Good First Metal Lathe?

[DIY_Guy79]

I've wanted a metal lathe for years, decided its well passed time to make it happen. Hoping some of you guys here may know a little bit more than me and help me with making a decision.

What I'm looking for... High quality & USA made or some place that isn't going to destroy the heirloom value of the lathe by default. It cant be too big.. I'm thinking at most a 4' bed, preferably 3.5' or maybe even less. Something relatively easy to find parts for or that will at least accept universal parts. I'd really like something that is capable of making threads, but its not a must.

My budget is $2000.

Some that are on my radar as of now: as for new there's only one that I've found that would be suitable & thats USA made and thats the Sherline 8x17. Vintage models.. Craftsman 101/Atlas 618, South Bend Model A, Unimat SL... I'm sure there are others I should be interested in but dont know what they should be.

As of now, I'm mostly leaning towards the Unimat or the Sherline. The Unimat because its just a super nice and very cool little lathe, that had a ton of different attachments and capabilities. The size is a double edged sword, I love how small it is because of the options for storage.. However, I'm concerned it might be a bit too small. I dont see myself needing to turn anything bigger than what it could handle very often but I'm sure it would happen. Anyone have any experience with this little lathe? I like the Sherline because well, its new, you can still get parts and attachments new, and you have the option of a Digital Read Out, or going full CNC with it. Not to mention, their pricing seems pretty reasonable for most of their products.

However, I am drawn to the bigger lathes, the Craftsman 101 & the South Bend Model A, as I wouldnt be nearly as limited should I ever decide to get into bigger stuff or if I ever wanted to make a little bit of extra cash.

Are there any other lathes I should be looking at or that you'd recommend?

 

[RaisedByWolves]

My name is Eric and I have a lathe addiction....

Ive owned and or rebuilt 7-8 lathes and my current keeper is a 13"x36 Clausing MK1.

Rule of thumb is get the biggest machine you have room for. A big lathe will do small jobs but a small lathe will not generally do large jobs.

Of the ones you have listed the 101 (AKA Atlas 618) would be the minimum I would recommend.

However, if you have 2K to spend, a lil more would get you an excellent new small lathe from a company like PM.

Ill let Quinn tell you more.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

My name is Eric and I have a lathe addiction....

Ive owned and or rebuilt 7-8 lathes and my current keeper is a 13"x36 Clausing MK1.

Rule of thumb is get the biggest machine you have room for. A big lathe will do small jobs but a small lathe will not generally do large jobs.

Of the ones you have listed the 101 (AKA Atlas 618) would be the minimum I would recommend.

However, if you have 2K to spend, a lil more would get you an excellent new small lathe from a company like PM.

Ill let Quinn tell you more.

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.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

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.

Yeah, I looked at their site after posting that and I swore they had an offer that was much closer to your price range.

I would love to have a unimat for my hobby room (RC Helis) but their pricy and relatively tiny. Tiny for my is OK as I know what to expect and what a small machines limitations are. My fear is a small machine might put off someone who is just getting their feet wet as they are very hard to get good results on.

 

[47chevy COE]

Location?

 

[marinusdees]

I've wanted a metal lathe for years, decided its well passed time to make it happen. Hoping some of you guys here may know a little bit more than me and help me with making a decision.

What I'm looking for... High quality & USA made or some place that isn't going to destroy the heirloom value of the lathe by default. It cant be too big.. I'm thinking at most a 4' bed, preferably 3.5' or maybe even less. Something relatively easy to find parts for or that will at least accept universal parts. I'd really like something that is capable of making threads, but its not a must.

My budget is $2000.

Some that are on my radar as of now: as for new there's only one that I've found that would be suitable & thats USA made and thats the Sherline 8x17. Vintage models.. Craftsman 101/Atlas 618, South Bend Model A, Unimat SL... I'm sure there are others I should be interested in but dont know what they should be.

As of now, I'm mostly leaning towards the Unimat or the Sherline. The Unimat because its just a super nice and very cool little lathe, that had a ton of different attachments and capabilities. The size is a double edged sword, I love how small it is because of the options for storage.. However, I'm concerned it might be a bit too small. I dont see myself needing to turn anything bigger than what it could handle very often but I'm sure it would happen. Anyone have any experience with this little lathe? I like the Sherline because well, its new, you can still get parts and attachments new, and you have the option of a Digital Read Out, or going full CNC with it. Not to mention, their pricing seems pretty reasonable for most of their products.

