@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.
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
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!
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.
+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....
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.
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.
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? 😄
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 !
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!
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.
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.
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."
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.)
@@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.
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!
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! 😀👍
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. 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
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
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
i have this lathe. but from talking to people and reading and TH-cam. I notice that the power boards overheats , and some suggest placing a mini fan installed to help cool board.
well it's a lathe th-cam.com/users/postUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_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.
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
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?
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
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.
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 TH-cam and the internet for this style lathe.
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?
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.
I thinking buying minilathe, but all what I see from TH-cam-videos that machining only aluminium, brass or other soft material. I need to machine steel, for examble bearing bress & etc. I have no hurry so speed is no needed but can minilathe machine steel?
It does not machine steel very well....4 out of 10......if you don't need a super finish it will be Ok...otherwise I would go looking for a good quality used lathe......by the time you get done buying all the extras, you can probably get a very good used lathe with all kinds of goodies
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 😩
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.
Would it be possible to insert a gun barrel thru the back of it to cut threads on the end for a muzzle for a brake. If so, what would be the largest diameter barrel it would accept? Thanks! Awesome video!
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
Can you remove the cover from the back of the headstock to place a longer steel rod to thread it? This way the steel can protrude through the chuck of say the barrel of a rifle , for threading.
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.
Hey man, towards the end of the video you had the camera set up in an angle where you can see a little cap (you could say) held by two screws on the back of the lathe. I wanted to get this to thread my rifle barrel, although i know i can pay someone to do the work for me way cheaper. I haven't measured them but i think they will be an inch in diameter at the most. Does that back plate come off and allow you do stick a rod of a certain thickness?
I am thinking about getting my first lathe and have a question. Does this one have a pass through headstock? If so, would it accept something 1.5 inches in diameter?
I’ve never machined anything in my life and I’m trying to learn how. Because I have a 1997 Chevy truck and it’s got a five speed manual and these plastic ears that hold the clutch pedal up into the dash keep breaking off and I want a machine them out of steel.
Two questions. Does it have a stop you can set for the power feed so you don't accidentally run into the chuck? Does it have power feed for the cross slide?
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?)
I looked on harbor freights website and they show this lathe is priced at $699. However, the 7X12 mini lathe, made by the same manufacturer is only $599. Any idea if quality is the same?
Hey my friend, Great Review. I have a quick question about the lathe. the swing over bed is 7 inches. would this lathe be able to turn a casting 6 1/2" in diameter (flywheel casting)? Reason I ask is that I hear people tell me that just because the swing is 7 inches, don't expect to be able to turn anything bigger than 6 inches.
+Matt Schuette Mine seriously will not turn anything that big in aluminum as there is not enough power even in the low gear. You might get away with it if you are just polishing but cutting anything with that much radius would be slow going and inaccurate. My lathe is all but worn out and I sheared several drive keys trying to do more than this little machine can handle. But its great for making small parts, sleeves, shafts, odd pieces. Cutting anything made of plastic is a dream with this unit.
adventures in welding! do you have a recommendation for a beginner lathe? I'm not wanting to spend over $1000 and I'll be mainly making (hopefully) small gun parts (ie takedown pins, stuff like that)
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.
I believe that I have the same lathe. Thank you for the tutorial on it I certainly learned a lot more.. I would like to know more about the part where you secure the cylinder in rider to do some cutting. My lathe seems to no center the pipes and I have a tough time trying to get it so that all of the locking pieces are cynchronized together and evenly locking the pipe dead center. Please advice. Thank you Sami
If you figured out the answer to your problem then awesome! If not, check out the TH-cam channel Joe Pieczynski. I think he's THE BEST machinist channel on TH-cam.
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.
I've never ever commented on a YT video before. But just had to give you props on an amazingly detailed review. Thank you!
@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.
@@ragutz dont worry, hes not mentally stable. ive seen him commenting similar things on hundreds of videos
This was the most detailed review I've seen on TH-cam
XxeroxXed
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
it's good to see someone doing an honest review with something from harborfreight.
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!
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.
+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....
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.
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.
