Restoration of South Bend lathe

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Any machinists out there?What is involved in restoring this machine.  Dows it look like a good buy?http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/2315720276.htmlSteve
Reply:Might be a 9" 'C' model, or an even older version. Parts are common enough for the 9", but not so much for the earlier versions. Only power longitudinal feed via the half nuts with no provision for power crossfeed. Change gear lathe anyway with no pile of gears that you will need to change feed and speed. Looks like its sat in a chicken coop with a bad roof for decades. I'd pass.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Some of the best info re South Bend lathes and especially tips on restoration can be found here...http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/south-bend-lathes/Just my opinion but I don't think that lathe is worth $500.  I  wouldn't give more than about $250 and only then if I just wanted a project to work on.  I bought one in Houston a little while ago and paid $800.  It was a 10K in mint conditions complete w/ QCGB, original SB steady rest, taper attachments, 4-jaw and some tooling....delivered to my garage.Miller 211 w/ spool gunMiller Dynasty 200DXLongevity 60i IGBT plasmaO/A w/ crappy chinese torch/gaugesSouth Bend 10K latheGrizzly 4029 10x54 millGrizzly 7x12 hor bandsawangle grnders, bench grnder, bench belt sndr7.5 hp 80gal cmprsor
Reply:Didn't seem lik emuch of a buy to me either but then I don't know much about older lathes.  Thanks for the input.
Reply:Didn't seem lik emuch of a buy to me either but then I don't know much about older lathes.  Thanks for the input.
Reply:I would pass on that one.  It is so old it doesn't even have quick change gears. There are so many SB lathes available that I would wait for a newer running 9" model.  I have a 9" SB and feel that they are only good for making "tinker toys". Very light duty machines. I only use it for making things under 1" diameter. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by WFMI have a 9" SB and feel that they are only good for making "tinker toys". Very light duty machines. I only use it for making things under 1" diameter.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanGet rid of that lantern toolpost and switch to an AXA (or even a chinese knockoff), and it'll stiffen up a lot.BTW, what's with the blue paint?
Reply:Originally Posted by WFMSounds like somebody likes SB lathes.  Doesn't like blue paint either. A different tool post won't make a bit of difference. When you are used to running a "real" machine in your home shop, little play machines like the 9" SB just don't cut it.They are good to learn on, are fairly inexpensive, there are a lot of parts floating around, but they are not very rigid and are only good for small stuff. If you are planning to machine larger pieces, you will be dissapointed.  I own one, but only because I got it for free out of a school I worked for when they eliminated their metal shop.
Reply:To OP, definite PASS on that. Keep looking for $500 you can find a better equipped lathe in better condition. I found a Logan 820 a while back in GC, fully tooled for $550. Sold it to my wife's nephew last year for $500. Got a lot of use out of it. Be patient.
Reply:Originally Posted by joedirt1966I think your 4 jaw chuck weighs more than my lathe!
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanThe Logan is every bit as good as an SB, or better, but the real cost of a lathe is in tooling.  That can easily add up to way more than the value of the machine, if you have the right stuff.
Reply:Nice but not worth it......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Your question indicates that you aren't familiar with metal lathes. These are ok for someone that wants to learn the basics of machining on using high speed tooling even they are limited in size capacity, speed and power. If the lathe was in good condition, it would be a good price, but there are far too many of these out there to pay that much for a rebuild project. If you are looking at taking up machining as a hobby, enroll in an evening class at a local college if they are available. Once you have a better idea of what can be done on a modern student lathe, if you are planning on doing any work on harder metals such as s/s you may want to look for something more robust. If you only want to tinker in your basement, then I am sure you can find one in good condition for less. I wouldn't buy  one without seeing it in person though.
Reply:I'd look at it if it is close by. Point out the flaws...no change gears, no quick change, rusty as all heck. Start low...real low. Max out at $100. If the guy still says no, leave your phone number and your $100 offer. If he never calls you, great. If he does, grab it. If the machine is past the point of recovery, then part it out. You shouldn't have any trouble making back $100 from the parts alone.That's what I'd do if it was next door...Andrew
Reply:My recommendation is to purchase the largest lathe that you can accommodate in your shop.  You will always come across a project that will be larger than your lathe can handle and you will wish you had a slightly bigger machine.  Also, buy one that is turn-key, has no missing or broken parts and is ready to run. Qiuck change gears are a must. If you are a beginner that is just starting out, a 9” SB would be fine to learn on.  They are the lathes that were in every high school metal shop and are mainly for instructional purposes.  If you buy a 9” SB, there will come a day when you will want something bigger.  So, buy bigger from the start.  A 9” SB is not going to turn 9 inches.  You will start to have troubles at about 3 inches, will need to use the back gear to slow it down and only take fine cuts.  There is no hogging on a 9” SB.   There are plenty of reasonably priced machines in the 12”-16” range.  Buy bigger, you won’t regret it.  I sold a 12” Hendey last year for $650 that had belonged to my late father (pic below).   There is no comparison between a 12” Hendey and a 9” SB. There are machines out there, you just have to look for them. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by Pro-FabYour question indicates that you aren't familiar with metal lathes. These are ok for someone that wants to learn the basics of machining on using high speed tooling even they are limited in size capacity, speed and power. If the lathe was in good condition, it would be a good price, but there are far too many of these out there to pay that much for a rebuild project. If you are looking at taking up machining as a hobby, enroll in an evening class at a local college if they are available. Once you have a better idea of what can be done on a modern student lathe, if you are planning on doing any work on harder metals such as s/s you may want to look for something more robust. If you only want to tinker in your basement, then I am sure you can find one in good condition for less. I wouldn't buy  one without seeing it in person though.