Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi John, Thanks for the info. I will contact Lautard. Will be interesting to know comparative costs, deliveries and shipping details from UK to Canada then into US. Maybe they can arrange direct shipment to US?. Have you used them at all?. Regards, Tony D. At 02:24 AM 10/17/02 -0500, you wrote: Hi Tony - Have you try this Guy? http://lautard.com/myfordpa.htm - John - Original Message - From: Anthony Dixon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 12:33 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi Keith, Apologies for late reply. I did contact Tony Griffiths in UK, and he advised I contact Myfords factory direct!. I have not done this as yet. I also contacted Blue Ridge earlier this week. They have no Myfords in stock and have only sold three in the last two years. However they were placing an order for a long bed Big Bore Super 7 this week to Myfords at $9,000 inclusive of shipping, additional tools, no stand, and 6 weeks delivery. Apparently a guy in Colorado is buying this one, and he wants it painted bright green, instead of the basic Aquamarine. (I did not ask why). Blue Ridge have been contacted by an Auction House, to buy back a Short Bed Super 7, 10 years old. They told me ok to contact auction house direct, and Auction House sent me some photo files. Lathe looks in excellent shape, but missing the chuck?, apparently they are auctioning to tools seperately!. They are asking a fixed price of $5,000 for the lathe and presumably plus the tools. I am checking back with them on this, but still pricey. I also received a Myford catalogue from BlueRidge. FYI. The Super 7 speed range is from 27rpm to 2175rpm in 18 steps. This small detail is not shown on the BlueRidge website. Regards, Tony D.
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Gary, Reference Spindle speeds. I was quoting from a new Myford catalogue I received yesterday at 27-2175rpm. Not the used machine offered (I need to clarify this with supplier). Regards, Tony D. At 11:14 AM 10/17/02 -0700, Gary wrote: Sounds like the used one has more versatility than the current model Myford describes featuring Spindle Speeds: 14, from 32 to 2500 rpm Hi Keith, Apologies for late reply. I did contact Tony Griffiths in UK, and he advised I contact Myfords factory direct!. I have not done this as yet. I also contacted Blue Ridge earlier this week. They have no Myfords in stock and have only sold three in the last two years. However they were placing an order for a long bed Big Bore Super 7 this week to Myfords at $9,000 inclusive of shipping, additional tools, no stand, and 6 weeks delivery. Apparently a guy in Colorado is buying this one, and he wants it painted bright green, instead of the basic Aquamarine. (I did not ask why). Blue Ridge have been contacted by an Auction House, to buy back a Short Bed Super 7, 10 years old. They told me ok to contact auction house direct, and Auction House sent me some photo files. Lathe looks in excellent shape, but missing the chuck?, apparently they are auctioning to tools seperately!. They are asking a fixed price of $5,000 for the lathe and presumably plus the tools. I am checking back with them on this, but still pricey. I also received a Myford catalogue from BlueRidge. FYI. The Super 7 speed range is from 27rpm to 2175rpm in 18 steps. This small detail is not shown on the BlueRidge website. Regards, Tony D. aylor wrote: Hi Steve, Harry and Keith, et al, Actually Gary Broeder alerted me to the same advert last week. I called the owner and spent a couple of hours checking it out, as follows:- It is 1951 Long Bed, but ID # was difficult to read as whether a A-B or C Model. Tony, I was afraid that mint might mean shiney paint! While it would definately cst you $2,000 to replace the accesories that come with that machine, as Cushman Chucks and hardinge collets are very fine and expensive tools, you'd then still need to go out and buy a lathe! Did you ever contact the folks at Blue Ridge regarding a Myford? Or Tony Griffith's in the U.K., he was very accomodating to my friend when he sold a Myford and shipped it to the US. The owner in Maine is as happy as a pig in mud with it! Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Tony - I have only talked to him on the phone. From the little I know, he seemed to know what he was talking about. I would be interested in your impressions. Thanks! - John - Original Message - From: Anthony Dixon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 12:31 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi John, Thanks for the info. I will contact Lautard. Will be interesting to know comparative costs, deliveries and shipping details from UK to Canada then into US. Maybe they can arrange direct shipment to US?. Have you used them at all?. Regards, Tony D. At 02:24 AM 10/17/02 -0500, you wrote: Hi Tony - Have you try this Guy? http://lautard.com/myfordpa.htm - John
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
