Harbor Freight 7x10 Mini Lathe Review 93212

[@ragutz]

I've never ever commented on a YT video before. But just had to give you props on an amazingly detailed review. Thank you!

[@ragutz]

@MichaelKingsfordGray I'm a 50 yr old IT professional. I know the value of online privacy in a world of hackers, scammers, cyber bullying, etc. What about you naive idiot. Your comment had nothing to do with the video and you just couldn't resist insulting a stranger for no reason. Really immature. The irony astounds me.

[@user-rk5cu5tg2g]

@@ragutz dont worry, hes not mentally stable. ive seen him commenting similar things on hundreds of videos

[@jeffreydeutsch7336]

From what I understand, virtually the same lathe is sold by several companies. One of the big differences is what comes with the lathe; some packages are more extensive and it might pay to spend more initially than have to chase down accessories you are going to need anyway. The Little Machine Shop is tool central for these little guys. There are also a lot of articles on improving performance of this lathe. Another accessory that could be needed is a 4 jaw chuck with independent jaws. It lets you chuck square and rectangular items or anything that is not round or a multiple of three.

[@AdventuresinWelding]

+Jeffrey Deutsch These lathes are made my Seig, and you are right, they are sold under many names. I am famiaer with the LMS. I have their quick change took post and cam-lock for the tail stop. Not to mention some tool holders, boring bars....

[@ThatOneGuyWeAllKnow]

This was the most detailed review I've seen on KZbin

[@franksparrow5520]

XxeroxXed

[@waynedyer3475]

Thank you for info. Many years ago I was sent to a school as a lathe operator. Didn't stay with it. Watching the vidio thought I might get back into it. Retired so I can use it on my hobbies. Ty Been hold up cause of virus but getting things done. Everyone be safe

[@NAVYABHAN]

The way you express your skill's,you can teach! I stayed non stop for the entire video because I want a lathe,but knew virtually nothing until I watched your video. Thanks! Knowing the startup and other costs are very important and for me,....the tool uses and identification!

[@TheDracfink]

it's good to see someone doing an honest review with something from harborfreight.

[@festerbestertester2232]

This is great, thanks for taking the time to educate us who are just starting out. You don't skip over anything, and give great advice. Kudos. Btw, the X-axis compound adjustment and having to move the slide all the way back to expose the allen heads (around 8:05 in the vid) - I removed compound and bored and threaded a single hole in the lower deck and used that to tighten the compound rotation (I do a lot of tapers), thus avoiding the annoyance you point out in the stock design. cheers.

[@ronaldcrowder404]

I feel you did the best review for us learners or newbies. Also by having the machine I see capabilities of machining parts to improve the over all abilities of the machine ! Thank you !

[@iamher6422]

I bought the Sherline combo kit a number of yrs. ago, which I love. The lather (4400) is just basic. No auto feed or tool post. Been seriously considering the unit or the grizzly.

[@Everett-xe3eg]

I gotta say, great video. Very comprehensive and full of valuable information for a lathe novice such as my self.

[@tpark89]

Super thorough, straightforward, and easy to understand... thank you so much for taking the time to make this!!

[@billjackson9702]

My son got this for me as a birthday gift a couple of years ago, and I'm still learning about it. It doesn't see heavy use, but so far I like it a lot! I got a chuck for it, and the most recent addition is a milling attachment for the cross slide. (Just because, that's why! ) I've got both 1/4" & 5/16" tooling, and I've noticed that the 1/4" size needs to be shimmed up to be at centerline. I might look into the cam-lock mod for the tailstock. The open-end wrenches that come with it have been replaced with combination wrenches. Also planning to get a self-centering 4-jaw chuck...because, why not? 😄

[@Don_2773]

Thanks man. I've been thinking about purchasing one but hadn't found a review as detailed as this one.

