Cool old Clausing lathe f/s in phoenix

[1982fxr]

not mine, 3 phase though.

not in the market right now, but would that be a good price?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/tls/5407170878.html

 

[Steevo]

I'd be tempted to go check it out.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Although lacking the space, I would too.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Wow. Wish it was closer.

 

[Techie1961]

If its in good shape, that's a good price. They're good machines. The 6 jaw is a rare piece as well.

 

[APEowner]

If I were in the market for a lathe I'd be headed that way tomorrow AM.

 

[TMcCay]

I would jump on that if it were closer! Things like that are rare around here an when they do show up command top dollar.

 

[mattygee]

With shop machinery, location is everything. Heard lots of people saying lathes/mills etc are pretty much non existent in the SW. If you've got the space, the means, and the need/want for one, I would snap it up. On a relatively small machine like that, you can work out the 3 phase issue pretty easily.

 

[mtechgunman]

With shop machinery, location is everything. Heard lots of people saying lathes/mills etc are pretty much non existent in the SW. If you've got the space, the means, and the need/want for one, I would snap it up. On a relatively small machine like that, you can work out the 3 phase issue pretty easily.

Yep, with a VFD or phase converter. I used a VFD on my 15" LeBlond. That's a 7 hp machine.

Definitely go check it out. Just be sure you can hear it run.

Check the amount of play in the handles (there will be some).

Check the ways for gouges and damage.

Lathes are some of the most versatile machines. I definitely suggest owning one!

 

[leg17]

I believe the Colchester is the higher end Clausing.
Nice machine.

 

[My Old Tools]

It was built by Colchester in England. Might pre-date Clausing selling them. That machine has an open apron. Not the best thing. It has separate drive screw from lead screw (good thing). Ultimately it depends on how it has been treated.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/colchester/page8.html

 

[Bears Fan]

Cool vintage Lathe! I would be temped too, but way to far from Indiana for me...

 

[Kevin54]

Too far away for me or I'd buy it, and I don't even need a lathe

 

[macgyver37]

I have the 15x48 version of that lathe and it is pretty decent. If you check it out, inspect the half nut, which is literally just half of a nut to engage the lead screw for thread cutting. It is not both halves like most other lathes so it is a weak point since the single half tends to push off the leadscrew. Most of them are not in good shape or like mine is completely missing. They can and have been made by owners but it is a left hand acme thread, so you really need to have a working lathe to make one.

Other than that, just do the normal lathe inspection stuff. It is a gear head with Gamet brand headstock bearings that are very expensive, so if it is very noisy and you can pinpoint it to be the bearings take that in to account. Make sure and run the correct oil in the headstock and gearbox.

I have seen many other lower quality lathes have a much higher asking price without any extras. Price a couple chucks and see what they go for.

Oh, It is an L series spindle, see if they have the spindle wrench to take the chuck off. It will be a very large spanner wrench.

 

[iajonesy]

Those old Clausing Colchesters are great machines.If I was even remotely close I'd be on it in a hamster's heartbeat. That 6 jaw chuck is worth a ton of money, as they made very few in that small size. Somebody's going to get a hell of a deal.

Mike

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

The 6 jaw is a rare piece as well.

What would you use a 6 jaw chuck for?

 

[macgyver37]

A 6 jaw chuck is used for similar parts as a 3 jaw, the advantage is that they have more gripping power since it can be applied over 6 contact points vs 3. One thing this allows you to do is hold more fragile things in it that you would have to crank down on in a 3 jaw.

 

[1982fxr]

price just went up $2,000, it's at one of the dealers places now

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tld/5422938877.html

 

[exmaxima1]

price just went up $2,000, it's at one of the dealers places now

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tld/5422938877.html

And they kept the 6-jaw!

 

[paulsomlo]

Now it's up to $3495 - I guess it was a good deal at $1500.

 

[1982fxr]

That's about $3,800 after tax...is that still a fair price?

Not interested, just curious in case I ever see another one...

 

[1982fxr]

is that a no?

 

[paulsomlo]

Not unless it's pristine - like almost no mechanical wear.

 

[justanengineer]

Meh, it was an ok deal at $1500 from what a few fellas on PM told me of local pricing when I was planning to move there last year, at $3800 its nuts. Those are definitely nice machines but that ones rather short and both Clausings and Colchesters tend to sell for nothing.

 

[Techie1961]

I have to agree that NO, that is not a good price any longer. It would have to be in very good condition and like justanengineer says, 24" is rather short for a good general purpose lathe. Not unusable but will be a bit limiting at some point. If it was fully reconditioned, maybe.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

They probably sold the 6 jaw and made half their money back already. I had a 12 x36 colchester half nut was getting flakey so i found a smaller standard modern in really good shape and sold the colchester. I think i got about 2000 for mine.