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? 😄
I gotta say, great video. Very comprehensive and full of valuable information for a lathe novice such as my self.
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 !
Thanks man. I've been thinking about purchasing one but hadn't found a review as detailed as this one.
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!
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.
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.
What would you use it for in your "Sanctuary" room?
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."
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.)
@@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.
Super thorough, straightforward, and easy to understand... thank you so much for taking the time to make this!!
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?
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!
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.
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! 😀👍
You are a great teacher!! Thanks for making a video easy to understand.
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
Don't buy this lathe, its a toy, there's very little you'll be able to fabricate with this rubbish
@@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
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
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
They still sell these but they are $ 750 with no discount available... inflation. Great review...
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.
Thank you! I've been wondering which one to buy and the basics to go with it.
Excellent video!!!
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.
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.
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!!!
Good basic review, but suggest you apply a dial indicator to check the chuck and work run true. Thank you.
I see you figured a cheat on the guard while running the lathe i would of done the same thing
i have this lathe. but from talking to people and reading and TH-cam. I notice that the power boards overheats , and some suggest placing a mini fan installed to help cool board.
well it's a lathe th-cam.com/users/postUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_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.
Excellent review. I’ve had mine years. Just starting to try to use for more than simple bearing cutting.
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
05:25 Live center.
Nice video. I may be interested if I decide to get a small lathe.
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?
Yes, it's a through hole ( Mt 3 ) .....remember when you mount a long bar, rod, etc... Have it supported
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
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.
Well, like an apprentice learns you can soon get the hang of it with a few tips and examples on the 'TUBE.
If I just want this thing for making rings from stock, then this should be perfect right.
Damn good review. Lots to learn here for newbies like me thanks for taking the time! Subscribed!
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 TH-cam and the internet for this style lathe.
One of the best review videos I've seen in a long time on TH-cam. You covered all the bases.
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?
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.
Metal with wood don't mix
I thinking buying minilathe, but all what I see from TH-cam-videos that machining only aluminium, brass or other soft material. I need to machine steel, for examble bearing bress & etc. I have no hurry so speed is no needed but can minilathe machine steel?
It does not machine steel very well....4 out of 10......if you don't need a super finish it will be Ok...otherwise I would go looking for a good quality used lathe......by the time you get done buying all the extras, you can probably get a very good used lathe with all kinds of goodies
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.
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.
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
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.
Great video what's the largest part you turned? On this lathe.
8:07 thats the z axis. they're different on lathes than mills
👍 was gonna say the same plus move compound to “x” position for larger sizes.
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.
Remember Cummins Tools? I bought this lathe from them 30 years ago for$200 and it still works.
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.
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.
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! 😩
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.
Nice video. Would you be able to turn wood on this model? For example to make some wooded pens?
Would it be possible to insert a gun barrel thru the back of it to cut threads on the end for a muzzle for a brake. If so, what would be the largest diameter barrel it would accept? Thanks! Awesome video!
3/4"
how accurate are their Mark's when you set for 10 thou is it 10 thou
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.
I know I’m late, but harbor freight sells a Jacobs chuck just for this machine for $4.99 out the door.
Pistol Pete I paid 1499 for mine at Harbor Freight
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.
What a great review. You answered everything I wanted to know and more.
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.
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.
Excellent video on mini lathes! I learned so much more than I expected. Thanks
Would I recommend it to a friend? Only if they too don't know how one should work
only if you want to lose friends
@@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.
Can you remove the cover from the back of the headstock to place a longer steel rod to thread it? This way the steel can protrude through the chuck of say the barrel of a rifle , for threading.
yes its a thru spindle.
The cover has a hole in it for just that reason. No need to remove it.
Great video. Not only did I enjoy the review, and learnt more about using a lathe than most videos. Awesome work!
Can you machine CONE shaped objects ?
What's the largest diameter tube you can slide through the lathe and still have the Chucks Family gripped
Fantastic review! This is definitely going to help in my choice for a lathe
C''mon critics of this video. This guy is putting it all out there trying to educate the masses.