However, I am drawn to the bigger lathes, the Craftsman 101 & the South Bend Model A, as I wouldnt be nearly as limited should I ever decide to get into bigger stuff or if I ever wanted to make a little bit of extra cash.

Are there any other lathes I should be looking at or that you'd recommend?

I have a Sherline (first lathe) well-made, currently in production, last time I talked to them they had around 50 employees. Very accurate within its limits, which are restrictive. And, doesn't cut threads.
I also have a South Bend Model 9a, made in 1942, came with many factory accessories (I got extremely lucky) like taper attachment (which I sold for a third of what I paid for the lathe) and a milling attachment. I have a round column mill which is a much better mill than a lathe is. A bare lathe is just a beginning, you will find that you wind up spending about as much for tooling as you did for the lathe. Don't rule out Chicom lathes. Taiwanese are somewhat better than Chinese. If you have a friend who is knowledgeable, take them with you to viewings (I did). There is a machine tool vendor a couple miles away who deals in freight damaged goods, has a number of lathes and mills. New, and the ones I looked at were basically only cosmetically damaged. If you want I can find the name and address snd phone, I don't know about dealing with them long distance.
New, I'd take a hard look at Grizzly. I think the owner maintains stricter standards than other importers. And, parts and support are available.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Location?

I'm in Tulsa Oklahoma.

 

[47chevy COE]

Hmm, probably a bit far away from you. (Northeast Nebraska) but I’ve my fist lathe for sale. South bend 9a, chucks, taper and milling attachment, steady and follow rest, and some tooling.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

I have a Sherline (first lathe) well-made, currently in production, last time I talked to them they had around 50 employees. Very accurate within its limits, which are restrictive. And, doesn't cut threads.
I also have a South Bend Model 9a, made in 1942, came with many factory accessories (I got extremely lucky) like taper attachment (which I sold for a third of what I paid for the lathe) and a milling attachment. I have a round column mill which is a much better mill than a lathe is. A bare lathe is just a beginning, you will find that you wind up spending about as much for tooling as you did for the lathe. Don't rule out Chicom lathes. Taiwanese are somewhat better than Chinese. If you have a friend who is knowledgeable, take them with you to viewings (I did). There is a machine tool vendor a couple miles away who deals in freight damaged goods, has a number of lathes and mills. New, and the ones I looked at were basically only cosmetically damaged. If you want I can find the name and address snd phone, I don't know about dealing with them long distance.
New, I'd take a hard look at Grizzly. I think the owner maintains stricter standards than other importers. And, parts and support are available.

Sherline actually does offer a thread cutting attachment. You can buy it seperately for $136(?) if memory serves me or they include it with their "C" packages. If I were to go with Sherline I was intending on going with one of the "C" packages mainly for the Thread Cutting attachment. Though I think its all manual, as in you cant use the motor to cut the threads, there is a handwheel that comes with the kit that you use to turn it while cutting threads. But its better than nothing.

As for dealing with long distance, if you're location is correct, Washington is a LONG ways away lol. Unless they have small machines like the Sherline or Unimat, I'd imagine shipping would be out of the question or cost as much as the lathe itself.

My reason for not wanting an Asian lathe isnt necessarily because I think it'll be poor quality. I've read up on them enough, a lot of people seem very happy with them. What my concern is, is heirloom value. Something to leave to my kids that will be a little more special than something with "Made in China" or "Made in Taiwan" printed on it.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Hmm, probably a bit far away from you. (Northeast Nebraska) but I’ve my fist lathe for sale. South bend 9a, chucks, taper and milling attachment, steady and follow rest, and some tooling.

Yea thats a little out of the way. Otherwise I'd definitely come take a look.

 

[marinusdees]

Yea thats a little out of the way. Otherwise I'd definitely come take a look.

Patience will be rewarded. If you are willing to settle for old iron, start watching Craig's List, Offer Up, etc. I looked for several years, and my friend spotted the South Bend. Originally sold to a guy who built a first automatic pilot for boats. I bought the Sherline while looking. I don't think the leaving of an heirloom for my kids would be in the consideration. I owed mine a college education, and delivered. They get to buy their own toys (and, they are).

 

[marinusdees]

Yea thats a little out of the way. Otherwise I'd definitely come take a look.

I bet his asking price is over $2,000. Unless it's worn out and been sitting outdoors for 20 years (rusty).

