Thread: Opinions on the mini lathe - W385 from H+F MH

I bought one about a year ago, it works well, the electronic variable speed is great. I only use it for things like pens so I can't comment on bowl turning even though I bought a Record chuck kit to go with it. The only thing I found was that I left it outside in the sun while I cleaned out the shed and the clear cover on the display wrinkled and shrank.......So if it's going outside, you need to cover the display.

I bought one ‘for my daughter’ and it’s ok for small stuff.
I modded the tool rests slightly and made up a small bed extension as I decided to use it to turn up some silver ash chair legs on it.
I guess it’s just plain underpowered as I never felt comfortable doing the legs on it and went back to my RS8 for them.
I did mount it on some square tube with some old cast iron legs so can’t comment re bench mounting one.
H.

I've had one for four years. Initially had a problem with the electronics. H&F were great and replaced the whole lathe. The system has been modified on later models and I have had no problem with the replacement. Still mechanically very sound and the EVS is very good. It should do everything you want and then some. I have used mine for a lot of relatively large and heavy turnings and the lathe was fine with a bit of care. Only issue for you might be weight - you will probably need to rig some sort of trolly for it if you want to move it any distance.

This one is very similar in specs except it has about 50mm less swing. The site doesn't specify the weight but my club has one and it is very easy to carry. Their specs say 3500RPM but in the spiel it says 3800RPM so I don't know which one to believe.

It's only for PENS and small things.

I was considering turning my new Bosch drill press on is side and bodging up a "lathe" with that....

Thanks for everyone's input. There are many more EVS lathes from when I first bought a mini, many moons back (a yellow woodfast M305 from memory). It was a decent machine, but the belt changes were infuriating..... The EVS's at the time were ~$1200.... So the price drop is nice .

I'll keep my eyes/ears open for a while longer for advice and specials, if it anyone has an opinion.... Spill it

Originally Posted by Treecycle

This one is very similar in specs except it has about.....

The timbercon has a 5 year warranty. Nice

I've sent them a message asking if they'll do a point-to-point test prior to delivery and a query on the tool rest post size.

Looks decent!

Ah yes, as from above for moving things around, I have a trundle cart made up!

Each machine has a MDF box made up for it. The tools accessories go in the box too. I got the idea from the way a jigsaw was couriered to me. The forumite made up an armoured box for shipping!

The box(s) are lifted onto the cart and I bumble my way downstairs and lock it in the storage cage.

Everything is documented and insured Just In Case ... The joys of tight city unit living....

The more I read about H&F machines, the less I like them. Seem to be hit & miss, and often need considerable tweaking to become accurate and useable.

I know they're twice the price, but a Nova Comet II would be my recommendation for a small WW lathe. They used to come up on special every now and then, often with some tooling/chucks thrown in, but Covid scarcities may make that a thing of the past. Nova Comet II DR Midi Lathe - EVS with Digital Readout | Carbatec.t/8A/zn/"tH

Yes, they are what they are, a cheap and cheerful wood lathe that lets you "test the waters" without paying too much money. But being realistic, how much accuracy do you need? If one goes back 100 years or more, were the "reasonable" lathes from back then any better than the things from H&F today? But certainly, if you buy a cheaper machine and outgrow it then you can just pass it on to someone that is starting out and buy something with more bells and whistles and a greater price tag and not feel guilty.

Originally Posted by Bernmc

. Nova Comet II DR Midi Lathe - EVS with Digital Readout | Carbatec.t/8A/zn/"tH

Dammit, a 1" x 8TPI thread.

I was really hoping to reuse all my 30x3.5 gear....

I'll make up a bit of a spreadsheet...

You will only need to loctite one adaptor worth about $30 from Mcjings to transform a 1" male thread to a 30mm male thread, job done.

Alan...

Originally Posted by Uncle Al

You will only need to Loctite one adaptor worth about $30 from Mcjings to transform a 1" male thread to a 30mm male thread, job done.

Alan...

So true. Many things in my cart at McJings..... its is a DANGEROUS place for me!

I was hoping to avoid the adapter thing.

So, now the dilemma! Do I buy a cheaper "hack" lathe, or a Sexy Shiny one? Hmmm..... down a rabbit hole I go

I'm not good enough a craftsman to deal with sloppy/inaccurate tools. So I buy once cry once

i've got one and cant stop signing about it, although not wanting to rub it in, i bought it when it was $539 and with the macineryhouse mates rates, ($50 off) i think it was $489, for a 470mm bed with EVS you cant go wrong. you can turn small bowls obviously, and not just for pens and tooth picks!!

I feel the Machinery House lathe nudges out the Timbecon one ever so slightly due to the way the belts work.

For the Timbecon machine, there's three belts; L, M, & H. The Low speed one goes from 450-1100. Medium goes 960-2400. High goes 1400-3500.

For the MH W385 there are two - low range 450rpm up to 1800rpm. The high speed range from 900rpm up to 3850rpm.

The whole idea of swapping belts annoys the hell out of me, so for this reason it is why is gets the nudge.

Ive not bought yet... Maybe I can find one second hand or even on Mates Rates special