I havent seen/read any posts here on the HF 8x12.. with is really an 8x14 and the same exact machine as the LatheMaster 8x14 (but in red of course)
I am new to machining in general.. and this is my first lathe.. (so take this for what its worth!) lol
I spent some time reading about hobby lathes and what would be best for me and my hobby/projects
(mostly round stock, threading a bit..and mostly aluminum material)
the 7x's seemed great.. because of all the mods and parts available plus a HUGE community following..
but when I saw the 7x10 in real life.. I couldnt imagine that thing being much use to me..size and especially 'weight' seemed to be a concern from the jump.
I read about the 8x on Fignoggle.com and many other sites.. and while I read mixed reviews from the 7x owners (about plastic gears, or not heavy cuts....the extra time to dial/tweak/align the 7x's....etc) I didnt read one negative review about the 8x.
compared to the size and weight difference..
(I was sold)
the biggest difference I have found is the lack of variable speed control on the 8x's where as the 7x's have a POT to control the speed.
being I only work in one material...speed was too much of a factor for me.. (and a belt change, while another step, really isnt a huge deal for me)
changing gears is a PITA at times.. (takes about 5-10 minutes).. so lack of a quick change gear box is also something to contemplate.. although I dont believe the 7x's have a QCGB either...
I rarely thread (or try not to at least...lol).. so again your work needs should be factored in here.
IMHO..the 8x has the 7'x beat everywhere else..
metal gears
big on weight
still small/hobby sized foot print. (fitting on a 2x4 foot table no problems with space all around it)
comes 'ready to rip' out of the box (still a bit of red grease...but fit and finish was good from factory)
for the 8x's you of course have many choices for a quick change tool post..
the most common ones are the A2Z..which IMHO is more for the smaller 7x's (and smaller).. and looks too small on the beefier 8x's..
also these are made out of aluminum..(softer) which is NOT desirable IMHO for a QCTP..and anything for cutting........rigid..rigid..rigid.. =)
then there is the AxA's.. (piston style or wedge)
wedge is suppose to be 'better' for repeatability..but Im not sure how much that is.. (either way I got the wedge as my first one)
usually 2 places have ones specifically for the 8x's..
LatheMaster & LittleMachineShop
each have their 'own' uniqueness on what makes them fit for the 8x's
LatheMaster Version:
comes with a smaller toolpost/bolt..and it touted as a direct bolt-on accessory.. (meaning you can still use the stock compound rest with the 'knob')
going this route though means you are LOCKED into getting tool holders from them..as they are specially modified (milled lip/edge) so that 1/2 tooling can sit low enough to be 'centered'...
LittleMachineShop Version:
you need to buy a new compound rest that has been milled, and lets the AxA QCTP sit a bit lower..
Pros: you can use any AxA tool holder.. no need to only use modified ones
Cons: the new compound rest need to have two holes drilled & tapped to put the adjustment handle/wheel on it from the stock rest.
I went the LittleMachineShop route myself..
basically because they answered my emails and had great customer support where as Lathemaster still hasnt to this day replied.
maybe not the easiest approach but worked out fine in the end.
When i first got my 8x from HF..
it was on sale for $449.. (un-heard of price).....coupled with a %20 of coupon.. I walked out the door with it for like $379 after tax..etc
cant beat that!..
the version I got had the BD812 stamped on the front plate..(I have since en-acted my no questions asked WARRANTY and got a new one.....but this version was a CENTRAL MACHINERY stamp in the front plate.. and the finish seemed NOT as great as the other....but still fairly good)
I have a Shumatech DRO for it.. (built, finally got scales too....just not installed it yet) for it..
plan on doing a few 'minor' mods to keep it in good condition.
here are random pics..
Some charts..and diagrams I made to go along with it:
Stock and 18TPI threading chart:
Pics of the compound rest differences:
Some pics of the bench I made for it:
Anyone else with an 8x?