At 10:31 PM 10/17/02 -0700, you wrote: Thanks for the info. I will contact Lautard. Will be interesting to know comparative costs, deliveries and shipping details from UK to Canada then into US. Maybe they can arrange direct shipment to US?. Tony D. Tony, et al, Some years ago I imported a lathe through a dealer in the UK (a Harrison) and it's fairly easy and painless process, well, aside from the price of the machine. The dealer I chose was R. A. Atkins Ltd Guildford Surrey who had been an advertiser in ME for many years who proved to be as responsive and reliable as I could have wished for. Atkins is (or was) also a princple Myford stockist and may still be able to broker a sale and export for a Myford. Yes there were assorted fees to pay, duty, etc, but someone will have to pay them and short of going over myself and bringing one back in my kit this proved to be the most cost-effective way I could have done it. The there is the story of the fellow in LA who bought a Super7 and had it dismantled in the UK and brought over bit by bit in the luggage of a frequently flying friend. I own that one now. Regards, Harry Wade Nashville, Tn
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers/creative transportation
- Original Message - From: Harry Wade [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 1:15 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers The there is the story of the fellow in LA who bought a Super7 and had it dismantled in the UK and brought over bit by bit in the luggage of a frequently flying friend. I own that one now. Good one, Harry!! Art Walker
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Tony - Have you try this Guy? http://lautard.com/myfordpa.htm - John - Original Message - From: Anthony Dixon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 12:33 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi Keith, Apologies for late reply. I did contact Tony Griffiths in UK, and he advised I contact Myfords factory direct!. I have not done this as yet. I also contacted Blue Ridge earlier this week. They have no Myfords in stock and have only sold three in the last two years. However they were placing an order for a long bed Big Bore Super 7 this week to Myfords at $9,000 inclusive of shipping, additional tools, no stand, and 6 weeks delivery. Apparently a guy in Colorado is buying this one, and he wants it painted bright green, instead of the basic Aquamarine. (I did not ask why). Blue Ridge have been contacted by an Auction House, to buy back a Short Bed Super 7, 10 years old. They told me ok to contact auction house direct, and Auction House sent me some photo files. Lathe looks in excellent shape, but missing the chuck?, apparently they are auctioning to tools seperately!. They are asking a fixed price of $5,000 for the lathe and presumably plus the tools. I am checking back with them on this, but still pricey. I also received a Myford catalogue from BlueRidge. FYI. The Super 7 speed range is from 27rpm to 2175rpm in 18 steps. This small detail is not shown on the BlueRidge website. Regards, Tony D.
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Sounds like the used one has more versatility than the current model Myford describes featuring Spindle Speeds: 14, from 32 to 2500 rpm Hi Keith, Apologies for late reply. I did contact Tony Griffiths in UK, and he advised I contact Myfords factory direct!. I have not done this as yet. I also contacted Blue Ridge earlier this week. They have no Myfords in stock and have only sold three in the last two years. However they were placing an order for a long bed Big Bore Super 7 this week to Myfords at $9,000 inclusive of shipping, additional tools, no stand, and 6 weeks delivery. Apparently a guy in Colorado is buying this one, and he wants it painted bright green, instead of the basic Aquamarine. (I did not ask why). Blue Ridge have been contacted by an Auction House, to buy back a Short Bed Super 7, 10 years old. They told me ok to contact auction house direct, and Auction House sent me some photo files. Lathe looks in excellent shape, but missing the chuck?, apparently they are auctioning to tools seperately!. They are asking a fixed price of $5,000 for the lathe and presumably plus the tools. I am checking back with them on this, but still pricey. I also received a Myford catalogue from BlueRidge. FYI. The Super 7 speed range is from 27rpm to 2175rpm in 18 steps. This small detail is not shown on the BlueRidge website. Regards, Tony D. aylor wrote: Hi Steve, Harry and Keith, et al, Actually Gary Broeder alerted me to the same advert last week. I called the owner and spent a couple of hours checking it out, as follows:- It is 1951 Long Bed, but ID # was difficult to read as whether a A-B or C Model. Tony, I was afraid that mint might mean shiney paint! While it would definately cst you $2,000 to replace the accesories that come with that machine, as Cushman Chucks and hardinge collets are very fine and expensive tools, you'd then still need to go out and buy a lathe! Did you ever contact the folks at Blue Ridge regarding a Myford? Or Tony Griffith's in the U.K., he was very accomodating to my friend when he sold a Myford and shipped it to the US. The owner in Maine is as happy as a pig in mud with it! Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Keith, Apologies for late reply. I did contact Tony Griffiths in UK, and he advised I contact Myfords factory direct!. I have not done this as yet. I also contacted Blue Ridge earlier this week. They have no Myfords in stock and have only sold three in the last two years. However they were placing an order for a long bed Big Bore Super 7 this week to Myfords at $9,000 inclusive of shipping, additional tools, no stand, and 6 weeks delivery. Apparently a guy in Colorado is buying this one, and he wants it painted bright green, instead of the basic Aquamarine. (I did not ask why). Blue Ridge have been contacted by an Auction House, to buy back a Short Bed Super 7, 10 years old. They told me ok to contact auction house direct, and Auction House sent me some photo files. Lathe looks in excellent shape, but missing the chuck?, apparently they are auctioning to tools seperately!. They are asking a fixed price of $5,000 for the lathe and presumably plus the tools. I am checking back with them on this, but still pricey. I also received a Myford catalogue from BlueRidge. FYI. The Super 7 speed range is from 27rpm to 2175rpm in 18 steps. This small detail is not shown on the BlueRidge website. Regards, Tony D. aylor wrote: Hi Steve, Harry and Keith, et al, Actually Gary Broeder alerted me to the same advert last week. I called the owner and spent a couple of hours checking it out, as follows:- It is 1951 Long Bed, but ID # was difficult to read as whether a A-B or C Model. Tony, I was afraid that mint might mean shiney paint! While it would definately cst you $2,000 to replace the accesories that come with that machine, as Cushman Chucks and hardinge collets are very fine and expensive tools, you'd then still need to go out and buy a lathe! Did you ever contact the folks at Blue Ridge regarding a Myford? Or Tony Griffith's in the U.K., he was very accomodating to my friend when he sold a Myford and shipped it to the US. The owner in Maine is as happy as a pig in mud with it! Keith
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Tony, Did you see the ad in Sunday's Mercury-News for a 9 South Bend? The particulars are: longbed, 3 jaw chuck, 4 jaw chuck, collets, steady follower rest, quick change tool post, mint. Asking price was $2200. I'd be curious to know what the list thinks of that price for a 9 SB with long bed. It might be a useful reference point for you. I can send you the telephone number off list if you want to inquire about it. It appears to be a SF Peninsula number. Steve
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
At 01:14 PM 10/10/02 -0700, you wrote: Did you see the ad in Sunday's Mercury-News for a 9 South Bend? The particulars are: longbed, 3 jaw chuck, 4 jaw chuck, collets, steady follower rest, quick change tool post, mint. Asking price was $2200. I'd be curious to know what the list thinks of that price for a 9 SB IMHO that is a bit on the top end of the scale, unless it and the tooling is truly mint and is of good quality to begin with. For instance Buck, Cushman, or SB chucks, Hardinge collets, and a Royal CQ toolpost will be worth much more than say Polish chucks, MSC collets, and an Enco toolpost. We assume a SB collet closer is included, and that there is a tailstock drill chuck, again good quality. For the price I would also hope for a taper attachment, BUT, and this is a big but, with tooling mentioned, if it is all mint, you're not likely to find a better price except by pure accidental luck. Regards, Harry Wade Nashville, Tn
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Harry, Thank you for your input. I would expect asking prices for almost anything to be higher in this area than in most other areas of the country. Prices are high here for everything else. This tends to raise people's expectations when they put something up for sale. Steve
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Did you see the ad in Sunday's Mercury-News for a 9 South Bend? The particulars are: longbed, 3 jaw chuck, 4 jaw chuck, collets, steady follower rest, quick change tool post, mint. Asking price was $2200. I'd be curious to know what the list thinks of that price for a 9 SB with long bed. It might be a useful reference point for you. Here in Maine, that would be the steal of the century! The tooling alone adds up to a lot more than what they are asking for the whole thing! Have you priced a new 3-C collet of late? You'd be lucky to find one for much less that a $50.00 bill! Now, start talking a Hardinge, or Derbyshire 3-C collet, and you could also use that amount of money as a down payment on a pretty nice car! That is assuming that the advertsisers idea of mint is not merely the fact that it's painted nicely and shines. I don't care much how nice they look, more important in deciding whether or not the lathe is mint is how badly worn are the feed nuts, and the ways up near the headstock. Now, it isn't mentioned, but if that rascal has the quick change gear box, you could buy it and scrap it out for parts and make money! Keith Taylor
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Steve, Harry and Keith, et al, Actually Gary Broeder alerted me to the same advert last week. I called the owner and spent a couple of hours checking it out, as follows:- It is 1951 Long Bed, but ID # was difficult to read as whether a A-B or C Model. It sat on a 52L x 38W x 30 High Stand and with same size Swarf Catch Tray. Drive motor was also located over catch tray. It had 4 and 3 Cushman chucks and 8? Faceplate. Also a 16 piece Hardinge collet set with screw on retaining ring, not quick release type head.. It had 6 Royal Quick release tool holders, and approx. 