I'm kinda in the middle here..
while I got a chinese lathe (most are anyways)..... I did NOT go with the 7x class .... when I saw them in person at my local HF... it looked VERY small
I was turned on by a buddy who informed me that the 8x14 HF lathes (same exact machine as the LatheMaster 8x14).... was on sale for $399... but not being advertised.
I go to my local HF... and sure enough.. in the system.. it was listed as $450 or something...... I even got to use a 20% off coupon! SO for me.. it was a deal I couldnt refuse. This was years ago.. and since then the lathe is now listed at $999 on their site!! I recall walking out of the store only paying (in the end) roughly $379 or so!
Here is a post I made a while back..
Im always shootin' off at the mouth about my/the HarborFreight 8x12 lathe they sell,..... with is really an 8x14 and the same exact machine as the LatheMaster 8x14 (but in red of course)
I 100% believe that since most of the imports for us hobby people are ALL THE SAME, with a diff. color and branded stamp... the 8x stands out and above the rest.. ESPECIALLY at the price it can be had for.(sales & coupons..etc)
I am new to machining in general.. and this is my first lathe.. (so take this for what its worth!)
lol
I spent some time reading about hobby lathes and what would be best for me and my hobby/projects
(mostly round stock, threading a bit..and mostly aluminum material)
the 7x's seemed great.. because of all the mods and parts available plus a HUGE community following..
but when I saw the 7x10 in real life.. I couldnt imagine that thing being much use to me..size and especially 'weight' seemed to be a concern from the jump.
I read about the 8x on Fignoggle.com and many other sites.. and while I read mixed reviews from the 7x owners (about plastic gears, or not heavy cuts....the extra time to dial/tweak/align the 7x's....etc) I didnt read one negative review about the 8x.
compared to the size and weight difference..
(I was sold)
http://www.fignoggle.com/machines/8x12lathe/figNoggle_hf8x12_massive.jpg
the biggest difference I have found is the lack of variable speed control on the 8x's where as the 7x's have a POT to control the speed.
being I only work in one material...speed was too much of a factor for me.. (and a belt change, while another step, really isnt a huge deal for me)
changing gears is a PITA at times.. (takes about 5-10 minutes).. so lack of a quick change gear box is also something to contemplate.. although I dont believe the 7x's have a QCGB either...
I rarely thread (or try not to at least...lol).. so again your work needs should be factored in here.
IMHO..the 8x has the 7'x beat everywhere else..
metal gears
big on weight
still small/hobby sized foot print. (fitting on a 2x4 foot table no problems with space all around it)
comes 'ready to rip' out of the box (still a bit of red grease...but fit and finish was good from factory)
for the 8x's you of course have many choices for a quick change tool post..
the most common ones are the A2Z..which IMHO is more for the smaller 7x's (and smaller).. and looks too small on the beefier 8x's..
also these are made out of aluminum..(softer) which is NOT desirable IMHO for a QCTP..and anything for cutting........rigid..rigid..rigid.. =)
then there is the AxA's.. (piston style or wedge)
wedge is suppose to be 'better' for repeatability..but Im not sure how much that is.. (either way I got the wedge as my first one)
usually 2 places have ones specifically for the 8x's..
LatheMaster & LittleMachineShop
each have their 'own' uniqueness on what makes them fit for the 8x's
LatheMaster Version:
comes with a smaller toolpost/bolt..and it touted as a direct bolt-on accessory.. (meaning you can still use the stock compound rest with the 'knob')
going this route though means you are LOCKED into getting tool holders from them..as they are specially modified (milled lip/edge) so that 1/2 tooling can sit low enough to be 'centered'...
LittleMachineShop Version:
you need to buy a new compound rest that has been milled, and lets the AxA QCTP sit a bit lower..
Pros: you can use any AxA tool holder.. no need to only use modified ones
Cons: the new compound rest need to have two holes drilled & tapped to put the adjustment handle/wheel on it from the stock rest.
I went the LittleMachineShop route myself..
basically because they answered my emails and had great customer support where as Lathemaster still hasnt to this day replied.
maybe not the easiest approach but worked out fine in the end.
When i first got my 8x from HF..
it was on sale for $449.. (un-heard of price).....coupled with a %20 of coupon.. I walked out the door with it for like $379 after tax..etc
cant beat that!..
the version I got had the BD812 stamped on the front plate..(I have since en-acted my no questions asked WARRANTY and got a new one.....but this version was a CENTRAL MACHINERY stamp in the front plate.. and the finish seemed NOT as great as the other....but still fairly good)
I have a Shumatech DRO for it.. (built, finally got scales too....just not installed it yet) for it..
plan on doing a few 'minor' mods to keep it in good condition.
here are random pics..
