Antique Lathes Roadshow
November 10, 2010 6:05 AM Subscribe
How to buy a used metal lathe.
I have never actually done any machine work, but I have been reading about it off and on for almost 10 years. Not the same, I realize, but I can recognize the machines and parts of machines, I know some of the basic operations, etc.
I really love the look and craftsmanship of the old Southbend lathes. Non-plastic parts, open frame, great handles, etc. And these pop on Craigslist pretty frequently, even at the ~9" size I'm looking for. What I don't know is how to tell a clunker from a treasure.
Short of actually putting stock into the chuck, cutting it and measuring for accuracy, what do I look for or at least avoid for sure? (I.e. "never buy a lathe unless it comes with a motor" or whatever)
I have never actually done any machine work, but I have been reading about it off and on for almost 10 years. Not the same, I realize, but I can recognize the machines and parts of machines, I know some of the basic operations, etc.
I really love the look and craftsmanship of the old Southbend lathes. Non-plastic parts, open frame, great handles, etc. And these pop on Craigslist pretty frequently, even at the ~9" size I'm looking for. What I don't know is how to tell a clunker from a treasure.
Short of actually putting stock into the chuck, cutting it and measuring for accuracy, what do I look for or at least avoid for sure? (I.e. "never buy a lathe unless it comes with a motor" or whatever)
I apologize for not directly answering your question, but you should definitely pick up a copy of How to Run a Lathe. It's basically the South Bend owner's manual.
posted by Pork-Chop Express at 9:47 AM on November 10, 2010
posted by Pork-Chop Express at 9:47 AM on November 10, 2010
Response by poster: Pretty sure I have that already, from Old Man Lindsay. But it reminds me it would probably be good to check out the maintenance info in there and compare it against a machine in front of me.
posted by DU at 11:37 AM on November 10, 2010
posted by DU at 11:37 AM on November 10, 2010
A friend passed this on:
http://www.mermac.com/klunker2.html
http://www.mermac.com/advicenew.html
Browse the southbend forum at www.practicalmachinist.com. You might want to join, but you can read without joining.
posted by mareli at 2:07 PM on November 10, 2010
http://www.mermac.com/klunker2.html
http://www.mermac.com/advicenew.html
Browse the southbend forum at www.practicalmachinist.com. You might want to join, but you can read without joining.
posted by mareli at 2:07 PM on November 10, 2010
Response by poster: Semi-followup: I bought a Craftsman 109.20630 last night (not from that link). Came with most of it's pieces and a list of what's missing. The stuff linked here definitely helped (check the seller, check the bed, listen to it running) etc. Or at least I think it helped--I haven't actually set it up and cut any chips yet.
posted by DU at 6:47 AM on December 1, 2010
posted by DU at 6:47 AM on December 1, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
...so you may as well just go there. Good luck getting something you like!
posted by aramaic at 6:30 AM on November 10, 2010 [2 favorites]