[@YknotLearnall]

Excellent review, probably one of the best I've seen on a harbor freight tool or any other. What I really liked and enjoyed is you added a nice primer for those of us new to these machining lathes while reviewing the lathe itself. You'd be a great instructor from the sounds of this video. Thank you! 😀👍

[@truongnguyenquang93]

well it's a lathe kzbin.infoUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_B1gYdsfCu9k6z but it wasn't what i would have anticipated. Headstock, tailstock, carriage apron are manufactured from aluminum now not cast iron. The spindle diameter for the bearings is too small allowing for a few play in the spindle so I am using some blue Loctite to take out the play.

[@charlesmartin2690]

Superb job reviewing this lathe. I especially enjoyed the detail description of its features and more importantly its capabilities. Will be a long anticipated addition to my metals workshop! Great idea with the hacksawing!! Thank you very much!

[@ronaldnickell6110]

I think there is also a lathe bed extension, that you can add onto your lathe, that will allow you to slide the tail stock back further. There are some web sites that are solely about the upgrading of the mini lathe. I am lucky enough to have an old South Bend 9" and the spindle bore is still only 3/4" max. that I can pass through. Mine is from 1944, but I don't think they ever had a larger bore on the 9" than that.

[@stilltlrforlife]

I think its a great tool to have for the hobbyist ay home, theese people who bash on theese things act like they should be designed for production runs in a factory and try to compare them to top notch industrial machines...that is thier stupidity..most of us know that this thing was certainly not intended for this..I will be proud and happy to own this machine..not everyone has 10gs to drop down on a brand name to go and tinker around in thier garage/basement shop for hobby...great review great tool..thank you

[@rayeddy528]

Another great video!! Thank you for sharing with us! I just bought this lathe. The first one had a locked up bed and was between high and low gear and would not shift into either gear! I took it back and got another one and it is working great!! Chuck run-out is .0015'' . Again thank you and God bless you and your family!!!

[@PatriotCoinRings]

The best explanation of the HF Mini Lathe I've found and to think I accidentally stumbled on it. It's been saved to my favorites to revisit again and really appreciate the detailed explanation of it's use. Obviously most of us buying it are new to using the lathe and need this help so thank you!

[@PatriotCoinRings]

p.s. I also love how you get into basics of doing things like facing etc and hope you'll consider making a part 2 to this video on even more uses.

[@roninselman6772]

Great review, thank you! I was a lathe operator for many years, so I'm quite familiar with all this. I'd love to have one of these little buggers in my reloading/gun room, but I don't have the space to set the thing up! Frustrating.

[@johnnygavita]

What would you use it for in your "Sanctuary" room?

[@stickyfox]

People kept telling me, "anything you can do with a mini lathe, you can do with a big lathe." I was like, "sure, help me carry it thru the kitchen and down my basement steps then."

[@clydeadair3809]

I went with the 7x12 mini for small projects and I love mine! BTW, I bought an 8x10 shed to turn into my mini shop and get all of my tools out of the house. (Wife has been VERY patient with me.)

[@RabbitusMaximus]

@@johnnygavita it is useful for those doing brass cartridge conversions, such as making 11 MAS ordance revolver cartridges from .44-40 brass which requires not only trimming to 18mm length but thinning the rims from the other side to 1.0mm exact.

[@mundmc8172]

This is great. I am a devoted This Old Tony follower, but I understand lathes much more after this tutorial. In all honesty, I want to buy THAT lathe, because i feel like I can use it now. Great work keep it up

[@BillSikes.]

