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Harvey T60-s 8 month review

Joined
Jan 23, 2020
Messages
689
Likes
955
Location
Shingletown CA
I went ahead and ordered a T60-s about 8 months ago. It was on sale for 4,999 (since then has dropped a couple times) I got free shipping by taking to someone at the California location. It arrived well crated and with not a scratch. The lathe is very well made and I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and finish. This is the same as the Grizzly go800 with a different motor and electronics.
The motor is very strong and I had zero trouble coring with the easy core.
The head and tail-stock lined up perfectly. The live center was a double ball bearing heavy duty cone type.
I did find the shoulder on the spindle is a bit short for using the set screws on my Nova Titans and Supernova2 chucks. I used a spacer to push them out onto the part of the spindle where they were supposed to line up. I have used the secondary stop/start control many times with live edge bowls with that wicked edge. It is magnetized and holds very well.
The lathe runs super smooth with a very quiet motor.

Problems:
1. The banjo has a miss machined bottom that drags on one side. Rather than wait; I just sanded the high spot with some ceramic discs and it works well now.

2.The tail-stock feed mechanism needed to be taken apart and smoothed out with some emery cloth to keep it from being sticky, took a couple hours.

3. The index lock is not visible from the front and I have on a couple occasions started the motor with the thing locked. I was quick to shut it off; but it needs some sort of visible indication that it is locked.

4. No videos on the lathe anywhere! A couple G0800 videos on YouTube that Don't give you much information.

I am over all very happy with this lathe. I use the sliding head-stock quite often and the variable speed works very well, even at low speeds.

They go on sale at even less than the 4,999 that I paid; but it is very sporadic and they don't announce it.
The mark up on these imports must be huge to make sudden large cuts in the price?

Anyway: if your up in the northwest part of the US and want to check one out; you'll have to come to my shop, because as far as I know, there is not another one in the western side of Washington State. Not to mention that Woodcraft,who is a distributor, does not have one in any of their stores here.
If I had more $$$, I would have went with the Robust; but I
am very satisfied with this lathe and have no regrets about buying one.
 

odie

TOTW Team
Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
7,074
Likes
9,473
Location
Panning for Montana gold, with Betsy, the mule!
3. The index lock is not visible from the front and I have on a couple occasions started the motor with the thing locked. I was quick to shut it off; but it needs some sort of visible indication that it is locked.

Same problem with my Woodfast lathe. What I've done is make a little "flag" on a magnet. That is attached to the control box when the spindle is locked. Using this method, I don't believe I've accidentally started the lathe while the spindle was locked in over 25 years.....:D

-----odie-----
 
Joined
Jun 29, 2017
Messages
799
Likes
562
Location
Jasper, Alabama
I had the same problem, don't know many times that I started my lathe with the spindle locked! :eek:......Now, I always put a piece of red masking tape on the lock switch when it is locked to remind me....:D
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2015
Messages
328
Likes
429
Location
Hot Springs, AR
never heard of a Harvey lathe. took a look at their website and then re-read your review. I'm not in the market but it looks like nice stuff. Good to know
 
Joined
Feb 8, 2021
Messages
230
Likes
102
Location
Vancouver,WA
I went ahead and ordered a T60-s about 8 months ago. It was on sale for 4,999 (since then has dropped a couple times) I got free shipping by taking to someone at the California location. It arrived well crated and with not a scratch. The lathe is very well made and I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and finish. This is the same as the Grizzly go800 with a different motor and electronics.
The motor is very strong and I had zero trouble coring with the easy core.
The head and tail-stock lined up perfectly. The live center was a double ball bearing heavy duty cone type.
I did find the shoulder on the spindle is a bit short for using the set screws on my Nova Titans and Supernova2 chucks. I used a spacer to push them out onto the part of the spindle where they were supposed to line up. I have used the secondary stop/start control many times with live edge bowls with that wicked edge. It is magnetized and holds very well.
The lathe runs super smooth with a very quiet motor.

Problems:
1. The banjo has a miss machined bottom that drags on one side. Rather than wait; I just sanded the high spot with some ceramic discs and it works well now.

2.The tail-stock feed mechanism needed to be taken apart and smoothed out with some emery cloth to keep it from being sticky, took a couple hours.

3. The index lock is not visible from the front and I have on a couple occasions started the motor with the thing locked. I was quick to shut it off; but it needs some sort of visible indication that it is locked.

4. No videos on the lathe anywhere! A couple G0800 videos on YouTube that Don't give you much information.

I am over all very happy with this lathe. I use the sliding head-stock quite often and the variable speed works very well, even at low speeds.

They go on sale at even less than the 4,999 that I paid; but it is very sporadic and they don't announce it.
The mark up on these imports must be huge to make sudden large cuts in the price?

