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FrozenGate by Avery

Buying a lathe.






I recently got a Shop fox m1049 (this is identical to the G4000, same company they just put a different label on in).
The harbor freight one looks like it might be the same. (those 4 oil cups in the front) Good price.
My only "regret" is I wish I would have gone to the next size up.
Larger 3 jaw chuck and spindle bore.
I am very satisfied with it for what it is.
It depends on what you plan on doing with it. And how much you want to spend.
In that price range the G4000 is a good choice. I just got the other because it was in stock at Amazon and I got free shipping.
There is a youtube video on it. Grizzly g4000 lathe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqCrfXAGnVI
 
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Make sure you get the lathe you want, not just what saves you on shipping or you can find in a store like Harbor Freight. Nothing is worse than settling for something only to have to buy the product you really want later for a combined price that is much higher than if you bought what you wanted in the first place.

The LMS lathe linked above is a nice variant of the SEIG SC2, a good quality mini-lathe that most notably features a brushless motor; the LMS version also has some extra trimmings. You can read about the SC2 at mini-lathe.com, as well as read other lathes available. You can also try to import a lathe directly as is discussed in this forum post.

Good luck!
 
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U can use the 20% online coupon for that 9x20 HF lathe and save even more, for that kinda of money you won't find a better new lathe.
 
What most of you don't understand, is that shipping anything into Canada is ridiculous. The fee's we get charged are retarded. Sometimes it can be like 50% the total value of the item. Once, I ordered a $80 watch and was charged $35 at my door. Pure BS.
 
It is BS, but those brokerage fees, etc. are going to happen regardless. Also as a percentage of total cost, they go down as the value of the item goes up. So while you'll get charged $20 for your $80 watch, it is "only" $72 for $1000. Also, if you fill out the paperwork manually, etc. you can ensure that your goods are not on the ticket for charges that don't apply.

Regardless of the shipping, costs, brokerage fees, etc., get the lathe you want, not the one that just happens to be carried by some store and saves you $200. Yeah, that $200 or whatever hurts, but what'll hurt more is buying the same type of item twice because you didn't do your research, or decided to be penny-wise, but pound-foolish with your investments. Even those rare < $500 coupon deals for HF lathes may not be worth your time if you're going to buy it twice and find it a major pain to work with. Again, do your research and see what is the best for you, and determine what is worth the cost, effort, and investment.

Maybe see if you can have the package shipped to one of the members here if they live somewhat close to the border. Then give yourself a $200 vacation to pick it up. Maybe it'll be worth it, maybe not.

On another note, take a look at Micromark's 7x16 lathe. It's supposed to be very good, and it is priced roughly the same as LMS's deluxe 7x12 model.
 
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Thanks for all the advice everyone, you've given me a lot to look at.

@Lethere Belight
That lath looks the same, has the belt on yours died? Is it easy to find a replacement? That seems to be a big issue with those ones.

@BB
I will be going to the USA to get this, and if I do have some shipped I'll use Ship Happens so I don't have to deal with shipping internationally.
Thanks for the lathe recommendations, the Micromark looks very good!
 
I have had no problems. I'm satisfied.
I don't know what your experience is, if you have seen these or used them.
The "mini" lathes are called that for a reason. They are small!
Depends on what you are planning to do with it.
 
I'm looking for something small :) I don't have that much room left in the shop.

I plan on using it for lasers mostly, making hosts and heatsinks, but also for other various things. I often find myself working on a non-laser project that needs a part that could easily be made on a lathe.
 
I too want a lathe for some small ideas I have that I want to make...

In Quebec it's 2x more than everywhere else in Canada too! :crackup: I go to Vermont to buy stuff sometimes...
 
AnthoT said:
I too want a lathe for some small ideas I have that I want to make...

In Quebec it's 2x more than everywhere else in Canada too! :crackup: I go to Vermont to buy stuff sometimes...
Click to expand...

I'll make some stuff for you if you want. It's been a while since I last used a lathe and I will need some practice.


Are those mill lathe combo's any good? They are only ~400$ more, and I could make use of a mill.
 
ARGLaser said:
I'll make some stuff for you if you want. It's been a while since I last used a lathe and I will need some practice.


Are those mill lathe combo's any good? They are only ~400$ more, and I could make use of a mill.
Click to expand...

Sure & thanks! :)

I'll send you the metals once you get it though :)
 
I suggest going with the grizzly 10" x 22" which is the one that I own, instead of the 9x19. It has a 1" spindle bore instead of 3/4" and a 1 hp motor instead of 3/4 hp. It also has more threading options.
I have had mine for 2 years and haven't had an issue yet. btw, invest in a quick change tool post. its worth every penny.

G0602 10" x 22" Bench Top Metal Lathe
 
charleytown55il said:
I suggest going with the grizzly 10" x 22" which is the one that I own, instead of the 9x19. It has a 1" spindle bore instead of 3/4" and a 1 hp motor instead of 3/4 hp. It also has more threading options.
I have had mine for 2 years and haven't had an issue yet. btw, invest in a quick change tool post. its worth every penny.

G0602 10" x 22" Bench Top Metal Lathe
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendation, but that's a bit out of my price range. I'm looking to spend ~1,000$ on a lathe and ~200$ on cutting bits and a chuck. Then I still have to pay duty and tax crossing the border :(
 
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