15 tools, boring bars etc. Steady Rest and follow rest. SB Tailstock Drill chuck. No taper attachment. Problems:- All 6 main Drive Pulley surfaces were deeply concaved, indicating a lot of use. The Initial 8 of each bedway under chuck area was deeply pitted and many- many pock- marks. No smooth surface in this area. Definately needed re-machining) Tailstock Drill Quill o/d was also heavily dented in several areas. (Do not understand how the o.d of the quill can be dented). I have never seen this, even on a high production lathe). Cross traverse was weak, had very little drive strength. (1 finger would stop traverse). This may be just need a clutch adjustment?. Leadscrew Gearbox change position location pockets were heavily burred and edges, rolled over, difficult to align and engage. Needed a lot of rework on these. Change gears looked ok, but had some excess backlash. i.e. over .010- .015. Traverse power lead screw also had end play, which needed adjusting rings resetting. Head bearings had play. (Some chuck movement in vertical axis). The owner also had a 1950 South Bend short bed, which looked brand new,with spot less bed ways, still has the original bedway padding-in marks, and a claimed 1 hours use. It had a 6 jaw Cushman chuck. This lathe was not for sale, but definately high-lighted the problems with the mint long bed. This lathe was worth $2200. Co-incidentally, Jeff Williams, one of our SSLivesteam contributers who lives local to me, demonstrated his 1941 Southbend, Long bed, to me this weekend. The bedways are clean and almost unmarked, traverse drive and gearbox very good and clean, and Drive pulleys,(Convex- no wear), toolposts, tailstock, chucks, collets etc. all have far less wear than the 1951 mint lathe I initially saw. If anyone from mid West/back East' still thinks this is good buy, I can hook you up with the owner. It is still available, but I think he still wants at least $2,000. I appreciate the integrity, strengths and longevity of the Southbend, and sturdiness of the belt drive and hard geared head etc. over the elastic band, and nylon drives of the Chinese products. But both products still rely on good preventive maintenance and care by the owner/user , and minimal abuse. Incidentally, the seller of the Southbend I reviewed, built and flew R/C Helicopters. (Had 8 models). We did comment on the fact that the toothed belt drives of these model helicopters were more rugged than the belt drives of modern Chinese lathes. I also appreciate the cost of mandatory accessories can double the asking price of a basic lathe. But these can be purchased piecemeal as required, but not cost effective or useful if the basic lathe itself is not in good shape. Therefore still looking. (Maybe for a Myford). I have just received a Prazi catalogue and choked. Price does not include a 3 Litre BMW as I thought. Thanks for everyones input, advise and comments. Regards, Tony D. you see the ad in Sunday's Mercury-News for a 9 South Bend?. The particulars are: longbed, 3 jaw chuck, 4 jaw chuck, collets, steady follower rest, quick change tool post, mint. Asking price was $2200. I'd be curious to know what the list thinks of that price for a 9 SB with long bed. It might be a useful reference point for you. I can send you the telephone number off list if you want to inquire about it. It appears to be a SF Peninsula number. Steve
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Steve, Harry and Keith, et al, Actually Gary Broeder alerted me to the same advert last week. I called the owner and spent a couple of hours checking it out, as follows:- It is 1951 Long Bed, but ID # was difficult to read as whether a A-B or C Model. Tony, I was afraid that mint might mean shiney paint! While it would definately cst you $2,000 to replace the accesories that come with that machine, as Cushman Chucks and hardinge collets are very fine and expensive tools, you'd then still need to go out and buy a lathe! Did you ever contact the folks at Blue Ridge regarding a Myford? Or Tony Griffith's in the U.K., he was very accomodating to my friend when he sold a Myford and shipped it to the US. The owner in Maine is as happy as a pig in mud with it! Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Did you see the ad in Sunday's Mercury-News for a 9 South Bend? The particulars are: longbed, 3 jaw chuck, 4 jaw chuck, collets, steady follower rest, quick change tool post, mint. Asking price was $2200. I'd be curious to know what the list thinks of that price for a 9 SB with long bed. It might be a useful reference point for you. Dave Sobel of Sobel Machinery who advertises in Live Steam and HSM was recently offering a South Bend 10K gap bed lathe. It was fully tooled and had every accessory that South bend produced for the 10K line except a steady rest. It even had a precision level manufactured by Starrett with a South Bend name plate. According to Dave it was previously owned by a physician who was interested in getting into the live steam hobby, but rapidly lost interest. The condition was truly mint with practically zero time on the machine. I can personally attest to its condition having seen the lathe. Dave's asking price was $7000 which I thought was high. Often I have felt Dave's prices were on the high side, but he has a good feel for the market and has been doing this for decades. So, he must have some idea of market value. Would he settle for less from a serious buyer, probably so. If I were in the market for a lathe would I pay between $5000 and $6000 for this machine? Absolutely, in a flash! Yes, it is not a Hardinge. But have you priced a used, fully tooled Hardinge, in mint condition lately? So, is 2K reasonable for a 9 inch South Bend in mint condition? If the tooling and accessories are South Bend or better, and it has a quick change gearbox and power cross feed, I would say yes. Of course, buying a used lathe is somewhat like buying a used car. You have to know what you are doing or have it inspected by someone who knows machinery. A fresh coat of paint can hide a lot of sins and this was the typical drill of many used machinery vendors on Centre Street in NYC 20 years ago or put some lipstick on that pig and get it out the door. Bill Kuehsel Cold Spring, NY
