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FrozenGate by Avery

Harbor Freight 7" x 10" Mini Lathe

A high quality American lathe will likely weigh a ton, I haven't seen too many "mini" American lathes.

Either way, the 7x10 is alright for the cost. I suggest a longer 7x though, the 7x10 only has 8" between centers with a live center (even less with a drill chuck and drill bit like Moh said.) If you're going to spend $600 on the lathe itself I'd go for either the Little machine shop Hi-torque 7x12 (actually has 12" between centers) or the Microlux 7x14.

LittleMachineShop.com - HiTorque 7x12 Mini Lathe
MICROLUX 7x14 MINI LATHE
 





That Microlux sure looks nice, pontiac. But would you say that the HiTorque 7 x 12 is better because it doesn't use gears on the spindle?
 
The Grizzly 7x12" supposedly has a bit more room to work with than the HF one. Remember that you need to buy other goodies to make your life easier, so it might be in your best interest to go lower end, but have the accessories available, rather than high end + quite a bit more. Note, take whatever I say with a grain of salt since I do not own a lathe (yet); this is what I've read since I want to get one myself.

Edit: Ooo, that Hi-torque looks nice, especially since it can do screw cutting to 100TPI.
 
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If you can afford a lathe with more power, you are going to need it. HF lathes have a 1/3 hp motor, not the advertised 3/4 horse. A decent lathe is going to cost more for shipping and take up more space in the garage. But you will thank yourself .
 
well i know i live in a different area than most members.
But living in Detroit i see sales for this equipment everyday and the deals are 500$ you pickup.
if i had the money they had a cnc lathe for 1250$
but i only had 500$.
Look at local ads and maybe even put one out your self.
Some old guys got a good American bench lathe sitting in his basement ready to go to a good home.
They just dont think anyone wants it.
 
How is the grizzley 9x19? I found a used one for pretty cheap.

19" should be more then enough room for any sort of host making etc.

As far as I have found its got its draw back like all the chinese lathes but its a much bigger machine then the 7x10. Its 300lbs vs 80lbs

It also doesnt have reverse feed...which I think should be just fine.
 
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get that one if you can.
Thats almost the same as mine.
It can take a whole lot off at once.
But like any lathe there are thing you might want to checkout.
theres a link to his site on badgers page.
Steve Bedair's 9 x 20 Lathe Page
It shows alot of mods.
None are needed but a good one is the 4 bolt clamp. it will hold everything better.
Its not needed but you will want to check it before you do work.
Aka just make sure the bolts are super tight.
that compound slide on some is a bit of a problem.
If you not going to use it. (it almost useless with a bit of work) bolt it down as tight as it can go. there are 3 set screw. tighten them down like a rock.
That will stop any unwanted chattering. leaving it just a tiny bit to lose and the cutting bit will chatter.
This is normal for all lathes tho.
 
It sold right away. Damn

Im going to keep looking for awhile and see what comes up. Ill post what I find as time progresses.
 
After doing more reading it sounds like most people recommend the 7"x... over the 8,9,10"x... because of both design and out of the box build quality

Can anyone comment on this?


It has lead my search in the direction of the 7" x 12" or 7" x 14" as the 7" x 12" is actually 4" longer then the 7" x 10" because its bed is really only 8"
 
I will be ordering this lathe in the next few days unless someone has a better suggestion or a reason not to.

G8688 7" x 12" Mini Metal Lathe

With shipping its cheaper than harborfreight and it includes a steady rest, lathe dog and faceplate.

Ive also ready grizzly has quick shipping and great support. Let me know what you all think.

It looks like for parts HF is cheaper so I will order bits and accessories from there I think. Cant wait to get this thing running!
 
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