Harbor Freight wood Lathe 34706

Roy · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.

I would be new to wood turning if I got these.

Would they be suitable for a beginner to see if I would even like
woodturning? I know they are not the best and many have a total
dislike for Harbor Freight tools. I have found for me many of their
tools are just fine, some are useless.

Now if they would come out with a 10%, 20% or bigger coupon this would
look even better.

I see people on EBAY selling Harbor Freight coupons. I emailed HF
about those and why I did not get them, I am on their email and snail
mail lists, and got a mealymouth useless answer as I expected telling
me no useful information.

Any comments on any of this is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Add 400 after roy in the email to send me email.

Roy

Archived from group: rec>crafts>woodturning

nailshooter41 · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 229

Hi, Roy.

I think if I was in a quandry about whether or not I even thought I
would like turning, I would do a little background work first. See if
your Woodcraft has turning classes and try a good lathe with properly
sharpened tools.

They may be able to point you to your local club, and you may get some
great experience there as well.

Turning on a lousy lathe with poor (or incorrectly sharpened tools)
might just ruin you for woodturning. It is hard to get a good feel
for things when you don't have a good idea of what your equipment or
tools should actually do for you. And at that price point, you are
actually just dollars away from being able to get one of the good mini/
midis on the market now, the same ones that are used by full time
turners for smaller projects.

You should also google this group for the numerous discussions on
"what lathe should I buy" and "a good used lathe", etc. If I was
going to buy a smaller lathe, I would probably buy new. If I was
going to replace my larger lathe, I would probably buy used and get a
great deal off the retail price.

Just my 0.02.

Robert

Roy · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks nailshooter4, no Woodcraft anywhere near here, I guess I live
in the boonies.

I have searched the old messages and the web and have found some good
reports on the lathe I mentioned.

There is a woodturning group/club near here I may try to visit
although I am somewhat of a loner and self taught on most things I do.
Kind of a jack of all trades and master of none.

Roy

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:52:44 -0800 (PST), "nailshooter41@aol.com"
wrote:

>Hi, Roy.
>
>I think if I was in a quandry about whether or not I even thought I
>would like turning, I would do a little background work first. See if
>your Woodcraft has turning classes and try a good lathe with properly
>sharpened tools.
>
>They may be able to point you to your local club, and you may get some
>great experience there as well.
>
>Turning on a lousy lathe with poor (or incorrectly sharpened tools)
>might just ruin you for woodturning. It is hard to get a good feel
>for things when you don't have a good idea of what your equipment or
>tools should actually do for you. And at that price point, you are
>actually just dollars away from being able to get one of the good mini/
>midis on the market now, the same ones that are used by full time
>turners for smaller projects.
>
>You should also google this group for the numerous discussions on
>"what lathe should I buy" and "a good used lathe", etc. If I was
>going to buy a smaller lathe, I would probably buy new. If I was
>going to replace my larger lathe, I would probably buy used and get a
>great deal off the retail price.
>
>Just my 0.02.
>
>Robert

LBledsoe · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 1

Roy,

nailshooter is right about sharp tools and good equipment, but on the
other hand what you propose is exactly the way I started turning. Bought
$125 Harbor Freight lathe and some tools. As it turned I was fairly
adept at turning so after a few months I moved up to better equipment.
Sold the HF for $50 and was happy. I like you are somewhat of a loner,
live in the boonies with no clubs or Woodcraft stores close by. So I say
"go for it"!

L Bledsoe

mac davis · Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 35

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:47:41 -0600, Roy wrote:

>They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
>now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.

I've seen several Harbor Freight lathes, and would not recommend any of them..
I'm not an elitist, buy a lot of stuff from HF, but not lathes..

For an introduction to turning, I'd strongly recommend the Jet Mini.. It's
inexpensive, quiet, very stable and the best part is that there are SO many of
them out there that questions are easily answered..

For $50 more than the HF lathe you're looking at, you can get a new jet mini
(1014?) and right now, a few online places are offering the choice of free
shipping or a $25 rebate...