Anyway: if your up in the northwest part of the US and want to check one out; you'll have to come to my shop, because as far as I know, there is not another one in the western side of Washington State. Not to mention that Woodcraft,who is a distributor, does not have one in any of their stores here.
If I had more $$$, I would have went with the Robust; but I
am very satisfied with this lathe and have no regrets about buying one.
Located anywhere near the Portland/Vancouver, WA area?
 
Joined
Aug 14, 2007
Messages
5,435
Likes
2,792
Location
Eugene, OR
Hmm, it makes me tempted to come up for a play date. Mostly I haven't turned on one, and I HAVE to experiment.... Maybe later in the year when I have had both my shots....

Allen, I have a Vic 240, which isn't cheap, and you can come down to play on it if you want.

robo hippy
 
Joined
Feb 5, 2021
Messages
107
Likes
65
Location
Melbourne, AR
Reed, looking forward to your visit to John’s shop and the play date/review of the big Harvey. As a higher profile member it would be nice to hear about your experience with the servo powered unit.
 
Joined
Nov 26, 2009
Messages
787
Likes
717
Location
Rockingham, Virginia
Having turned on a number [more than a dozen units] of PM 3520b's, a Serious SL-2542, a Robust American Beauty, numerous Jets, and owning a Grizzly G0698 18/47 with 2 hp D/C servo motor, and now own a G0766 22x42 with 3 hp A/C motor/inverter, and a G0800 24x48 with 3 hp A/C motor-with inverter, I can tell you that the quality is there with the Harvey T-60.

My G0800 is the same lathe frame, just with the 3 hp A/C motor with advanced "EL" series inverter. I have absolutetly zero issues or or complaints with my G0800. Only wish Grizzly would find a way to continue to carry it, although I suspect that it was probably Harvey's decision, not Grizzly's.

The G0800 is a premium turning platform......I found no greater performance from the Serious SL-2542, or the Robust AB, in power, torque, etc. Only the swing-away, and remote pendant on the Robust is what raises the bar, [but my G0800 has a swing away] and the fact it is American made. I may yet end up with one in my shop, or a Oneway 2436...but I like sliding headstocks, but an outboard configuration on the Oneway may mitigate that.
 
Joined
Sep 8, 2016
Messages
109
Likes
90
Location
Bonney lake, Washington
Roger
Good review thanks....

i was contemplating a Harvey a while back but I went with Laguna!!!!
no comment!!!!

I am now looking at Axminster or Record Power lathes. and maybe
I hope Robust

I live over by Puyallup....

go Hawks
 
Joined
Feb 8, 2021
Messages
230
Likes
102
Location
Vancouver,WA
Roger
Good review thanks....

i was contemplating a Harvey a while back but I went with Laguna!!!!
no comment!!!!

I am now looking at Axminster or Record Power lathes. and maybe
I hope Robust

I live over by Puyallup....

go Hawks
Hmm, it makes me tempted to come up for a play date. Mostly I haven't turned on one, and I HAVE to experiment.... Maybe later in the year when I have had both my shots....

Allen, I have a Vic 240, which isn't cheap, and you can come down to play on it if you want.

robo hippy
I appreciate that!
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2023
Messages
7
Likes
4
Location
Hot Springs National Park, AR
I went ahead and ordered a T60-s about 8 months ago. It was on sale for 4,999 (since then has dropped a couple times) I got free shipping by taking to someone at the California location. It arrived well crated and with not a scratch. The lathe is very well made and I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and finish. This is the same as the Grizzly go800 with a different motor and electronics.
The motor is very strong and I had zero trouble coring with the easy core.
The head and tail-stock lined up perfectly. The live center was a double ball bearing heavy duty cone type.
I did find the shoulder on the spindle is a bit short for using the set screws on my Nova Titans and Supernova2 chucks. I used a spacer to push them out onto the part of the spindle where they were supposed to line up. I have used the secondary stop/start control many times with live edge bowls with that wicked edge. It is magnetized and holds very well.
The lathe runs super smooth with a very quiet motor.

Problems:
1. The banjo has a miss machined bottom that drags on one side. Rather than wait; I just sanded the high spot with some ceramic discs and it works well now.

2.The tail-stock feed mechanism needed to be taken apart and smoothed out with some emery cloth to keep it from being sticky, took a couple hours.

3. The index lock is not visible from the front and I have on a couple occasions started the motor with the thing locked. I was quick to shut it off; but it needs some sort of visible indication that it is locked.

4. No videos on the lathe anywhere! A couple G0800 videos on YouTube that Don't give you much information.

I am over all very happy with this lathe. I use the sliding head-stock quite often and the variable speed works very well, even at low speeds.

They go on sale at even less than the 4,999 that I paid; but it is very sporadic and they don't announce it.
The mark up on these imports must be huge to make sudden large cuts in the price?

