Reviewer: Steve H.

I just bought a 7x12 mini lathe a few weeks back and not being a machinist and only touching a lathe once, I starting looking for basic tips and tricks on using it.

Looking across the internet I came cross this web site and found this vido. Knowing that my 7x12 was almost the same as a 7x10, I decided to order the vido.

I\'m glad I did!

My 7x12 is almost the same as Joe\'s 7x10, as he said in the video, the latest lathes has some of the newer features.

This video goes from the basic to some of the most advanced machining.

He explains all operations in common sense and down to earth...and sometimes a little funny!

Thanks for offering a great video!

Steve Houchins

Reviewer: UNKNOWN

- Video is slightly dated if you have recently purchased a mini-lathe - many of the little things he mentions as being limitations or ugliness on the 7x10 have been corrected or at least improved in current versions of the Sieg products, though plenty still remains. (Ex: chip guards for leadscrew and depth marks on tailstock ram are now provided on many versions.)

- Provides a great introduction to turning for those who haven't ever done it or watched it extensively -- you see and hear how the operations are supposed to go.

- Video production is low quality (i.e. he's not reading from an obvious script and there are awkward transitions), but the actual camerawork is excellent and I had no trouble seeing the minute details of the operation he was performing.

Reviewer: Donny M.

Very good video. Highly recommend. Wish I would have had this years ago when I bought my first lathe. Donny

Reviewer: Paul T.

I thought that the video was very informative and instructional. It is very thorough in its explanation of operations. The only downfall that I found with it was the actual video quality. The visual image seemed a bit soft...not as clear as it could have been. Overall I would rate it very good to excellent.

Reviewer: UNKNOWN

This Dvd is very helpful for persons just begining to machine metal. Although I have a lathe more advanced then shown in the vidio, I was able to gleem a lot of information I can use.

Reviewer: David H H.

I am a novice using the lathe, so this video was VERY helpful. Nice job!

Reviewer: Craig L.

Excellent intro video to the 7x mini lathes. The DVD is informative, helpful, and easy to follow. It is an indepth presentation at 4 hours.

Reviewer: Lyndon K.

This was a wonderful introduction to the mini lathe done. The content was presented in a logical progression from familiarization with all of the lathe components to cutting threads. I find a lot of these videos slightly awkward because the presenter is uncomfortable but Jose is very much at ease in front of the camera and it seems as though you are standing there with him. He did a good job of showing close-ups. From time to time, he made comparisons to larger professional lathes. I would have liked even more of that.

Reviewer: patrick b.

..I liked it..kinda long,4 hours but worth it for beginners. Done back in 99 I think it was,so it may be time for an updated one. But over all well worth it.

Reviewer: Vincent M.

This video should be included with the purchase of a lathe.

The video includes some non-operation stuff like a short but cool section displaying the engines he built using the lathe, and his impressive homemade mill. But the video is about 90% operations.

Note, this is not a general how to machine video, as in how to machine to specified dimensions, etc, but more of a live demo of how to successfully use this specific lathe. I would advise those folks viewing this who've never run a lathe to contemplate also renting a more general video that covers the other areas needed for successful lathe operation like measurement, safety, etc.

There are some semi-questionable safety moments in this video, for example I would not put my fingers near a running lathe, I'd use a chip brush instead. Maybe its just the angle the filming was done at.

Reviewer: Anthony P.

Video is very informative. Great to have access to such a resource. The information is great, though the video was quite long.

Reviewer: Tim D.

After just purchasing a mini-lathe, it was very helpful to see a pro going through the basic operations. The video is nothing fancy - basically, the guy and his camera on a tripod. But he definitely knows his stuff and he does a good job of explaining and demonstrating things. I wish there would have been more on tool grinding and positioning, but otherwise I am very happy with the video.

Reviewer: Louis N.

Excellent video, well worth the reasonable rental price. For a beginner, the video really clarifies visually the written word when it comes to a technical subject. It was great to see the the actual work being done with the tools.

Reviewer: Gary L.

Great teacher and video.

Reviewer: Darrell G.

