Good First Metal Lathe?

[RoninB4]

Worth a trip to SoCal? This Sheldon just dropped to $2,000.

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/lOd7THg2qCb

-Nice looking model, condition of bed and cross ways needs to be examined due to age. I Worked for Sheldon when it closed (bankruptcy) the doors on Knox Avenue, the last lathes (similar to the one linked) were made in the early 1980's. Still have a brand new 4 jaw chuck (Buck brand) from their inventory that would make it the last factory supplied 4 jaw from Sheldon. Need to sell it someday as I have no use for it.

 

[pcfithian]

Like many others here, I've always wanted a lathe to expand my skills to metalworking and make stuff.

I looked at a lot of used equipment on C/L and eBay, lot's of junk out there. I don't want the hassle of rebuilding something old and find that it is worn out after investing time and money in it. I wanted a new unit from a supplier like Grizzly with their excellent support and spare parts availability. And one that includes most of the accessories I will ever need like chucks and rests that fit the lathe.

These were the two finalists in my search:

9" x 19" Bench Lathe

<h1> Grizzly G4000 9" x 19" Bench Lathe </h1> <h2>The perfect combination of price and performance. </h2> <p>The Grizzly G4000 9" x 19" Bench Lathe is a great lathe for those getting started in metalworking.</p><p>It has a number of features and capabilities typically only found on higher-end...

www.grizzly.com

10" x 22" Benchtop Metal Lathe

<h1>G0602 10" x 22" Benchtop Metal Lathe</h1> <h2>An efficient benchtop machine with a powerful 1 HP motor, and all the features you need for accurate machining on every project! </h2> <p>The Grizzly G0602 Benchtop Metal Lathe is the perfect size for garage or workshop at 10" x 22". It features...

www.grizzly.com

I have a Grizzly G4000 on order and assembling the tooling bits now to make it work, for sure these will add up to almost the price of the lathe. With Grizzly's T10721 Milling Attachment, it can be used as a small mill.

Lot's of aftermarket/internet support for these and other generic 9x19/9x20/9x29 lathes. Several have adapted these with CNC drives for lead screw and cross feed.

 

[Caa311]

Learn how to use it and don't kill yourself. The machine doesn't matter as much as your skill. I have two 12" atlas. I can do anything I want on them just takes a little longer cause they are not heavy.

 

[BTL-A4]

Thanks for the info guys. Lots to consider.

Anyone have any tips on how to check old lathe out? As in how to tell if its wore out or not?

I have an Atlas Craftsman 12" lathe from 1944. Here's how to determine lathe bed wear: measure the thickness and the width of one of the bed rails at the tailstock end. This is the area that will have the least wear. Make sure it is clean. Now measure the same areas near the headstock, a few inches in front of the chuck. This area will have the most wear. For thickness, any more than a 0.005" difference is too much and and any more than a 0.003" difference in width is too much.

 

[Jgaz]

Just a thought but have you seen this add

Metal lathes for sale. Phoenix PRICES REDUCED

PRICES REDUCED 11-21-23 -I'm running out of space in my garage, need to make room to actually park my truck in there. I have two 6" metal lathes for sale, and some accessories. Pickup in Phoenix only. 1. Atlas 618 on a original cast iron stand. I acquired this up a couple of years ago and...

www.garagejournal.com

Might be worth the road trip or even shipping?

 

[ocelotltum]

Hi, thanks for the response. I checked out PM yesterday actually. They look super nice but they're quite a ways out of my price range at $2,899 as I'm pushing it with the $2k already. And I'd really prefer a USA made model rather than an Asian import as heirloom value is important.

I had an Austrian made Unimat for decades until it got stolen. I made front-end steering mechanisms for 1/32 scale cars during the electric slot-car phase. It was configurable as a drill press or milling machine as needed. I worked brass, mild steel, and aluminun as needed. It was as accurate as I could make it.

 

[bb29510]

i sell you mine for $500