![hardinge hlv-h lathe swing hardinge hlv-h lathe swing](https://www.csparks.com/hardinge/hardingeAfter.jpg)
Never used it, but have heard it is amazing. * Hardinge has a infinitely variable feed control. * Monarch has a weird Jarno internal taper on the spindle nose. Hardinge used a hardinge specific taper with locking collar. * Monarch used a standard D1-3 spindle for chucks. * Hardinges came with a spindle cut for 5c collets, so you can use collets without a separate whatsit attached. * Both have about the same work envelope, unless you have found one of the rare 30" 10EEs. * Monarchs have more power 3HP or 5HP motors on older motors. From my research during that time, here are my thoughts. I would have been happy with either I think. When I was looking for a new lathe, I was in the same position as you, searching for either a HLV or 10EE. I find the controls fairly easy to use, though, they have changed over the years, so I can't speak for all versions. Without a doubt the finest piece of machinery that I have ever used. I haven't used a Hardinge, I currently own a Monarch 10EE (original WIAD tube drive). If they are equal in accuracy,I'd get the Monarch. But,I see you have one of each in your area. Depends upon the owner's abilities.Īll that said,you would be VERY lucky to find a decent HLVH for less than about $13,000.00 dollars,though EE's can be had for $6000 or less. Then,there's always scraping,which I can do. Around here the machine shops charge a fortune for any way regrinding. You have to take the body of the lathe loose and turn it over.
![hardinge hlv-h lathe swing hardinge hlv-h lathe swing](https://i.machinio.com/medium/dmipvb/1211245332.jpg)
I don't know how much service Hardinge offers now. You can (or could?) buy a new hardened steel bed for the HLVH. Many do not,and you end up with a bump in your ways. It just cleared the gap! Good luck,too: The gap piece went back perfectly. I made a hammering form from it for a silversmith friend who was making a large tray.
![hardinge hlv-h lathe swing hardinge hlv-h lathe swing](https://www.cluemachines.com/wp-content/uploads/adsimages/hardinge-hlv-h-1.jpg)
A large chunk of hard maple 4" x 12" just about 24 3/4" diagonally. For larger work,I have a 16x40" lathe that will swing 25" in the gap(I needed that gap swing one time!). Nothing beats the ease of use of the HLVH for smaller work,which is the type of work I do most of the time. For some faceplate jobs,that slow speed would be great. I wish it were lower,but if I installed a VFD,I could get the HLVH to go at any speed I wanted. The Hardinge is a lot simpler,and I can deal with the variable speed drive. In fact,I don't know anyone in my circle of friends who could rebuild the models with the large tubes. Not being much of an electrician AT ALL, I have steered away from the Monarch. Those lathes are always having the original mechanism gutted,and more modern (if NOT more effective!) variable speed drives put in. It's the difficult variable speed motor mechanism. The Monarch offers very much greater speed variation,and a great range of threads. The thing is,can you manage to keep it running,which is why I do not have a Monarch. Although I have a Hardinge HLVH which is a joy to use,and very light on the controls,I'd choose the Monarch.