Don't buy this lathe, its a toy, there's very little you'll be able to fabricate with this rubbish

[@xxjusxstarxx]

​@@BillSikes. while it is a toy, it's a fun one. I use it for mechanic work all the time. Custom bushing and seal drivers, I made me a set of lower and upper control arm bushing drivers on it. Etc now the stuff I'm making isn't high tolerance, it still allows me to make things I need

[@clockguy2]

As it comes, the Harbor freight 7 x10 is a piece of crap, but with a bit of work, it can be a very good small shop lathe. I think the safety shield should be the first to go as it gets in the way. The bed length is ridiculously too short. everyone finds out the first time they try to drill a hole on the end of a piece of stock. I highly recommend the 16" bed kit from Little Machine shop. It really makes this lathe into something you can use. You will need to clean up the slop in the saddle, cross slide, and compound slide. I recommend a wedge style OXA quick change tool post when you get the money. The tail stock Jacobs chuck is the first accessory you'll want to buy. later you might want the face plate, steady rests, and 4" four jaw chuck, all from Little Machine shop. I use mine almost every other day. there are lots of mods on KZbin and the internet for this style lathe.

[@jamesmyers2087]

Excellent review. I’ve had mine years. Just starting to try to use for more than simple bearing cutting.

[@jlucasound]

Thank You, Sir! I have the exact same "Model". I don't use it a lot but it does what it does and that can be what one needs for small projects. I bought mine after you and if I remember correctly, they did include the drill chuck (1/2"). I went with an aftermarket quick change tool holder. The original was too high. I really need to get more tooling but after all, that is a must with any lathe. Great job on your video. Cheers.

[@enarccrane]

They still sell these but they are $ 750 with no discount available... inflation. Great review...

[@natxopsicosis]

Hello, this is one of the best videos that I've seen, excellent review, probably the best; I bought it 2 years ago and I haven't used it, I hope to start using it as soon as possible, thank you for making this video

[@uploader8297]

Dude - you did a great job, and the reason I watched was because of an ongoing interest I have with machining - and learning to weld. Saw you were a welder, and thought... Hmmm, let me check this out. Your manner of demonstrating is really good. I will be watching your welding tips. Just got an everlast 210 thats been sitting for 5 months. Havent even fired it up yet. Am in HVAC/R and keeps me goin' - but I will be back. Thanks for taking the time to do the review.

[@gary9107]

I bought my lathe back in the 80's and it has been a great little lathe - helping me make all sorts of parts and projects. Before I bought it I only had a Unimat . The enhancements I made were to add a 4 Jaw chuck quick change holder and a couple of tailstock chucks. My neighbor who worked in a machine shop all his life was impressed with the precision.

[@narcolepticlex]

You are a great teacher!! Thanks for making a video easy to understand.

[@c.c.fielder5432]

I bought mine back in 80’s, cost well under $200. Still have it and use frequently, always clean and ready to play. Sure made a lot of money with it, now just fun stuff.

[@jakeolsen2764]

I bought mine yesterday 12/17/2022 and it was 780. It is going to get a fair amount of use for my garden tractor restorations.

[@joseaguilar5020]

Very detailed video, only one thing, it does not have an alternative current motor is a DC motor I found out when my speed control went out it changes it from AC to DC otherwise it won't change direction from FWD to REV, other thing I been asking HF for the shield or the speed control nowhere to find no parts either since 1999 when I bought it, but over all is been a good tool I'm using an external control since 2014

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Great video, great tutorial, thanks for sharing. Wished I knew how to relate to the machine. I haven’t touched one since 1962. We got to use one in shop class in high school. But, I do not remember very much about the machine. But, I love and am envious of the machinest works.

[@gangleweed]

Well, like an apprentice learns you can soon get the hang of it with a few tips and examples on the 'TUBE.

[@steveclark2103]

Remember Cummins Tools? I bought this lathe from them 30 years ago for$200 and it still works.

[@transmitterguy478]

I cut the small end off my drill chuck so it it fits and pops out then I turn the tail stock all the way in(at 6:12 and 6:39) like this guys tailstock. I gave me a better fit and more room. I bought a set of short drill bits too.

