this question not meant to start a war!

bauercrew

bauercrew

Registered
what are the difference between chris hightower lathes and mid-america lathes just curious because they both seem to be mentioned on here
 
There shouldn't be a war, both make great lathes! IMO, Hightower lathes are geared a bit more towards cue building. Chris has some great lathes and the accessories to build a cue right out of the box. Todd's lathes are more for the repair guy, however, you could still probably build a cue with a MAL, just can't do tapering. Then you have price, Hightower lathes are pricey, but if you want a close to turn key solution to cue building, it's money we'll spent. MA lathes are about 1/2 or 1/3 of the Hightower price based upon what model you want. Both Chris and Todd have outstanding support and are quick to answer questions. They main thing to know is that neither lathe is a bad choice....it all depends on what you want to use it for and how much you're willing to play.
 
Ahhhhhhhhh, but you can build full cues with the Mid America. All you need is the CNC adaption and your tapers are limited to your imagination.

You will need to tweak either lathe but you will need to tweak any lathe.
 
tank69 said:
There shouldn't be a war, both make great lathes! IMO, Hightower lathes are geared a bit more towards cue building. Chris has some great lathes and the accessories to build a cue right out of the box. Todd's lathes are more for the repair guy, however, you could still probably build a cue with a MAL, just can't do tapering. Then you have price, Hightower lathes are pricey, but if you want a close to turn key solution to cue building, it's money we'll spent. MA lathes are about 1/2 or 1/3 of the Hightower price based upon what model you want. Both Chris and Todd have outstanding support and are quick to answer questions. They main thing to know is that neither lathe is a bad choice....it all depends on what you want to use it for and how much you're willing to play.
Click to expand...

I taper with one of Todd lathe. Guess I have to stop tapering now.:grin:

With Chris H lathe it's ready to go out of the box. Todd lathe you will have to do some mods if you want to build cues. Add taper bar or cnc like Tom said. Then you will need a power feed and a few other things as well. Chris H and Todd are good people and they build a great lathe.

Jay Harper
Harper cues
 
whammo57 said:
Why don't you share it with everyone???

Kim
Click to expand...

Kim it's just a taper bar and power feed. I can just adjust the taper bar 1000th at a time by turning knob. Any cue maker who has been around a lathe should know how to build a taper bar setup.


Jay Harper
Harper cues
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top