mini-lathe at ToolsNow.com...buy now or wait?

[davee1]

So I was wondering if any of you guys do regular busuness with ToolsNow formerly Cummins Tools? I've been drooling over their mini-lathe for several years. There was a time when it was 400 bucks and they would run a frequent special with free shipping. Now, its 450 bucks and I havent heard about any free shipping deals on that item. So my question is...do you guys think that the free shipping will come back around, or should I just snatch it up now before the price goes up again? I shudda wooda coulda, but didn't, and now I really should I think.

[johncedarhill]

The two power tools bandsaw and drillpress were both refurbished ryobi tools from Cummins. I have mixed feelings on how good they are compared to brand new.

[davee1]

somebody...anybody?

[Splash]

Dave, I think you can get the same lathe at Harbor Freight, for about the same price, with more acc.

[davee1]

Thanx Mike I'll check on that.

[Splash]

Your welcome Dave. What are you planning on using it for? The reason I ask, is you may be better off to spend alittle more and get a bigger, better lathe. I don't have one yet, but when I get one, I want to be sure that I can do whatever, may come up. Harbor Freight has a 9X20 for $799 IIRC.

[davee1]

At first, I will just be making guides, tophats, and spacersout of delrin or metal. Later, I dunno...I checked at HF but it looks like ToolsNow has the better deal for what I'm gonna do...I like the portability of the 90 pounder at ToolsNow, and it comes with a bunch of stuff. I dont have enough money to get a big one, and dont really need a big one. Have kinda already decided on the ToolsNow one, but was wondering if maybe there was some free shipping coupon or something, but it doesnt look like there is.

[gofastjet]

Check this info ,    PJ                         http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Info/minilathe_compare.php

[davee1]

that link was awesome thanx!!! Told me just what I wanted to know.

[davee1]

I've got 3 truck sales in my area at the end of the month...do they carry the minilathes on those trucks???

[davee1]

Just got confirmation from Shari at ToolsNow that the Sale Trucks carry the minilathe. I'll see if I can get one...

[Machinist]

davee1:
If you did not buy at May and June price of $399, I would wager we will never see that price again. The reduced worldwide value of the dollar and inflation will most likely only raise the price. The price of transportation fuel also makes doubtful any breaks in shipping costs.
If you truly have the discretionary funds, what are you waiting on?
Mike

[davee1]

I aint waitin no more Mike. I've got enough money for this one time shot and thats it. I'm going for it at the end of the month at the 3 truck sales that I have to choose from, so I can save on shipping, and if I cant get it that way then I'll just pay for the shipping and order it online.

[Jaymo]

I bought my 7x12 mini lathe from a Homier show back in 2002, and I love it. They don't list it on their website at this time. The 9x20 is bigger, but not better, than the 7x12. The 7x12 is much more ruggedly built, even though it's smaller. Now, if I can get my 10x36 Atlas set up in my shop, I'll be good to go, between that, the 7x12, the mill/drill, and the 4x6 bandsaw.
If you don't have one and you can afford it, I highly recommend one of the little Taiwanese 4x6 horizontal/vertical metalcutting bandsaws. Once you use it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.I bought mine at Northern back in 2005 and don't regret it. I paid $159.00 for mine, but for $299.00 the one at http://www.homier.com is a much nicer unit. I wish I'd bought that one instead, but I'm not going to complain about mine. It does what I need it to do. Beats using a hacksaw.

[RCnMo]

I can't believe how much these have gone up in price. I bought the homier 7x12 back in 2003 for $299 and I use it more than my 13x40. Check out http://www.varmintal.com for some mods to this machine and links to mods as well. You can make a 'good' little lathe into a pretty darned good little lathe. Cutting threads on this thing can be time consuming, but it will do it. If you  can find a 4 jaw chuck for it, they are worth their weight in gold. I think I picked mine up on ebay for around $40. Littlemachineshop.com used to sell the follow and steady rests for this machine as well. Harbor freight carries tool bits and I get most of my stuff from http://www.wttool.com. I love mine and don't regret ever buying it.