Craftsman 9x44 bench lathe

[Gage Johnson]

I recently acquired a very elderly Craftsman wood lathe. Model 101.06242. I had planned to use this for wood turning until I found out that this particular lathe could be converted to metal turning with a cross slide. I've managed to piece one together as well as find a steady rest and tool post, but I've hit a snag. The upper part is for the 12 inch version of the cross slide; and as such the boss with the T-slot is too tall. I knew it was the wrong part but I thought I could get away with it; no luck. My part (L3-53) can be replaced with the 9" part (L2-53) to fix this. Does anyone have one of these cross slides or part L2-53 they'd be willing to sell me? I'm also looking for a bed clamp L2-18.

If I find the parts, then I may make this thread cleaning up and restoring this lathe, not sure how far I want to go with that though. Otherwise I guess it's just going to turn wood. Maybe it's for the best and I hold out for a proper metal lathe.

 

[matthewsx]

Not sure where you would find one but you might try the Old Woodworking Machines forum if you don’t get any response here.

Old Woodworking Machines - Index page

If it were me though I’d be looking for another machine for metal work. There’s lots of things lacking there that even a rudimentary metal lathe has like a lead screw and gearbox or change gears.

Good luck,

John

 

[Gage Johnson]

Long term I am looking for a proper lathe. I was hoping to use this to get me by until then. Lathes don't come up for sale in my area very often, and when they do, they're often way overpriced.

 

[matthewsx]

You will definitely learn by using this as a metal lathe. Hopefully you can find or make the parts you need for short money.

Just keep looking, something will come up in your area at a price you can make work.

Expect that buying the machine is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for estate sales where you may be able to buy several machines and tooling that will get you a good start if you’re patient.

Post anything you find and have questions about up here. You’ll get honest opinions pretty quickly.

Do have your cash ready when a deal comes up, but resist the urge to just buy something you don’t know about just because you’re afraid of missing out. Taking your time usually yields the best results.

John

 

[mickri]

Use https://www.searchtempest.com/ It will allow you to search all of criagslist within whatever distance you choose. When I was looking for my lathe I used a 400 mile range. I ran the search everyday. Stuff at good prices sells very fast. Ended up finding my lathe only a couple of miles from my house.

 

[Choiliefan]

If the headstock can be removed from the bed, you could make a riser block.
Same for the tailstock.