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hello Group, With all the discussions of different lathes used by model engineers, I am surprised that Atlas/Clausing has not come up. I love them. They have flat ways like a Myford, are plenty rigid, and can be had at bargain prices. Most important to me is that they are American made, and nearly all parts are still available through Clausing. In recent years, I have become somewhat of a lathe 'collector' I have no fewer than five right now!... All of them made by Atlas: 1 Atlas/Craftsman 618 6 x 18 2 Atlas QC54 10 x 36 1 Atlas TH48 10 x 30 turret lathe 1 Atlas/Clausing Industrial 4804 13 x 40 I will be selling the 6 x 18 and one of the QC54s... I think three lathes is plenty! All are excellent machines. The 6 x 18 is small... bigger than a Sherline but smaller than a Grizzly 9 x 20. The Clausing Industrial 13 x 40 is large and heavy... about the same as a big South Bend (unfortunately parts are rare for it though). The 10-inchers are my favorites because they are common (made from about 1933 to about 1970) and parts are really cheap. Search on eBay for 'atlas lathe' and you are sure to come up with lots of machines. Look at completed auctions to check the going rates (or ask me!) before bidding. Just more food for thought... Regards, -Jon
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
What range of prices should I be looking for an Atlas/Craftsman 6 x 18 ? Can I assume parts are readily available because it is a Craftsman? Thanks Michael Florida USA Iron Nut - Original Message - From: J.D. Toumanian [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 8:01 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hello Group, With all the discussions of different lathes used by model engineers, I am surprised that Atlas/Clausing has not come up. I love them. They have flat ways like a Myford, are plenty rigid, and can be had at bargain prices. Most important to me is that they are American made, and nearly all parts are still available through Clausing. In recent years, I have become somewhat of a lathe 'collector' I have no fewer than five right now!... All of them made by Atlas: 1 Atlas/Craftsman 618 6 x 18 2 Atlas QC54 10 x 36 1 Atlas TH48 10 x 30 turret lathe 1 Atlas/Clausing Industrial 4804 13 x 40 I will be selling the 6 x 18 and one of the QC54s... I think three lathes is plenty! All are excellent machines. The 6 x 18 is small... bigger than a Sherline but smaller than a Grizzly 9 x 20. The Clausing Industrial 13 x 40 is large and heavy... about the same as a big South Bend (unfortunately parts are rare for it though). The 10-inchers are my favorites because they are common (made from about 1933 to about 1970) and parts are really cheap. Search on eBay for 'atlas lathe' and you are sure to come up with lots of machines. Look at completed auctions to check the going rates (or ask me!) before bidding. Just more food for thought... Regards, -Jon
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
At 08:18 AM 10/4/02 -0400, you wrote: What range of prices should I be looking for an Atlas/Craftsman 6 x 18 ? Can I assume parts are readily available because it is a Craftsman? Thanks Michael I'm like Jon, I've owned many lathes, restored a few, several Atlas's, two 618's among them. The current average going rate for a 618 is between $350 and $850, depending of course upon condition and included tooling. I have seen a 618 sell for $1250 but this was a new machine which came with every available factory accessory for the price. One of you might get lucky and find a forgotten machine in a garage or basement for $100, it does happen. One thing to remember when considering a used machine is tooling (chucks, etc). New tooling is expensive, relative to the price of the basic machine, so the more you can get for the price the better off you are. If you encounter someone with a lathe for sale alone, but who has the tooling and is selling that seperately, simply walk away. Although the cast iron components will probably not be available again, the Clausing Corporation, after years of indifferent service and allowing the Atlas parts stock to be depleted hoping it would die off, finally realized there were 1000's of these machines still in daily use and more being rescued and restored to operating condition by people like you and I, and money to be made, so parts are now and will be available. It wouldn't surprise me if someday beds will again be available. Another thing to be watchful of is that Sears sold two different 6 lathes, the Atlas-built one, which is what we are talking about here (Sears #101.21200), and one made for them by AA Tool called the Craftsman 80 (Sears #109.21270). The AA machines had V-bedways but were in every other way poorly designed and made and not worth having. Regards, Harry Wade Nashville, Tn
