as I have never owned a lathe.

Isnt there a 9x yahoo group? I know there are a few things that need fixing right away.
http://bedair.org/9x20camlock/9x20project.html

[dyne]

I just got back from Harbor Freight with a raincheck for the 8x12 (there's none in the warehouse and apparently they can't place an order for it until it's in stock). It's on sale right now for $450 and they let me apply the 20% off coupon that's floating around, which brings it to $360 + tax

[Teyber12]

Originally Posted by dyne I just got back from Harbor Freight with a raincheck for the 8x12 (there's none in the warehouse and apparently they can't place an order for it until it's in stock). It's on sale right now for $450 and they let me apply the 20% off coupon that's floating around, which brings it to $360 + tax

WTF

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44859

Where is this sale? im buying one today if i can get it for under $400!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dyne]

The in store sale price is currently $450 (at least here in central NY) - I don't think any of the stores have it in stock and it needs to be special ordered from the warehouse. It gets delivered to the store then you go and pick it up when it arrives.

I brought in this coupon for 20% off, but the cashier didn't even bother looking at it and just noted on the rain check to take 20% off.

The cashier said it could be a few weeks before the warehouse gets them back in stock, so I might not see the lathe for a month or more (which is ok with me, I don't need it any time soon).

[bearwen]

I bought the 9 X 20 for $425 not bad its almost brand new.

I wish we had that sale going on down here in Florida but I have never seen that lathe go on sale ever.

Thanks for the replies I am going to begin the mods in the next few weeks then convert to CNC.

Thanks again.

[DICKEYBIRD]

Methinks the $450 one is this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93799

*BIG* difference between that one and this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44859

There's plenty of the little guys in stock and available but not so many of the 8x12's.

[dyne]

Originally Posted by DICKEYBIRD Methinks the $450 one is this: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93799 *BIG* difference between that one and this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44859 There's plenty of the little guys in stock and available but not so many of the 8x12's.

The $450 one I was talking about is the 8x12 in your second link. I gave them the item number (44859) and they told me it was on sale for $450 from the list price of $550 (so it's normally more expensive online)

[DonF]

He is right most of the time the store price is cheaper than the online price plus free shipping to store!
I got my x3 mill instore for way cheaper than online. Every body kept saying it wasnt the price but they had to go into the store. I heard a rumor that HF was one company but the two brothers split. One taking the online, the other the retail. So that's why coupons are only good for store or online not both.

[DICKEYBIRD]

Wow! If that's the deal, everybody should buy 2 and part out the second one to pay for the 1st one via parts sales. That's a fantastically good price for what you get, assuming an extra 20% off.