If the HF chisels are the one's that are normally about $60, they actually are a
good deal and I have a couple sets of them..
As far as I can tell, they're the same as Penn State's "Benjamin's Best" but
less expensive..
>
>I would be new to wood turning if I got these.
>
>Would they be suitable for a beginner to see if I would even like
>woodturning? I know they are not the best and many have a total
>dislike for Harbor Freight tools. I have found for me many of their
>tools are just fine, some are useless.
>
>Now if they would come out with a 10%, 20% or bigger coupon this would
>look even better.
>
>I see people on EBAY selling Harbor Freight coupons. I emailed HF
>about those and why I did not get them, I am on their email and snail
>mail lists, and got a mealymouth useless answer as I expected telling
>me no useful information.
>
>Any comments on any of this is appreciated.
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Add 400 after roy in the email to send me email.
>
>Roy

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

JD · Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 43

On Feb 24, 10:13 am, mac davis wrote:
> On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:47:41 -0600, Roy wrote:
> >They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
> >now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.
>
> I've seen several Harbor Freight lathes, and would not recommend any of them..
> I'm not an elitist, buy a lot of stuff from HF, but not lathes..
>
> For an introduction to turning, I'd strongly recommend the Jet Mini.. It's
> inexpensive, quiet, very stable and the best part is that there are SO many of
> them out there that questions are easily answered..
>
> For $50 more than the HF lathe you're looking at, you can get a new jet mini
> (1014?) and right now, a few online places are offering the choice of free
> shipping or a $25 rebate...
>
> If the HF chisels are the one's that are normally about $60, they actually are a
> good deal and I have a couple sets of them..
> As far as I can tell, they're the same as Penn State's "Benjamin's Best" but
> less expensive..
>
>
>
>
>
> >I would be new to wood turning if I got these.
>
> >Would they be suitable for a beginner to see if I would even like
> >woodturning? I know they are not the best and many have a total
> >dislike for Harbor Freight tools. I have found for me many of their
> >tools are just fine, some are useless.
>
> >Now if they would come out with a 10%, 20% or bigger coupon this would
> >look even better.
>
> >I see people on EBAY selling Harbor Freight coupons. I emailed HF
> >about those and why I did not get them, I am on their email and snail
> >mail lists, and got a mealymouth useless answer as I expected telling
> >me no useful information.
>
> >Any comments on any of this is appreciated.
> >Thanks in advance.
>
> >Add 400 after roy in the email to send me email.
>
> >Roy
>
> mac
>
> Please remove splinters before emailing
I happen to agree with Mac. Rather than buy a $200 lathe that you
could sell for $50-75 after you find out you don't like it, why not
buy a better quality lathe that has more return and retains its value.
Spend the extra $50 for the better lathe and then if you find out
turning is not your forte, you lose less when you sell the equipment
you bought. Either the Jet or the Rikon have good resell IMO and are
about the same price. I live in the boonies, there are no turning
clubs around, but I drove 2 hours to Woodcraft in Louisville to
investigate turning prior to my investment. Unless money isn't an
issue, I'd suggest trying something for free even if it required
traveling some distance in order to do so. A low quality lathe could
make you hate wood turning where a lathe that is well built could show
you just how much fun there is to be had.

Good luck on your search and even loners can learn something new,

JD

Larry Blanchard · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 118

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:13:20 -0800, mac davis wrote:

> For an introduction to turning, I'd strongly recommend the Jet Mini.. It's
> inexpensive, quiet, very stable and the best part is that there are SO many of
> them out there that questions are easily answered.

The Jet is a good lathe, but also take a look at the Rikon for about the
same price. The Jet swings 10", the Rikon 12".

John · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 61

In message , mac davis
writes
>On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:47:41 -0600, Roy wrote:
>
>>They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
>>now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.
>
>I've seen several Harbor Freight lathes, and would not recommend any of them..
>I'm not an elitist, buy a lot of stuff from HF, but not lathes..

I have seen the mention of the Harbour Freight Lathes quite a bit so
thought I would take a look.

