Lathe purchasing questions

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Tamper84

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Hey all,

I am looking for my first lathe. Well I have checked out tubalcains videos on buying a lathe. But I do have question. Is there any way to check and see if the bed has a dip in it? Any other pointers you have would be awesome.

Thanks,
Chris
 
Tamper84 said:
Is there any way to check and see if the bed has a dip in it? Any other pointers you have would be awesome.

Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...

Move the carriage to the headstock end, and tighten the carriage lock so that it will move but with some drag. Start moving the carriage toward the tailstock. If there's wear at the head end, it won't move far until it's stuck. If there's no wear, it will have the same feel moving the whole way to the tailstock.
 
One way is to move the carriage near the head stock, tighten the carriage lock until it just gently grips, then run it back towards the tailstock, if it gets tighter the bed is worn, you should be able to judge roughly how much.

Works for me, no doubt others will have their own ways...

Bernard
 
Well that sounds like locking the carriage is the way to go! But how much more tighter is too much? Or should it even get any tighter toward the tail stock?

Thanks,
Chris
 
Ideally it should not tighten at all, judging how worn it is will become apparent when you try it.

Other things than wear, like dings and ragged edges to the ways can affect the feel as you try to move the carriage with the stop so close to the surface.
 
Most older lathes are going to have increased wear on the ways closer to the headstock, this certainly doesn't mean the lathe is no good though. I would guess the majority of older lathes shown on this site wouldn't pass the carriage lock test? my lathe doesn't. I think the condition of the gears, chuck, etc are a better indicator of the overall condition of the lathe. I have a 4 1/2 foot bed on my lathe, the last 3 feet of the bed is basically a conveinent place to store the steady rest
Click to expand...

Im glad Shawn pointed this out - all too often the primary emphasis is on bed condition when there are so many other factors that can be much worse than worn ways. Worn ways are almost a given in "ole mericun arn", but unless they are really bad the lathe is very usable. As the bed wears so do the saddle and tail stock, which has to be factored in. If the lathe has had enough use to wear the bed, the spindle and gears have also experienced this wear and can be a major repair issue.

Old American lathes in decent condition are becoming more and more scarce as they have been pulled out of the barns and from grampas estate. If you are a home hobbiest - as I assume you are - I suggest looking at one of the many decent Chinese offerings which have improved pretty drastically in the last few.

If your heart is set on getting old, either go into one expecting a lot of work - and skill - or look for one that has had most or all the work already done on it. Ideally, having a knowledgeable friend to look one over is the best solution

I rebuild old machines as a hobby and I am still amazed sometimes at the amount of labor - and money, that I can end up pouring into one.
 
Pacer hit that nail square on the head. A quick look at the change gears, tumblers and lead screws will usually disclose if the machine has been cared for or abused. Lack of lubrication can do a serious number on the gears and lead screws pretty quick and they are tedious and difficult to replace sometimes. Best finds lately have been Estate sales and wives selling the deceased hubby's shop tools. After looking at a couple you will get the hang pretty quick of good and bad used machinery and how to tell them apart. I have a Chinese lathe that serves me well. but I understand it's limitations and work accordingly. Good luck on your search and if you find a good candidate follow what the others have said and you will do well.
Bob
 
Thanks guys for the help! I was just worried about checking the bed if everything else checked out. One last question, if you we're looking at a lathe, how would you go about it?

Thanks,
Chris
 
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