 

[mogandave]

Sherline actually does offer a thread cutting attachment. You can buy it seperately for $136(?) if memory serves me or they include it with their "C" packages. If I were to go with Sherline I was intending on going with one of the "C" packages mainly for the Thread Cutting attachment. Though I think its all manual, as in you cant use the motor to cut the threads, there is a handwheel that comes with the kit that you use to turn it while cutting threads. But its better than nothing.

As for dealing with long distance, if you're location is correct, Washington is a LONG ways away lol. Unless they have small machines like the Sherline or Unimat, I'd imagine shipping would be out of the question or cost as much as the lathe itself.

My reason for not wanting an Asian lathe isnt necessarily because I think it'll be poor quality. I've read up on them enough, a lot of people seem very happy with them. What my concern is, is heirloom value. Something to leave to my kids that will be a little more special than something with "Made in China" or "Made in Taiwan" printed on it.

Do you have kids that enjoy working in the shop with you?

 

[marinusdees]

Do you have kids that enjoy working in the shop with you?

One. Post on Home Shop Machinist. Never know.
PS He had the Sherline sitting on his desk at work for 10 years. And, used a iot in his job. As I said, excellent for what they are designed for.
Also, Practical Machinist. and, maybe, Hobby Machinist.
He's 58, so not a kid anymore.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Do you have kids that enjoy working in the shop with you?

Yea, my oldest boy(He's 7 and already has plans of becoming a Mechanical Engineer lol). My other 2 are a bit too young, as of now.

 

[marinusdees]

Yea, my oldest boy(He's 7 and already has plans of becoming a Mechanical Engineer lol). My other 2 are a bit too young, as of now.

Better start saving for college. And, preaching Oklahoma A and M. In state tuition is always cheapest. Ask me how I know it. The two young ones will grow older if you persist in feeding them.

 

[tool_scrounge]

The craftsman 12x36 with the integral base is pretty nice. The motor is under the headstock in the base so the lathe is not very deep. This one in CA is only $900.

Craftsman commercial lathe - tools - by owner - sale

Lathe works perfect 12inch swing 40 inch bed on stand motor under mount in cabinet comes with 2 chucks steady rest and tooling asking $900 firm if interested can test out before buying leave no. On...

ventura.craigslist.org

 

[Maui]

For your first lathe I would suggest either buying a Logan with a 10” swing, or a South Bend with a 9” or 10” swing. You can learn a tremendous amount in using these lathes while working within the limitations of the machines, and many parts and tooling are readily available. Surprisingly, much of the tooling is interchangeable between them. Get one with a quick change gear box if you can find it, and be sure to get both 3 and 4 jaw chucks with the lathe. When it’s time to upgrade you can generally get your investment back plus a few extra $$ if you buy it at the right price. I have rebuilt dozens of lathes over the years and find that these two makes of machines are generally well designed and built with excellent quality. They are good choices for the home machinist who is starting out. I currently have a Logan 10” and a 16” South Bend lathe that I use to fabricate parts.

 

[cvairwerks]

In your craigslist search, push your range to 250 miles from 74008. There are several lathes that would get you started, with the best being a Clasusing Colchester, but they are asking 220$ for it with some tooling.

 

[Mgdoug3]

If you are looking at used lathes, try to find one with a couple of chucks, steady rest and quick change tool post. If you can find those things, you won't need to buy much more expensive tooling. My small lathe is a Clausing 4914 which is a 10x36. I converted it to VFD and it's a handy, compact lathe when I can't use my bigger lathe.

 

[Aaron_W]

Your first question should be what do you plan to make. I have several small lathes from a tiny 50mm watchmakers lathe to an 11x24". I may have an illness, now have 9 small lathes... I like tinkering with them and they don't ask for much. Edit make that 10 lathes, I forgot I recently added a second vintage Sherline that was incomplete to set up with the threading attachment full time.
I started with a Sherline and it is still my workhorse because I mostly make little stuff.

If you don't expect to make much larger than 2" diameter and maybe 8-10" long the Sherline lathe is a good choice. Good quality, lots of accessories, excellent customer service. They do offer riser blocks which will increase the diameter of parts but that is not an ideal solution. For just the rare a little bigger should be fine but if I was going to make larger stuff on a regular basis I'd look at something bigger. Sherline's packages are very good deals, easily 30-40% cheaper than buying all that tooling separately later. I went with the C package which is a very nice starter package but I've still probably spent about $1000 more on additional tooling for it.

