Noob first lathe purchase questions: Dunlap/Craftsman 109

gearhead

gearhead

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Hey all, just picked up my new (to me) lathe today. It's the first I've ever owned. It's the late 30s Companion, made right before they switched to the 109 with the full cover over the drive pulleys that most people are familiar with. It came with the four-jaw a back plate and an old Packard motor (that works just fine!). I think I did okay for the $125 price tag, though it's not like I stole it. I'm clearing space in the shop for it right now, but I'm fairly new to most things related to metal machining. I did work in a machine shop for a year as a welder and machine operator, but most of this is news to me.

What should I look at first on this machine as far as inspecting its condition? Also, how do I go about figuring up what kind/size belt to use with it? I have one cutter that's in the lamp post now, and that's it. I am hoping to do brass, some mild steel and a little stainless. What are some improvements I might want to make while I am doing maintenance/rehab on it?

Thanks, Tom.

lathe.JPGlathe2.JPG

lathe.JPG lathe2.JPG
 
I know it's not very fancy or exciting, but if I could get a little point in the right direction on this piece of equipment I'd be grateful. I think that maybe this is like the model 109 from the 40s on up with the full cover over the drive pulleys, but I'm not sure. I don't know which parts interchange, and I don't know what to look at or look for in getting this up and running. The seller told me there is a washer in behind the drive pulley that should be replaced with a better one (he said he put it in just for a test snug-up of things), and I'm not sure what to do about that. Is there a place to go, maybe another web site that has some guys who are into working on these things? I just want to get it up and running and see how well it works before deciding how much more effort I'll be putting into it.

Many thanks!
 
Tom,

Remove the chuck and give us a right view, rear view left end view photo of the headstock. And a low front view of the carriage apron.

Robert D.
 
What Robert said.
+ did the previous owner show it running? Make sure you get plenty of oil into the spindle bearings before you switch it on. Do all the handles turn freely and better still, smoothly?

Cheers Phil
 
Hi. There are a lot of people on this forum with this type of lathe. I have one, and it is not completely running yet. In fact, I broke something trying to get it to work. Does everything function smoothly and turn? The front bearing should be tight enough that the chuck cannot be wiggled appreciably from the front. Do you have a motor and belt? A cutting tool? Don't spend too much money or time until you find out that something is working.
 
gearhead said:
I know it's not very fancy or exciting, but if I could get a little point in the right direction on this piece of equipment I'd be grateful. I think that maybe this is like the model 109 from the 40s on up with the full cover over the drive pulleys, but I'm not sure. I don't know which parts interchange, and I don't know what to look at or look for in getting this up and running. The seller told me there is a washer in behind the drive pulley that should be replaced with a better one (he said he put it in just for a test snug-up of things), and I'm not sure what to do about that. Is there a place to go, maybe another web site that has some guys who are into working on these things? I just want to get it up and running and see how well it works before deciding how much more effort I'll be putting into it.

Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Sorry, my advise sent before coming to the picture; this seems to be a 7302. Earlier ( cheaper) form without gears, etc. send off for catalogue excerpts and manual. A kit was offerred to convert.BLJHB
 
First thing, what ericc said. Check the spindle bearings. If you can't take it apart (or before you take it apart) try and wiggle the spindle with your hands with firm force. If it moves (even a little) you will need to sort out the headstock bearings before you can test its performance. If you can't move it (or feel it move) with your hands you may then want to put a dial on it and knock it around a bit while turning it. Especially try knocking it upward to check for worn bearings/housings.
If the chuck is sturdy, then as has been mentioned by Phil make sure the bearings are oiled before you start it. I'm not familiar with Craftsman 109 lathes but they may have oil orifices.

Have fun. :))
 
Thanks to everyone for all the beginner's advice. I will have time tomorrow night to try out the disassembling and get some photos. Where would I go to find a manual with some diagrams for this thing? Also, it's very obvious at this point that I need some sort of manual that identifies the basic parts, because I don't know what many parts are called, like carriage apron. I need to get familiar with all the general lathe terms.

Oh, and for what it's worth, the spindle does turn, but it has one little snug spot in it, the seller said as a result of him putting in that washer on the inboard side of the drive pulleys. The handles on everything else turn, although the long one that runs across the carriage in the front (blanking on the name) it is snug, but I think that's just from some grime on it and it needs a bit more cleaning.

I got a Packard motor with it that works. I just have to fab a mount. Tonight I painted up a mounting board on which to put the lathe and motor.
 
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Okay, got a little time with it this evening. Pics below of both sides of headstock and a low shot of the carriage apron. I wiggled the chuck, and the spindle is noticeably loose in the headstock. If this is the same as the 109, then I think I'm correct that the rear bearing is a plain one and the front is a special tapered piece with slots for oiling? Thanks for the help and the links. I've gotten some more reading done, and I'm starting to get a bit of a feel for things.

lathe apron.JPGlatheheadstock1.JPGlatheheadstock2.JPG

lathe apron.JPG latheheadstock1.JPG latheheadstock2.JPG
 
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