Mini-Lathe Recommendations? Carbatec vs. Hafco

**hartleymartin** · 30th March 2020, 12:02 AM

After years with my generic Chinese-made lathe (I think at one point these were marketed through Bunnings under Ryobi) I am looking to get something better.

I decided I wanted something which takes a Morse Taper 2, so I can have a variety of spindles in the future, and something that can take a few sizes of face plates and possibly a 3-jaw chuck or scroll chuck, these look handy for bowl turning.

It has been a while since I used the generic cheap lathe I got some 20 years ago. I realised that I didn't do much spindle turning, and I only ever seemed to use about the first 12 inches of the bed. I am looking at one of the Mini-Lathes mentioned in the title. Either the one from Carbatec or the one branded "Hafco Woodmaster" sold by Hare & Forbes.

I am generally leaning towards the Carbatec. I have two stores which will supply (Sydney Tools and Total Tools in Smithfield) and it is a bit cheaper than the Hafco - I'd have a bit of a drive out to Windsor to get it, but is that necessarily a bad thing?

I want to be able to get bed extensions in the future, which appear to be available for both. I would usually turn decorative bowls, but tool handles and other such items. Perhaps candle-sticks, but I do want to eventually have a go at making flutes.

Ideas, advice? It seems like Carbatec have it covered for most things. Is there another brand I should think about?

**Ironwood** · 30th March 2020, 12:21 AM

The Woodfast Midi is another lathe you should look at. The Vicmarc VL150 is at the top of the class, but has a price to match, if you want the best and money not an issue it would be the one I would choose.

When I was in the market a few years back, I narrowed my choices down to the Woodfast and the GPW Midi, I ended up with the GPW. I have no regrets. I got the base model and swapped out the motor for a 1hp 3 phase job and fitted a VFD to give me variable speed. I wanted this lathe primarily for turning pens, and it does the job perfectly. I have turned some pepper grinders on it, there was barely enough room between centres but it did the job.
I have a Record CL3 that is better for the bigger jobs, but still has restrictions.

**jaybird** · 30th March 2020, 08:24 AM

I recently bought the Woodfast Midi from Carrolls and after giving it a lot of use I must say I'm quite impressed. I have mounted it on a good solid timber bed and use it mostly for smaller spindle type work and lidded boxes. It handles everything I've put to it so far without any problems.

**Fumbler** · 7th April 2020, 05:58 AM

Firstly, HAFCO delivers, secondly sign up as a "mate" and you'll get a discount. My suggestion is the WL-14 mini wood lathe, as it has EVS, awesome little lathe. I have one. yes I'd like a woodfast or something branded but it would just be for gloating purposes. cant fault this little beaut, nor the price.

**brainstrust** · 11th April 2020, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by Fumbler

Firstly, HAFCO delivers, secondly sign up as a "mate" and you'll get a discount. My suggestion is the WL-14 mini wood lathe, as it has EVS, awesome little lathe. I have one. yes I'd like a woodfast or something branded but it would just be for gloating purposes. cant fault this little beaut, nor the price.

Couldn't agree more! You won't do better for the price

**havabeer69** · 12th April 2020, 01:20 AM

seig do some mini lathes
Lathes

i have one of their mills and its pretty decent

**brainstrust** · 12th April 2020, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by havabeer69

seig do some mini lathes
Lathes

i have one of their mills and its pretty decent

metal lathes????

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