Ran into a person selling a older metal lathe

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A

avbill

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A gentleman is selling his father lathe [circ 1954] It comes with all tools and things [ whatever that means. cutting tools etc...

He did say the lathe needed two things
1. a new drive belt.
2. a new protective shield.

He refused a person bit for 50 dollars, b/c the person was going to put it on ebay/craiglist.


My question: Is there anything I need to be looking at/for if I'm going to purchase it.

Thanks
 
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mredburn

mredburn

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Who made it, what size, what comes with it? A drive belt could mean removing the spindle to replace it or buying a link belt,(more likely) What protective shield? Is that the cover for the gears on the front of the lathe? Lots of variables we will need to know in order to offer any advice that has meaning.
 
mredburn

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One of the things people need to be aware of is that an older used metal lathe could be a great buy or the biggest pile of metal dung you ever bought. There are lots of things that could be wrong that are just minor cleaning issues, or they can be major costly repairs.
Does the Saddle, lift up either at the front or back, does it twist? Does it get loose at the front towards the headstock and tight at the tailstock end? IF you put a bar in the jaws and lightly close them does it grab at the back of the jaws while the front doesnt and you can wiggle the bar around? Some wear is normal of course and parts are still available for a lot of the older lathes but not all. Pictures if possible would help but you may really need someone to inspect the lathe.
 
A

avbill

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Its an early south bend Precision Lathe Model A Here are several photos
 

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mredburn

mredburn

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Good lathe to start with. Are there ridges at the top of the V ways that is one wear point. I had a SB that the lip was very noticable. Also the saddle would move very easily up at the front where all the wear was and get stiff as all get out back by the tailstock because it was adjusted for the wear at the front. Its a Quick change gear box, most people consider that a plus. Those gear boxes sell for $500- $700 on Ebay by themselves.
If the flat belt needs replace it can be done, they are available, you have to cut the new one to length and crimp the hardware on the ends. Is he looking for offers or does he have a price in mind. The SB variety goes for stupid money down here. They are few and far between and if they are in top shape they ask $2500 for them.

What else does he have for accessories? Follower rest, steady rest, taper attachment, are all top dollar add ons. Tool bits, meh they come with the lathe. Any extra Chucks?
Collets? If it has a live center thats good but those are cheap to buy.
 
Paul in OKC

Paul in OKC

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Agreed. Better jump all over that. 9" model A is a good little machine. There is a similar one on CL here. Went and looked a while back. Needs some work. The guy was asking $1200. It went off CL, then came back on a few days later.........at $1500. Still there.
 
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