This is real good for someone who has never run a lathe and wants to learn the parts of a lathe and what they do and see it all in action. There is a lot of information on this DVD ,it is worth the money and the time to learn for a good teacher. It is a must to get started right, don't miss this one, have fun and learn.

Reviewer: Edward B.

The video was well worth the cost involved. One tip alone helped me greatly. However, I wish that there had been instructions about the angles of cutters to the work. The rake area for different applications. Some of his homemade items are not much good if they are not available for sale, and you are not qualified to make them.

Reviewer: Ronnie P.

I personally knew very little before watching this video. It started out very slow, but got better. If you have no experience with a lathe this would be a great rental.

Reviewer: Shawn L.

Great Video! Long and full of excellent information! A great value.

Reviewer: Stanley O.

Thank you for making this video available as a rental. I would be disappointed if I paid the list price for the video. Although the basic material is good, the featured products are dated. New accessories are now available and are not featured in this video.

Reviewer: John C.

A very worthwhile rental. I recently purchased several books on machining and this video contains way more useful information. Anyone new to machining or considering the purchase of a small lathe should check this video out.

Reviewer: Frederick P.

Highly recommended for the new mini-lathe user. Very thorough (4 hour!) introduction to the 7x series. Some of the comments are outdated, as many improvements have been made, and there are now quite a few accessories available. However, the skills necessary to do beginning work on the lathe are demonstrated clearly, including some that may not be obvious. It's very helpful to see the gear changes, for example.

Reviewer: Nigel D.

Very good video. Excellent intro video to the 7x mini lathes. The DVD is informative, helpful, and easy to follow. Highly recommend, a very worthwhile rental.

Reviewer: kim g.

Very long running, but a lot of good information and personal tips from the narrator. Use of close-ups very helpful. The fact that Jose enjoys working with this equipment is evident.

Reviewer: Richard G.

The DVD was very helpful and I would recommend it to new and experienced lathe owners. Also, I was very impressed with SmartFlix and will rent your videos again as well as recommend you to my friends.

Thank you.

Reviewer: Guy W.

The video was very helpful and answered a lot of questions I had. I would recommend this video to anyone that has this kind of lathe.

Reviewer: Chester D.

This has got to be the best video on the 7x10 or similar lathe I ever saw. Jose communicates well and the video seems to be professionally done. If you have to get only one video on using a hobby lathe, this is it. The threading explanation and demonstration is excellent. I'm not afraid of threading anymore. I'm looking forward to renting more of Jose's videos.

Reviewer: Tom C.

I would recommend this video to anyone who has a 7x10, 12, or 14 mini-lathe or is thinking of buying one. It is so much easier to understand how to do operations with the lathe when you can see someone using it. And, you can back up and replay a section when you want. Reading about it is just not the same as seeing it. There are often things that a writer will not think to include that you can see in the video. I am now much more confident that I can perform an operation on the lathe after watching the video.

Reviewer: James G.

This is another fine DVD from Mr. Rodriguez.

Don't expect fine production values. The sound levels are all over the place, and occasionally the focus goes kablooie. The background seems to be product placement for Endust and Craftsman, and it looks like the maid forgot to come in and straighten up before shooting. None of this matters a bit.

If you want production values, get Stephen Spielberg. If you want to learn a huge amount about how to use an Asian mini lathe, get Jose Rodriguez.

You will never be able to remember everything in this DVD. It is essential to use a pad of paper, pencil, and the PAUSE button to get the most from this fine piece of work.

Reviewer: Josh G.

Another great introduction and virtual hands-on with the older style 7x10 (though it's just as good for those buying newer models like the Micromark 7x14, etc.) So far, all of Jose's videos I've rented have been well worth it!

Reviewer: Thomas L.

Very good DVD highly recommend to others.

Reviewer: Rick H.

Being a new mini lathe owner, I found this quite helpful, this helped to solidify what I have read about using the lathe. Seeing it in action always helps.

If your a new owner like myself I would recommend watching this.

Reviewer: Ted S.

Not edited very well. Too long for the amount of information presented. Processes are knowledgeable and well organized. Lots of good tips.

Reviewer: Patrick M.

Great video for the beginner. I purchased my mini lathe about a year ago, and just got around to start using it. I ordered this video, and I'm now well on my way to creating the parts I need.