[@scottyV1000]

I always wanted a metal lathe after my highschool metal shop days and picked this up probably close to 10 years ago at Harbor Freight. Mine doesn't have the interlocked shield around the chuck. I also picked up the Jacobs chuck and a 4 jaw chuck from Harbor Freight and got most of my tooling from Grizzly Tool. For the price this is a nice little lathe. I think I paid about $400 when I got mine. My big problem is finding aluminum and brass stock to turn as this was readily available in high school but not so much now although Amazon has some smaller diameters. I was looking for 4" aluminum stock for making bowls. I thought the tool holder was a drawback on this lathe as I was used to right and left cutter adapters that fit in the mount but seeing as you can mount multiple cutters maybe it isn't so bad after all.

[@charlesmartin2690]

I took all three "metals" classes in both junior high school and in high school too. I have always wanted a lathe to use at home for so many years now. Time is wasting, so I thought it's time to do it now! Really enjoyed his review too about its features and capabilities.

[@scottyV1000]

@@charlesmartin2690 The prices have sure gone up on these mini lathes. I paid around $400 for mine about 10 years ago at HF and I just got my new Grizzly Tool catalog and they are over double of that now. Same with a lot of other stuff too.

[@charlesmartin2690]

@@scottyV1000 I really like the feature of a DC brushless motor that can achieve much better efficiency overall, and especially at lower speeds. Also really like the digital tachometer too to see the moror's RPMs. Pandemic-era China virus allows me much more free time to indulge in my hobbies. Hoping to add not just a lathe, but several welders to my workshop. Really wish there were some super high-quality German or Japanese made mini-lathes available. Almost tempted to buy a second lathe, like some old, big American steel, like a Cincinnati.

[@abcertweld]

One of the best review videos I've seen in a long time on KZbin. You covered all the bases.

[@aussiedriver]

Great video. Not only did I enjoy the review, and learnt more about using a lathe than most videos. Awesome work!

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Excellent review of this lathe. Well structured and very detailed.This is the best video I've seen to date on this tool. I'm actually thinking of buying this puppy but I'm now concerned that its length capacity will be problematic. Thanks for raising the issue.

[@walterashley149]

Thank you! I've been wondering which one to buy and the basics to go with it. Excellent video!!!

[@dotcomdotcomDA]

Good job, very informative video for someone like me who's looking to get a small metal lathe. Thanks for taking the time, and being thorough re this particular M Lathe.

[@mikediaz19881]

I WENT TO HARBOR 10-6-23 AND IT WAS $780.00.

[@SouthSideChiTown]

Damn good review. Lots to learn here for newbies like me thanks for taking the time! Subscribed!

[@frederickvobbe7002]

Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of getting this lathe for making parts I need for classic audio equipment. It was very informative. Now I need to learn more about the tooling. Thanks again.

[@extremebreedscatlife]

I see you figured a cheat on the guard while running the lathe i would of done the same thing

[@pistolpete8518]

I know I’m late, but harbor freight sells a Jacobs chuck just for this machine for $4.99 out the door.

[@ramwall1500]

Pistol Pete I paid 1499 for mine at Harbor Freight

[@davemartin1534]

U can add an inch or more in maximum diameter of material that can be turned by the way you have tool post set. By just turning/setting your compound slid to 30 degrees and backing compound out for straight cuts. How ever you are correct in fact in a limiting diameter if u use compound to cut tapers. All in all I'm going to give you 4 star rating on the video. So not a too bad of rating from me as I never give a 5 star rating as that leaves no chance of improvement. Great job.

[@Beachnative42]

C''mon critics of this video. This guy is putting it all out there trying to educate the masses.

[@robsor85]

Me: "thats not such a mini lathe.." Then hand comes into shot.

[@eddiex72]

I saw it the exact same way. haha

[@kenibnanak5554]

Sieg has improved their lathes since this video was done and the newer ones are also quite nice. I note you have a carbide cutter amongst your bits. On my own Sieg lathe (a tiny bit larger) I find the maximum RPM speed is a little low for cutting things like 4140 with carbide cutters and HSS steel is the best choice. There are many interesting mods that can be made on the Sieg products to increase utility of function and several web sites devoted to such modifications. Good walk through review.