Taig is another option. About he same size as Sherline (4.5x9.75") and also made in the USA (Arizona). Taig is cheaper, and very tinkering friendly for custom uses as they can literally be bought one piece at a time. Both Sherline and Taig can be bought as a CNC or easily converted to CNC down the road if that becomes a desire. Personally I think the Sherline is a more refined machine, but there is a significant difference in price once you start adding tooling. Taig does not offer a threading accessory like Sherline does, but I have seen people modify the Sherline threading set up to work with a Taig.

Nothing wrong with Unimat if you found a really good deal, but they are smaller, and less capable than either a Taig or Sherline and worse they are kind of becoming collectable which is driving the prices up. The accessories are hard to find and often go for high prices. These days you can easily pay about the same for a 50 year old Unimat as a brand new Sherline or Taig.

All three of these are small enough and light enough (under 50lbs) that they can easily be put up out of the way when you aren't using them.


The Atlas / Craftsman 6" lathes are not a bad choice for a little bigger, but definitely go for the Atlas made one which if Craftsman branded will have a model number starting with 101.xxxxxx.
Sears also sold a much cheaper 6" lathe made by the Double A company which is far less capable, those were mostly branded Dunlop, but some late ones were Craftsman with a model number starting with 109.xxxxx.
The 6" Atlas / Craftsman weighs around 140lbs with the motor and base, so you can move it to rearrange or clean the shop, but you won't want to move it on a regular basis at least not without a helper.

South Bend 9A with a short bed is a great choice if you don't need to move it around the shop. They have a quick change gear box, power feed on both the bed and cross slide and a threading dial. They weigh 350-400lbs, but offered beds from 3 feet (17" between centers) to 4-1/2 feet (34" between centers). The short bed models are not a whole lot bigger than many of the mini-lathes, although they are quite a bit deeper because of the rear mounted motor.

Lots of options in the 10x24" size, Logan, South Bend, Atlas, Rockwell etc. These are what most people on GJ will think of as a "small lathe". Just the nature of things, unless you are on a model makers or watch repair site, most will direct you to something in the 12x36" size.

Downside to vintage is they show up when they show up, and they are a minimum of 40-50 years old so you need to know how to sort the worn out parts donors from something good. The plus side is they were very well built and well equipped. None of the current hobby lathes under 12" swing offer the features available on vintage lathes in the 8-11" sizes.

 

[RoninB4]

Not easy to add to what others have already posted, the varied opinions offer good advice per their perspective. I would also like to complement Blondie in the posted video. Very good advice that should be referred to when considering an Asian import. Also points awarded to Blondie for the narrative. Not many people can correctly describ a single lead/drive screw as a "Faustian Bargain."

As a retired toolmaker I've run dozens of different brands/sizes of lathes and have an opinion. A dilemma to resolve is the balance between needs and the budget. New is always better but new also comes with a higher price tag. Include in that the requirement for level of precision/size as well as what the future may hold. Once you begin machining you'll likely want to go beyond the occasional small bushing or polishing job. Larger, more ambitious projects will beckon, especially if an urgent auto/tractor repair perverts your priorities.

So you begin to examine the used lathe market and find a bewildering array of unfamiliar makes. Many have components that must have been created from un-obtanium and are shockingly expensive. These lathes are mostly of high end quality but unless you can get one in good shape with ALL the tooling you'll need they are best left to the terminal connoisseur of old iron. Even big names like Pratt & Whitney, Leblond, Cincinnati, Monarch, and Sheldon may not have readily available parts. Hardinge and Monarch are top quality lathes in the used market....and priced accordingly. The realities of the budget rears it's ugly head when pursuing quality made older iron.

Logan, Atlas, Craftsman, and South Bend were never considered more than hobby level lathes. Nothing wrong with that either as long as the buyer knows the limitations of these brands. South Bend has been ridiculously overpriced by virtue of name recognition by speculators stampeding the unfamiliar. Most of the surviving examples exhibit excessive wear in the bed (critical flaw) and are slap worn out. Not a bad lathe for hobby work if in GOOD condition and have ALL required tooling. Taig, Sherline, and Unimat are well made but almost useless for any work larger than can be comfortably held with your fingers.