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/overall_1.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/gears.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/chuck.jpg
Some charts..and diagrams I made to go along with it:
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/gearChart.jpg
Stock and 18TPI threading chart:
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/exampleGears.jpg
Pics of the compound rest differences:
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/QCTP_top.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/QCTP_noholes.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/lathe-setup/QCTP_bottom.jpg
Some pics of the bench I made for it:
http://dmstudios.net/misc/latheBench/1.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/latheBench/2.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/latheBench/3.jpg
http://dmstudios.net/misc/latheBench/4.jpg
Anyone else with an 8x?
I know we are a minority!.. (although these machines are HUGELY under-estimated IMHO) =)
- - - Updated - - -
Here is a tool list post I made a long time ago as well..
Noob tooling list (my opinions only...ymmv)
here is a copy/paste of an earlier post I had made...I have the HarborFreigh t8x12(14) lathe.. so mke sure you get the 7x12 version of anything linked to that is 8x12 specific.
Paste:
"I" myself.. bought a bunch of tooling from HF..just to get started..and keep the wallet not as mad at me.. however.. over time & experience..you'll knwo what you use alot..and what you'll need better quality tools for.. and you can replace with better ones once these break.
sometimes tools/part can be used with whatever lathe you have..sometimes they are 'size' specific..
ALWAYS check Harbor Freight website for prices BEFORE going to the store.. they will honor price difference if you print it out..
my 8x12 was on sale for $449 (cheaper then the 7x12)..and I got to use a %20 off coupon! they are all over..google or ask here..someone will have one.. for $379 (including tax) out the door...nothing could beat it! and it was (after cleaning the shipping grease off) very precise and ready to go out the box!
so here are some things I recommend getting: (most are for an 8x12/14 unless universal)
some things 'I' recommend are:
a QCTP (Quick Change Tool Post)is something "I" recommend getting right away.. then AxA is a nice 'beefy' stable size for the 8x very nice for quickly changing tools..and repeatability of tool height/centering!!! .. I hear the A2Z version is on the smaller side..(which may be nice fot the smaller 7x's)....but being made out of aluminum.. rigidity is a question..and not something to play with IMHO)
NOOBIE LIST/STARTER LIST:
1.) 1/2" drill chuck.. (maybe several (3-4) if you have extra money for them..otherwise you can use one and switch from drill bits to drill bit..or center bit..etc
42340
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-ha...O&utm_medium=Inbound_links&utm_source=linking
40641
2.) blanks to share, make your own tool bits from.. comes with cut off bar that works 'ok' too:
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piec...-tool-bits-for-metalworking-lathes-40641.html
1722
3.) boring bar set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-boring-bar-set-1722.html
I have found these two items essential for me:
38573
4.) live center:
http://www.harborfreight.com/mt2-live-center-38573.html
40090
5.) bull nose live center:
http://www.harborfreight.com/mt2-bullnose-live-center-40090.html
I would stay away from the regular HF tool bit..(the red kind)..as they have never done well for me...
however these have been fine:
39931
6.) 1/4" indexable carbide tip tool set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-indexable-carbide-tool-set-39931.html
or
39933
7.) 1/2" indexable carbide tip tool set: (I dont think the 7x can take 1/2 tooling though?)
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-1-2-half-inch-shank-indexable-carbide-tool-set-39933.html
I also suggest:
60381
8.) center bits: (60 degree)
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-center-drill-countersink-set-60381.html
9.) set of drill bits.. up to 1/2"
these may not be the BEST tools to get..but are affordable and once you break or find you need something better you can upgrade..
optional:
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?p=2&q=center+drill+bits
&
http://www.harborfreight.com/29-pie...anium-nitride-coated-drill-bit-set-32926.html
You may want to get a 4-jaw independent chuck (check seller 800 wat on ebay).. or check out the HF version..as Im not sure if the plain back chucks from 800watt need a special backing plate??
HF 125MM 4-jaw chuck: $58....no part number.. need to call HF TECH SUPPORT..(not customer service) TECH SUPPORT: 1-888-299-3427
Replacement Sync Toothed belt: $5.85 - #28587-44859
Replacement V-Belt/Pulley Belt 0-720 $1.38 - #28728-44859
Follow Rest $16.57 - #29380-44859
Steady Rest $17.63 - 29381-44859
Face Plate $$12.42 - 29382-44859
Oil can: (for your oil holes.. all over)
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-oz-flexible-spout-oil-can-1106.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-oz-squeeze-it-oil-can-96797.html
You dont need everything on this list to get 'started'... but all this stuff is nice to have and most will be needed shortly and you start playing around..
there are other tool sets to look at and specialty tools.. but again..you can add when the time comes or when you need to replace something after it breaks..