Since 2012 I have had a Harbor Freight 7x10 Mini Lathe, and while it has served me very well I frequently find myself pushing its limits to the extreme. I really long for a lathe capable of turning 6in aluminum castings and threading without resorting to hand cranking the spindle.
Before I got the 7x10 I had been looking at the G4000, attracted by small size, partial threading gearbox and power cross feed. Also, my uncle had a G4000, and it seemed about the right size and reasonably well put together.
In retrospect I am glad I did not go with the G4000. At .75in the spindle bore is the same as the 7x10, and the machine is small enough that it is difficult to fit standard accessories like a QCTP. If I had bought a G4000 I would likely be in the same situation I am in now but, but would have spent a lot more.
Before I got the 7x10 I had been looking at the G4000, attracted by small size, partial threading gearbox and power cross feed. Also, my uncle had a G4000, and it seemed about the right size and reasonably well put together.
In retrospect I am glad I did not go with the G4000. At .75in the spindle bore is the same as the 7x10, and the machine is small enough that it is difficult to fit standard accessories like a QCTP. If I had bought a G4000 I would likely be in the same situation I am in now but, but would have spent a lot more.
After much reading online and some deliberation I decided that the slightly more expensive, but much bigger, G0602 would be the best lathe for my needs. With a shipping weight of 620lbs (according to UPS Freight), the G0602 is nearly twice as heavy as the G4000 (293lbs), but is still compact enough for my small shop. And did I mention the 1in spindle bore!
The G0602 also has in its favor many happy owners and a number of well documented mods and improvements online and in various publications.
The G0602 also has in its favor many happy owners and a number of well documented mods and improvements online and in various publications.