South Bend 13A lathe for sale near me - questions

[tominboise]

I spotted this lathe this morning, a few hours away from me. I am looking for a lathe for a home hobby shop. Anyway, sellers description is:
220 single phase
3 jaw and 4 jaw chuck
Quick change tool post
13 inch swing
44 inch usable bed
$2500 firm

I have attached some photos from the ad. I have not yet looked at this machine in person. I am wondering if it would be worth the trip. It seems that it is. Also, what is the approximate weight of this machine?

 

[Jim F]

My guess 1500-1600 lb.

Crated weight according to SB is 1715 lb.

 

[Eddyde]

Looks like its worth a look. I usually am turned off by people who list "Firm" prices, but maybe you can get them to throw in some additional tooling.

 

[markba633csi]

Looks like there could be pretty substantial wear on the bedways- I would examine closely. Also check out the apron and make sure
both the long feed and cross feed work using the clutch knob.
I don't see a steady rest- you may not need one right away but it's nice if one is included since they are expensive and hard to find
The two different paint colors concerns me- was the machine thrown together from two machines?

A good test would be to chuck up a long piece of pipe say 20" by 1.5" and tug on it to get a rough idea how worn the spindle bearings are-
if you feel any clunking or movement I would pass. The seller may not let you set up an indicator but he should allow this simple test

 

[SLK001]

It does look like a lot of wear on the ways, but this could be an optical quirk of the camera angle. Ask the seller to give you close up shots of the prisms about 6" out from the headstock - from the front, top and rear and directly on.

 

[jwmay]

Sort of depends on how you feel about driving. If I’m a seller, I’m not going to bend over backwards trying to take photographs of every possible thing a person might wonder about.

It also depends on the sort of work you plan to do. My lathe is 18” between centers, of which 4” has ever been needed by me. A decent sized machine like that will cover all the bases though…for many of us.

If you can’t find anything closer that strikes your fancy, I reckon you need to get on the road.

It sure is ugly though. Lol. Nothing a couple weeks of scraping, sanding, and painting won’t fix.

 

[PNW_Guy]

Odd that it's listed as 220 single phase, but is connected to a VFD. I'd ask for clarification.

Is the motor 220 single phase, or is the seller saying that because it's a 3 phase motor with a VFD.

 

[tominboise]

Yes, I need to message the seller and ask a few questions. I appreciate the input so far, it's very helpful. I don't mind a bit of a project, but I'd rather buy a machine that isn't worked to death before I get my mitts on it.

 

[Geswearf]

Yes, I need to message the seller and ask a few questions. I appreciate the input so far, it's very helpful. I don't mind a bit of a project, but I'd rather buy a machine that isn't worked to death before I get my mitts on it.

Only way to tell is in person hands and eyes on. Next best thing is to have someone you know who knows machines to look for you (assuming they are closer/live in that city). Best of all possible worlds is to take such a person with you.

 

[tq60]

It has a vfd, so the motor is 3 phase, but the machine operates from a single phase.

Lathe looks like late 40s, early 50s.

The vfd is mounted in the worst spot. That was where the drum switch WAS, it is in the line of fire for flying chips.

Also, you need to know what it is, good brand or cheap Chinese.

Looks to be difficult to control, menu buttons, or ??

No taper attachment, May not be needed but adds value.

Here are photos of our similar SB 14.5. The drum switch controls the vfd.

Master switch and speed control under chip tray.

Vfd in cabinet mounted to subframe under chip tray, we added a foot bar to add a stop function so you do not need to reach over the chuck.

Not sure what the market is in your area.

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