Are these wood lathes worth it?

[ajpl]

So Harbor Freight has these two bench top wood lathes on sale right now; are they worth buying for whenever I have the money to tool them up or should I save up for a nicer model?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-be ... 65345.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-x-1 ... 95607.html

[pipeguy]

You answered your own ??? with the first two words
1 Harbor
2.Freight
A lathe is the single most important purchace you can make.I don't mean go out and spend a boat load. There are very good previously owned tools for sale on craigslist ebay etc.Do not be afraid of older stuff its still quality and probably has alot of parts readily available if you need them. Quality lasts a lifetime. Just one mans opinion

[wisemanpipes]

You answered your own ??? with the first two words
1 Harbor
2.Freight
A lathe is the single most important purchace you can make.I don't mean go out and spend a boat load. There are very good previously owned tools for sale on craigslist ebay etc.Do not be afraid of older stuff its still quality and probably has alot of parts readily available if you need them. Quality lasts a lifetime. Just one mans opinion

+1
bought a sears lathe and the thing is garbage. im selling it as im typing. ill probably end up getting a better one from craiglist. nice and old that needs a little tlc. definitly go quality over new.

[wdteipen]

No, Harbor Freight lathes aren't good enough even for making pipes. Save your money and buy a Rikon, Delta, or Jet midi if money is tight. If you have lots of cash then buy a metal lathe.

[d.huber]

No, Harbor Freight lathes aren't good enough even for making pipes. Save your money and buy a Rikon, Delta, or Jet midi if money is tight. If you have lots of cash then buy a metal lathe.

+40

[WCannoy]

No, Harbor Freight lathes aren't good enough even for making pipes.

Unless you are me.



I use the HF 5-speed from your first link to bore, drill, and turn.

Then again, I could turn a pipe on a grist mill if it's all I had.

[Gershom]

I once saw Walt turn a pipe using only a roller-derby skate, a used scrunchy, and a fake fingernail found on the rink after a competition. It still smoked like a champ.

I use Jet lathes right now. But I have an older Craftsman that runs well if you are close and interested. I live in Columbia SC.

[WCannoy]

I once saw Walt turn a pipe using only a roller-derby skate, a used scrunchy, and a fake fingernail found on the rink after a competition. It still smoked like a champ.

True story!

That said though, HF equipment, specifically the wood lathes, are somewhat troublesome to work with (for one thing, the tailstock is all over the place!!!). If this is your first lathe, I would shy away from HF, as you might not be able to identify the shortcomings and compensate for them. I know when something is off, and I know how to correct it, otherwise, I would not be using the HF lathe. If you can afford something better, by all means get it!

[Gershom]

I would recommend a used Jet. Delta is good too, but right now they are going through a warehouse transition, and it can take quite a long time in some instances to get replacement parts. I haven't had any issues with Jet or their replacement parts. Came in very quickly.

If it is a bigger Jet you can make other things as well, especially if it has outboard turning capabilities.

Like previously said, check your local Craigslist.

Jon

[ajpl]

Thanks guys! Sounds like I'll be waiting a bit until I can afford something better.