[@narcisovazquez8682]

i have this lathe. but from talking to people and reading and KZbin. I notice that the power boards overheats , and some suggest placing a mini fan installed to help cool board.

[@fredwild190]

Good basic review, but suggest you apply a dial indicator to check the chuck and work run true. Thank you.

[@chrissargeant2254]

thank you for the honesty. remember you dont have to put up with the slack in the compound because we dont have to buy it.(thanks to your heads up. thanks again

[@LiiTWiiN]

FYI, @ 17:40 when you say 3.5 - 4" is max, you know you can adjust the compound angle, and rotate the tool post to cut larger diameters, right?

[@dgregory5218]

i took mine completely apart and reassembled it taking out any slack to get rid of the chatter. works great

[@joewoodward9863]

Did you have to shim anything and if so what did you use?

[@ttexastt]

What a great review. You answered everything I wanted to know and more.

[@landonmiller8918]

8:07 thats the z axis. they're different on lathes than mills

[@jfox9317]

👍 was gonna say the same plus move compound to “x” position for larger sizes.

[@dukebryant353]

I want to add to this, As an employee of HFT, we sell both the drill chick and lathe tools in store, although not all of the ones here

[@CaptMike]

Excellent video on mini lathes! I learned so much more than I expected. Thanks

[@jackkrupka3024]

Fantastic review! This is definitely going to help in my choice for a lathe

[@stever7638]

Excellent review thank you! Since this lathe is now $780, what would you consider as a step up from this if I were looking for my first lathe in the sub-#1K pricepoint?

[@michaelpeterson9479]

Appreciate the video, and time taken to make it, for me a beginner to even begin looking to buy one, this looks excellent and reasonable, to make outdated bushing I can't get for my vehicles,

[@beltfeddestruction9522]

I'm definitely going to be getting one of these little things they look very Handy and after seeing it in action a little I'm sold great video bud one of these and a mini mill think will be a great addition to my garage now lol

[@chrischalk9426]

Awesome review! I've been trying to make lanyard beads with one of these and I'm having a heck of a time with squealing, groaning and not even being able to successfully use a cutting tool on various types of metals using 3/4 rod stock. I've been through 3 sets of tools with the latest being a $90 7 piece set from grizzly. I just can't get this think to do anything without binding up or squealing and basically doing not a whole lot. I have no idea why.

[@gangleweed]

First you need some hands on tuition before you do yourself an injury.....when I started my apprenticeship in the late 50's we had 1 hour tuition at the start then it was straight in and start making parts.....you tend to learn very fast when you have to do it for real.

[@biaggiwins]

thank you for the review. i live in the chicago area, you wouldnt believe the used lathes for sale at the same price. only problem is finding room and powering them with 3phase.

[@highpwr]

3 phase is no problem. Get a variable frequency drive (VFD) or a rotary phase convertor, and Bob's your uncle. Finding ROOM is indeed the biggest problem! 😩

[@spikey2740]

05:25 Live center. Nice video. I may be interested if I decide to get a small lathe.

[@georgespangler1517]

Set it at 29 degrees all the time,,,best setting for treading and will make post more rigid

[@mr.notsure9679]

Very good review, you answered pretty well all of my questions about this lathe. I know this particular lathe is by any means top of the line but I think I can do what I need to do with it. Unless I come in to some $$$ and buy a quality machine but I doubt that.

[@quentincollins4677]

A friend says his does not repeat to zero very well. If he needs 10 identical parts and makes each one exactly the same way with the same settings he will have 6 different size parts. Thoughts? I need something like this (Well, OK actually I need a 12X45 but for that I need to win the lottery!) I can't afford to waste the money on this if it cannot be trusted to be accurate.

