What's this Logan Lathe worth?

[tarbellb]

I've got a line on this Logan 920 turret lathe

Seller says everything works as it should

Minor repairs to the gear set (couple new gears and a braze job to a fork)

Gear set rotated freely w no noticable backlash

Visual inspection says it looks clean

Wasn't plugged in to test

Includes:
3 jaw
4 jaw
face plate
tailstock chuck
steady rest
follow rest
aftermarket quick change tool post (5 position)
live + dead centers

What would you pay for this?

 

[GeoBruin]

Where's the turret? That's a $2,500 lathe where I'm at. Probably cheaper almost everywhere else.

 

[JSGAuto]

$500 in NJ

 

[shoot summ]

That's a $1500 lathe around here, nice that it has the matching stand so maybe a bit more.

 

[Merch1]

I sold mine two years ago for 1200.00 Cdn

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Here is an 820 near me for $1500...

Always liked Logan for some reason!

 

[loganb]

With the toolpost, everything working and ways/backlash being reasonable I'd expect at least $1k around me, wouldn't expect more than $2k but that's just me

 

[Firebrick43]

I sold mine two years ago for 1200.00 Cdn

Will that even buy two large pizza's up there now?

Its really hard to assess wear to the ways and lead screw from here, but it its been lightly used and not wore significantly, 1500$ in my opinion and down from there

 

[larry_g]

By your picture I would say that is a $1500 -$2000 machine as it has all the accessories.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[seber]

Not a turret lathe. The value can be widely variable depending on the condition of the ways.

 

[paulsomlo]

If it's not too worn, I wouldn't think $1500 to be unreasonable. And it appears to be a 1 3/8" spindle bore, which makes it more desirable.

 

[alfadan]

As above, about 1500 to 2k. What gear needs repaired? In the quick change gear box? I repaired a cluster gear in mine after watching a Mrpete video and can help out.

 

[tarbellb]

Awesome feedback all, appreciate the added info and price comps

Q_What is the best way to go about checking the essentials on this machine. --- I believe the seller can get it hooked up to run.

I havent ran a metal lathe in some time, would not be super comfortable actually producing chips on a test run?



Q_ Any good links for information on this exact model?

Q_ @seber why is this not a turret lathe?

Q_ @GeoBruin seller says he has the original "candlestick turret?" but added the updated 5 position quick change?


Q_ What other questions and qc checks should I do?

Thanks all, im a bit outside my envelope with metal lathes but know this is about the size, power, and footprint I would want for the shop.

 

[Firebrick43]

A turret lathe has a unique cross slide typically with no compound and a turret tail stock like shown




This is a Logan and probably uses the same bed and headstock but the other parts are different.

Usually they don’t have lead screws and single point threading capabilities either. Have to use a geometric die head or rolling head for threads

 

[Cruzan80]

I think the seller is confused. The "candlestick turret" is probably a lantern tool post. A "turret lathe" means there is a place where there are multiple heads(usually mounted on/replacing the tailstock) sticking out like a snowflake, and it can be rotated and moved (usually by a lever) for multiple repeated operations quickly. Something like these two would be a "turret lathe" (less desirable for most small home shops, excels in production fo repeated items).


Edit: Firebrick beat me to it.

 

[RoninB4]

-I agree with the assertions from Firebrick43, it doesn't appear to have been a turret lathe when it left the factory. I'd rather have this configuration for the tailstock, lead screw, and thread cutting capability. You need to hear this run under power to listen to the bearings as well as the gears. Gears, all of them visible, need to be inspected the entire circumference for damaged teeth (somewhat common). Here's a source of info if you'll identify yours in the photos, Link below

Logan lathes

Logan Lathes Page 2 Logan Lathe Accessories<br>Logan 200 Catalog Extracts Logan 210 Catalog Extracts<br> <br>Logan Turret Lathes Montgomery Ward Logan Shaper Logan Technical Literature is available

lathes.co.uk

Logan is still in business in Harvard, Illinois and could answer any questions you have. Link below

Logan Actuator Co - Online Store

 

[GeoBruin]

OP, I think we've clarified that this isn't a turret lathe, but that's not a bad thing. They have their uses for specific applications, but for general hobby use, the lathe you're looking at is more versatile.

