Lablond Lathe Score!

[Nelkcots]

So in my daily craigslist search of lathes and mills, I came a cross an ad for a 12x24 Lablond lathe and an enco mill. I called the gentleman right away and told him I would be by after work to look at both. Around lunchtime he called and said someone just came and bought the mill but the lathe was still there, so I left work early and headed over with cash in hand. When I got there I met a retired Alcoa machinist of 35 years who had a stroke and he was no longer able to use is right hand so he was getting rid of his "Little Machine Shop". I ended up giving him $100 to hold the lathe for me until I returned from a month long trip for work. Well last night I went out to pick up the machine and could not be happier. I spent 2.5 hours going through his shed with him and packing and loading up the trailer. All in all I ended up with the lathe, quick change tool post with 5-6 holders, two face plates, four jaw chuck, steady rest, tons of carbide bits, carbide tool holders and tons of carbide inserts, boring bars, and all kinds of stuff I don't even know what it is.

He wanted $1100 for the lathe and pieces that went with it, so I offered to give him $1500 with the extra tooling, we settled on $1250 he didn't want the full $1500! I almost feel guilty! He has tons more tooling for the lathe and mill and measuring instruments and kennedy boxes, told him I will buy it all. He is going to clean up the shop and organize and call me to make a deal!

I am pumped on my score!

 

[trackwelder]

Sweet!!!

 

[LXCam]

Wow, you for sure are getting a you **** on that deal.

 

[930dreamer]

Your killing me, great lathe score.

 

[rmack898]

The tooling alone is worth what you paid for the lathe.
Very nice score.

 

[larry_g]

Looks good. If I might suggest take a bit of time with the guy when you pick it up and have him explain what the pieces are that you don't know what they are. I bought a couple of shops like that and some of the fixtures that came with the machines I have still not figured out, and none of my friends have either. Understand what pieces are general purpose and what might have been made for a one time use.

good luck and be safe.

lg
no neat sigline

 

[ovrrdrive]

Awesome score but you **** negotiating... lol

 

[My Old Tools]

Cut a deal for lessons. He has likely forgotten more than you'll ever learn. Once he starts showing you how to do stuff, you'll probably end up with a truck load more stuff because he's having fun and is needed again.

 

[sasquatch12]

Nice find! Get any machining literature? He probably has a bunch?

 

[APEowner]

Awesome score! That LeBlond is a rugged machine and very versatile

 

[Zeke]

That looks like a workhorse.

 

[Nelkcots]

My Old Tools: I am hoping to learn from him as well. He asked for "visitation rights" haha so I am more than happy to have him come to my shop and play/teach!

 

[raddksn]

Cut a deal for lessons. He has likely forgotten more than you'll ever learn. Once he starts showing you how to do stuff, you'll probably end up with a truck load more stuff because he's having fun and is needed again.

You might be on to somthing here!

 

[Lassen Forge]

Plus not only did he do machining, he did it on THAT lathe... meaning he knows all the little tricks and foibles of that particular machine. That is kind of like getting a double dose of chocolate frosting hidden inside the chocolate cake...

I don't think I have to mention... That's not a ****... that's a tornado!

Have fun!