I know we are a minority!.. (although these machines are HUGELY under-estimated IMHO) =)
I am new to machining in general.. and this is my first lathe.. (so take this for what its worth!) lol
I spent some time reading about hobby lathes and what would be best for me and my hobby/projects
(mostly round stock, threading a bit..and mostly aluminum material)
the 7x's seemed great.. because of all the mods and parts available plus a HUGE community following..
but when I saw the 7x10 in real life.. I couldnt imagine that thing being much use to me..size and especially 'weight' seemed to be a concern from the jump.
I read about the 8x on Fignoggle.com and many other sites.. and while I read mixed reviews from the 7x owners (about plastic gears, or not heavy cuts....the extra time to dial/tweak/align the 7x's....etc) I didnt read one negative review about the 8x.
compared to the size and weight difference..
(I was sold)
the biggest difference I have found is the lack of variable speed control on the 8x's where as the 7x's have a POT to control the speed.
being I only work in one material...speed was too much of a factor for me.. (and a belt change, while another step, really isnt a huge deal for me)
changing gears is a PITA at times.. (takes about 5-10 minutes).. so lack of a quick change gear box is also something to contemplate.. although I dont believe the 7x's have a QCGB either...
I rarely thread (or try not to at least...lol).. so again your work needs should be factored in here.
IMHO..the 8x has the 7'x beat everywhere else..
metal gears
big on weight
still small/hobby sized foot print. (fitting on a 2x4 foot table no problems with space all around it)
comes 'ready to rip' out of the box (still a bit of red grease...but fit and finish was good from factory)
for the 8x's you of course have many choices for a quick change tool post..
the most common ones are the A2Z..which IMHO is more for the smaller 7x's (and smaller).. and looks too small on the beefier 8x's..
also these are made out of aluminum..(softer) which is NOT desirable IMHO for a QCTP..and anything for cutting........rigid..rigid..rigid.. =)
then there is the AxA's.. (piston style or wedge)
wedge is suppose to be 'better' for repeatability..but Im not sure how much that is.. (either way I got the wedge as my first one)
usually 2 places have ones specifically for the 8x's..
LatheMaster & LittleMachineShop
each have their 'own' uniqueness on what makes them fit for the 8x's
LatheMaster Version:
comes with a smaller toolpost/bolt..and it touted as a direct bolt-on accessory.. (meaning you can still use the stock compound rest with the 'knob')
going this route though means you are LOCKED into getting tool holders from them..as they are specially modified (milled lip/edge) so that 1/2 tooling can sit low enough to be 'centered'...
LittleMachineShop Version:
you need to buy a new compound rest that has been milled, and lets the AxA QCTP sit a bit lower..
Pros: you can use any AxA tool holder.. no need to only use modified ones
Cons: the new compound rest need to have two holes drilled & tapped to put the adjustment handle/wheel on it from the stock rest.
I went the LittleMachineShop route myself..
basically because they answered my emails and had great customer support where as Lathemaster still hasnt to this day replied.
maybe not the easiest approach but worked out fine in the end.
When i first got my 8x from HF..
it was on sale for $449.. (un-heard of price).....coupled with a %20 of coupon.. I walked out the door with it for like $379 after tax..etc
cant beat that!..
the version I got had the BD812 stamped on the front plate..(I have since en-acted my no questions asked WARRANTY and got a new one.....but this version was a CENTRAL MACHINERY stamp in the front plate.. and the finish seemed NOT as great as the other....but still fairly good)
I have a Shumatech DRO for it.. (built, finally got scales too....just not installed it yet) for it..
plan on doing a few 'minor' mods to keep it in good condition.
here are random pics..
Some charts..and diagrams I made to go along with it:
Stock and 18TPI threading chart:
Pics of the compound rest differences:
Some pics of the bench I made for it:
Anyone else with an 8x?
I know we are a minority!.. (although these machines are HUGELY under-estimated IMHO) =)