 

[larry_g]

Awesome feedback all, appreciate the added info and price comps

Q_What is the best way to go about checking the essentials on this machine. --- I believe the seller can get it hooked up to run.

I havent ran a metal lathe in some time, would not be super comfortable actually producing chips on a test run?



Q_ Any good links for information on this exact model?

Q_ @seber why is this not a turret lathe?

Q_ @GeoBruin seller says he has the original "candlestick turret?" but added the updated 5 position quick change?


Q_ What other questions and qc checks should I do?

Thanks all, im a bit outside my envelope with metal lathes but know this is about the size, power, and footprint I would want for the shop.

If that machine is near Salem/midvalley I'd be up to having a look with you. I've owned a couple of Logan lathes in the past. If your not comfortable with using it to cut then take a bit of stock with you so that the owner can show you it runs and cuts. And no I'm not looking to poach your find, I already have enough lathes.

The lathe pictured in post #6 is a proper turret lathe.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Aaron_W]

Logan 920 is a flat belt, 11x24" lathe with a 2-1/4"-8 spindle nose and 1-3/8" spindle bore. It can be compared to a South Bend Heavy 10.

Personally I think they are a nice size for a small shop, a bit more compact than the more common 12x36" lathes, but quite a bit heavier than most 10" lathes. Logan still provides support for these lathes.

Condition and location have a big impact on prices. I'd expect to see it selling for $1000-2000 around here, but if it is in good shape with that tooling even $2500 wouldn't be out of line if good lathes are scarce in your area.

 

[Fixr]

-I agree with the assertions from Firebrick43, it doesn't appear to have been a turret lathe when it left the factory. I'd rather have this configuration for the tailstock, lead screw, and thread cutting capability. You need to hear this run under power to listen to the bearings as well as the gears. Gears, all of them visible, need to be inspected the entire circumference for damaged teeth (somewhat common). Here's a source of info if you'll identify yours in the photos, Link below

Logan lathes

Logan Lathes Page 2 Logan Lathe Accessories<br>Logan 200 Catalog Extracts Logan 210 Catalog Extracts<br> <br>Logan Turret Lathes Montgomery Ward Logan Shaper Logan Technical Literature is available

lathes.co.uk

Logan is still in business in Harvard, Illinois and could answer any questions you have. Link below

Logan Actuator Co - Online Store

If I'm not mistaken Scott Logan is still involved. Long-term family/institutional knowledge can be really useful. I would not hesitate to buy a Logan in decent shape for a fair price.

 

[RoninB4]

If I'm not mistaken Scott Logan is still involved. Long-term family/institutional knowledge can be really useful. I would not hesitate to buy a Logan in decent shape for a fair price.

-I believe he still is, I used to pass by the place when I happened to be in Harvard but never stopped in. My understanding is Scott is very helpful with owners seeking info/parts. That seems kind of motivating when your family name is on something. A Logan wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice in a lathe but if I was in the market and a decent condition one was offered at a good price I wouldn't turn up my nose at it either.

 

[tarbellb]

-I believe he still is, I used to pass by the place when I happened to be in Harvard but never stopped in. My understanding is Scott is very helpful with owners seeking info/parts. That seems kind of motivating when your family name is on something. A Logan wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice in a lathe but if I was in the market and a decent condition one was offered at a good price I wouldn't turn up my nose at it either.

Thanks

what would be your top 3 picks in this size footprint?

 

[larry_g]

Thanks

what would be your top 3 picks in this size footprint?

I don't have a top three but I have owned two Logan lathes like your looking at. I 'graduated' to Sheldon lathes. Similar in size but way heavier and more ridged. You can see them in this thread, https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/opinions-on-sheldon-lathes.415455/#post-7734738 .

One thing that is obvious to me is the size of the ways. If you measure the width and depth of a cross section of the ways the Sheldons are ~ 50% bigger and heavier than the Logan. This eliminates the chatter that the Logans are prone to. The Sheldons have a 2 1/4" spindle mount where the Logan has an 1 1/2". Just a step up from the lighter lathes of this size and era.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[paulsomlo]

One thing that is obvious to me is the size of the ways. If you measure the width and depth of a cross section of the ways the Sheldons are ~ 50% bigger and heavier than the Logan. This eliminates the chatter that the Logans are prone to. The Sheldons have a 2 1/4" spindle mount where the Logan has an 1 1/2". Just a step up from the lighter lathes of this size and era.

