getting more tooling, need input...

S

SkaerE

New member
ok, been throwing the idea around of getting a mini-mill and mini-lathe (7x12) just for some small stuff/experimenting etc.

seems grizzly sells both for about $500 each.

im also looking at Sherline's line of tools. about the same price range.

so, anyone have anything to add to help my search?

thanks
 
I don't know much about the Grizzly products but I have one of the tabletop Sherline milling machines. It's great for small parts and for whatever reason (probably just in my head) it seems like it's easier to set up for small parts than my big mill. What I really like about Sherline is their customer service. If you have any problems they'll bend over backward to help you solve them. I recently picked up a Southbend 9x20 but that's the smallest lathe I have. It too comes in handy for firing pins etc. George
 
Harbor freight sells the same 7X12 lathe that Grizzley sells at a much better price with free shipping. I belive that the harbor freight is a 7X10. I have one and it is a great little lathe for the price. I use it to make small parts instead of my full size lathe. Just don't make your cuts too deep or you will strip the plastic gears. There is a good web site with a great deal of info on this small lathe. It has great info on modifications that you can make to it and lots of handy use tips. I do not remember the address but you should be able to find it with a web search. For the price it is a good value and does a good job. Look under www.harborfreight.com
 
I had a Grizzlt 13X36" lathe once. I will never ever buy a Grizzly again.
After very few hours of work time, the headstock bearing gave out. Come to find out there was no chanel milled in it for oil to get in it. After many phone calls I finally got a new bearing but there was no way they would pay to have it installed. The lathe was two weeks old, boughten brand new through Harbor freight.

The bearing took almost a month to get there.

I have a Wilton 14X40 now and it is great. Customer service is right on too.

FWIW
Celt
 
Celt, Sorry to hear of your problem with the full size lathe. I can tell you that the small ones are pretty good. There should be no problems with the 7X10 or 7X12 size.
 
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