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Michael, You will find the Atlas lathes at prices all over the map! I would expect that an average price would be in the $300 - $500 range, depending on location and accesories. You can easily find parts, not because it's a Craftsman, because Sears no longer stocks any parts for them! But Atlas- Clausing the builders, do have very complete stocks of spare parts and accesories. I still have the Atlas/ Sears lathe given to me for Christmas in 1961, and it is still a fine machine. For many years, it was my sole machine tool, and with that little lathe and a milling attachment, my Dad and I built a 3/4 scale Friends Models Tom Thumb, which is a good a locomotive today as it was when we built it! Yes, I have since added to the lathe collection and now have the products of the Derbyshire, Rivett and South Bend lathe companies. But you will never hear me say anything bad about that little Craftsman 6 swing lathe. It may not be as easy as having a full machine shop, but with that one tool you CAN build a live steam locomotive. A Jacobs chuck inthe spindle and the milling attachment even served as my only drill press for a long time! Keith Taylor - Original Message - From: mdenning [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 8:18 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers What range of prices should I be looking for an Atlas/Craftsman 6 x 18 ? Can I assume parts are readily available because it is a Craftsman? Thanks Michael Florida USA Iron Nut - Original Message - From: J.D. Toumanian [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 8:01 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hello Group, With all the discussions of different lathes used by model engineers, I am surprised that Atlas/Clausing has not come up. I love them. They have flat ways like a Myford, are plenty rigid, and can be had at bargain prices. Most important to me is that they are American made, and nearly all parts are still available through Clausing. In recent years, I have become somewhat of a lathe 'collector' I have no fewer than five right now!... All of them made by Atlas: 1 Atlas/Craftsman 618 6 x 18 2 Atlas QC54 10 x 36 1 Atlas TH48 10 x 30 turret lathe 1 Atlas/Clausing Industrial 4804 13 x 40 I will be selling the 6 x 18 and one of the QC54s... I think three lathes is plenty! All are excellent machines. The 6 x 18 is small... bigger than a Sherline but smaller than a Grizzly 9 x 20. The Clausing Industrial 13 x 40 is large and heavy... about the same as a big South Bend (unfortunately parts are rare for it though). The 10-inchers are my favorites because they are common (made from about 1933 to about 1970) and parts are really cheap. Search on eBay for 'atlas lathe' and you are sure to come up with lots of machines. Look at completed auctions to check the going rates (or ask me!) before bidding. Just more food for thought... Regards, -Jon
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
On Wed, 2 Oct 2002 20:12:42 EDT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 10/2/02 7:25:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It must be really nice to have such a modern lathe! What is really nice is that it sat in his garage for 20 years without being used. I also got a 4 jaw and 3 jaw and many accesories. It was the deal of the century! Bob Would you become my personal shopper. You seem to be getting good deals all the time. I am looking for an Aster Big Boy or Allegheny at Ruby prices. Bruce Gathman
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Friends: Does anyone have one of the Microlux line of lathes and machine tools offered by MicroMark? The 7x10 lathe looks to be similar to the ones offered by Grizzly and Harbor Freight, but is more pricey. They also offer a 7x14 lathe with English, not metric, threads. Does anyone know much about these machines? How about the new Microlux Tabletop Machining Center (http://www.dxmarket.com/micromark/products/82714.html), a lathe-mill-drill machine with slightly less lathe capacity (6 swing) than the other small lathes. Casey Sterbenz _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Tony: I bought the Grizzly Model G4000, 9 x 20. Jim
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Steve wrote: But seriously, coal-fired is what I have in mind, and a basic 4-4-0 or 4-6-0 American-style loco in 1:20 might be big enough and have the right proportions to accommodate a home-made coal-fired boiler. I've had this wild fantasy of building something more mid-nineteenth century: a WOOD-fired 4-4-0. (But ... but ... but ... they all start to sputter ...) Nay, consider this possibility: if you can burn coal, why not wood PELLETS? Think about it ... - - Steve (No, the OTHER Steve!)
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Just one word of caution. I tend to think many people get turned off by live steam when they hear about he machinery that is required to build the locomotives. I know of a guy who built the most beautiful 3/4 Raritan you ever saw using just a 6 Atlas with a milling attachment and a decent drill press. He is not a machinist by trade either. It just shows that even with a very limited budget, beautiful models can be built. I'm one of those guys on a limited budegt, so I will stick with my beloved Sherline lathe, Burke/Sherline mill, and a 7 Potter if I need to turn something a little larger in diamter. Besides, fixing up the old stuff is half the fun! J.R.
