Is this lathe worth $1800? 1952 - 53 Logan - Wards Powr-Kraft

[tominboise]

Craigslist ad today, local to me:
"1952 - 53 Wards Powr-Kraft Lathe - Manufacture by Logan Actuator Co. - SN 6679-A (https://www.lathe.com/ser-no.htm)
10" swing 31" between centers. Lots of original tooling, including Armstrong tool post and tools, lathe dogs, 3 and 4 jaw chucks, face plate, center rest, plus some homemade stuff. Upgraded tool post to Aloris style. It will cut inch threads. Great for a small home shop or gunsmith work. No shipping or delivery; local pick up. http://www.lathe.com/catalogs/1952 - 53 Wards Powr-Kraft Catalog.pdf
=
The motor is a 110V single phase.
The spindle Bore is 25/32 diameter
The spindle nose is 1-1/2" - 8 thread
The spindle has a #3 Morse Taper
The max physical dimensions include things like handles and switches. X~56", Y~28" Z~52""

 

[Chip Hacket]

I would be tempted for sure. It looks to be in really good shape and has the quick change gear box with some good tooling. Be sure and check for wear. Compare it with a new machine. That will probably give you some good insight.

 

[Aaron_W]

Prices vary considerably by location, so expect to see somebody from a machinery mecha to say you shouldn't pay more than $500 and someone from a machinery desert will say $1800 is a steal and they are both right for their area. $1000-2000 is pretty typical for a decent 10" Logan / PowrKraft lathes from what I've seen.

This one has all the basic tooling, a QCGB and QCTP which are all positives. It is clean but looks like it gets used which I'd also say is a good sign.

Personally I wouldn't call $1800 a great deal, but it is also not a bad deal. If you have been looking for some time, and as I recall you have made similar posts in the past so I think you have been, this is certainly worth considering. They are popular small lathes, parts are pretty easy to get and Logan still offers parts and technical support for them.

 

[matthewsx]

Is that a homemade taper attachment?

It’ll probably sell at $1800, but Grizzly has a 10x22 on sale now for about the same.

John

 

[sdelivery]

Junp on that machine before someone else does.
1800.00 is a good price when you look at the originality of the machine, tooling and accessories.
This machine was taken care of by the owner. Evidenced by original wrenches and the physical condition of the tooling. This doesn't look like a paint job rebuild.
Logan is still around to support it.

 

[tominboise]

I've reached out through the CL email relay and will report back. What would a machine like this weigh? I will rent a utility trailer to move it.

 

[sdelivery]

Rent or buy a cherry picker.
It weighs more than is comfortable to safely lift.
It is TOP HEAVY. remove it from the base if possible to avoid DAMAGE.

 

[MrWhoopee]

The small spindle bore is the only thing that gives me pause. Personally, if it won't take 5c collets, it's a pass. Otherwise, it looks to be a decent, well maintained machine.

 

[coolidge]

I wouldn't pay 1/3 of that price. That's also NOT an Aloris style QCTP, it's an Asian piston style.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've reached out through the CL email relay and will report back. What would a machine like this weigh? I will rent a utility trailer to move it.

450lbs give or take. It is not hard to remove the tail stock, carriage, motor and counter shaft which will leave you with the headstock and bed at 200-250lbs which two people can move a short distance.