Actually, the Logan that he posted has a 2 1/4 - 8 spindle; but I agree - a Sheldon is generally going to be a heavier built lathe.

@tarbellb Is this going to be a hobby lathe, or are you going to use this in your business? If for hobby, that Logan will be fine as a first lathe.

 

[tarbellb]

Actually, the Logan that he posted has a 2 1/4 - 8 spindle; but I agree - a Sheldon is generally going to be a heavier built lathe.

@tarbellb Is this going to be a hobby lathe, or are you going to use this in your business? If for hobby, that Logan will be fine as a first lathe.

I dont have enough seat time to consider myself proficient w a metal lathe,
so this would be labeled hobby use till i get more time on one.

 

[Aaron_W]

If I'm not mistaken Scott Logan is still involved. Long-term family/institutional knowledge can be really useful. I would not hesitate to buy a Logan in decent shape for a fair price.

He is, he also runs a Logan Facebook group and an I/O group. When I got my lathe he was able to tell me when it was made and who it was sold to (a machinery dealer in the case of my lathe).

 

[MJD1]

Actually, the Logan that he posted has a 2 1/4 - 8 spindle; but I agree - a Sheldon is generally going to be a heavier built lathe.

@tarbellb Is this going to be a hobby lathe, or are you going to use this in your business? If for hobby, that Logan will be fine as a first lathe.

Not all Logan's are lighter than Sheldon lathes. My Logan powermatic 6565 has 1-5/8" spindle bore with a 5hp motor. It weighs in close to 2,000 lbs

 

[RoninB4]

Thanks

what would be your top 3 picks in this size footprint?

-Bear in mind that I have a lifetime of industrial expectations for machinery. There are several that I might want but good condition examples are rare as hens teeth due to age and/or availability of parts. There are also numerous lathes I've never encountered that might be more worthy than the examples below. With that in mind I suppose the list might be

1) Monarch made some fine 10 & 12 models I've ran. OEM drive unit design rather dated and fiddly today. Somewhat expensive lathe that's rather coveted and commanding high prices for one in good condition that's been updated. Very smooth, very solid (due to mass) and a pleasure to run.

2) Hardinge HLV-H -Some would disagree with this choice because there's far more capable lathes out there but not in this size footprint IMO. I've used many examples of this model and find them to be accurate, solid, and what I'd choose for a smaller toolroom type lathe still being produced. There's even a few clones out there from Taiwan that may be as good as the original. Only problem with them is the price, they're expensive for the size work capacity.

3) Weiler- German lathe of varying sizes within the footprint limit specified. Not very well known but well respected, I'm including Weiler because I own one purchased at a very reasonable price that still in very good condition. The only drawback to owning one is the rarity of parts and the exorbitant price for replacements. Well made, accurate, and a pleasure to run.

4) Cazeneuve HBX series- Very well thought out and well built French lathe that's somewhat rare in this country. Might be expensive, parts are. A very good lathe.

5) Sheldon- A sentimental favorite of mine because I worked for them up and into bankruptcy. I likely have the very last OEM 4 jaw chuck that was on the shelves at Sheldon. There's better lathes out there but Sheldon is a decent lathe.


For a first lathe, the Logan is a good choice. It's far better than the imports available and the factory support still available makes it a solid buy if it's in decent shape.

 

[Fixr]

-Bear in mind that I have a lifetime of industrial expectations for machinery. There are several that I might want but good condition examples are rare as hens teeth due to age and/or availability of parts. There are also numerous lathes I've never encountered that might be more worthy than the examples below. With that in mind I suppose the list might be

1) Monarch made some fine 10 & 12 models I've ran. OEM drive unit design rather dated and fiddly today. Somewhat expensive lathe that's rather coveted and commanding high prices for one in good condition that's been updated. Very smooth, very solid (due to mass) and a pleasure to run.

2) Hardinge HLV-H -Some would disagree with this choice because there's far more capable lathes out there but not in this size footprint IMO. I've used many examples of this model and find them to be accurate, solid, and what I'd choose for a smaller toolroom type lathe still being produced. There's even a few clones out there from Taiwan that may be as good as the original. Only problem with them is the price, they're expensive for the size work capacity.

