Do I need this tool ?

[DaveB]

One of my neighbors inhereted an old (1950s) South Bend Model 9A metal lathe from his brother. He doesn't use it and wants to sell it. It looks like a nice home shop metal lathe. The lathe is not real big but does have power feed and other big lathe features. Still working on the price but do you think I should pick it up if the price is right ?

 

[Deleted member 12904]

Its a tool i would love to own. I say yes if the price is right.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[I Lean]

100% yes. I had no idea how useful a lathe was until I had one.

BUT, tooling is the expensive part. Factor that into your purchase price. (whether it comes with enough to be useful or not) Also, it's most likely 3 phase, so that will have to be dealt with as well. (A rotary phase converter was my solution)

 

[TJDukit]

Yes. I know I do.

 

[DaveB]

100% yes. I had no idea how useful a lathe was until I had one.

BUT, tooling is the expensive part. Factor that into your purchase price. (whether it comes with enough to be useful or not) Also, it's most likely 3 phase, so that will have to be dealt with as well. (A rotary phase converter was my solution)

This lathe isn't 3 phase so I won't have that problem. I do need to see how many tools come with it to make sure it is worth it. Here is a picture of what it looks like that I got off the web.

 

[Tacoma]

Yes, you absolutely need that. And if you don't, I know I do. That is a great size.

 

[Hickey]

Yeah u need it. It looks freaking CLEAN.

 

[ricsrx]

I have one just like the one in the pic that is mounted on a metal table with drawers.
It does not have all the tooling that you have listed in the pic.
I paid $800 for it,

It is to small for 99% of the project i do. I seldome use it.... maybe because i have access to the big boys...

Rick

 

[UFAB]

Lookd good.

Quick change tool post are real friendly to have. Using TCMT 3/8" inserts are pretty cheap.

 

[DaveB]

Well I picked it up yesterday. It came with a big chest full of tools and I also had to take his band saw and disc/belt sander too since he wanted all of it gone. I looked up ebay prices for seven of the tools in the chest and came up with more than I paid for everything. Now I need to figure out what everything in the tool box does. I also have plenty of cleaning to do since the tool chest was stored outside under his carport.

 

[Bart]

SCORE. Very cool.

 

[Tacoma]

totally awesome score. Congrats.