- Joined
- Dec 26, 2016
- Messages
- 2,024
I have never seen one close up so I don't know how small it is but my alternative to this lathe is a southbend 9 or a new 7x16" import like LMS 5100. the reason for searching for a small lathes is lack of space in my shop,I have too many woodworking tools in there,and just bought a garden shed to store some of them in it to free up some space but unfortunately the lathe I can fit there still can not be like a 32" which is the size I really like.After WW2 hobby machining was really big in England, there are/were a bunch of British lathes made during the 40s and 50s as evidenced by Lathes.UK.
Myfords are very well made but small.
MS
couldn't agree more Bob, but living (most of the time) hours away from the sellers, I need to rely on pictures and description of the lathe before contacting them to make an offer and a viewing, but you are right, once there I'll need a good show and tell by the owner before handing over the cash.To assess the condition of a lathe, you must put it through it's paces under power. IMO, if you cannot do that, you have a pile of parts that may or may not be usable, and might well be scrap metal or an expensive long term project. I am not afraid to say that to a seller, just a bit less blunt about it
I still have not ruled out Southbend lathes, the parts for a SB9" seem to be very easy to find ,well easier than shipping it from England.