Harbor Freight mis-marking power rating on 34706 lathes

(clip) Yes, I was unhappy but mostly for those that actually bought one of those lathes expecting a 3/4 HP motor. I would suggest you contact HF and ask them how they are going to make it right. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ To really make you whole, I suppose you could demand they replace the 1/2 HP moor with a 3/4. That ain't gonna happen. What they should do, and probably will, is allow you to return the motor for a refund. I'm sure they will do that willingly--I have found their warranty and return policy to be superb. Since you tried a kludge to get a bargain, and it turns out to be based on an error, I don't think you should expect more.

Your concern for other buyers who may have been misled is well founded. I don't see any way out of that mess, since a buyer who assumes he got a lathe with a 3/4 HP motor may never realize what has happened. Most turners who buy from HF are beginners, and they may not realize that their lathe ought to be capable of heavier cuts.

In message , Leo Lichtman writes

I think an important point here, is if it came time to re-sell the lathe, without the correct label on the motor, how can you convince someone? What about if it needed re-wiring, the wrong cable could be used or incorrect fuse. If the label is stick on, they should be able to provide a replacement with the correct serial number on it, assuming the number is on it. That would be the cheapest option

I have received my funds back, I am still nervous now when I consider buying anything from them.

I had thought that buying HF products are generally known by turners to be an exercise in separating the bargains from the junk. Most of us buy them selectively and often not for their advertised purpose, always with some recognition of price vs quality. Yet we do buy them and often with satisfaction.

Given two HF lathes one with 1/2 the other with 3/4 hp motors plus their known and accepted deficiencies, I doubt there will be much difference noted at turning speeds. Does anyone here believe the labelled hp on most Sears, Home Depot etc. small motors at anything like the rpm at bowl turning speeds? I don't think a misleading by 1/4 hp label on a HF lathe is a federal case. If so get a refund (as was done) or a new label or paste on a homemade one listing whatever hp you think it is, which is unlikely to be correct anyway. Not that federal cases aren't also 'mislabelled' these days!

Sorry, I'm in my COC phase again. Most of you recognize that and just sigh while others groan! :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

Good to have you back in form Arch.