[@shadowmanxyz7805]

backlash is an enemy to machining but once you get the feel for it you will be able to control it. it is possible to repeat tightly. you can upgrade your ballscrew to minimize this issue.

[@bermyvlogger]

yea its a MANUAL lathe ,u have to measure with tools u cant use the dials alone it isnt an airplane with gps. also u cant depend on the material being in the exact depth every time . u gotta use calipers and dial indicators n such,only the indicators when u measured and found out how much to take off. then u have to take up the backlash before u start reading the dial

[@highpwr]

FYI: your cutting tool descriptions are backwards. "Right hand" tools cut from right to left as you face the lathe from the operating position. "Left hand" tools cut from left to right. If you hold your hands out in front of you, think about your thumbs as the cutting edge of the tool. Your left thumb points in the cutting direction of a "left hand" tool, and vice versa.

[@ralphedman7753]

There are a few other errors but will mention one, we use 120 volts not 110 volts, this happened about 60 years ago

[@tomrum42]

Good video. Answers a lot of "basic" questions that I and other people may have had.

[@aomanchutube]

I really like that the lathe is included. LOL ;)

[@trevermoss997]

Good review looks like a nice little machine always looking for a bushing or spacer for my projects go carts lawntractors motorcycles ect... thanks

[@davidelsea9938]

Excellent review. Just what I was looking for.

[@jamestaylor8217]

Good review. Thanks. How accurate are the dials?

[@jerryjordan1448]

Great video what's the largest part you turned? On this lathe.

[@YIRMASTER]

Have a question, on the backside where the head is mounted meaning the other side of control panel. There is a metal cover with two small screws. What is behind that? I need to know if the head will accommodate a long bar through the back through the center of the head so for example if i wanted to mount a pool cue stick through it if it would work?

[@mrjohnnydrinkard322]

Yes, it's a through hole ( Mt 3 ) .....remember when you mount a long bar, rod, etc... Have it supported

[@patman0250]

If I just want this thing for making rings from stock, then this should be perfect right.

[@brandxmuddy3614]

Great review man. Just bought one and I've learned some things from you. Thanks.

[@jamessullivan9574]

You truly are a special person.... buying that shit has made America great..... Your mommy must very proud.

[@patrickhickey8779]

Yeah go out and buy an American made mini lathe. You will be unable to do so as they don't exist. How bout this you start up a company that manufactures lathes you will be able to employ your neighbors and friends that will truly make America great and your mother proud. You are special in a totally different short bus kinda way

[@TheShattenjager]

Patrick Hickey I know right?? I was just telling my wife I'd buy an American made one except they don't exist. And all those people commenting you should save up and get a full size good quality lathe: first this unit is not meant for the professional making mass production with need for extreme precision. Everyone knows that about HF. Their tools are good enough for moderate use. I have a jewelry making business very amateur and still learning. I probably got ten pieces of my equipment from HF and with a little tweaking they all serve me spectacularly well! I think some people just hate HF because they thought yay such a cheap price for xyz but didn't realize they're getting mid-range "just good enough" equipment. After 25% coupon, I got this unit for about $450 and if I wanted a made in the USA full size lathe of moderate to excellent quality, I'd be looking at $3,000 bare minimum. So if you poop gold, have at it and kudos to you. The rest of us have to weigh the cost against their needs. HF has never failed me when it comes to good enough for my needs. One item even cracked with too much stress (a plastic hole punch template that I subjected to a 6 ton hydraulic press). They said no problem just go ahead take a new one off the shelf. Their staff are always helpful and though they're not total experts, they're far better than the morons at every retail store in America who provide information by reading the box. You gotta know what you're buying and what to expect from it, and whether it's the right thing for your needs. Some people just fail to make this assessment and just assume for some reason they're getting a magical price on a product that should otherwise cost about five times as much. And they don't bother to ask around what to expect.