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Very happy owner of a 1916 South Bend lathe! And me with my 11 x 36 1937 Southbend. I agree Keith! I found mine in one of my client's garage and paid $140! Bob Bob, It must be really nice to have such a modern lathe! Seriously, though, I think you will agree that there are some very good bargains to be had with used industrial grade machines over the recent imports from the far east. One lathe I forgot to mention to Tony, which is absolutely ideal for his needs, is the Myford from England. Those lathes were practically designed with the small scale live steamer in mind! Excellent quality, and when you buy one, no need to de-burr the castings, or clean shavings and grit from the way wipers! Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Keith, I was wondering when this suggestion would crop up. I did not want to raise this one, having lived approx 20 miles from the Myford factory in the UK, used them often, and was my model making lathe reference point. I have not seen any offered in the USA, or any agents. So if you know of any, please advise. I also understand the factory does not have a web site, but a local machine tool agent in Beeston. UK. is the sole Web Site agent, but only for used machines. Another issue is the prices in pounds, compared to s. conversions. Especially with a base cost of 3500 pounds = $5250 plus shipping. Regards, Tony D. At 10:15 AM 10/2/02 -0400, you wrote: - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Very happy owner of a 1916 South Bend lathe! And me with my 11 x 36 1937 Southbend. I agree Keith! I found mine in one of my client's garage and paid $140! Bob Bob, It must be really nice to have such a modern lathe! Seriously, though, I think you will agree that there are some very good bargains to be had with used industrial grade machines over the recent imports from the far east. One lathe I forgot to mention to Tony, which is absolutely ideal for his needs, is the Myford from England. Those lathes were practically designed with the small scale live steamer in mind! Excellent quality, and when you buy one, no need to de-burr the castings, or clean shavings and grit from the way wipers! Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
I just discovered that Enco has a sale on their 9x20 bench lathe--$699. Lowest speed is 130 rpm. I have no Enco machines (just an 8 four-jaw chuck--works fine, needed no clean-up) so I don't know what the lathe is like. Walt did say he liked a mill of theirs. Victor Lacy
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
- Original Message - From: Anthony Dixon [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Keith, I was wondering when this suggestion would crop up. I also understand the factory does not have a web site, but a local machine tool agent in Beeston. UK. is the sole Web Site agent, but only for used machines. Tony, http://www.blueridgemachinery.com/products.htm Blue Ridge Machinery is a stocking Myford dealer. I believe they also carry re-built used Myford lathes. If you seriously consider a Myford, and I certainly would if you are already used to them, contact me off list. I can get you the name of an Import Export guy who handles Myford stuff all the time, and can give you references of a local (Maine) model engineer who has dealt with that firm. (he did have to go to the docks in Boston to pick up his U.K. purchased lathe, but I'm sure there are West Coast ports to which it could be delivered. I have even seen Myford lathes advertised in local club newsletters. Keith
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Try http://www.mini-lathe.com/ the comma between lathe and com, in the first posting didn't work. ~Gary - The Train Trestle Nut www.angelfire.com/or/trainguy http://community.webshots.com/user/raltzenthor - Original Message - From: Clint D [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 1:35 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers this site does some comparisons http://www.mini-lathe,com Clint
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Go to http://www.mini-lathe.com there is a good comparison review of them, also some info on the mini mills http://www.homier.com has the best pricing on the same machines, and faster shipping, and My opinion excellent service on warrantee items. http://www.littlemachineshop.com sells tooling and accessories for them Clint - Original Message - From: Casey Sterbenz [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2002 6:10 AM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Friends: Does anyone have one of the Microlux line of lathes and machine tools offered by MicroMark? The 7x10 lathe looks to be similar to the ones offered by Grizzly and Harbor Freight, but is more pricey. They also offer a 7x14 lathe with English, not metric, threads. Does anyone know much about these machines? How about the new Microlux Tabletop Machining Center (http://www.dxmarket.com/micromark/products/82714.html), a lathe-mill-drill machine with slightly less lathe capacity (6 swing) than the other small lathes. Casey Sterbenz _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Oh No, I did a typo!! thanks for correcting that Clint - Original Message - From: Gary [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2002 3:59 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Try http://www.mini-lathe.com/ the comma between lathe and com, in the first posting didn't work. ~Gary - The Train Trestle Nut www.angelfire.com/or/trainguy http://community.webshots.com/user/raltzenthor - Original Message - From: Clint D [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 1:35 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers this site does some comparisons http://www.mini-lathe,com Clint
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
In a message dated 10/2/02 7:25:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It must be really nice to have such a modern lathe! What is really nice is that it sat in his garage for 20 years without being used. I also got a 4 jaw and 3 jaw and many accesories. It was the deal of the century! Bob
