My first lathe!! Old South Bend.

A

ADM

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Hi all! New here. Interested in all things gearhead and garage related.

I am mainly a motorcycle guy and occasionally fabricate small, simple parts. I have only a TIG welder, band saw, angle grinder and small drill press. Space and funds are limited but I came across this older South Bend 9" and grabbed it. Serial number 74038. It appears to be a pretty simple unit- no gear box and no, I did not get any gears with it.

I've started taking it apart and cleaning it. Seems to be in decent shape though as newbie, I don't know exactly what to look for. No excessive, corrosion, though. It is missing the clamping plate and bolt for the tail stock and any centers for the tailstock but I have already ordered those parts off of an eBay seller. I love the way these things are built- so matter-of-fact and simple.

I was advised to get a kit like this with the oils and felts and such. Would you agree? https://www.ebay.com/itm/South-Bend...ackage-Manual-Felts-Oil-Grease-/152525013342?

_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&fbclid=IwAR2KFVnKk4GD1wHGaOT8usdiIgQ0VWtdo1i--YKNjIW-sWoaW8VW4fLIeng

I probably won't worry about a quick change tool post for a while. Still have plenty to learn. I have not used a lathe since high school and that was DECADES ago!

There appears to be a couple heavy layers of paint brushed on, at least.

That plaque that is pinned to the bed up by the tail stock- mine is covered with thick paint. Is there generally a model number or other information on the plaque? Is it engraved and should I use a paint stripper to clean the plaque up? Or some other method?

Thoughts and insights appreciated! Can't wait to start tinkering with it!
 

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Started taking it apart and though a little grimy, it seems pretty clean, actually. All moving parts appear to be well lubed and everything moves smoothly and easily.
 

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Yes on kit. The instructions will show you where the felts are located .there are a few..looks like a nice lathe
 
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Welcome to hobby machinist. Lots of smart nice people on here that can answer any questions you have
 
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The ways look good from here so that's good. Should be a fun lathe to learn on. Welcome to HM!
 
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Your lathe looks like an old Workshop 9" model C lathe. I'm not sure that this model lathe is covered in the Illion book on ebay (too early). Also, these early lathes only used one type of oil (Type "C"). This one also didn't use the grease. I'm also not sure about the wicking system in this one. I believe that this lathe used a flow-thru lubrication system entirely (no sumps). This one used felts to retain the oil and slowly dribble it out where needed, but had to be loaded from the top.

Type C oil is a light hydraulic oil, modern ISO 32.
 
Be careful with the paint removal from the pinned badge under the tailstock. When U get the grey off it will be beautiful. No information there other than South Bend Twins etc.
Do you have bottom of tailstock, maybe I missed it.
You have much desired micrometer way stop & thread dial.
It may have been red from the factory, SB did that for couple years in that time period.
My SB9C is identical to yours. New April 8 1938.
Enjoy this fine machine.
 
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ADM said:
Started taking it apart and though a little grimy, it seems pretty clean, actually. All moving parts appear to be well lubed and everything moves smoothly and easily.
Click to expand...
Looks like a gently used old SB.
You should have a good time with that one.
Here's a bit of help if you haven't sourced it yet.

www.ebay.com

South Bend Lathe 9" Model B - Rebuild Parts Kit | eBay

If you are contemplating doing a "Spring Cleaning" on that old South Bend sitting in your garage, this kit is what you will need to get the job done. They should be replaced at regular intervals as opposed to trying to clean and reuse the old ones.
www.ebay.com


Cheers,
 
Manual Mac said:
Be careful with the paint removal from the pinned badge under the tailstock. When U get the grey off it will be beautiful. No information there other than South Bend Twins etc.
Do you have bottom of tailstock, maybe I missed it.
You have much desired micrometer way stop & thread dial.
It may have been red from the factory, SB did that for couple years in that time period.
My SB9C is identical to yours. New April 8 1938.
Enjoy this fine machine.
Click to expand...
Hi Mac,
It didn't come with that plate for the bottom of the tailstock but I already sourced on on eBay.

Yeah, appears that the first coat of paint was red, judging by the inside of the bed casting.
Any tips on getting just the gray paint off that plaque?

And thank you! Looking forward to playing with this machine.
 
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