Are Good Used Lathes Like Unicorns?

Gee guys, thanks for all the kind words.

There's no secret to what I do. I use Searchtempest.com (no affiliation) and search the "Tools" category with no keywords (to find that mislabled gem) in a 250 mile radius. I chose 250 miles because that's about 4 hours one-way, making it doable in one FULL day. In the OP's case, I would extend the search to 400 miles to include LA and plan on getting a motel.

SearchTempest Results - All of Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, eBay & more in one search.

SearchTempest Results - Search all of Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, and eBay all at once with the SearchTempest classifieds search engine (no affiliation with Facebook Marketplace or craigslist).
www.searchtempest.com www.searchtempest.com

In my case I drove 175 miles to Sacramento, rented a lift-gate truck (none available in my area), drove another 60 miles further to pick up the lathe and mill, then home. Unloaded the next day, then drove the lift-gate back to Sacramento in time to keep it to a 2-day rental. IIRC it cost about $500 including fuel.

Or, you could just take out a 2nd and have a new one delivered, but where's the fun in that?

I'm shocked and saddened to hear about that MS850, they are at the top of my wish list. I suppose, given sufficient abuse and neglect, any machine can be destroyed.
 
I agree with the MrWhoopie . There is nothing better than a road trip , especially when a machine follows you home . :)
 
MrWhoopee said:
I'm shocked and saddened to hear about that MS850, they are at the top of my wish list. I suppose, given sufficient abuse and neglect, any machine can be destroyed.
Click to expand...
That 850 was done making money. Needed the Ca Lem rebuild - see his YouTube here.
 
I live in a semi-arrid machinery desert. I had the best luck by placing ads in the locals online classifieds. Got my mill and lathe that way.
 
projectnut said:
My experience has been almost the opposite of most members posting. Keep in mind the availability and price of machines is a function of where you live and who you know. Here in the rust belt good machines are still widely available and at bargain basement prices compared to the south and west coast. Job shops and dedicated high production facilities are still prolific.
Click to expand...
My experiences are similar. I live within two hours of most of the metro Detroit area.

A couple of years ago I picked up a Hendey 12x54 for a decent price after a short search of a couple of weeks.

For my mill I actually had to drive further to get a trailer to haul it home (30 miles) than the distance the machinery was (3 miles).
 
I agree with projectnut there is a plethora of old iron here in Chicago. Just did a auction Monday saw a beautiful victor lathe maybe a 16x60 or so. Looked real heavy had the taper attachment nice adjustrue chuck and aloris toolpost with the whole flat part of the spindle head was filled with aloris tool holders. Went for 1800 plus 18%. Most equipment doesn’t even sell if it’s to much for the hobbiest weight and price. New businesses are not gonna take a chance on used equipment and the hobbiest doesn’t want so they get scrapped or sit in a dealers warehouse. Just waiting on the space and I’m gonna pick me up a nice VMC soon.
 
I haven't seen or even heard of a unicorn anywhere yet....
Machines are just like houses,cars,boats they ALL need something no matter how new or old or rebuilt.
But the is still good used machines out there.
Being prepared and diligent are very important and you have to jump when a deal arises....but if you really want to find a good used machine go to a machine shop
Explain that your interested in machining and want to buy a couple machines for hobby use. Ask him for his OPINION and to share his buying experiences with you. People LOVE to be ask their opinions.
Ask him some things that you should look for and things to stay away from.
Dont be ashamed to pull out a little note pad and make notes of things he is saying.
This SHOWS him you earnest interest in what he has to say.
Later in the conversation ask if he knows of ANY used machines available.
ANY is a key word here.
Most machine shops know each other or at least know of each other.
Most of the better machines are sold in the inner circle market, most of the stuff on the open market is of a lower quality but that doesn't mean there aren't some good ones there.
Ask him if he will give you a tour...and if it is not convenient you can come back. This shows him you know his time is valuable.
More than likely you will get a tour and a chance to ask more questions.
Ask for his business card and leave your contact information. Ask him to call/text or email if anything comes to mind or if he hears of anything becoming available.
Many of the available equipment is sold before anyone realizes and before many of the employees even know its available.
By building this relationship at several shops many things will become available.
Final thing...
Opinions are just like axxholes everyone has one, respect his and take note of it but it is probably not gospel. Some people will only buy X brand and wouldn't buy a Y brand,
there can be some valid reasons why but many times it is just a brand loyalty that may have nothing to do with the quality of the machine.
 
Cadillac said:
Most equipment doesn’t even sell if it’s to much for the hobbiest weight and price.
Click to expand...
And there is the other part of the problem: size. In my area, CL usually has a reasonable number of larger machines (say, 14" and up)
for sale but very few smaller than that and a lot of them are "barn finds" or worn out junk.
So finding a machine suitable for the average hobbyist is tough, and members of this forum notwithstanding, most hobbyists don't
have the space or the need for the big ol' American Iron. I hope you guys in the upper Midwest appreciate what you've got.
 
About 4 months ago I picked up a 9 inch Southbend lathe with a like new 42 inch bed.
It was so covered in grime I didn't realize until after I cleaned it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top