Craftsman 618 Metal Lathe Value

[zhaddock]

I have a Craftsman 618 that was given to me. When I got it, it came with all the change gears, 4 jaw chuck, collet and draw bar for end mills, and some cutting bits. I added a three jaw, quick change tool post with indexable tools, boring bar set, drill chuck, live center, some hss bits and a new 3/4 hp motor. It is missing the threading indicator and the cross slide handle was broke so I made a new one to replace it.

I've been thinking about selling it as I don't have the patience for machine work but, I'd like to get a feel for what it's all worth. My guess was the 500-600 range. I had talked to a guy on craigslist who was eager about a trade for a welder he had and was asking $450 for. When I told him that I would feel more comfortable about the trade if he could include a gas bottle he lost his S*#T and acted like I spit in his mothers face. I just want to see what's realistic.

JUST TO BE CLEAR. I'M NOT TRYING TO START A BIDDING SITUATION ON THIS SITE. I WILL NOT TAKE OFFERS ON THE LATHE. IT WILL ONLY BE SOLD LOCALLY.

 

[454ragtop]

Need to know which you have, the Atlas or the lowly AA Dunlap? Pics would help.
Jim

 

[Zrexxer]

The 6x18 is an Atlas.

 

[tiggi]

Isn't that Atlas 618 and Sears named it Craftsman 101.

 

[zhaddock]

This isn't mine it's just a pic off the web but it is the exact same lathe "Craftsman 618"

 

[vintage nut]

Atlas ones are worth more due to having timkin roller bearings instead of the bushings on the craftsman. My dad and I got one of those as our first lathe. Bought it nearly NOS and fully tooled for $250. Honestly, it kinda sucked. So floppy and just no rigidity at all. 5 thou was a heavy cut for it. A toy really. Anyways, when we got a proper lathe we posted it on Craigslist for 500, and sold it in 10 minutes. In hindsight we could have listed it for 700 and probably still sold it in a day. Heck, a pawn shop even called and offered our asking price....
Can't complain too much though, made 250, and kept a fair bit of the tooling

you can never have too many tools

 

[454ragtop]

If it's in the same condition, then I think $600 give or take is about right with the tooling you mentioned.

 

[Zrexxer]

I sold this one several years ago, having completely gone through it. It had new paint, a custom made bench for it, a quick-change toolpost, and all the change gears and a lot of tooling. IIRC I asked $600 for it but I think I ended up accepting $550.

 

[zhaddock]

I put if up on craigslist for $650 and it was sold in about 15 min.