Northern tool English wheel

I know there threads about the hf English wheels but has any one ever used a northern tool me and are they any good thanks

 

Bump

 

Looks very similar to the HF unit- my guess is that it's the same company making it and, therefore, the same issues.

 

I see a lot of stuff in the Northern Tool catalog that looks exactly like the HF pieces only more expensive. The Chinese manufacturers build the same tools for different companies here in the US and label them with the company's brand (private labeling). It's a very common practice even here in the US

 

If it's the maroon one currently shown on their site, I bought one, brought it home, and took it back the next day. It wasn't even close to square. I could tell even before I started to assemble it. The upper and lower wheels were never going to line up without some cutting and welding. Not worth it to me.

That was a little over a year ago, so maybe they've tightened things up since? Or maybe I just got a bad one?

 

They are the same as the HF english wheel, and normally priced within a few bucks. Your best bet is to buy the wheels and dies (and don't be surprised if they need a touch up on a lathe) and build your own frame.

Good Luck