8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

I've had and used the lathe for about 5 years now. I compared lathes online and gave serious consideration to the 7x. The problem is the harbor freight did not have this 8x in the showroom.
I bit the bullet and ordered it sight unseen. Though the physical dimensions make the two lathe seem similar, the 8x easily four times as capable of a machine. I am extremely happy with the choice to go with the 8x.

The biggest problem I've had with the machine is a clunking sound it developed. Thought I might need to replace the bearings. Turns out I just needed to tighten the belt pulley nut.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

I researched mini lathes thoroughly before buying an 8x12. Best minilathe on the market. I paid [$] [...] Ready to use out of the box with no problems. I prefer the belt drive to circuit board variable speed.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

While this is not any different than the 8x14" lathes from other vendors that I can tell, it is certainly a super value. The 8x12" from HF actually is an 8x14" from my measurements. It is MUCH heavier and larger than the 7x10 lathes, and has more power. It is quite simply a much better machine than the 7" lathes. I also noticed that the play and tolerances are way better than the 7x or 9x lathes, doesn't require 10 hours of fiddling and adjusting to take the backlash and slop out of the components and slides, it was set up well out of the box. The extra weight (around 200-250 lbs) of this thing certainly makes for a stronger, stiffer machine than the 7x and 9x lathes. I am quite pleased so far as I have had it about 3 yrs now. It is not a South Bend or Atlas by any means, but for the money it was certainly a bargain. I would like to see HF handle more accessories for this great product!!

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

My only complant after 5 yrs of owning one is the lack of QCGB but its easy enough to change the gears just takes time you dont always have.--That and I can only fine accessorys online

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

I have been doing a slow conversion of this lathe over the past year. I'm converting the mini-mill too (HF44991) and have used this lathe to machine the ball-screws needed for CNC.


Gear changes for threading are a bit confusing and time consuming at first, but get simpler with practice. Since all the gearing will not be required for CNC, I don't see the need for a quick change gear box anyway.


I replaced the motor with a 3-phase 3/4HP motor and VFD to achieve variable speeds.


All in all a fairly sturdy chuck of pot-metal!

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

I bought mine about 3 years ago. It worked out of the box. With skill I can hold 0.0005"


Replaced some of the EZ-strip screws with some new ones, but that's about all the repairs it needed.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

Worked right out of the box. A little cleanup and making solid cuts. I bought this lathe based on the excellent reviews it got on the internet. Comes with everything you need but cutting tools and those were in stock at my local HF store. Cant say enough good about it.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

this comes ready to cut out of the box. Its solid and a pleasure to use. I use it as a toolroom lathe to support a 30k$ cnc gang tool lathe. I make parts for the big lathe like mounting feet and bar feeder parts. The three jaw chuck that comes with the lathe is adequate for nearly everything. A 3 jaw is centered to .003. That may not sound very good, but after you turn the piece, that goes away.

the drawbacks of the machine include lack of a motor speed control. Also, I was able to stall out the spindle by drilling too hard. These are not problems though. I have owned larger and smaller lathes, and this is a good size.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

Very well made lathe. More powerful than the 7x14 and it's heavier and has better accuracy than the 9x19. A light, quick clean up and it was ready to work.



It was well crated and it shipped quickly. Maybe the best small benchtop lathe available.

Comments about Central Machinery 8" x 12" Precision Benchtop Lathe:

2years and still works great . I paid 499.00 with free ship little machine shop has everthing u need to get started.