[@bobbystruggle3658]

good video, this little lathe is a perfect for a workbench and the distance between centers has a lot of flexibility. I can see this being great for hobby work, may look into this thnx.

[@spanglishangler]

Nice video. Would you be able to turn wood on this model? For example to make some wooded pens?

[@jondough2483]

put a dial indicator on it and I bet it has at least .020 play in everything

[@geGNOME]

After playing with the display in harbor, i think that may be a conservative estimate.

[@ronniepaulinc]

they say .003 but lolz

[@panfeng1085]

Just got one of these 2 weeks ago. It takes a lot of work cleaning and tightening everything before you can even start using it. I gave up trying to get my 3 jaw self centering chuck to get pass its current runout of .003. It had a .006 - .009 runout out after disassembling and cleaning. I had to mount the chuck in the different positions on the spindle to find the one with the least runout, swap jaw 1 to jaw 3 slot, tighten the jaws with 1 out of the 3 adjustment pinion gears (using any of the other 2 will give me more runout), and i had to true it further by grinding the jaws. Enjoyed every bit of the process even though I have a bald spot on my head due to scratching and pulling....

[@tombetterton4968]

Pan Feng bore your jaws

[@Matt-wb7lm]

Can anyone tell me if it has steel or nylon change gears for feed and threading.?

[@russelallen5342]

Helpful review. If lathe don't rock, you will get better finish and less chatter. The tool bit you called a right hand is actually a left hand.

[@ropermrmeredith06]

i have not used a lathe much,just when i was in mechanic school.but i would love one of these.

[@joshmellon390]

Instant subscribe as soon as I heard that voice lol. Didn't know you where into machining too lol. I'm buying mine on Friday.

[@TomTRobot]

Great review! A very well done intro to the machine and its operation. One small glitch with the 'precision' feed markings on the cross feed. Since 1 mil is .0254 mm rather than .025 mm there should be some error if you just use the markings. Have you checked to see which one is accurate? (I.e. does one tick mark actually equal 1 mil, or does it equal .025 mm?)

[@gangleweed]

It doesn't matter....you can guesstimate the roughing cuts until you get down to the finishing cut then the small markings are self explanatory.

[@jamesharless5357]

Great review, and great video!👍🏻

[@speedygonzalez8431]

why is the whole thing shaking around, did you set-it-up properly???

[@ssddx1434]

agreed. this lathe is harbor fright junk. the only advantage is price but you get what you pay for.

[@stevet4064]

Agree, a bigger, better used with tooling is possible for under a G note.

[@stevet4064]

I've got the mill and it's low quality for sure, but used it was $200. Semi-useful.

[@MrTweetyhack]

It's chinese

[@billjackson9702]

It probably wasn't bolted down to the bench. Mine is rock solid. I rethreaded the mounting holes to 3/8-16 and the bench is 2x10s.

[@marks5239]

I got a chinese lathe pretty much like that one with a bunch of tooling for 200. I wanted something bigger - but I am glad I found this one to learn on. I was very surprised that it was so cheap. You really did a nice job of giving an intro.

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

I had the older version (and its companion milling machine) and used it for a dozen years with excellent results. I adapted dial indicators, drip pan and coolant pump, and a small indexing head to this machine. Wish it was larger, but it worked very well for me.

[@NeoIsrafil]

A coolant pump? For metal cutting to pump the oil I presume? Thatd be one nice unit to have. ^_^ Indexing head too... making gears would be so awesome.

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

@@NeoIsrafil I used typical water-soluble oil as coolant. For the pump, I used a water-coolant pump from a standard tile-cutting diamond saw.

[@narutoboy951]

can I turn wood on here too? I'm debating whether to get this or the $200 wood benchtop lathe since I mostly work with wood but it'd be nice to have the freedom to do both.

