what a typed of lathe can you get

[the_sandy_creek_forge]

That 9x20 that Jr. posted a link to isn't to bad off a deal. We picked up the Harbor Freight equivalent that had been a remanned so we got a decent price on it. There are a couple of groups and webpages out there that are dedicated to the upgrading and accessorizing of those 9x20 lathes. One thing that I highly recommend upon getting one of these is going through and replacing as many of the bolts, nuts and fasteners as is possible with decent quality equivalents (grade 5 or better if possible). It seems the Chinese company that turns these out uses cheap mild steel fasteners that tend to wear out/strip out very easily. But, just for use making jigs, turning jack-shafts, etc. it's not a bad little deal. And making some of the mods to improve the lathe itself are great learning projects.
-Aaron @ the SCF

[saintjohnbarleycorn]

thanks for the info I will keep that in mind along with the other suggestions.

[aametalmaster]

Originally Posted by JohnW

If you're interested in machining metal, do you know this site?

Practical Machinist

When you get there go to the South Bend Lathe group. Good guys there. Check out ebay, loys of great deals there. I just bought a SB heavy 10 for under 400 bucks and sold 400 bucks of extra stuff that was in the junk drawer so i basically got it for free. But you may have to drive a little. Lots of used lathes in Phila Pa on ebay. Do a search for south bend lathe there...Bob

[imagedude]

I paid the equivalent of $900 for this 11" Harrison 140, I'm sure there are similar machines available on your side of the pond. Buying a used lathe can be a lottery but there are bargains out there. It is important that you get the tooling with the lathe e.g. 3 & 4 jaw chucks, steadies etc as these can cost more than the lathe if purchased seperately.

[saintjohnbarleycorn]

nice find, and thanks for the info on the phily area. I will keep looking until I find something that has the size and the tools with it. thanks again

[saintjohnbarleycorn]

I am looking at this one a southbend. Can someone give me an idea of what it is worth, its at $1225.00 now and ends tomorrow. I don't have a clue. thanks.

9 inch South Bend Lathe w/ Tooling & Books Metal Tool - eBay (item 170189963952 end time Feb-05-08 14:13:46 PST)

[hdwarner]

hey Kevin
that is a beautiful lathe , for about 1500 it is still a good buy
however one flaw that unless you can accommidate it would be another couple hundred
to remedy
it has a three phase motor. do you have three phase , oops i forgot you were an electrician , you could build a phase convertor .

that harrison lathe that imagadude has is a good one
other names that i prefer for mid size lathes with about a 10 inch swing would be
a harrison colchester , monarch , sheldon , hardinge .
chuck

[hdwarner]

here is a link to carney machinery in wilm de
they have southbends right there for less money

Carney Machinery - New and Used Machine Tools

[hdwarner]

check out phialdelphia craigslist, there is a real sweet looking clausing
jersey has one so does md

[saintjohnbarleycorn]

thanks I will check those other ones out.