Used Lathe question

T

tigtorch

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Hi Folks,

I have been playing with machining for years (I have an old Logan 920 but it is missing it's gearbox) but am not very knowledgable on what features are normally available on lathes. I would like to buy an older smallish lathe like South Bend, Logan, Atlas, etc.

My question: which ones (if any) have powered feed on one or both directions? Do I have to find a Monarch EE to get this?

Thanks,
Bill
 
What kind o power feed do you have in mind? Most "toolroom" or "engine" lathes are going to have power feed from left to right (as you're facing the machine) and from right to left. This drive is associated with the capability to cut threads. I have the simplest 9" South Bend ever and it has power feed as described above. As you move up, you can also get power feed moving the tool perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Many lathes will have this feature, but not all. Mine does not and I can't say that I've missed it, but I might feel differently if I had ever used a machine that has it. There are also lathes called "chuckers" that do not have any provision for threading and, I suspect, no lateral power feed although I could be wrong there. I feel that the first type of machine is best for the home shop since it is more versatile. Watch out though. I was looking at a nice Hardinge and suddenly realized that it was a chucker w/o any lead screw or threading capability. Very disappointing to discover after you get it home.
 
Thank you Ed T. I guess I should have thought this through before I asked my question. Since my old Logan doesn't have a gear box I just have never used the feed option to get a nice finish. I never even thought about it (I am self taught, as if you hadn't figured that out already). Someone here posted a link to some wonderful MIT videos and I was watching them yesterday.... that even feed was nice. I guess I just need to get a real lathe with a gearbox!
 
Ed T, I just noticed you live in Cumming, my wife and I owned a plant nursery there for 15 years (Florafarm, Peachtree Pkway near exit 13, Hwy 400)! You don't show up on the member map.
 
Hey Tig,
Post some pic's of your logan.
You never know when another member might have a box of old spares sitting arround gathering dust under their work bench.
Good call on the members site map.
****Just Saying************Gator**************
 
tigtorch,

A Logan Model 920 is a 11" swing lathe that is supposed to have a QCGB. If it is truly a 920 then it should have power carriage feed (not using the half nuts) and power cross feed. If someone has taken the QCGB off then all bets are off as to whatever they've removed or modified. If you can post some pictures it would help.

Steve
 
I could post a picture but it would be a waste of time. The lathe was given to me and the entire gearbox had been stripped of gears and shafts. I do have the housing and the lead screw and intend to add a stepper motor drive for CNC functions but a steady feed without having to resort to the computer would be nice. Can't complain about the price though!
 
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