Lathe and recommendations

[ilikebeer]

So I've been looking to buy a used lathe and with the economy in a downturn I thought I could find some good deals. Right now I'm just wanting to noodle and make some small parts but, as we all know there always that one job to big for the one you got.

With junk like this I could buy a Harbor Freight unit anyone have any pros or cons? I've read some post about increasing HF models tolerance would someone be kind enough to elaborate and is there extra costs associated?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Clausing-1500-series-metal-lathe_W0QQitemZ280339358623QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item414587239f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A7|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A1|294%3A50


http://cgi.ebay.com/9-model-A-South-Bend-Lathe-and-many-attachments_W0QQitemZ270382077808QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ef4071770&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A7|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0| 293%3A1|294%3A50

What the heck is wrong with people?

[GrantMLS]

to compare the south bend to the HF junk is pretty sad... I have used both and now own a south bend model.. Look around craigslist - i didn't pay more than 700 for mine - got it around canton, ohio.

[ilikebeer]

Grant thanks for the reply. How about a JET? Seen a few of those out there?

[-B-]

That SB 9A is so over priced if it were in Europe that price may be attained but not here in the land of millions of 9a's.

Look on CL have something in mind for what you want and price then be patient and open to others if need be.

I was looking for a SB 10k and have been for 6-7months I have looked at a lot of machines most were not worth the money asked. I am currently on the trail of two machines a 10" Logan fully tooled with VFD, and another that sounds too good to be right.

[rsanter]

both clausing and south bends are great

that south bend is way over priced. I am thinking $1500 asuming it is in great condition.
if its not then run the price down from there.

that clausing scares me a bit. 1 its a production type machine meaning it may have lots of wear. 2 the rust scares me a bit. they can be cleaned up but its a pain. if it runs I am thinking $500. is that a gear head model or a vari-drive model. the vari-drives are expensive if they need to be fixed

bob

[Uncle Buck]

The South bend is over priced, and the Clausing is a rusty clapped out bucket not worth dragging home. Unless your wallet is on fire forget the Harbor Freight and just keep looking for used. Sooner or later you will find something reasonable, but it is not either of those machines.

[ilikebeer]

I know can you believe it those lathes are junk. I check Craiglist and Ebay and most the time people want new prices for their old used junk. I'll stay away from the HF stuff. Thanks

[-B-]

1500 is still high for a SB A 1500 for a well tooled 10 k would be in the right ballpark.

Do not over look 10" Logans they are a bit better machine than a SB

[A_Pmech]

I would have a look at the Clausing 5900 series. They're dead simple variable speed belt drive. Many times, the vari-drive sheaves squeal. Replace the bearings and go. For a home shop they're not too difficult to move, at around 1,500lbs +- depending on bed length. They have power feed to the carriage and cross slide, plus an open quick change gearbox. I've run a few and I think they're a great little lathe and far more capable machines than any South Bend.

$500 to $1,250 will get you a bare example. $2,000 well tooled.

There is a lot of machinery out there right now. Don't buy the first "great deal" you see.