Aksrockets
Now with 8% more aluminum
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2011
- Messages
- 3,505
- Reaction score
- 14
A few weeks ago my HF 7x10 metal lathe died on me. Shocker, I know. The lathe had become such an integral part of my shop that It'll be weird working without it. I'm now in the market for a new metal lathe.
While it worked, the HF lathe wasn't too bad. Near the end of it's life I could make a pretty accurate part (usually +- .001) without too much work. It was great for small parts (under 2in diameter and 4in in length). Anything larger got cumbersome, especially with boring or using a steady rest. I think I'll take this opportunity to upgrade a little.
Here are the ones I'm currently looking at:
Grizzly 7x14. Fairly cheap, but basically a slightly improved version of my HF lathe. Longer bed (actually 6in longer).
https://www.grizzly.com/products/7-X-14-Variable-Speed-Benchtop-Lathe/G0765
Micromark 7x16
https://www.micromark.com/MICROLUX-7x16-MINI-LATHE,9615.html
Of course I've got my eyes on the craigslist / classifieds too!
Those of you with metal lathes, what do you have? Like it? Don't like it? Wish you would have bought another one? Any input would be appreciated!
Alex
While it worked, the HF lathe wasn't too bad. Near the end of it's life I could make a pretty accurate part (usually +- .001) without too much work. It was great for small parts (under 2in diameter and 4in in length). Anything larger got cumbersome, especially with boring or using a steady rest. I think I'll take this opportunity to upgrade a little.
Here are the ones I'm currently looking at:
Grizzly 7x14. Fairly cheap, but basically a slightly improved version of my HF lathe. Longer bed (actually 6in longer).
https://www.grizzly.com/products/7-X-14-Variable-Speed-Benchtop-Lathe/G0765
Micromark 7x16
https://www.micromark.com/MICROLUX-7x16-MINI-LATHE,9615.html
Of course I've got my eyes on the craigslist / classifieds too!
Those of you with metal lathes, what do you have? Like it? Don't like it? Wish you would have bought another one? Any input would be appreciated!
Alex