You're facing quite a number of decisions to make, it wasn't easy for me either. I ended up getting a small German tool room lathe (Weiler) that has the problems of expensive hard-to-find components but I knew that going in. A lot of your decision will be based upon what is available, don't be afraid to look for a few months (over a year for me) and be willing to travel up to 200 miles for a suitable candidate. Also act quickly when one appears, a good candidate gets purchased quickly. I'll include a link below to the dizzying array of makers, a thorough review of each make you're considering is worth the read. Ask questions, read all you can. Good luck.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/

 

[rustyzman]

Sheldon is a good choice too, and there are many out there. Clausing made a nice smaller lathe as well, but price might be high.

I am a huge fan of the Hardinge tool room lathes, but finding one at a good price is challenging and unless it one of the more rare versions, you won't be able to single point threads on it. They are out there though and even I would jump at the chance for one if the price is right (and I have no more room for it!)

I had a larger variable speed Logan at the last shop that was a very capable industrial machine, but it was a little bigger than what you are describing (14" swing?). My personal Sheldon is about at the high end of the size you are looking for with 11" swing and approx 24" actual between centers.

South Bend is fine, but like RoninB4 said, they tend to command a price that makes no sense for what they are.

Tiny lathes can be frustrating to learn on. They can make small parts well inside their intended envelope, but they have no rigidity and it can create a bit of a long learning curve working around that. Mass and rigidity are key. Obviously wear and overall condition are as well, but the heavier the machine casting, the easier it is to overcome issues of flex and vibration.

Unless you can drive a distance to go get one, local limits the available flock.

 

[slowtwitch73]

This topic had been covered up down n sideways on forums. Get your drink of choice and spend a few hours searching.

 

[marinusdees]

This topic had been covered up down n sideways on forums. Get your drink of choice and spend a few hours searching.

To confute the issue even more is the name changes, etc. Atlas Press to Clausing. Atlas (Clausing?) making Craftsman. And so on. The gold standard (to some) is a Monarch 10EE. A little more than $2,000. Where do you draw trhe line??

 

[Aaron_W]

So you begin to examine the used lathe market and find a bewildering array of unfamiliar makes. Many have components that must have been created from un-obtanium and are shockingly expensive. These lathes are mostly of high end quality but unless you can get one in good shape with ALL the tooling you'll need they are best left to the terminal connoisseur of old iron.

Yep there are some fantastic but little known lathes which can be a great bargain as long as they are complete and include all the tooling you would ever need. Quite a few small very high end lathes in the 5-10" size made as high precision lathes Rivett, Hardinge / Cataract, Wade, Schaublin etc, but making sure it is a suitable model, fully functional and well tooled is critical as parts are pretty much unobtanium and tooling often unique to the brand. I have an 8" Rivett 608 and the proprietary collets are available from Hardinge at a mere $285 each with no cheap Chinese options available.

 

[RoninB4]

I have an 8" Rivett 608 and the proprietary collets are available from Hardinge at a mere $285 each with no cheap Chinese options available.

-Nice piece you have there. I've admired the Rivett design often.

 

[Richard D]

I had a Taig. Made here in USA.

TAIG Tools | Arizona Lathes and Milling Machines | Call (480) 895-6978

TAIG Tools manufactures precision desktop lathes and milling machines. Call (480) 895-6978 to learn about micro mills and micro lathes.

taigtools.com

 

[joel_400]

I like my used smithy lathe/mill combo myself. Got it for free from a buddy of mine. Made in China. But it's good enough for home shop use. Once I get a larger shop I've got a south bend heavy ten tucked away to replace it. Don't have 220 power to run it in the garage it is in. I also have a unimat that's missing some pieces and parts that I'd like to complete for teaching my son how to use a lathe when he's a bit bigger...you know show him what not to do with these tools, since they already know it all! Haha
Joel

 

[DIY_Guy79]

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?

 

[haveissues]

Something else to keep in mind is a lot of lathes will be 3 phase. Mine has a 5hp motor and needed a pretty stout (expensive) vfd to drive it. Or you need a rotary converter if you don't have one already.

 

[ez-duzit]

...
Some that are on my radar...Sherline...Craftsman 101/Atlas 618, South Bend Model A, Unimat SL..

Set your sights a bit higher. Pretty easy to find much better within your $2k budget. Look for a quality, well-tooled unit in good condition.

Look at http://www.lathes.co.uk/page21.html

 

[dr_clyde]

For your size and budget requirements I’d be looking for an older Clausing Colchester or a Sheldon R15. Both are routinely available for only a few grand and are really nice, user friendly lathes.

I’d buy as much mass as you can afford. Your work will thank you.

