HF Midi lathe evaluation

[Dave Mcintire]

I'm looking for a small lathe, about the size referred to as a midi. I'm not quite into the $500 Delta or Jet category but noticed the Rockler "Excelsior" model and PSI midi look too similar to be coincidental and are cheap. The HF "Bench Top" model 65345 also looks identical to the other two. I can get the HF model locally with 20% off which beats all the others. Has anybody had any experience thery would like to share with the HF or the others mentioned above?
I'm only looking for a second machine which would be portable and not concerned about future upgrades as I have a yellow monster too.

[Jeff Brockett]

I would try and find a used Jet. The harbor freight lathe has had some issues.

[Bernie Weishapl]

IMHO I would look for a used Jet or Delta midi. The 46-460 VS Delta is a honey and if it had been out when I bought my Jet I would have gotten it.

[Robert Snowden]

The HF lathe is a waste of your time and money.Go for the delta,jet or even the ricon you will be much better off,than trying to sell the HF to get another lathe.

[ROY DICK]

Just a thought.
Contact a near by woodturning club, maybe someone is getting an upgrade for Christmas and would be willing to sell the other one.

Roy

[Gordon Seto]

Five speeds: 750, 1100, 1600, 2200 and 3200 RPM

Minimum 750 rpm is not something I would consider. They don't know even know how to make a good copy cat. Or they even believe faster is an improvement, a desireable feature?

[Tim Browne]

I agree with the other posters. Also uses a #1mt instead of a #2mt in the tailstock. Do you already have #1mt centers?
I would consider this a mini, not a midi btw.