Metal lathe - is it worth it?

[widebody911]

I came across a metal lathe for sale. It's an old-school Craftsman, judging by the logos. It's 110v, comes with a big steel cabinet on which it sits. It's 6' long, 25" deep, and to the top of the back splash it's 4' 6". Don't know the diameter.

They want $400 for it, and I have a spot in the shop where it would fit - barely.

I'm not sure what I would use it for - I haven't had that many times where I thought "wow, if I only had a lathe..." Judging by the amount of crap pile up on and around it at the current owner's house, he didn't use it much either!

Is it worth it to give up some floor space for it, or should/could I just turn it (get it?)

[myamoto1]

I say not worth it. I have 2 metal lathes and don't use either. Not necessarily because I don't have a use for them, but mostly due to time constraints. I've also found that most of the things I'd need to make, are available already made for about my cost in materials. YMMV

[VINMAN]

Out of all the tools I've ever purchased, a metal lathe was probably the biggest waste. It was fun at first making some useless things on it. But honestly in all the years I've had one, never actually had the need to make anything in it. Sold it a couple yrs ago.

Save up for a milling machine!

[Tim Hancock]

I use mine at least a few times a month.... same goes for my old milling machine.

Mine is a heavy old cast iron Logan.

[TimT]

Worth it....I have the probably the same lathe.. I believe South Bend made them for Sears, also you can still pick up parts from ebay etc..

I'll go for months and not touch it... then use it everyday straight for a month..

If you get the lathe and a bunch of tooling for $400, thats a pretty good deal.

[kycarguy 935]

I wish I had one along with a mill.

[Zeke]

Here's a good page to start with:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/craftsman/page2.html
I have one and paid about the same. they seem to sell around 600 more than 400, so if you have the money for a toy, get it. You can always sell..

One thing, you won't believe how heavy these things are. Be prepared. It's more than a 2-man job without some tools. Once you get it, it's fun to play around, but the novelty wears off if you don't have a need.

And, above all, they can be rather dangerous, so get a manual off eBay and read it before attempting to machine anything. I never use mine, but if I sold it, I'd need it. That's the way with things, huh.

Originally Posted by kycarguy 935

I wish I had one along with a mill.

Mills are good.

[cgarr]

If it has any tooling with it can be worth more than the lathe, but can you even move it?? I use the piss out of my South bend 9"

[dad911]

Price depends on condition, much like our cars.

There are a few tests, like taking a cut on a long rod, and measuring the diameter at both ends.

Get a PPI

[Skytrooper]

If I didn't have one available at work...I would buy one

[mossguy]

There are very few, if any, good reasons to not buy another tool!

Best,
Tom

[Jeff Alton]

I use mine as well as my mill from time to time. It is one of those tools where you can't substitute a different tool...... For 400 there really isn't much of a choice to make!

Cheers

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Might be very useful in the coming days.

Think barrels and smithing.

[jim72911t]

Thom,
$400 doesn't sound like a bad deal for an old Craftsman (Atlas). I'm guessing for that price it is lacking a quick change gearbox, which is very useful for cutting threads, but even more useful for changing feeds. Keep in mind that this will be a very light duty unit, but if you keep your cuts light and the headstock bearings are okay, it should suit you fine.

You will find a use for it.

I haven't had that many times where I thought "wow, if I only had a lathe..."

If you own one, you'll more likely be saying, "I have a lathe! Look at all the useless crap I can make with it!"