 

[CVolikos]

The craftsman 12x36 with the integral base is pretty nice. The motor is under the headstock in the base so the lathe is not very deep. This one in CA is only $900.

Craftsman commercial lathe - tools - by owner - sale

Lathe works perfect 12inch swing 40 inch bed on stand motor under mount in cabinet comes with 2 chucks steady rest and tooling asking $900 firm if interested can test out before buying leave no. On...

ventura.craigslist.org

FYI, this one is gone. I’m looking for one in California in the San Francisco Bay Area in the $2000 range as well for my first metal lathe and have 6 feet wide for the room.

 

[CVolikos]

I've wanted a metal lathe for years, decided its well passed time to make it happen. Hoping some of you guys here may know a little bit more than me and help me with making a decision.

What I'm looking for... High quality & USA made or some place that isn't going to destroy the heirloom value of the lathe by default. It cant be too big.. I'm thinking at most a 4' bed, preferably 3.5' or maybe even less. Something relatively easy to find parts for or that will at least accept universal parts. I'd really like something that is capable of making threads, but its not a must.

My budget is $2000.

Some that are on my radar as of now: as for new there's only one that I've found that would be suitable & thats USA made and thats the Sherline 8x17. Vintage models.. Craftsman 101/Atlas 618, South Bend Model A, Unimat SL... I'm sure there are others I should be interested in but dont know what they should be.

As of now, I'm mostly leaning towards the Unimat or the Sherline. The Unimat because its just a super nice and very cool little lathe, that had a ton of different attachments and capabilities. The size is a double edged sword, I love how small it is because of the options for storage.. However, I'm concerned it might be a bit too small. I dont see myself needing to turn anything bigger than what it could handle very often but I'm sure it would happen. Anyone have any experience with this little lathe? I like the Sherline because well, its new, you can still get parts and attachments new, and you have the option of a Digital Read Out, or going full CNC with it. Not to mention, their pricing seems pretty reasonable for most of their products.

However, I am drawn to the bigger lathes, the Craftsman 101 & the South Bend Model A, as I wouldnt be nearly as limited should I ever decide to get into bigger stuff or if I ever wanted to make a little bit of extra cash.

Are there any other lathes I should be looking at or that you'd recommend?

Did you ever decide on an heirloom metal lathe? I am in the San Francisco Bay area looking for my first one as well and have similar requirements of $2000, made in the USA. I’ve seen ones on craigslist but it’s hard to know how much wear and tear on the rails and what small things I should be looking for.

 

[tool_scrounge]

FYI, this one is gone. I’m looking for one in California in the San Francisco Bay Area in the $2000 range as well for my first metal lathe and have 6 feet wide for the room.

If you had a few more inches of width I would recommend something like this Cadillac 1422. I do prefer the version with the regular tail stock

https://www.wheelermachinery.com/li...dillac-model-1422-engine-lathe-14-x-22-6218-1

 

[loganb]

Might be a bit proud on this one buts it seems to have everything one needs to get started and as mentioned parts should still be available.

Logan 12"x35" Lathe w/ tooling - tools - by owner - sale

Logan 2557LVH 12"x35" variable speed Lathe w/ all the tooling If you're getting into metal working, this is the setup for you. I've owned this Logan lathe for several years and it's a well-built...

omaha.craigslist.org

Add a DRO and you'd have a very nice machine....but out of OP's original budget

 

[ez-duzit]

Might be a bit proud on this one buts it seems to have everything one needs to get started and as mentioned parts should still be available.

Logan 12"x35" Lathe w/ tooling - tools - by owner - sale

Logan 2557LVH 12"x35" variable speed Lathe w/ all the tooling If you're getting into metal working, this is the setup for you. I've owned this Logan lathe for several years and it's a well-built...

omaha.craigslist.org

Add a DRO and you'd have a very nice machine....but out of OP's original budget

I started out with that Logan 2557. Paid $1,000 for it. Pretty good machine.

 

[GeoBruin]

Did you ever decide on an heirloom metal lathe? I am in the San Francisco Bay area looking for my first one as well and have similar requirements of $2000, made in the USA. I’ve seen ones on craigslist but it’s hard to know how much wear and tear on the rails and what small things I should be looking for.

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

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

 

[jonesg]

Yea thats a little out of the way. Otherwise I'd definitely come take a look.

SB model A with tooling is worth going out of the way to get.
I had one, they're all you need.
take a trailer, see the country.