3) Weiler- German lathe of varying sizes within the footprint limit specified. Not very well known but well respected, I'm including Weiler because I own one purchased at a very reasonable price that still in very good condition. The only drawback to owning one is the rarity of parts and the exorbitant price for replacements. Well made, accurate, and a pleasure to run.

4) Cazeneuve HBX series- Very well thought out and well built French lathe that's somewhat rare in this country. Might be expensive, parts are. A very good lathe.

5) Sheldon- A sentimental favorite of mine because I worked for them up and into bankruptcy. I likely have the very last OEM 4 jaw chuck that was on the shelves at Sheldon. There's better lathes out there but Sheldon is a decent lathe.


For a first lathe, the Logan is a good choice. It's far better than the imports available and the factory support still available makes it a solid buy if it's in decent shape.

I still lust after a long bed Monarch 10EE. Don't need one, can't afford a good one, not interested in trying to rebuild one. But it would be so cool!

 

[GeoBruin]

I still lust after a long bed Monarch 10EE. Don't need one, can't afford a good one, not interested in trying to rebuild one. But it would be so cool!

Short bed work? Price is right.

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/FX4qdXSxcPb

 

[Fixr]

Short bed work? Price is right.

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/FX4qdXSxcPb

Get thee behind me, Satan!

Way out of my price range, especially with shipping from CA to VA. I have a horribly abused and badly worn SB Heavy 10 that does everything I actually need it to do. I just have this weakness for really cool good stuff, and a working WIAD 10EE would make my toes curl.

 

[Firebrick43]

-Bear in mind that I have a lifetime of industrial expectations for machinery. There are several that I might want but good condition examples are rare as hens teeth due to age and/or availability of parts. There are also numerous lathes I've never encountered that might be more worthy than the examples below. With that in mind I suppose the list might be

1) Monarch made some fine 10 & 12 models I've ran. OEM drive unit design rather dated and fiddly today. Somewhat expensive lathe that's rather coveted and commanding high prices for one in good condition that's been updated. Very smooth, very solid (due to mass) and a pleasure to run.

2) Hardinge HLV-H -Some would disagree with this choice because there's far more capable lathes out there but not in this size footprint IMO. I've used many examples of this model and find them to be accurate, solid, and what I'd choose for a smaller toolroom type lathe still being produced. There's even a few clones out there from Taiwan that may be as good as the original. Only problem with them is the price, they're expensive for the size work capacity.

3) Weiler- German lathe of varying sizes within the footprint limit specified. Not very well known but well respected, I'm including Weiler because I own one purchased at a very reasonable price that still in very good condition. The only drawback to owning one is the rarity of parts and the exorbitant price for replacements. Well made, accurate, and a pleasure to run.

4) Cazeneuve HBX series- Very well thought out and well built French lathe that's somewhat rare in this country. Might be expensive, parts are. A very good lathe.

5) Sheldon- A sentimental favorite of mine because I worked for them up and into bankruptcy. I likely have the very last OEM 4 jaw chuck that was on the shelves at Sheldon. There's better lathes out there but Sheldon is a decent lathe.


For a first lathe, the Logan is a good choice. It's far better than the imports available and the factory support still available makes it a solid buy if it's in decent shape.

I would put the Hardinge HLV-H over the monarch, not because its more capable, because its not. Its just much easier and faster to run for 95 percent of the work in its envelope. Most joyful lathe to run in my opinion.

10EE next.

Of course you are then limited to small parts. Pair one of the small lathes with a model 62 16x30 monarch or tool room model of the leblond servoshift in 15"

 

[RoninB4]

I would put the Hardinge HLV-H over the monarch, not because its more capable, because its not. Its just much easier and faster to run for 95 percent of the work in its envelope. Most joyful lathe to run in my opinion.

-I've run so many more of the Hardinge than the Monarch and estimated a new job at a machine shop by whether they had a Hardinge or not. Single point threading to a shoulder is done with supreme confidence on a Hardinge. Perhaps I put the Monarch at the #1 slot because a good one is near unobtanium status and doubt I'll ever get my hands on one again. The fondest memories are the unchallenged ones.

10EE next.

