HF lathe

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which one did you have before. I looked at that lathe and I believe the only way I would get it is if I put it on a more sturdy platform.
 
the one i have now is the one made out of sheet metal. this one would be an upgrade, variable speed and cast iron. my old one i built a butcher block type table top to mount it to so it was stable.
 
sumterdad said:
I would look at this one if all you are gonna do is pens and small bowls etc......
Benchtop Wood Lathe - 5 Speed
It is the one that I have and I love it.
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+1 too, I haven't been turning long, and have this lathe also. It has done every thing that I have tried. The center to center test was spot on. The only way it could be improved would be a variable speed motor instead of the belts.
:clown:
 
I have this lathe also, except it is the older model. As to the base, I use it as a stand for my sharpening station. Now as to the lathe, it worked great as a starter lathe and did everything I asked until I tried to turn a large and heavy chunk of tree. The belt stuck an was distorted. The lathe now ran with a pulse. To replace the belt (1/4" wide) required a lot of looking and expense. I bought a larger lathe to replace it then found out I could use a standard 1/2" wide belt instead. The speed chart is no longer correct (I did not use it before) so now I have a heavy working paper weight.
Ron
 
Couple thoughts: 1 - The low speed (500 rpm) is a bit on the high side. I can crank mine way down for things like CA application. 2 - The high speed (2400 rpm) seems a bit low. I will turn there, but sanding often goes higher than that. 3 - Variable speed is good but it looks like it might be a Reeves drive. I've got one (on a Delta) and they take some maintenance and they are prone to problems. My next will be electronic variable speed.
 
scotirish said:
I have this lathe also, except it is the older model. As to the base, I use it as a stand for my sharpening station. Now as to the lathe, it worked great as a starter lathe and did everything I asked until I tried to turn a large and heavy chunk of tree. The belt stuck an was distorted. The lathe now ran with a pulse. To replace the belt (1/4" wide) required a lot of looking and expense. I bought a larger lathe to replace it then found out I could use a standard 1/2" wide belt instead. The speed chart is no longer correct (I did not use it before) so now I have a heavy working paper weight.
Ron
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Why didn't you simply buy a replacement belt from Jet?

In my opinion, the beauty of this HF lathe is that it is a duplicate of Jet's JWL-1236. Therefore, it is pretty simply to get whatever replacement parts you need.
 
I have this lathe also. I originally was planning on building larger projects, and only tried pen turning as an "inexpensive" hobby until I started bigger pieces... still waiting to start those larger projects. :biggrin:

I cut a piece of 3/4" MDF to fit on the stand bracing which makes a nice shelf. I generally use it for storage, but it's also there so I can weigh down the lathe with sandbags or something when I get around to trying larger pieces like bowls.

If given the choice - I'd buy it again!
 
I have tge same HF lathe that Chris Houston has and I got the 2 year service on it. No trouble with it. Yes, variable speed would be an improvement. For pen turning it is great.

Ray
 
That HF lathe was my first lathe. I got it on sale for under $200. I fully agree with Maxwell Smart007's review of it. I used it about 5 years and sold it for about $20 less than I originally paid for it. If you want to get into bigger turnings, it has a shortfall. The slowest speed it too high for safely turning bigger rough blanks. You will probably want to replace the tool rest, the one provided is not very good IMHO. One other thing I missed on it is a hand wheel. I ended up making one attached to a face plate and it worked pretty well.
 
That's my lathe also. It works. I'm saving for a Delta, but for now it is fine. I also put a shelf on the stand and put 4 60lb bags of concrete there. Now it is super solid. I don't get any vibration. As far as the belt goes, you can buy the replacement belt from Napa Auto Parts. Maxwell Smart has included the part number in his review, or you can find it by googling 34706 belt.
 
I got the same lathe. Belt wore out quickly and jammed up the works. Had extended warrenty & took it back. Got new onw and after a few weeks replaced belt with Gates 3L240W form NAPA. The "W" is for kevlar which should last 500 times longer. Check around on internet for directions to replace belt on Harbor Freight 34706. Be sure to change speeds with machine running and change slowly per manual.
 
Maybe I missed this but how are you able to get another different model lathe with the extended coverage? Are they going to give you cash for the lathe you have now? Does that mean I should be harder on my HF lathe?

I have the lathe you are looking at and it is ok for a starte but expect it to have slight run out, noisy drive pulleys, vibration, and did I mention noise? I loved it for the first 6 months. I had to retuen one because of the motor burning up on a 10 inch bowl. I added 4x4s on the bottome of mine to make it taller and weigh it down. Seemed to work well.

I want to get the Delta and if I sell one more pen I think I will have enough saved. So if you find out I can return my lathe for a refund because I have extended coverage let me know. I will be the first in line. :)
 
brownsfn2 said:
Maybe I missed this but how are you able to get another different model lathe with the extended coverage?
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If you buy their extended coverage they have a no question return or upgrade on it. You do have to buy the coverage. You also have 30 days to add the coverage if you didn't get it at first. Good deal if you plan on using it a lot.

Jorge
 
Why didn't you simply buy a replacement belt from Jet?



I did not think of that. They are the same, except for price. For me to buy it from Jet I would have had to order it off the web and paid for postage. I bought one from the local autor parts for less than $5.00. Good suggestion, though.
Ron
 
Even if it isn't broke? I need to look for my agreement. If I could get that money back I can get the Delta!!!!

Linarestribe said:
brownsfn2 said:
Maybe I missed this but how are you able to get another different model lathe with the extended coverage?
Click to expand...

If you buy their extended coverage they have a no question return or upgrade on it. You do have to buy the coverage. You also have 30 days to add the coverage if you didn't get it at first. Good deal if you plan on using it a lot.

Jorge
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I believe the agreements are by phone number, last time I was in line the kid was telling the person in front of me you don't need any paperwork or box to big the item back.
:clown:
 
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