Thread: Who has either a Hafco AL-336, AL-960B or AL-340A

A lot of people seem to get given the wrong information. I see it here and the wood work section also.
You would think they would have to learn about what there selling.
When my daughter was selling Kirby vacuum cleaners they had to do a few day course so they knew what they were selling, if a customer asked a question.
I think some sales people at some places are like check out girls. Go to work, scan the items, take the money, then go home at the end of the day, with no interest in the products there selling at all.
Dave

we do learn about what we are selling, the range of products on offer is quite large and to correctly recall every specification can be tricky. That is why if we are not sure we have to check, as has been the case in this one, somebody has physically measured and checked things.
Wrong information given does 2 things, first it makes the customer angry if they purchase on your incorrect advice and second the seller looks like an idiot who doesnt know what they are talking about.
With regard to the lathes in question, I dont own any of them, I just sell them.
there are many pro's and cons for each and it looks as though you have thoroughly researched each one, whatever decision you make I am sure with the info you have obtained it will be correct for you application.
The AL-340 is a sturdy machine, the 540 is a bit heavier in castings and base with a wider bed, but is also lower in height to the 340.
The 340 I think is the tallest bed height 240v machine we sell, not sure of height to carriage handwheel without checking it.

Originally Posted by brisbanefitter

I was in Brisbane store the other day, the demos and steam trains etc are only in Sydney branch as far as I know. I asked and the sales guys were sure thats the only place you will see them, apparently its the Sydney sale, not the Brisbane sale that happens around early March.
BUT, you can get sale flyer prices or even better at any branch, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth.
I wouldnt mind getting me one of those AL960B lathes with DRO, looks like a nice machine and worth the extra $$. prolly go the indexable insert tooling too, ISO standard stuff and a Skoda live centre plus drill chuck and arbour, centre drill and the like.

So you didn't end up getting that lathe?
Dave

nope

HI ALL,
I finally decided to go for the Hafco AL-340A as it suited My needs more and that Model has been around along Time. I ordered the Lathe and Extras Yesterday Morning. Although I like the AL-336 I opted away from it, because it has not been around very long (approx 2 years). I like the AL-960B, but really wanted a Heavier Machine (AL-960B was a bloody good price though). I reckon My Boss will Buy a AL-960B this Year.
I would have liked to go down to the Sale and have another look at the Lathes. Due to Work (Mallacoota Outboards) being far to Busy, I couldn't go.
Thankyou to all of You who Replied to this Thread and 'PM' Me, the Info was very Helpful. I am expecting the lathe and Extras to arrive Late next Week - then the Fun starts trying to get it into My Shed.
All The Best steran50 Stewart

One of the quickest ways to go Mad is to try and decide which New Metal Lathe to Buy.

The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

I'm glad to hear you got the lathe you wanted
It will be like Christmas all over again for you next week, unwrapping everything.
At least now you can take a break and relax instead of trying to work out which one to buy.
Dave

Originally Posted by Dave J

I'm glad to hear you got the lathe you wanted
It will be like Christmas all over again for you next week, unwrapping everything.
At least now you can take a break and relax instead of trying to work out which one to buy.
Dave

HI,
I don't know about Christmas, more like Nightmare on Elmstreet. I still haven't got My New Lathe. Our Local Transport (City to Surf) was supposed to pick it up. The first week he was unable to and the second Week he went in to pick it up. Only to find it is His description " Your Lathe is Massive", I had told Him the Dimensions and Weight.
He suggested Dyers Transport Bairnsdale, so I gave them a Phone Call. No problem they can pick it up on the 6/4/10 and deliver on the 9/4/10 and only $184.20 .
The 9/4/10 at 4PM no sign of the Truck, I knew that there was unfortunatetly a Fatal Accident near Genoa at approx 11:30am perhaps they got held up.
I Phoned them up, Yes they couldn't get through - fair enough. I had been talking to Kayla who them puts Me onto Matt. Who then Informs Me that My Lathe has been DAMAGED. Something about a Handle and Paint of it. They were apparently bringing it down so I could have a look. The Truck was stillon it's way back to Bairnsdale. I spoke to Scott at H&F despatch and the Boss at H&F Paul. Paul said He would Phone Dyers to see what had happened. Michael at H&F phoned Me back to suggest I get Dyers to take some Photos and Email to Me. As it's not much point taking the Machine to Mallacoota if it has to go back. He also said it sounds like they dropped it. I phoned Dyers about getting Photos Emailed, Yes they will do that either that Day or Tomorrow. I still have'nt seen any photos yet - I don't know that I want to either. From what Matt at Dyers told Me they are Liable and so they should be.
I would have driven down to Bairnsdale and had a look Myself, but I have to Work for the next 3 Weekends doing Racv Roadside Breakdowns. So No Xmas for Me, I am SULKING.

All The Best steran50 Stewart

The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

Hi Stewart,
I am sorry to hear about it being damaged, after all the planing now this.
Not good to say the least. No wonder your sulking, I would be ready to rip someone's head off.
Don't H&F deliver down your way with a truck crane? They have a private contractor in Sydney to deliver there machinery etc.
There is nothing worse than being left hanging like this either. They should speed it up and if they don't, get consumer affairs into it. They will help you as long as you not seeking compensation money (other than the lathe) for the mishap.
I would say to the carriers that you don't want the lathe now that it's damaged (unless they are going to give you most, if not all of your money back and the lathe) because you bought a new one and thats what you want. There could be anything wrong with it, and you may not find for out for months or even longer, then it's to late.

Not sure how much you make a day, but for $180 you might be better off taking a day off work if you can and picking it up your self. I have a friend in NRMA up here and know it's not easy to get someone to cover for the day, you would have a lot of stranded angry people if you just didn't turn up.LOL
Hope it gets sorted soon.
Dave

HI,
Well Christmas finally came. The Transport Company responsible for Damaging the Lathe came to the Party and Paid for a Replacement Lathe. As Hare & Forbes had the AL-960B with DRO on Special for a Bloody good Price. I Paid the difference from the AL-340A Special Price and Bought a New AL-960B w/DRO. My New Lathe arrived Safe and Sound on Friday Morning at Work, by a different Freight Company. A Mate Helped Me on Saturday with His Ute take it Home and Unload it in My Shed. I have only had a brief go with it to check it out - Very Happy with it. I am however Scratching My Head with the DRO Manual, I haven't plugged it in yet though. Any had much to do with DRO's on Metal Lathes ?. The DRO on my lathe is a 'CARMAR' - SW4000. I need to organize some Steel through the Week so as I can Raise the Stand height so it will be Comfortable for Me.

All The Best steran50 Stewart

The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.

Good to hear it all turned out for the best, you'll like the 960B.