new metal lathe

[Falcon67]

That would be a good starter and if it were junk you are not out much. I own a 9x20 HF model and it's a decent tool once tweaked. However, I only paid $500 for it new with a combo of sale and coupon that won't happen anymore. The second however is that I should have bought a 12x36 instead. As for buying a good used American - that's fine if you are in a part of the country where they may still turn up. Around here, it doesn't happen. Of the offerings, I would buy from Grizzly or Precision Matthews because of service and parts availability. The Grizzly 4003G is fairly well regarded and is way over your price range - but you are not gonna get much for $1200 new or used unless you get real lucky.

 

[jmh21586]

Well.......... I missed it.

Gotta be quick to react to craigslist ads I guess.

 

[A_Pmech]

Don't worry. There are loads of lathes out there. Just be patient, be willing to drive and keep your eyes peeled.

 

[slowmo5o]

I suggest posting a want ad on craigslist for a lathe. I got mine that way and it was way cheaper and faster than waiting for one to come up. Mine that I got is a logan 820 for $150. Great to learn on and small enough to fit in my basement.

 

[ZRX61]

For the two guys that asked: I'm in Los Angeles & it's a 1937 Southbend 13x40 with all the bells & whistles.

 

[precisionworks]

Well.......... I missed it.

Gotta be quick to react to craigslist ads I guess.

The metalworking gods were looking out for you ... missing an Atlas/Craftsman is most likely a blessing

In small American lathes, the 9" or 10" South Bend ranks near the top. More tooling on eBay than you could ever buy. Big enough to do some paying work (mine did for 10 years) and small enough that it isn't hard for you & a few friends to load it into a pickup & unload it at your house.

The second photo is my 10" SB 10-K. A beautiful machine, gorgeous lines & curves, almost no vibration.

First photo is my Kung Fu 14x40. Too good a deal to pass up, $4k for a $12k machine, 3000# as it sits. Ugly as hell, poorly fitted, etc. It's a work in progress, but the headstock bore is almost 2", top end is 2000 rpm & low speed is 45 rpm.

Better Chinese junk is more desirable than cheaper Chinese junk