New project South Bend 10” with 4 1/2 bed

[Abody711]

Going to pick up a project South Bend lathe tomorrow. Current owner came by the lathe when he bought a home with contents. So it is unknown if the the lathe was running when taken out of service. Appears to have been sitting a long time. Gave $800. So can get money parting out if nothing else. Is a1969 10” standard model but has large spindle bore.

 

[MrWhoopee]

That makes it a Heavy 10L. Should have hardened ways (my '63 does), so no flaking.That's about 1/3-1/4 of the prices I'm seeing lately. Great deal!

 

[Abody711]

I am a little confused as to what makes a 10" a heavy. The serial number is followed by RKL16. Does the L make it a heavy?

 

[MrWhoopee]

I am a little confused as to what makes a 10" a heavy. The serial number is followed by RKL16. Does the L make it a heavy?

The letters at the end of the serial number relate to features that the machine shipped with. They still confuse me.

Serial Number Information

www.wswells.com

Here's a picture of a (Light)10K. Note the difference in the headstock.



A Heavy 10 can be a 10R (1 in. spindle bore) or 10L (1-3/8 spindle bore).

 

[Abody711]

Thanks. That helps.

 

[SLK001]

I am a little confused as to what makes a 10" a heavy. The serial number is followed by RKL16. Does the L make it a heavy?

R = 10L (South Bend stop producing the 10R's in the late 1940's).
K = Quick change gear box, friction feed carriage and underneath motor.
L = Large spindle bore (a carryover from when both the 10L and 10R were produced).
16 = version (features, etc.).

If it truly is a 1969 model, then it will have flame hardened and ground ways, since by then, this was standard.

If it has been unused for quite a while, you might have trouble getting the chuck off. Research on how to do it BEFORE you start pounding on the thing.

 

[Abody711]

The Chuck is the one thing I am worried about.

 

[graham-xrf]

I think that deal was a steal!
Thanks @MrWhoopee for the info about the hardened ways. I never knew that.