This is an excellent video if you're new or a beginner. Covers all of the basics very clearly.

Reviewer: Walter W.

This DVD was very informative. I’m a beginning (metal working) home shop hobbyist and I really liked the way this DVD stepped through various items. Sometime I had to turn the sound up, but that’s nothing to gripe about. I’ll be renting more DVD by this author.

Thanks, Walt

Reviewer: David H.

Short on production value, but long on content. He covered every aspect of the machine in great detail. Great for 7x10 (7x12, 7x14) buyers, but really everything pretty well applies to larger lathes, too.

Reviewer: Ronnie S.

Product was everything I expected. Very well presented.

Reviewer: Gary C.

I liked the "7 x 10 Variable Speed Mini Lathe Operations" dvd. It was good and informative.

I will probably rent it again because it has so much information on it, that it will require more viewing. I would recommend it to anybody new to machine tools.

Thanks.

Reviewer: Gregory F.

I wanted to find out more about the mini lathe before buying one. This video was exactly what I wanted.

Reviewer: John P.

I shouldn't bother with this one. The presenter (I can't really call him an instructor) is almost totally lacking in personality. The production values are non-existent; it all takes place in what appears to be a rather cluttered basement and is taped by the guy doing the work. The information is basic at best. And the last parts of the video are taken up with showing you a really crude mill the presenter made and various tiny engines which he has made and which he describes as "cool' but I would describe as silly. If this were in the publishing world, it would be described as a vanity publication, i.e., something that no one would (or at least should) pay for the "privilege" of experiencing. Spend your money on the really excellent AGI Professional Lathe series and the Lathe Learnin' series both available through SmartFlix.

Reviewer: Ronald A.

I was impressed that such a simple production could help me up the learning curve so much. I am new to the mini-lathe and metal turning in general, and seeing the operations in real time gave me lots of information and guidance. I learned that I had been running too slow and am encouraged to run at higher speeds. Also I had been using the power feed almost all the time and cutting in one direction only, where he used the hand feed and cut on the return path as well. I think I'll rent it again in a few months as I only had time to view it one time due to a travel obligation.

Reviewer: Patrick E.

As a novice who just purchased a Micro Mark metal lathe, this was a fabulous way to learn how to use it. Jose is exreamly articulate and patient in explaining the proper and safe ways to use the lathe as well as some fun projects to contemplate for later. Great job Jose!

Reviewer: Ira C.

This is another great video by Jose. Even though this is about the 7x10 everything applies to the bigger lathes. Its easy to see what is happening on the smaller one. I would recommend this to anyone that has never used a lathe and wants to get started. Very good explanation in common easy to understand terms.

Reviewer: Lonny H.

I love these videos because you never know everything. I learned something about my six month old lathe I didn't know it would do.

Reviewer: Jerald D.

Real good.. nice and long I would recommend for anyone with the small lathe. only negative would be the DVD I received had a scratch so a section of the DVD would not work.. But I'm sure 3.7 of the 4 hours work fine.

Reviewer: Terry O.

If you are wondering what a mini lathe can do, or what a lathe does in general, this amateur video has something to offer. If your already familiar with a lathe and want specifics on how to successfully operate one (especially a small one) this video isn't really worth the 4 hours it takes to get through it! The part about slowing the rpms down with adjusting the controller will be of interest to owners of the harbor freight models. Thank you Smartflix for renting this so I didn't purchase it!

Reviewer: mark d.

Mr. Rodriguez does a fine job of introducing a person to the Chinese mini-lathe and takes it along through several basic, yet useful, machining techniques. I find the casual and seemingly unrehearsed style to be engaging. It is as though I were in a friend's garage and he were showing off his latest machine. Some may prefer a more rehearsed and studio like video, but the lighting, audio and close-ups were mostly quite good throughout. The only reason I do not give a full 5 star rating is that he becomes a bit too cavalier at times with his fingers and hands next to the turning parts to remove chips when he should be showing novices to use a chip brush.

Reviewer: James F.

Good basic info for the person getting started in metal turning.

Reviewer: Johnny S.

Very good, covers pretty much all basic operations, plus a few tricks.