Gunsmithing Harbor Freight Lathe

[Hawk45]

I'm looking for something to get started with and get some skill on metal work. I'd like something to turn metal and thread. Would the Harbor Freight lathes be ok to get started? If so, what is a minimum size? Again, this is just a starter lathe.. looking for minimal cost as I am adding other tools to my shop as well (Drill press, possibly mini mill, 72" belt grinder).

Thanks,
Hawk

 

[jasonk]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

What size are you looking at?

 

[Rafael]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

You might also look at Grizzly, same stuff but in my experience they arrive with more of the parts that are supposed to be included. Also, while my Grizzly came with shipping damage, they took care of me. Shipping damage seems to be somewhat common.

I am running a G9972Z, but one of the larger "gunsmith" lathes would be alot better. Mine is pretty minimal.

 

[fast freddy]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

i have a 12x36 from harbour frieght. i dont trust it for precision threadind, like threading and chambering a barrel, but its worked for several form 1 cans, and other small projects. ive been looking more at the grizzly gunsmith lathe.or something with a foot brake for threading

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

Well I'm not sure. I want to be able to at some point turn some barrels among other things and be able to thread them as well. Here are the sizes in my price range (less than $700)

7x10 - $450
7x12 - $500
8x12 - $550
9x20 - $700

But just saw this also that looks like a do-it-all, but not sure how well (Drill/Mill/Lathe)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5980

 

[jasonk]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

The problem is your spindle bore, I believe that you need at least 1.3" to be able to put the barrel through, none of those lathes are large enough.

I wouldn't go with the 7x lathes, I looked into it a fair amount, at least upgrade to the 8x.

The 8x12 and 9x20 would work for form 1 cans and making small parts, but I don't think you'll be threading/chambering any barrels with them.

 

[Rafael]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

The 9x19's are normally 7/8" bore, I believe, or was that 5/8?
The Grizzly 9972Z has a 1" bore. Not very large but I was able to profile/thread/chamber a 26" 1.2" blank with it.......just have to do it between the centers(profile) or the chuck and a steady-rest(thread/chamber).

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

Is there anything you recommend at the low end to start with? Make/Model?

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

The harbor freight stuff is made cheap and ruff. It will not do any precision work. Grizzly has a good low end gun smith model for under 3K or shop around for a good used one. When looking at used ones have someone that knows what they are looking at to make sure you are not buying a worn out one.

 

[RWSGunsmithing]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

For a $700 price range I would look for a bigger used one. Stay away from the small cheap imports as they will do nothing but give you a headache in the long run.

 

[shooter53]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

I started out with a Smithy 1220 XL I bought many many moons ago. I've built quite a few long guns with it. JasonK above has it right about spindle bore ! You will need a the min. 1.25" bore if you want to pass the barrel thru for close up work to the chuck. If you want to do your work by turning between centers you'll need a lathe with about 30" between center spec.

Be-ware many of the less expensive lathes come with little to no documentation or parts support.(ask me how I know this).
Smithy has been great for support (both replacement parts and tec support over the years.

Grizzly is also another very good lathe with great support.

If you are looking at a mill also, there are several MFG's that make a very good combo lathe/mill at a reasonable price.

If you have no experience running lathes, I suggest you pick up a DVD on RUNNING A LATHE, USING SHOP EQUIPMENT.

Good Luck!

 

[Hooper]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

Find an older SouthBend Lathe in decent shape. You will have something.

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

I have a 7x12 china import I dont/cant thread with it but it works for me to learn how to use one. I built a F1 can that works very well but for the time and money I put into it looking back on it I would not buy a lathe to build a can unless I already knew how use one I could have bought 2 cans for what I spent

 

[selfbowhunter]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

i use a PM1236 by precision mathews. does everything i have asked it to just fine. keeps very close tolerances. dont look insided at the guts and you will be very pleased. the castings on these cheaper machines leaves A LOT to be desired. i like my lathe but i would like to move up to the harrison/clausing that PM sells for a couple of thousand more.

chuck

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

I would save your money and buy a quality lathe, otherwise you are just throwing your money away.

If you want to play with a lathe and learn how to use it see if there is class you can take. Way cheaper in the long run and you will learn something.

 

[Clark]

Re: Harbor Freight Lathe

I have a Precision Matthews 1236.
My brother has a Jet 13x40.

Those are modern Chinese lathes.

We finally gave up on old used American Machinery, for the same reason you don't drive a '67 Chev to work.