MSC 951735 Lathe, 13x40. Opinions?

[umnik]

OK. I decided to pass on that MSC lathe and look for something beefier.
Here is the story with some my history. About 40 years ago I worked as a lathe man apprentice in some factory in USSR for one year. My first and only lathe in my life was beefy industrial lathe, 1K62, like one bellow.

After that my professional road dramatically changed and I never returned to metal machining ... until now! Well, I saw several little lathes (like 7x14 and similar) alive, that is it. Once I decided to buy machinery for myself, I checked the lathes from papares and pictures, but never in person. So, 13x40 sounded as serious good sized machine. When I went to check the lathe in subject I was surprised how not big it was in person, and how skinny it was. Now, I feel how I was spoiled by machine I had in my young years and just can not go (mentaly) for skinny lathe.
My search is going to continue, but likely I will focus ... though you know on what ;-)

Some info about that Russian lathe from http://www.lathes.co.uk/stankoimport/

As an example of the machine's ability under test, one at the works of Broomfield Engineering in Folly Hall, Huddersfield, was observed reducing a 15/8" diameter mild-steel bar down to 1/4" in one pass using a tungsten-carbide tipped tool at 1000 r.p.m. with a feed rate of 0.006" per rev. Other users report that drilling a 50 mm (2-inch) hole in one pass is easily accomplished

Drive came from a 13.5 h.p., 1500 r.p.m. motor mounted inside the headstock-end plinth and then by five V-belts to the all-geared headstock, the drive passing through a sliding clutch. 24 forward speeds were available, with 12 in reverse, the range being from 12.5 to 2000 r.p.m.

 

[Winegrower]

Umnik: “When I went to check the lathe in subject I was surprised how not big it was in person, and how skinny it was. Now, I feel I was spoiled by machine I had in my young years and just can not go (mentaly) for skinny lathe.”

I agree...that is an impressive lathe you referenced. I can’t see being happy with less than at least a 2000 pound lathe.
It is so nice to mess around with steel on the Takisawa. If it’s a hobby, it has to be fun, right?

 

[umnik]

Winegrower,
absolutely agree with you and I am buying to have fun chipping steel.
BTW, couple days ago I found about Takisawa and from what I gathered so far I want one of them in my shop. So far I like japanese lathes, though hard to find.

 

[Winegrower]

Umnik, they're somewhat rare, but there's almost always at least one available in the Bay Area or eBay. Condition is hard to tell, but they are pretty dang bullet proof, from my experience. Hope you can find one you like.

 

[Winegrower]

As proof, here's one from this morning. $3500 ask.

Takisawa 800CD, Lathe

Type: 800CD Serial: E890300151 3 Jaw chuck Mfg year: 1989 220v AC 3 Phase Sargon Control Model: 652 Serial: 6451 110v AC Additionally: - All guides and screws slide/spin smoothly - Equipped with a...

sfbay.craigslist.org

 

[umnik]

That one on wrong side of US. I am on East Coast. Currently looking at that one
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Takisawa-T...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
looks very promising and well equipped. The only problem is getting it home. It is 10 hours to drive oneway.

 

[mmcmdl]

I'm heading south in 3 weeks if you need it brought home .

 

[umnik]

I'm heading south in 3 weeks if you need it brought home .

mmcmdl, that is generous offer, I would gladly accept it.
I am in negotiation with the seller ...

 

[umnik]

I finally bought that lathe from eBay. Needs to be delivered to my home. Search for my ideal lathe is over, at least for foreseeable future..