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CX706 or CX709?

D

DHHok

Active Member
Hello everyone. New member here, but I've been lurking for quite some time.
I've been wanting to get a lathe for as long as I can remember, but I could never really justify getting one, based on how much I'd use it.
That being said, I finally decide to just get one. I'm retired now and haven't used a lathe since junior high, so you can definitely classify me as a newbie. :)

I have am looking at the Craftex CX706 and CX709, but I need to make a decision asap, or one of them may get snapped up.
Price and condition is the same on both, so that doesn't come into play.

I like the variable speed on the 706 and it has more thread options, but the 709 is a bigger machine and also comes with a stand. (The stand isn't really important, but it's nice to have).
I would get the 709 for sure, if it was variable speed or had a QCGB. Will speed changes become a hassle with the 709?
The extra thread options on the 706 look good on paper, but in reality, I don't think I'd ever really need them.
I doubt I would really swing anything bigger than the 706 can handle......but you never know. Everything on the 709 is just a bit beefier. Bigger is better; right?

Anyone have any input?
Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome to the forum. Where are you located? There may be better used options depending upon where your are.
 
YYCHM said:
Welcome to the forum. Where are you located? There may be better used options depending upon where your are.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'm in BC and used is very limited and usually way overpriced. I've been looking for a used one for a looong time
 
Welcome from SK. I thought the 709 had a QCGB, price and condition being the same i would go with the 709 myself.
 
I have the 10x22 model before the 706 and really like the variable speed, it's quiet and smooth. I do wish it was a bit heavier/rigid but I think that is always the case until you go HUGE. I bought my lathe new and remember ho-ing and hum-ing on what one to select also.
 
6.5 Fan said:
Welcome from SK. I thought the 709 had a QCGB, price and condition being the same i would go with the 709 myself.
Click to expand...
Doh! Thanks. My sheer newbieness is really showing through. :rolleyes: I had to go back and look. Although it is not a full QC, it is better than I thought. You only need to move a belt when changing from the 6 upper speeds to the 6 lower speeds (and vice versa). I've been reading so many internet posts on lathes the last few days, I think I got models mixed up and I thought it needed the gears changed. (At least that's the story I'm going with. :D)

One benefit of the 706 I didn't mention is that I would get a full warranty. The 709 is new, but sold "as is". It's been identified as having a flaky motor, but I have a brand new 2hp motor that I've never had a use for and I got it for free, so I'm not worried about that part. I get a 24hr warranty just to make sure there is nothing else wrong with it.
As far as not getting a full warranty, I just don't see myself using it enough and/or pushing hard enough that something would fail, that I couldn't fix myself.
 
Beefier is better. I had the 706 for a few years. Had lots of fun with it. One thing I don’t like is the gear changing - it’s a real pain. I just didn’t do anything that required a gear change. Also the slow feed power feed isn’t slow enough. But I would call those issues quibbles. Put aside money for tooling and metal to work.
 
Don't forget that you can always change the motor to 3phase with a VFD and get awesome variable speed control.
 
Thanks guys. This all helps
I have heard good and bad about BB warranty. I suppose they are like most franchises. Depends on who you are dealing with. The guy here seems ok, but in any case, I'm not to concerned about warranty.

Susquatch, I have already been looking into that. Haven't even picked up a machine yet and the addiction is starting to take hold. :D
 
DHHok said:
Susquatch, I have already been looking into that. Haven't even picked up a machine yet and the addiction is starting to take hold. :D
Click to expand...

It never gets better.......

I have not done that with my lathe yet, but it's on my to do list. Ever since I put a VFD on my mill, I've been eyeing my lathe.

Apparently, some lathes have highly integrated motors and motor controls. This might make the VFD conversion difficult but not impossible. Turns out mine will be simple. I just need to swap out the old 2-ph motor for a 3 phase and get on with the job. I already have the VFD.
 
I used to have CX709 - I got it like 5 years ago and sold it like 4 years ago. 5 years ago new it cost 1/2 of what it costs now. Its a good hobby lathe. It is more sturdy then the other one but I would rather have https://www.busybeetools.com/products/metal-lathe-12in-x28in-with-digital-readout-cx701.html

Change gears are a paint on CX709.

Also at that price range, even in BC used is a way to go. I mean you have a working budget of 5000. If I knew you can shell out 5000 for a lathe I would have brought to you one for a $5000 that would make a dance around both CX709 and CX701 and outlast both. For 5000 plus fuel. Yeah I would deliver to your home... from Calgary.
 
Thanks Tom, but my budget isn't that high. I'm really pushing my budget to the price of the 706. The 709 I'm looking at is the same price as the 706 because it has a flaky motor. I have a new 2hp motor, so that doesn't both me.
 
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DHHok said:
Thanks Tom, but my budget isn't that high. I'm really pushing my budget to the price of the 706. The 709 I'm looking at is the same price as the 706 because it has a flaky motor. I have a new 2hp motor, so that doesn't both me.
Click to expand...

There is no flaky motor - the machine has too heavy oil in it and the breaker kicks in when they try to start her in high gear. Motors are cheap and plentiful so replacing it is a breeze - even if they give you a discount. What is your budget, if you don't mind revealing it?
 
There was a batch of 709's that were tested to have bad motors and BB was/is selling them as a 709x, for $100 more than the 706, but without warranty.
My budget started at $1000. Lol. It's been slowly climbing, but I had to cap it at $3500. Even that is more than I want to spend.
I just put a deposit on the last 709x. Picking it up today, so please don't tell me of a deal out there. ;)
I realize these are not top quality lathes, but it'll do more than I need. I'm not making precision parts.
 
Congratulations on the new lathe! I bought a Busy Bee 12" x 36" lathe a few years back
and am very happy with it. I had a warranty issue with it, the tailstock taper was poorly
machined and would not hold. I contacted the store where I bought it and they sent me a
new one that they had on hand. I suspect there were more than mine with that problem.
 
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