Sidney Machine Tool Co. Lathe....experts chime in

[G-ManBart]

Hey all,

For starters, I have essentially zero experience with lathes, a little bit with mills, and the usual drill presses, bandsaws, etc. For a number of my hobbies it would be helpful to have a lathe, and a mill, and plan to buy good ones after I have my shop finished, and get 3-phase power run in the shop (it's at the pole 50ft away).

In the meantime I'd like to start with an inexpensive lathe since some of the projects I have I can get started on without too much knowledge (already bought the South Bend "How to run a lathe book" and plan to take my time and be smart about it).

A local guy is selling this Sidney Machine Tool Co. lathe and while it's clearly older, what I've read indicates they made a pretty solid machine. They're asking $200 for it. I haven't looked at it in person, but it's only 10-15min from my house so I can get to it pretty quickly. I don't know if it's under power, but I'm going to ask. Am I wrong, or does it seem like there are $200 worth of accessories alone?

Thoughts?

Here are some pics:

 

[crguy]

Look at the ways to see if they are in good condition. If so, buy it. The cast iron legs alone are worth more than $200.

 

[95vette]

Hello, It is well worth 200 if the vees of the bed in front of the chuck and out about a foot are not worn out. Great project if you have time to take apart and clean up and make sure all the oil ports are open and clean. Good luck Jim

 

[454ragtop]

Buy it, oil it up, and use it. Never get hurt for $200. If it turns out to be too worn or whatever, you'll have a better idea of what to look for in your next lathe.

 

[MShaw]

If you keep the accessories and throw the lathe away you have still done well.

Sidney was a good name in that era. Buy it.

 

[G-ManBart]

Drat....turns out I was too late. The search goes on!