I have made slip fits with mine.Just gotta know how to run machines.
why is the whole thing shaking around, did you set-it-up properly???
agreed. this lathe is harbor fright junk. the only advantage is price but you get what you pay for.
Agree, a bigger, better used with tooling is possible for under a G note.
I've got the mill and it's low quality for sure, but used it was $200. Semi-useful.
It's chinese
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.
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.
Hey man, towards the end of the video you had the camera set up in an angle where you can see a little cap (you could say) held by two screws on the back of the lathe. I wanted to get this to thread my rifle barrel, although i know i can pay someone to do the work for me way cheaper. I haven't measured them but i think they will be an inch in diameter at the most. Does that back plate come off and allow you do stick a rod of a certain thickness?
Me: "thats not such a mini lathe.."
Then hand comes into shot.
I saw it the exact same way. haha
I am thinking about getting my first lathe and have a question. Does this one have a pass through headstock? If so, would it accept something 1.5 inches in diameter?
I’ve never machined anything in my life and I’m trying to learn how. Because I have a 1997 Chevy truck and it’s got a five speed manual and these plastic ears that hold the clutch pedal up into the dash keep breaking off and I want a machine them out of steel.
I don't anything about lathes so this might be a stupid question but could this machine used to add knurling to a piece of steel round bar?
Good review. Thanks.
How accurate are the dials?
Very good demo!!! I assume you can mill wood with it as well??
Two questions. Does it have a stop you can set for the power feed so you don't accidentally run into the chuck? Does it have power feed for the cross slide?
No and No
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?)
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.
Would this mini lathe be able to put a bevel on 2" schedule 160 pipe?
I WENT TO HARBOR 10-6-23 AND IT WAS $780.00.
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
Hey Man...What would be a good lathe to make 6" long Tapered Stainless Steel Cannons? ...Thanks for your time!
Good review looks like a nice little machine always looking for a bushing or spacer for my projects go carts lawntractors motorcycles ect... thanks
I looked on harbor freights website and they show this lathe is priced at $699. However, the 7X12 mini lathe, made by the same manufacturer is only $599. Any idea if quality is the same?
how deep is the headstock. I prefer an open ended headstock in order to use a threaded bar to pull the work to the hs.
but browse craigslist and find a south bend for the same price? however not everybody has space for a full size lathe
Hey my friend, Great Review. I have a quick question about the lathe. the swing over bed is 7 inches. would this lathe be able to turn a casting 6 1/2" in diameter (flywheel casting)? Reason I ask is that I hear people tell me that just because the swing is 7 inches, don't expect to be able to turn anything bigger than 6 inches.
+Matt Schuette
Mine seriously will not turn anything that big in aluminum as there is not enough power even in the low gear. You might get away with it if you are just polishing but cutting anything with that much radius would be slow going and inaccurate. My lathe is all but worn out and I sheared several drive keys trying to do more than this little machine can handle. But its great for making small parts, sleeves, shafts, odd pieces. Cutting anything made of plastic is a dream with this unit.
I noticed u didn't use an indicator is it cause u know it wouldn't pass?
adventures in welding! do you have a recommendation for a beginner lathe? I'm not wanting to spend over $1000 and I'll be mainly making (hopefully) small gun parts (ie takedown pins, stuff like that)
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.
Thank you for the great video! Can you please tell me if this will cut meteorite? They are comprised of silicates, nickel and iron.
I believe that I have the same lathe. Thank you for the tutorial on it I certainly learned a lot more..
I would like to know more about the part where you secure the cylinder in rider to do some cutting. My lathe seems to no center the pipes and I have a tough time trying to get it so that all of the locking pieces are cynchronized together and evenly locking the pipe dead center.
Please advice. Thank you Sami
If you figured out the answer to your problem then awesome!
If not, check out the TH-cam channel Joe Pieczynski.
I think he's THE BEST machinist channel on TH-cam.
Hi Mr. Weld, is that measuring guide I see "glued" on the lathed's gearbox face?
did you bypass the safety shield?
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.
Great review! My question to you and anyone else who can answer, is can you turn tobacco pipes with this?