Craftsman 6" lathe value ?

[Metalman73]

Found this Craftsman 6" lathe for sale locally and am trying figure out what it's worth. I've owned several different lathes in the past but never one so small or a Craftsman and don't know alot about them. Not alot of tooling included. Looks like a 3 jaw chuck, micrometer carriage stop, tailstock chuck and milling attachment. Any help with value would be helpful. Thanks

 

[mattthemuppet2]

lathe alone, maybe $250-400 depending on area and availability. Add another $50-100 for the milling attachment (depending on how much you'd want to use it) as those things sell for $100-150 alone on eBay.

 

[Nogoingback]

I sold an Atlas 618 with a milling attachment a couple of years ago for $600.00 and I had a bunch of inquiries
to my CL ad. Lathe prices around here tend to be a bit higher than elsewhere however.

 

[JPMacG]

Similar milling attachments for 6" lathes have sold for $200 to $300 on eBay. The thru-spindle clamp bar and end mill holder would add to that value. The micrometer stop is valuable too - maybe $150 on eBay.

The value of the basic lathe would depend on what some local buyer is willing to pay. Shipping would be a hassle and costly so the seller probably wants to sell it locally. The local audience on Craigslist is much smaller than the national audience on eBay.

If I bought that lathe I would probably resell the milling attachment and use the money to buy a quick change tool post and some tooling. It looks to be in very nice condition. Check to see that the ways near the headstock are not worn.

 

[Metalman73]

The seller found this additional tooling. They are asking $600 for everything. Too much?

 

[chippermat]

That could well be described as an exceptional deal, in my opinion. Just be sure you realize the capabilities and limitations of the machine.

 

[Metalman73]

Really just want something to tinker with. Maybe build a steam engine or something.

 

[chippermat]

I enjoy mine. Can be challenging to hit dimensions, but it's workable. Countless projects like that have been made on Atlas lathes.

 

[matthewsx]

Not a bad first lathe. If your goals are modest you can do good work with it.
I traded mine for a much bigger machine that’s a project. For perspective on price a new mini lathe is $700 without any accessories.

John

 

[Superburban]

Look on ebay, I have seen the milling attachment bring $200 and up.

Looks to be in good to very good condition, so $600 may not be bad, esp if you can get $200 or more back by selling the attachments you may not use. Around here, that would sell fast at that price.