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I have been thinking about purchaseing a lathe for a while now. I have looked at the chinese made lathes at harbor frieght and the jet lathe 7 x 20 at Northern Tool. I really dont like the looks of either. I have an opportunity to purchase a Logan model 957 for between $1200 and $1500. He's asking 1500 and has turned down 1200. its an 11 inch swing by 36 between centers, 1 3/8in center bore. I have been doing a little searching but havent found much information as to the value of this machine. Machine seems to be in pretty good shape and everything works. Bed still has some scrape marks visible even next to the head. Old machine but I dont think it has been used much. I have found that parts are still available in case I was to need something. I just aint sure about the price. I know I can get a new Jet machine for just under $1000 and that will probably be my next choice if I dont buy this one. Am I getting my money's worth and if not what do you think the machine is actually worth. Just for info, the owner has moved to Wyoming and has left the machine at his brotherinlaws who is wanting it gone. Offer to buy machjine was from another person several months ago. I feel I might have some bargaining room in negoiating a price but want to be fair.
Reply:Muddstopper,Looks like you would have one good lathe with that Logan. Much better than any import. I worked on a 11" Logan back in high school (many years ago). It was solid, well build, and accurate. Ours was run on 3 Ph power but The motor was mounted down in the pedastal so would not be a problem to change to 1 Ph. I would buy it if I were you.Let the chips fly.
Reply:the logan is a big step up in built-in quality and durability. one thing you may find out later uis that the new machine would come with steady rest, some tooling, taper device, and possibly some other tooling that would be new. the logan, being previously used, may not have these or it may come with other tooling than the new one - you should check for included tooling with any used machine purchase. for hobbyist use, the jet and others often work out fine because the user doesnt work them hard enough to wear anything out for a long time. the logan is built to last until the bolts die from old age - and that's a very long time. the american-engineered machines of this era have shown themselves to be very desirable on the used market, no surprise, because they last so long. there are many logans and southbend machines out there that are quite old, some SB going back to the early nineteen-ought years. check out the logan and see what comes with it- I would  be very inclined to go with it if there are good tools because it will probably never be worth much less unless you ding it really bad. some of these american made machines are even broken down and sold as parts, often for good profit.
Reply:Logan is still in business- so parts are available if needed. http://www.loganact.com/And accessories to fit it should be available used and on ebay.It is going to be a much better lathe than a 1000 dollar chinese lathe.
Reply:Thanks guys, the machine actually comes with several peices of tooling including a 4 and 3 jaw chuck, 2 steady rests, some other stuff I didnt even look at. Not sure if theres a taper attachment. Box full of spare things in the cabinet the lathe is mounted on. The machine also has the treading capacity to make screws and such, I looked at one today that didnt have this feature and the price wasnt much cheaper. Told the machinist about this machine, didnt tell him where it was at, and he seemd to think it was a good buy as well. He also gave me a good lead on a milling machine but I havent checked it out yet. I am leaning toward buying this machine and even tried to call the owner last nite. I guess I can quit looking now and start buying. I will be back to ask opinions on a mill.
Reply:Well, I lost out on the lathe, guy either decided to keep it by jacking up the price, (2500) or somebody was giving me bad info as to the price. Anybody have suggestions on  something affordable with a bigger centerhole thru the chuck than the 25/32 that is found on the Jet machine. I think the china jobs also have the small bore. I dont want a great big machine but those mini lathes wont do either.
Reply:Originally posted by muddstopper Well, I lost out on the lathe, guy either decided to keep it by jacking up the price, (2500) or somebody was giving me bad info as to the price. Anybody have suggestions on  something affordable with a bigger centerhole thru the chuck than the 25/32 that is found on the Jet machine. I think the china jobs also have the small bore. I dont want a great big machine but those mini lathes wont do either.
Reply:Actually the Logan had a 1 3/8 center hole but it doesnt matter now. I am now looking at the Smithy and leaning this route instead of the jet.  http://www.smithy.com/midas1220ltd.htmAny opinions on this machine. I like the longer milling head more than the other mini lathe/mills. Since i am also looking for a mill, this may be the way to go.
Reply:It might help if you knew the intended use for this equipment. My main goal is to produce stub shafts ( for the purpose of mounting electric clutches) to mount on flywheels of small (30hp) diesel engines. and to manufactor jack shafts for hobby projects.  The mill is to cut keyways and cut slots in metal and make jigs for other projects.I might also add that I have never run a mill or lathe so I am not real familar with what they are actually capable of.
Reply:Muddstopper,That looks like a pretty sweet tool.  From the picture it appears to be more solid and better built than the similar HF unit for not that much more $$$.  They claim to do the final assembly, alignment test, etc. here in the US which I'm hoping would make the final installation easier.If you decide to buy it keep us posted, would like to know your impression of the device..  I'm looking for a similar tool but will have to feed the piggy bank for a few more months before I get serious.TinkerCentury 135GS, ThermalArc 250GTS
Reply:I know what you mean about the $$$. I had $2000 to put toward this purchase and have been looking for good used machines. Havent been able to find anything that fit my budget. I am debateing whether to just go ahead and by the Midas1220ltd or wait awhile until I can afford the midas 1239 http://www.smithy.com/midas1239.htm I have also debated just buying seperate lathe and mill but buying quaility and having a budget dont seem to mix. I think the 1220ltd is about a good a compromise as i am going to find. With the extra lenght on the mill arm it probably wont be as rigid as a stand alone mill but it will give me a little more room to work than the standard 3in1 machines. The lathe doesnt have the 1-1/2in spindle bore that I wanted and the 1239 does so I might just wait. The longer bed on the 1239 is another plus. which ever way I go I will need more advice on how to actually run the durn thing.