Anyone have a lathe they want to get rid of?

[RickM]

I'd post this in the Classified section but since it's not car related I decided to list here. (Have mercy, Zman )

I've been looking for a used US made lathe for quite a while. I almost pulled the trigger on one last week but fell asleep at my keyboard trying to snipe the auction. ("you snooze you lose" at it's best)

It must be capable of US/metric threading, preferably 3 phase, gear head, nice ways/leadscrews etc. and with as much tooling as possible I like to go for a prototype machine as opposed to an out of service product unit.

DRO would be nice. Size limit is probably 12" swing by 36" BC if possible.

If in the Northeast I can most likely pick up with a tilting flatbed (International wrecker with winch)

Any leads appreciated?

[BGCarrera32]

Why only US made if I may ask?

[RickM]

Since I'm going the used route I'd prefer to keep the quality as high as possible. However, I probably wouldn't be opposed to a well maintained Taiwanese machine. I'm still very leary of Chinese machinery.

I'm open to your suggestions.

[MotoSook]

Rick,

I have an 8X12 from Harbor Freight that will do metric and SAE threads, and it will autofeed. I have not used it a lot, but it is a nice bench top lathe that I'll be using for prototyping. I'm keeping mine, but if your size needs are not that big, the HF lathe is a steal at ~$450, and I don't foresee any problems with it.

The 7X10 is the next smaller one, and there is a huge following of that lathe. Yes, the HF one even. Do a search on the web. There is a guy with a very informative page on the mini lathe. I'm at work, so the link is not available to me right now.

So if you are stuck on an American made lathe, look at the HF ones.

[RickM]

Thanks Souk.

I'm looking at a little bigger than Mini though. I want to buy it, install it and hopefully keep it forever. I think this will be the size that best suits my need now and in the future.

I've been looking at Clausing, Monarch and Leblond but they're either too old, too big ortoo expensive. Japanese also seem to be very pricey and I worry about parts.

[dad911]

Rick, have you looked at the Grizzly machines? You could hit the tent sale Sept 18th, and load up that flatbed. Let me know if you go that route, maybe I can talk you into carrying home a 'big brother' for my 9x19

[RickM]

Alan, I may consider as it has a decent rep for a Taiwanese brand.

...and there's one fairly local to me. I shouls go take a look.

If I go to the tent sale I'd be happy to help out.

[RickM]

Ok, looks like I pulled the trigger on a used unit from a relatively local source. I just have to get a few of the boys over there to move this thing.

Thanks to the Want Ads I met up with a retired gentleman who made "Wooden Bearings" on the side. Seems they're used for hydroelectric systems and are made of a very dense wood from Mexico. Properties of this wood are pretty unique, including a self lubricating property.

Anyway, He has a near new, Taiwanese, Grizzly brand, 12" x 36" lathe as well as a bunch of other machines. I also picked up a nice US made bandsaw for $50. I negotiated the lathe price down to an unbeatable $650 and that includes a ton of tooling.

He also had a very nice (older) Bridgeport for a bargain...problem is getting the thing out of his shop...it's huge.

Here's a very similar lathe:

[dad911]

Nice. Grab the bridgeport too, you'll regret it later if you don't. If I only had room.....Does he have any more lathes?

[RickM]

Alan, no he doesn't.

He has another 20", 3 phase bandsaw...nice! Below is what he has left. I'd go for the Bridgeport but it weighs around 5500 pounds! He had it lowered to his shop with a crane. The gentleman is very flexible with prices....he originally wanted $900 for the lathe. PM for his number if you'd like.

BRIDGEPORT MILLING MACHINE, W/tooling $1500. Sears commercial 12" table sae with 14 carbide blades $750, 20" band saw w/blades $500. Dust collector w/auto control $50 (NICE - WoodTEC 2hp unit!), 8" grinder $30, wax pot & heater $50, plastic strapping kit $20. UPS scale $20, dial idicator $50, 12" digital caliper $50, 8" $20, micrometer set $50, brown tape dispenser $20. Craftsman radial arm saw $50, misc tools