cheap lathe

[Ernie Hobbs]

Hi. I have sort made an unwise purchase with a cheap $129 lathe from Harbor Freight. I figured I'd only use it a few times a year and didn't justify the cost of good one. However, I got it out for the first time last weekend to turn some bed posts and halfway through (2 done, 2 to go), I tightened the tailstock too tight and shattered the thin cast iron in three places.

I HF's defense, I knew this was a cheap lathe to begin with and I figured I could make do. I don't usually buy tools from them- usually only when I can't seem to justify the higher cost of "real" tools. I called the manager of the store in Huntsville and they replaced it for a brand new one, no questions asked.

Now, as I move forward, I was wondering if there any suggestions to make this lathe more substantial. I have filled the steel tubes with sand to reduce some of the vibration and plan to secure it to my 3" thick workbench. Any ideas of what else I can do? I don't really want to have to return another one.

I do plan to buy a good lathe sometime soon. I am scouring ebay for a good deal.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Ernie Hobbs
Madison, AL

[Hank Walczak]

Earnie- For not much more you could have gotten a Jet Mini or Delta Midi. I think you can still get them for less than $200. Just a suggestion.

[Ernie Hobbs]

I know, I know. I feel like a big idiot. As my I grow my WW skills, I really notice the problems with inferior tools.

One comment on the mini or midi lathe- I need to be able to do longer stuff- in the 40" range. I understand that the smaller lathes don't accomodate this.

What I should have waited for is a good deal on an older Delta 46 or something like that. I have seen two on ebay since I got this lathe that went for less than $75 that are in driving distance from me.

Oh well. Maybe this will be a lesson learned. Anyone in the southeast that has an old lathe they want to get rid of? ( I am a sales rep and cover a large territory- AL, TN, MS, GA, FL, KY. )

Ernie

[Randy Cox]

Ernie,

Do you have a pic of this lathe? I think it might be just like the one I used to have. I cut it down and made a 12 adj. speed disc sander out of mine and have the tail stock and tool rest brackets and tool rests if you are interested. Free if you pay shipping. There not any good to me, just taking up space. PM me and let me know. By the way, they are heavy.

[Randy Cox]

Found a pic of the type of lathe that I have parts for.


Randy

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

I know the Jet Mini has and I think the Delta also has a bed extention that will give you about 39" between centers. The extention can cost up to $50.00. With the Delta Midi going for about $169.00 at Lowes, you have a very good 8-9" diameter Lathe at $219.00.

Just a Thought.

Bruce

[Ernie Hobbs]

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't aware of the Delta Midi at such a good price. I haven't seen it at our local Lowes (I'll look next time I'm in there). Lowes.com lists the Delta Midi lathe at $342. However, at $169 plus $50 bed extension- that's a whole 'nother ball game. Maybe I can convince my wife that I need another tool.

As far as my current HF lathe, I think I am just going to stop trying to make it more than it is. Thanks Randy for the offer of the extra bed. Your picture is the one that I have. However, it is already 39" and I'm not sure that frame could handle any more length without vibrating itself right off my workbench. Maybe I'll just someone that could use it after I replace it with a new one.

I have already spend a lot of money this year getting my shop together (Delta 13" planer, Delta mortiser, crappy HF lathe, lots of hand tools, making a router table, HF belt sander, Delta 14.4 v. cordless drill, trailer to haul lumber, etc.). Maybe I can put it on my Christmas list. My wife has been really cool about my shop so far (she bought me the planer) but, I don't want to push my luck.

I still want to replace my Band Saw (old Craftsman 12"), Table Saw (old Delta contractors saw), and get a jointer. The list keeps getting bigger and bigger.

I'll post pictures of the bed I'm working on when I get finished.

Thanks for the help.

Ernie Hobbs

[Gary Max]

Ernie--you need to stop in and vist sometime when you are up our way.
I own a Delta 46-715 when you see what you can do with a lathe this size you will be hooked. I know it aint a One-way but they are alot of fun. Anyway Ernie I am about 2 hours NNE of Nashville Tn.---or 70 miles from Bowling Green Ky. We are here just about all the time---give me a shout.

[Ken Salisbury]

Ernie,

You should visit General Industrial Supply in Nashvillle and consider their 'scratch and dent' deals. They are located on Lebanon Drive. See Rick Warren (owner). Just don't mention my name or he will add 20%

[Dennis Peacock]

Ernie,

Any kin or know Rick Hobbs? Janet Hobbs? I need to meet you next time I'm visiting my family in Huntsville, AL....

[Ernie Hobbs]

Ken:

Thanks for the suggestion. In fact, I have been to General Industrial a couple of times. I have spoken with Jim and Jimbo (I think there's another Jim there too). They have some great deals and I plan on spend a lot of money there over the next few years- I just have to sell this plan to my wife first. The last time I was there, they had a 6" Jet Jointer for $325, 6" Powermatic longbed jointer for $607 (awesome deal), and a Jet Contractors Table Saw for $499. Just wait until my next bonus check!

Where in Huntsville are you located? I'd love to see your shop sometime. I moved to Madison last August and am slowly learning my way around town. I moved from Eastern NC where I had access to my Dad's shop. Now, I find myself having to figure things out on my own. It would be nice to have some local connections with woodworkers.

Thanks for your advice.

Ernie Hobbs
Madison, AL

[Ernie Hobbs]

Bruce:

Any advice finding those $169 Delta Midi lathes at Lowes? I went to three Lowes stores in AL this week (Madison, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa). No one so far has carried the lathe. I did pick up a Delta 6" grinder for $19 today. I have been wanting to take my Craftsman grinder and throw it off a bridge .

They did have a few good deals on some other stuff: Delta 6" VS Bench Jointer $129, 10" Compound Miter Saw $87, Benchtop belt sander $59. Too bad I already have a miter saw, sander, and Jointer coming (My Dad has a Shopsmith Jointer that he is giving me).
Ernie

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

Well, That price is a closeout special. I guess your area is already out. I was in Roeckler's in Indianapolis today and they are still selling the Jet Mini without the VS for $199.00. Not as good a price as the Delta Midi, but still pretty good. If you talk hard, you might get the extention for less than the $50.00.

Good Luck,
Bruce

[Dennis Peacock]

Ken:

Where in Huntsville are you located? I'd love to see your shop sometime. I moved to Madison last August and am slowly learning my way around town. I moved from Eastern NC where I had access to my Dad's shop. Now, I find myself having to figure things out on my own. It would be nice to have some local connections with woodworkers.

Thanks for your advice.

Ernie Hobbs
Madison, AL

Ernie,

Ken lives out past Moontown out past the PPG plant, if it's still PPG that is. Go visit the Ol' Rebel.....you'll like him.!!!!

[Ken Salisbury]

Ken:
Where in Huntsville are you located? I'd love to see your shop sometime. I moved to Madison last August and am slowly learning my way around town.
Ernie Hobbs
Madison, AL

Ernie,
I live East of town just off of Hwy 72. (not quite to Moontown as Dennis suggests, but close). I am listed in the book, just give me call.