Harbor Freight VS Little Macine Shop

[George417]

Does any body know the difference between the Harbor Freight 7" x 10" precision mini Lathe versus the HiTorque 7x12 Mini Lathe from The Little Machine Shop other than the fact that the Harbor Freight is on sale right now?????

 

[IPD_Mr]

The HiTorque should be a better built piece of equipment. You also have a slower rpm setting on it compared to the HF. I have played around with the one at our local HF store and it was enough to tell me I don't want one.

Here is a great link to look at:
LittleMachineShop.com - Mini Lathe Comparison

 

[GoatRider]

Do you know if you can attach a woodworking tool rest on any of these?

 

[BRobbins629]

Do you know if you can attach a woodworking tool rest on any of these?

Yes - they make an attachment just for that but I found it more convenient to use a round steel bar (I use a Harbor Freight transfer punch) mounted in the tool holder. If you get the quick change tool post, its very easy to adjust the height.

 

[manatee]

Check out Micro Mark they have a 7 x 16 which is what I bought last year. I have since upgraded to a Grizzly gunsmith lathe. I might be willing to sell my Micro Mark since I don't use it any longer.

 

[holmqer]

The 7x10 is actually a 7x8, the 7x12 is a true 7x12

All the 7x10s are actually Seig C2 model 200s (200 mm between centers [8"])

Most the 7x12s are actually Seig C2 model 300s (300 mm between centers [12"])

The HiTorque 7x12 is actually a Seig SC2 model 300, it has a motor with 2x the HP of a C2

 

[cwolfs69]

all of the reviews i have read, and i have read a plenty, say that they are madein the same plant. the quality is the same on all of them. that means you just need to look at the difference in features. the little machine shop, in my opinion, for the money is the best bet. larger tables, high torque DC motor so no gear changing. runs from slowest to fastest spindle with just the rheostat. there is a pretty reasonable upgrade to CNC on the little machine shop also.
just MHO.

 

[cwolfs69]

sory, for some reason i thought you were asking about the mini mills.

 

[George417]

Thanks for the input. After reading all of the replies and other topics here I'm saving my money for the HyTorque 7X12 mini Lathe from The Little Machine Shop. I've got a few more fairs to do, then will have enough money.

 

[nsfr1206]

I had or have a 7x10 HF. Fine little lathe. I bought a 14" bed from LMS and now I have an even better lathe!

 

[Mapster]

Check out Micro Mark they have a 7 x 16 which is what I bought last year. I have since upgraded to a Grizzly gunsmith lathe. I might be willing to sell my Micro Mark since I don't use it any longer.

Still thinking of selling it? I sent you a pm. Let me know, I am definitely interested