I recognise the 34706

In the UK it is branded as Scheppach, Perform and many others. But there
is an important point to note, not all lathes are equal. I have the
Axminster 900 which is almost identical, and from a picture most would
think they are the same. Big differences are wider bed, and only 5 speed
instead of 10

The most important point though is that the 10 speed models tend to be
rated at hobby and the 5 speed version at light trade. Maybe that
explains the 100% price difference.

They rate Hobby at <100 hours use per annum and Light trade 300 hours
per annum. The JET 1442 on the other hand is rated as industrial and
1500+ hours per annum

So even as a relative newbie to the 'sport' I would say that once your
hooked you will want a better machine ( I am already waiting for a JET
at the right price)
--
John

Darrell Feltmate · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 223

Roy
I looked at the manual online for the Harbor Freight and it looks adequate
for a beginner lathe. I only say looks because I have never used it. The HSS
lathe tools come recommended by many of the folks on this group. May I
recommend that whatever lathe and tools you get you build my tool sharpening
jig and use it? It is a great tool for someone on a limited budget, or for
that matter anyone. It will save a ton of agravation. By the way, I have
nothing to sell.
http://www.aroundthewoods.com/sharpening01.html

--
God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS Canada
http://aroundthewoods.com
http://roundopinions.blogspot.com
"John" wrote in message $awHFwlg@blueyonder.co.uk...
> In message , mac davis
> writes
>>On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:47:41 -0600, Roy wrote:
>>
>>>They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
>>>now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.
>>
>>I've seen several Harbor Freight lathes, and would not recommend any of
>>them..
>>I'm not an elitist, buy a lot of stuff from HF, but not lathes..
>
> I have seen the mention of the Harbour Freight Lathes quite a bit so
> thought I would take a look.
>
> I recognise the 34706
>
> In the UK it is branded as Scheppach, Perform and many others. But there
> is an important point to note, not all lathes are equal. I have the
> Axminster 900 which is almost identical, and from a picture most would
> think they are the same. Big differences are wider bed, and only 5 speed
> instead of 10
>
> The most important point though is that the 10 speed models tend to be
> rated at hobby and the 5 speed version at light trade. Maybe that explains
> the 100% price difference.
>
> They rate Hobby at <100 hours use per annum and Light trade 300 hours
> per annum. The JET 1442 on the other hand is rated as industrial and 1500+
> hours per annum
>
> So even as a relative newbie to the 'sport' I would say that once your
> hooked you will want a better machine ( I am already waiting for a JET at
> the right price)
> --
> John

Roy · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:58:11 GMT, John
wrote:
Compare the Jet at
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ANS3/?tag=amaz06-20&gclid=CIzzmavH3ZECFSPNIgodihLuWg

with the HF
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34706

I think they come from the same factory in China although the fit and
finish may be different. I am prepared to clean, lube and adjust
things I get from HF more so than things from some other places.

I had decided to skip the mini and midi lathes but could change my
mind.

BTY I have no connection with HF except as a customer.

Thanks for ALL the comments and suggestions!

Roy

John · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 61

In message , Roy
writes
>On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:58:11 GMT, John
>wrote:
>Compare the Jet at
>http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ANS3/?tag=amaz06-20&gclid=CIzzmavH3ZECFSP
>NIgodihLuWg
>
>with the HF
>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34706

That is interesting another variant Smile

The Axminster and Perform variant can be seen here for comparison.
Remember they are in GBP which at present is 2$ to 1 GBP so you may be
shocked

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-M900-Variable-Speed-Woodturn
ing-Lathe-21283.htm

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Perform-CCL-Variable-Speed-Woodturning
-Lathe-21724.htm

>
>I think they come from the same factory in China although the fit and
>finish may be different. I am prepared to clean, lube and adjust
>things I get from HF more so than things from some other places.

