I am familiar with a 7x chinese mini lathes. I have never seen an 8x or 9x chinese lathe in person. Other than the obvious differences in swing, I am curious as to other differences. I know the 8x12 Harbor Freight lathe weighs around 250 lbs. while the 7x12 weighs around 90 lbs. The HF 8x12 is also around twice the price of the HF 7x12.
Questions:
1. Is the price difference worth it for the HF 8x?
2. I know that weight (mass) is your friend in a lathe. However, all that extra weight may do little if the cross slide and carriage and compound slide of the 8x and the 7x are similar in size and weight. How do the sizes of the HF 8x and 7x lathes compare?
3. Any other comparisons and contrasts that may be pertinent?
Questions:
1. Is the price difference worth it for the HF 8x?
2. I know that weight (mass) is your friend in a lathe. However, all that extra weight may do little if the cross slide and carriage and compound slide of the 8x and the 7x are similar in size and weight. How do the sizes of the HF 8x and 7x lathes compare?
3. Any other comparisons and contrasts that may be pertinent?