Riddle me this - HF Lathes

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Dan Masshardt

Dan Masshardt

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So it seems that across the board variable speed lathes cost at least $100 more than the alternatives that require belt changes for any speed change at all. For example the Jet mini. $100 extra for variable speed. Some other brands have an even higher differential So why does Harbor Freight's cheapest, smallest lathe (with mt1 tapers etc) have electronic variable speed (a similar looking setup to the jet mini only cheaper quality i'm sure) while the nicer Bench top lathe requires a belt change? Isn't EVS a premium option? What gives? It seems to me that the heavier bench top model with variable speed would be a nice little lathe.
 
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I have the HF 12" variable speed and love it. It is virtually identical to the Jet (the parts explosions even have the same numbers). But it is much cheaper. I've had it a year, and haven't had a minute's trouble with it.
 
In my opinion, a HF lathe is comparable to a Bic pen. It will do the job for a while and then you throw it out and get another one.

Just my opinion and I am allowed to have one.
 
Everyone is entitled to an opinion.


I was not requesting a review of either lathe.

Simply asking the question, why would the variable speed be on the cheaper of the two?
 
I'm glad Sharon has had good fortune with her HF lathe.
My experience with HF brands has been less than satisfying.
I'm willing to spend a little more to avoid having to deal with their higher potential for returns and exchanges.
Having said that, understand the market:
numerous companies may use the same Chinese factory for production
what generally separates them, other than external finish, is the design, production and quality control specifications.
Also, depending where you're located, you may be able to get a top-quality second-hand lathe for a far better price than for new, low quality products.
Well made, well cared for used equipment can be a great way to outfit your shop.
 
I suspect that in addition to the lesser quality, it may be cheaper to manufacture a tiny variable speed drive lathe than a similar one with various sized mechanical pulleys, longer shafts etc.
Bear in mind that even VS versions most often have a belt change to get the full range of RPMs.
 
Dan Masshardt said:
Everyone is entitled to an opinion.


I was not requesting a review of either lathe.

Simply asking the question, why would the variable speed be on the cheaper of the two?
Click to expand...
The parts used are light duty and fragile. A heavier stronger motor would require a stronger reostat and would cost more. The Hf variable speed would be somewaht comparable to a record player, good for what it was made for but not great on a lathe.

I have 2 lathes left, just sold off 3 others. The 2 left are a Rikon that has the variable speed conversion and a delta variable speed. I sold 2 rikons and a grizzly. If you are really looking for a good lathe, may I suggest you look into the rikon 70-100 and down the road consider adding the variable speed kit to it.
 
That is good info. Thanks.

To be clear, I'm not considering buying either of the harbor freight lathes. It was more a question of curiosity.

If you are going to sell any more of your lathes, ill be through CT early in August. ;-)

I have the old delta that's been good to me. I am going to be in the market for a variable speed mini or midi soon. Hopefully finding something local on the used market.
 
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I know you didn't ask for a review, but when you venture into this type/s of queries thats more often than not, a review is gonna take off no matter what. And I'll add to it.

I'm always amazed how many folks will jump onto something that they've never had an opportunity to, in this case the lowly HF 8 x 12 lathe, to ever use. Most often continuing misinformation heard, not experienced.

I have had 2 HF 8 x 12 lathes. The first one was a 3 year old lathe that lasted me an additional 4 years, when the variable speed control went south. I ordered a replacement from HF and was delivered 2 months later(it had to come from China), at a total cost of less than $14.00. I used that lathe for 2 more years, no problems.

I just bought a new one and it seems to be the same quality as the old one. YES, these are low end lathes, but have done everything I have asked of it except turn a 34" baseball bat.

There is this idea grounded in something from somewhere else that says you have to have the most expensive machine/tool in order to do serious work. I disagree. I know this will be accepted as less that politically correct, but so be it. IMHO

Russ
 
I think Wolftat hit the mark in his latest comment....the smaller lathes (like the HF, or the shop fox) can use a smaller motor with MUCH lower current ratings, all of which mean that lower rated VS components are easier to obtain...The reostat on a small lathe would be similar to the reostat for a light fixture and just as available on the mass market....
 
Just for the record. I have played with Hf lathes, it took 3 lathes to finally get one that lasted more than a week without a major problem. The last one worked great but did not have enough power to do what I needed it to do. I have tried to test every possible lathe I could and while your lathe may be a good one, that is a rarety and more people wind up unhappy with then with a different brand. I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying your lathe and wish you the best with it.

Also, while the more expensive brands are more popular, I would not consider a Rikon to fall in that catagory. I have bought and sold a number of them and usually pay around $300 for them brand new but have bought them as low as $225 on sale.
 
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I started with an HF Reeves Drive lathe. I had to return it twice to get a good one. I liked it a lot but when I upgraded to the Delta I then knew what I was missing in power, build quality, weight, no vibration, accuracy, etc. There was just no comparison. Once you have experienced both you definitely see the difference.
 
I certainly believe you have the right to your own opinion, and even in the absence of an opinion, one can say whatever they feel is proper for them. But, really, a light fixture rheostat!? Not even close.

The most recent observation about it being a weaker motor is most probably correct.

OK, thats all for me on this string. cheers Russ
 
Oh, forgot. The larger HF 40" lathes are garbage. I had one and couldn't turn anything round. Elliptical, yes. I probably shoulda kept if for that reason alone.

I also have a Delta DD 11' lathe that I turn bats on. Well, I used to up til last year. I've got the flute fixture added onto that one. OK, Now I'm finished
Russ
 
I reglarly turn canes on mine, with no problems.

monark88 said:
I just bought a new one and it seems to be the same quality as the old one. YES, these are low end lathes, but have done everything I have asked of it except turn a 34" baseball bat.
Russ
Click to expand...
 
Dan -- the correlation is that as amperage increases costs increase and there are break points where it jumps up quickly.

Small amperage motors do not need much for electronics for a DC approximation and "not-especially-tight-control" on speeds. As amps go up the ability to use rectified power becomes less effective, and the technology changes.

The PSI Conversion motor is a good case in point -- at about 1/2 it is at the higher side of the rectified speed control (they can go to 1 hp before the advantage really changes) for about $100-120 depending on the sale and where you buy it.
 
I too run a HF 40" and it's been a GREAT lathe.
I have had a ton of problems with HF tools and usually keep them around as my beater tools.
I don't know what made me trust my central machinery lathe (probably the cost), but i'm now 6 years into it and it has been great. I've thrown A LOT at it over the years and it's taken it like a champ.

Maybe i'm one of the lucky ones, but, even though it's somewhat off-topic, I wanted to give my opinion. Do with it what you want!
 
I had a HF lathe for about 5 years when I started turning. It was the one that was considered one of their few hidden jewels at the time. It was a very good lathe. The only three drawbacks I found to it was, the slowest speed was 500rpm, it didn't have a handwheel, nor a threaded end on the headstock shaft so you could easily attach one, I finally made one with a faceplate and attached to the inside of the lathe, it worked okay and third, it didn't have reverse. I didn't care about reverse at the time, but once I had it on a lathe I found I used it quite a bit. But for the money it was a good lathe and after five years I sold it for about $50 less than I originally paid for it.

Okay this has nothing to due with the original question, I can't answer that. Sorry.
 
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