-Built like a tank, smooth as a Cadillac (back when that meant something), and peeled off metal with a minimum of drama.

Of course you are then limited to small parts. Pair one of the small lathes with a model 62 16x30 monarch or tool room model of the leblond servoshift in 15"

-The larger Monarchs and/or Leblonds were my preferred machines in the shops. Only had a couple of Axelsons and Standard Moderns to use so I don't have enough experience with them for a full opinion.

 

[Firebrick43]

-The larger Monarchs and/or Leblonds were my preferred machines in the shops. Only had a couple of Axelsons and Standard Moderns to use so I don't have enough experience with them for a full opinion.

Axelsons are a unique lathe.

On one hand they are exceptionally and insanely overbuilt. For heavy work they can take extreme cuts as a result.

Some features are really cool like tailstock handwheels set to the front instead of the end. The tool room leblonds have a similar set up as well.

The biggest problem with axelsons is the weight will wear you out after running for hours.

One of my good friends is the only one I know in a home shop. He has a Cincinnati #5 with the gear Hibbing attachment as well. Massive machine.

 

[Maui]

I have a Logan lathe I purchased probably 8 years ago for around $300. The motor was seriously screwed up, and when I took it apart I was amazed that it worked at all. There were four or five different things wrong with it at the same time. After I corrected them all the motor sprung to life like a champ. The lathe required some long overdue maintenance, but after all of that was completed it really has been a pleasure to use. I rebuild metal lathes, and the Logan is my preferred homeowner machine over several of the others simply for the convenience and versatility of using it. You will find that many of the components from South Bend will also work quite well on the Logan, and that makes sourcing tooling and replacement parts MUCH easier. Mine also came with the turret option shown in post 6. And I have an ungodly amount of change gears and other tooling for this machine not shown in the photo. If you purchase a Logan in good working condition with decent ways, even if it requires some maintenance work, you are unlikely to be disappointed. I personally would not pay more than $1000 for the machine you showed, but price is very dependent on your location. Here in the northeast these lathes are not uncommon.

 

[RoninB4]

Axelsons are a unique lathe.

On one hand they are exceptionally and insanely overbuilt. For heavy work they can take extreme cuts as a result.

-That was what struck me was the over-build, also what wore me out by the end of the shift.

Some features are really cool like tailstock handwheels set to the front instead of the end. The tool room leblonds have a similar set up as well.

-I always like the handwheel location too. Some of the older Euro lathes (Cazeneuve for example) have alternate mounting locations as well

One of my good friends is the only one I know in a home shop. He has a Cincinnati #5 with the gear Hibbing attachment as well. Massive machine.

-Only run one or two Cinci's, a huge Niles, a Lodge & Shipley, and the assorted Clausings so my experience is limited. So many machines, so little time.

 

[paulsomlo]

Although not in the same class as the lathes RoninB4 mentioned, a Colchester Chipmaster, aka Harrison 10-AA, is a fairly capable short bed lathe of about the same footprint of that Logan.

 

[tarbellb]

Awesome collection of information, what a resource. Again, thanks for your contributions.

UPdate: Seller offered $1500 includes several drawers of cutters

Im planning another trip up to see it run, check some of the items prone to wear, and put eyes on the included gear

 

[larry_g]

Awesome collection of information, what a resource. Again, thanks for your contributions.

UPdate: Seller offered $1500 includes several drawers of cutters

Im planning another trip up to see it run, check some of the items prone to wear, and put eyes on the included gear

I'd say go for it. Even if not perfect this is only your first lathe. Consider it a learning tool that you will hone your skills with and learn what features you will want in your next lathe. It will probably never be worth less than what you paid for it and when you outgrow it then sell it and recover your money. Keep the tooling that you will use on your next lathe and keep growing.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[RoninB4]

-Without seeing/hearing it run I'd tend to agree with what Larry_G posted above. You can spend less on a lathe,,,,,,and probably get less of a lathe. If it's not slap worn out then $1500 with tooling (tailstock, toolholder, & steady rest are a must) isn't a bad price. It MUST have no bearing noise, excessive slop in the saddle/carriage, or damage in the gear teeth. If any of these conditions are not met then either re-negotiate the price down or just walk away. Post photos if you have questions. Good luck.