Brought home a South Bend 9A

[lafester]

Also posted at owwm so you may have seen this already.

Somehow managed to be first in line for a $300 lathe. It does have some damage and missing parts but it also came with some stuff that would have been pretty expensive to buy separate so I'm happy. The tailstock and countershaft base are the biggies that are missing.

Definitely not a mega score but I've been looking for over a year now and this is the first one that is actually decent AND will fit in a small space. I could also part it out and make enough to get a more complete setup, but I like it so I will make it work at least for now.

Extras include:
KDK quick change and these holders: 155 (x2),107,153,104,152,201,151 and 101.
Eagle Rock knurling tool
Jacobs 50 collet chuck with series 500 collet set (10 pieces)
Original thread chasing attachment.
New set of half nuts (the old ones look pretty worn)

Almost done cleaning up the apron and saddle, should have them assembled today. Then the QC box will get a cleaning and finally I'll get to look at the headstock and countershaft.

All the gearing looks good so far.

Looks like ebay is going to be my source for missing parts, although I did send my list to South Bend to check and see what they have. If anybody is parting one out or has spares please let me know.

Parts I am looking for:

Carriage lock and wrench - Found the lock
Left (right side) QC lever
Tailstock - Found
Saddle slide handle
Counter shaft base Found NOS from SB
Counter shaft tension rod
Cross slide large dial set screw parts
Apron crank handle - Fixed
Stock lantern tool holder
Small head gear guard

 

[zkling]

I'd part it out and buy a real lathe. And this is from someone that owns two south bends (sentimental to me).

You are going to find more damage than you think.

 

[lafester]

Well I've been through quite a bit already and it looks pretty good to me.

What would you recommend around the same size?

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[Jason280]

Is it possible to retrofit the quickchange gearbox on 9A on an older 9B? I have an older South Bend B9 from the late 40's that has the change gears, and would love to covert it over.

If you do decide to sell any parts, please let me know. I also need the main gear/bull gear, mine has a chipped tooth, and I would be very interested in the quick change tool post.

 

[lafester]

I think I have seen something about that in my research. Maybe on youtube.

I just bought a tailstock and carriage lock so no plans to part her out yet.

I just finished cleaning out the apron. All parts look good but I will swap out the half nuts since I have a better set. Reassembly tomorrow and maybe start on the qc box.

 

[lilredex]

Here is one on the 9A conversion in a lot of detail.

 

[Maui]

Based on the damage in your photos it appears that this lathe was dropped on its side at some point, most likely during an attempt to move it. How far from true it runs depends to a large extent on the overall damage it sustained. If you only have a couple of bent/broken handles, consider yourself fortunate. I'd suggest checking the lead screw to determine if it is bent. Let us know what you find when you have it back up and running.

Maui

 

[lilredex]

I love those large dials you have.

On my SB 9's the drives were different sizes. Made notes of the pulley sizes so they could be matched up later.

I also changed the drive to an overhead arrangement. Nothing was permanently altered and it can be put back the way it was. Even the belt tensioning levers are unaltered.

Am also working on the 9A conversion, but need to repair a gear in the gear box first.

 

[lafester]

Yeah, apparently it rolled on to its side during transport according to the po.
The lead screw is undamaged as far as I can tell.
I do not believe it was dropped or there would be significant evidence showing that.

It's far better then the PowerKraft a guy is trying to sell for $700 with a huge hole cut in the ways.

Based on the damage in your photos it appears that this lathe was dropped on its side at some point, most likely during an attempt to move it. How far from true it runs depends to a large extent on the overall damage it sustained. If you only have a couple of bent/broken handles, consider yourself fortunate. I'd suggest checking the lead screw to determine if it is bent. Let us know what you find when you have it back up and running.

Maui

 

[lafester]

Wow, that is pretty impressive!
What belt are you using?

I love those large dials you have.

On my SB 9's the drives were different sizes. Made notes of the pulley sizes so they could be matched up later.

I also changed the drive to an overhead arrangement. Nothing was permanently altered and it can be put back the way it was. Even the belt tensioning levers are unaltered.

Am also working on the 9A conversion, but need to repair a gear in the gear box first.

 

[lafester]

Just got off the phone with Grizzly and I have a NOS base plate and pivot screws on the way. They didn't seem to have much else left but I was happy to find this piece. The tension rod should be easy enough to replicate.

 

[Plastikosmd]

u did great for 300, all quite fixable

 

[lilredex]

Wow, that is pretty impressive!
What belt are you using?

Thanks, its a serpentine,

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7818399#post7818399

 

[lafester]

Apron is back together.
I'm glad I went through it so I know how everything works, and most of the oil ways were clogged. Other then that it just took a light cleaning.

Oh and the little clip spring that holds the clutch brake pieces in was still there, but I don't see how it helps hold anything together so I will leave it out. I didn't see it in two rebuild videos so I think it is often removed.

 

[lafester]

I found my first tooth damage and it is on the keyed gear on the broken qc lever. The tooth is just bent a little and binds when turning. For now I'll see if I can just flip it over since only half of it is used. I'll probably try to file off the bent side a little to clean it up.

I am also working on the headstock and everything there is looking great with no missing teeth. Just need to figure out how to get the damn chuck off.

Update: no dice on flipping the gear. I could still file it but will probably just get a new one.

 

[lafester]

Ended up buying a complete qc box to part out. I figure I can get most of my money back with the other handle and gears. I won't have much more to add until late next week (waiting on the parts), but that will give me time to get a bench made.

Also drug home a Clausing 1670 today to help fund the lathe. It was on a production table so no base and short column unfortunately. I really like how heavy duty the head is compared to Delta, and of course the reeves drive is always cool.

Oh and I really like the table on this press. It's nice and wide, with plenty of clamping points. I may try and shim it 1" and bolt it to my delta 17. I'm having trouble getting it separated from the mount though as there is a rib in the way of the socket.

Sorry the pics are from the ad as the press is already in pieces.

 

[Asport]

There is a guy on Practical Machinist named Latheman. I don't know the complete story but I believe he bought out a ton of NOS parts from the old SB plant. I would email him the stuff you're having a hard time finding. He's not cheap but similar to eBay prices.

 

[lafester]

Thanks! I may see if he has a leveling foot since they seem to be fairly rare.

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[tombell572]

That would be SBLatheman. He was a former S/B employee who did buy quite a bit of inventory when the plant closed. Check the South Bend forum on Practical Machinist. It's a helpful group.

Tom B.

 

[lafester]

I sent an email and he's going to check tomorrow. Of course a heavy 10 popped up and now I want that one... Ugh.



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[lafester]

My Grizzly order came today! Was pretty grimy from years of storage but it looks to be unused. Also looks like I actually have a chance at getting the 10L so I probably just wasted a bunch of time and money on this one.

Pics of the heavy 10 ad.