Anyway: if your up in the northwest part of the US and want to check one out; you'll have to come to my shop, because as far as I know, there is not another one in the western side of Washington State. Not to mention that Woodcraft,who is a distributor, does not have one in any of their stores here.
If I had more $$$, I would have went with the Robust; but I
am very satisfied with this lathe and have no regrets about buying one.
I’ve been looking at the T60 for a while John; are you still pleased including coring? I’m recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and will pull trigger on something that spins wood. Thanks
 
Joined
Jan 23, 2020
Messages
689
Likes
955
Location
Shingletown CA
I’ve been looking at the T60 for a while John; are you still pleased including coring? I’m recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and will pull trigger on something that spins wood. Thanks
It is a wonderful lathe. Dare I say a bit better than even a powermatic. I don't know what they are asking for one now; I've had mine for 3 years and it has performed very well. A bit of trouble with the banjo, and the remote switch, but customer service took care of it.
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2023
Messages
7
Likes
4
Location
Hot Springs National Park, AR
I’m trying to finialize my shop layout (garage), make a cardboard poster with “Throw in an ExtendBed Sale onT60” in the spot I’ve allocated I’ll then take photo and post on their Facebook page.
 
Joined
Jan 28, 2023
Messages
4
Likes
3
Location
Madison, WI
Thanks so much for the timely response, I already have the Harvey Ambassador bandsaw and will be pulling trigger on the T60 lathe now.
I love my Harvey T-60 SO MUCH. It has never ever bogged down on ANYTHING. One tip when you get it use LOC-TITE on the knock out bar tip. Lost one in the shavings and they sent me a new one no charge, but the LOC-TITE did the trick.
 
Joined
Sep 19, 2023
Messages
341
Likes
451
Location
Columbia, TN
They go on sale at even less than the 4,999 that I paid; but it is very sporadic and they don't announce it.

It was $3999 for a few days recently on Harvey's web site. I was starting to get tempted but then it jumped back up to $4999. I might have pulled the trigger at $4k but the $600 shipping stuck in my craw. Next time it drops I'll see if there's a dealer within driving distance of Nashville.
 
Joined
Jan 15, 2011
Messages
46
Likes
16
Location
Lower Alabama
It was $3999 for a few days recently on Harvey's web site. I was starting to get tempted but then it jumped back up to $4999. . . . . . .

Harvey's business model for pricing is interesting. I have watched their dust collectors.

They remind me of the old Sears and Roebuck in that you didn't dare buy anything that wasn't on sale big time. You knew the normal price really wasn't normal.
 
Joined
Jan 23, 2020
Messages
689
Likes
955
Location
Shingletown CA
Since they own and run the factory where the machines are made; There is no middle man and they can offer better deals.
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2023
Messages
7
Likes
4
Location
Hot Springs National Park, AR
I went ahead and ordered a T60-s about 8 months ago. It was on sale for 4,999 (since then has dropped a couple times) I got free shipping by taking to someone at the California location. It arrived well crated and with not a scratch. The lathe is very well made and I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and finish. This is the same as the Grizzly go800 with a different motor and electronics.
The motor is very strong and I had zero trouble coring with the easy core.
The head and tail-stock lined up perfectly. The live center was a double ball bearing heavy duty cone type.
I did find the shoulder on the spindle is a bit short for using the set screws on my Nova Titans and Supernova2 chucks. I used a spacer to push them out onto the part of the spindle where they were supposed to line up. I have used the secondary stop/start control many times with live edge bowls with that wicked edge. It is magnetized and holds very well.
The lathe runs super smooth with a very quiet motor.

Problems:
1. The banjo has a miss machined bottom that drags on one side. Rather than wait; I just sanded the high spot with some ceramic discs and it works well now.

2.The tail-stock feed mechanism needed to be taken apart and smoothed out with some emery cloth to keep it from being sticky, took a couple hours.

3. The index lock is not visible from the front and I have on a couple occasions started the motor with the thing locked. I was quick to shut it off; but it needs some sort of visible indication that it is locked.

4. No videos on the lathe anywhere! A couple G0800 videos on YouTube that Don't give you much information.

I am over all very happy with this lathe. I use the sliding head-stock quite often and the variable speed works very well, even at low speeds.

They go on sale at even less than the 4,999 that I paid; but it is very sporadic and they don't announce it.
The mark up on these imports must be huge to make sudden large cuts in the price?

Anyway: if your up in the northwest part of the US and want to check one out; you'll have to come to my shop, because as far as I know, there is not another one in the western side of Washington State. Not to mention that Woodcraft,who is a distributor, does not have one in any of their stores here.
If I had more $$$, I would have went with the Robust; but I
am very satisfied with this lathe and have no regrets about buying one.
Took advantage of sale today and ordered the T60 with EB; I have a spot for it and installing a 3" box rail with stanely trolley to and winch or small block and tackle to assist in putting the lathe together and lifting the big ones on bandsaw and lathe
 

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