[@johnlockett1565]

Metal with wood don't mix

[@jonathanhudson4623]

HF does offer a drill check for them, atleast when I bought mine about 5 years ago. I'm a gunsmith and it has made things alot easier / possibly for me to do. Removing the end cover allow for barrels to hang out of the side. But you are limited to govern profile AR barrels and thinner and medium contour barrel for most other guns. Dont expect to throw you Remington 700 SPS tactical 308 bull barrel one and thread the barrel. Hence why my person sps tactical is still unthreaded for a brake or suppressor. I'm a gunsmith and dealer in SC and alot of tools I use daily are from HF. I've actually used my HF mini mill and Hzf mini leather to make tools and parts for guns. Now I just need a quality tig welder. People bring me broken parts and I have to make a copy when a good tig would allow me to weld the part back together in most cases. With outages mill, lathe, and dremel you will only be making it hard in yourself. I used to do everything I cool with a drill, drill press, dremel and a hell of a lot of different hand files. My work turned out great and I've never once had a complaint but I stayed back logged because of the slow work doing everything pretty much by hand. It just sucks that alot of speciality hand tools cost as much as some guns I'd like me to add to my collection. Luckily I find broken guns for real cheap or even free and i can fix them for next to nothing. Everything from an h&r 9 shot 22, a 1903 Ithaca SXS 12 (non Damascus steel that was in a house fire) it works perfect now though the barrels had to be shortened because they were leaning against a wall (I only shoot low brass bulk buy shells thst have been emptied of the #7 shot and replaced with bronze coated BBs. I have few other record guns that were given to me that I can repair as well. Provided I have the free time. I'm doing alot of h&k pattern (ptr91 and century c308) paddle magazine releases as of late. Ptr91 is just down the road in Aynor SC while I'm in Darlington (think nascar track). Ptr91 doesn't offer retrofitting the paddles mag release or welded in rail tobthectop of the reciever anymore so, I decided to do it. If you don't want to wait for a gunsmith to add them then youdvhacmve to buy a new ptr91 (it's a 308 h&k g3 clone in semiauto)

[@josepharmstrong8005]

Amadeal are a British company and they do a 8x16 lathe and you get everything you get on a larger lathe but the extra size really comes in handy, pluss they are only about 100 bucks more than the 7x lathes .

[@AdventuresinWelding]

that lathe was my starter. (although I learned on a south bend turnado) I'm in the market for a nice 9x lathe now.

[@elesjuan]

I'm literally a year late to the party, but thanks a lot for the review. Still seriously kicking myself for not coming up with the funds when a friend had one of these up for $250... :(

[@BubbaSnipe]

You are a year lathe to the party...

[@gingerjedi1980]

The safety guard when it is lifted up cuts the power to the chuck of will not allow the lathe to start. Is actually a good safety feature.

[@HWPcville]

I realize this is a 7 year old video but I had a thought. I've seen other reviews with the same complaint about the locking nut on the tail stock and how it's irritating to tighten & loosen . Would it not be feasible to use a ratcheting box end wrench? I have ratchet wrenches with a lever that allows the ratchet to tighten or loosen with a flick of the finger. Seems like it would be the ideal solution short of buying an after market cam locking setup. I enjoyed your video.

[@dfailsthemost]

Thank you. I've been looking at this size

[@rolandos64]

Awesome review! Thank you. First time watching one of your videos

[@JoshSmith-pg6gn]

Would I recommend it to a friend? Only if they too don't know how one should work

[@MrTweetyhack]

only if you want to lose friends

[@richbuege6491]

@@MrTweetyhack Tried to spin the dials in the local HF, did you? Big difference between deciding it's junk from a display model and actually using one. I now have my second mini lathe, and it wasn't any big trick to get either of them running. Not HF, which makes zero difference, a little time and patience and they run very well, good repeatability, but only if you took a few minutes to adjust them. It ain't rocket science, it's basically how lathes were built a hundred and fifty years ago. I'd say yes if someone asked me, but I'd also be on hand to help get it set up and running. But I suspect you are one of those that won't admit you don't know how.