HF 38515

[paulstenlund]

I've been authorized to get a lathe for X-Mas. Would the HF 38515 14X40 be a good one to start with? I read good stuff about the 34706 but due to space and dollar restraints I'm wondering about the 38515.

Thanks
Paul

[chriscombs]

I bought a HF lathe about a year ago and was extremely sorry to find out that you can not remove the headstock. So there is no morse taper for a pen mandrel or and variety of other drive centers. definitley check that out first!!

Chris

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

Paul,

The 34706 is the only HF lathe I recommend. Most of their less expensive lathes are tube lathes, as is the one you're looking at. One of the things I see immediately is while the swing above bed is 14", the lowest speed is pretty fast, which isn't a good thing if you're trying to turn something large and unbalanced.

Also, the length is about the same as a 34706, except you don't get a stand, so you'll have to build a stand or a bench. By the time you do this, the 38515 will take up as much or more space as the 34706.

Not sure what the sale price is on the 38515, but you can buy the 34706 for $160.00 plus tax when it's on sale and you have a 20% coupon. That's going to be the least expensive part of your investment to turn. The accessories will be what really cost, such as chucks.

If size and space are truly a consideration, I'd recommend you go with a mini lathe such as the PSI Turncrafter Pro, which is a nice reasonably priced mini/midi with decent power and you can add an extension later (Though then you're back to the original issue of space.) if you want to turn spindles.

[paulstenlund]

Thanks Dave I guess I'll go for the 34706, I'm just itching to pull the trigger on a lathe now, I think I can make room. Any idea if it will go on sale soon, like winter sale, spring sale????

Paul

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

Go to www.harborfreightusa.com and look at the sale catalogs there or call your local HF store. Someone who gets it should be able to post the link to the latest 20% off catalog.

Here's a link to the Harbor Freight WA state stores:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...te.do?state=WA

Merry Christmas,

Dave

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by paulstenlund

Thanks Dave I guess I'll go for the 34706, I'm just itching to pull the trigger on a lathe now, I think I can make room. Any idea if it will go on sale soon, like winter sale, spring sale????

Paul

and there's 20% off coupon posted in bargain alerts, good thru 12/7 at least. (been bumping up a week every week...)
http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=27249