I wonder if the lathe is just a budget JET or if it is one they badge to
cover the low end market. Saying that I have seen the Axminster 950
badged as a JET, its the next model up from the one above with headstock
which slides the length of the bed
>

One interesting point in the Product Description is

"Designed for use over the long haul, this tool has all the qualities
professional woodworkers demand"

Makes me wonder how long they consider long haul to be Smile

--
John

dmann99 · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

I am a beginner too. I bought a set of 47066 tools to start with,
knowing that I'de want better ones after I figured out which tools I
would use the most. The tools included in the set are best suited to
spindle turning. I picked up a bowl gouge to supplement the set. After
6 weeks of turning a few hours a week I am already wanting some more
substantial tools. Because of the thickness and width of the tools its
taking a little longer to finish items.

I sprung for a Jet 1220 (Sells for around $325) because while I buy a
lot of tools at HF, I'm not too keen on their power tools. Of course
shortly after I bought my 1220 a Delta 46-700 came up for sale for
cheap on Craigslist.

I'm usually a loner-learner but I attended a local AAW chapter meeting
and met a bunch of great people. I imagine every hour I spend there
saves me 10X as much time in the shop. The VP of the club held a
sharpening class that helped me get a decent edge on the tools and
that has helped immensely.

-- Dave

mac davis · Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 35

On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:56:14 -0600, Roy wrote:

>On Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:58:11 GMT, John
>wrote:
>Compare the Jet at
>http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ANS3/?tag=amaz06-20&gclid=CIzzmavH3ZECFSPNIgodihLuWg
>
>with the HF
>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34706
>
>I think they come from the same factory in China although the fit and
>finish may be different. I am prepared to clean, lube and adjust
>things I get from HF more so than things from some other places.
>
>I had decided to skip the mini and midi lathes but could change my
>mind.
>
>BTY I have no connection with HF except as a customer.
>
>Thanks for ALL the comments and suggestions!
>
>Roy

IF they were from the same factory and had the same quality control, I don't
think many folks would be buying the Jet for $600..lol

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

mac davis · Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 35

On Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:40:09 GMT, John wrote:

>
>One interesting point in the Product Description is
>
>"Designed for use over the long haul, this tool has all the qualities
>professional woodworkers demand"
>
>Makes me wonder how long they consider long haul to be Smile

Might be one of those 30/30 warranty things..
30 feet or 30 seconds..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

woodman · Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 8

I started with the 34706 lathe and will never regret it. I paid $199 for
it, turned on it for a year and a half and sold it for $185 in November to
get a larger capacity lathe. It is a good lathe--accurate, powerful enough,
variable speed and an excellent starter. I added a shelf to mine with 200
lbs of sand and that made it very stable as well. The tools are also pretty
good--I've seen the same starter set for $60-80, and it is worth the $35.
Benjamin's Best tools are also very good and inexpensive. You can find them
at Penn State Industries.

Woody

"Roy" wrote in message @4ax.com...
> They have the above lathe on sale at the retail stores in this area
> now for 199.99 and the 47066 lathe chisel set for 36.99.
>
> I would be new to wood turning if I got these.
>
> Would they be suitable for a beginner to see if I would even like
> woodturning? I know they are not the best and many have a total
> dislike for Harbor Freight tools. I have found for me many of their
> tools are just fine, some are useless.
>
> Now if they would come out with a 10%, 20% or bigger coupon this would
> look even better.
>
> I see people on EBAY selling Harbor Freight coupons. I emailed HF
> about those and why I did not get them, I am on their email and snail
> mail lists, and got a mealymouth useless answer as I expected telling
> me no useful information.
>
> Any comments on any of this is appreciated.
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Add 400 after roy in the email to send me email.
>
> Roy

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anyone have any feedback on the Harbor Freight Oscillating S Hi, I saw an oscillating spindle sander at HF that looked very reasonable, given the under $100 price. The table was fixed (only do 90 degrees unless you build a jig for it), but it seemed pretty sturdy, with what appears to be an all-metal body. Anyone

Anyone have a Central Machinery / Harbor Freight Bench Top D Looking for some measurements on this machine: HEAVY DUTY 16 SPEED BENCH DRILL PRESS [13-7/8'' SWING] Will gladly send you a $25 check if you can assist! Need micrometer or excellent

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