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Tony, I'm delighted to hear that you are in the market for a lathe. I was worried about how I was going to get the drivers turned for my American Project, since my Taig lathe is on the small side for turning driver castings. It's great to know that a trained, experienced friend, with lathe, will be around. For my American Project I think I'll sketch up, oh, maybe a 8-12-4 so that when you get finished turning the wheels for me I'll have enough to build the 4-4-0, the 4-6-0, and the 2-2-4 that so far have eluded my machining capabilities. Thanks in advance. Steve
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
To Steve, I have a lot of experience in machine tools of all sorts and I would like to offer you a suggestion about machining pieces that fit on a machine but that are actually beyond the capacity of the machine. The trick is to be able to slow down the RPM of the rotating object sufficiently so the cutting tool doesn't burn up. The work piece has to be held solidly. Then take very light cuts, like .002 or .003 when turning or milling and use a light feed like the cut in the case of a very light lathe. Drilling a hole with a lathe is a bit different. You should start out with the proper speed as the dis/un-balance of the piece will allow. In the case of a 1/2 bore you should start out with a center drill to mark the center, then use a 3/16 drill, then a drill 1/32 larger, and keep increasing the bit's diameter until you get the diameter you want leaving maybe .010 or .015 for the finishing 2 cuts that should be made with a small boring bar. If the bore is a cylinder for a piston you should leave the last .001 or .002 to be sized with a reamer. Cutting oil should be used with steels and aluminums. Brass and bronze are better machined dry. Usually cast iron can be machined dry but cutting oil is required when tapping. I hope this helps you tackle a job you thought you couldn't do. Arthur---Mexico - Original Message - From: Shyvers, Steve [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 8:24 AM Subject: RE: Lathes for Live Steamers Tony, I'm delighted to hear that you are in the market for a lathe. I was worried about how I was going to get the drivers turned for my American Project, since my Taig lathe is on the small side for turning driver castings. It's great to know that a trained, experienced friend, with lathe, will be around. For my American Project I think I'll sketch up, oh, maybe a 8-12-4 so that when you get finished turning the wheels for me I'll have enough to build the 4-4-0, the 4-6-0, and the 2-2-4 that so far have eluded my machining capabilities. Thanks in advance. Steve
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Anthony, I would assume that you are speaking of the popular 7x10 and 9x20 size lathes. I just purchased a Grizzly 9x19 lathe model G4000. I haven't done a lot of precision work on it yet, but am very impressed with the overall quality. I did need to do a little amount of cleanup, as you will need to do with any Chinese made machine. Mostly, removing the cosmoline, deburring, lubrication, adjusting gibs, etc. Many people claim that all of the Asian made lathes of the same size are the same, I don't think this is so. I looked at the identical lathe from Harbor Freight and found that the machine was not finished nearly as well as the Grizzly model. The castings appeared to be from the same manufacture (may have been copies), but looked very rough and poorly finished. There is also the issue of customer service, which I have heard is much better from some companies than others. I chose the 9x20 because it has more horsepower and weight than the 7x10 lathes do. It also has a quick change gearbox and a chuck that can be changed more easily than the 7x10. However to make either lathe truly functional you will want to do some modifications. The most popular (and needed) modification on the 9x20 is to change the mounting of the compound. The supplied clamp is pretty wimpy and making a 4 bolt mounting clamp will increase the rigidity greatly. I also added a cam lock to the tailstock (no wrench needed) and a quick change tool post (reduced setup time between tool changes and gives capacity for additional tools). The website mini-lathe.com has lots of info on the quality, capabilities and modifications needed for both size lathes. As far as the speed issue, there is an article in this months Home Shop Machinist about adding a second motor to reduce the spindle speed on a 9x20. I have also seen information regarding the use of a hand cranked spindle for slow threading operations or changing the motor to a DC drive, which can use an industrial speed controller. Overall I am very happy with my 9x20, I figured that some improvements would need to be made, but it's still been much less expensive than a quality lathe. And I think much better purchase than a used lathe (either really expensive or trashed). Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Grizzly or HF other than being a customer Ken -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Anthony Dixon Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 6:00 PM To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam Subject: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi Guys, Slightly off Topic. I am in the market for a lathe, preferably 19 to 36/40 between centres, as I find the 10-12 lengths too confining for working room and low on power/versatility/expansion etc. But I notice a major problem with all these small lathes offered, which seems to break down the offerings into two specific groups:- The 12 mini lathes, have infinitely electronically controlled variable speeds from 0- 2500rpm. Which enables really slow speeds for screwcutting, reaming etc. But I have heard that the control boards can overheat/burnout when loaded with slightly heavy cuts, as opposed to stalling), and some users carry spare control boards, just in case. These cheaper mini lathes also require additional reworking on receipt to get them into good working order, even when new?. Whereas the larger 19 plus, mechanically adjustable speed lathes (belt or geared driven), although more powerful for taking heavier cuts, have a typical speed range from approx 2000rpm down to 130rpm. The 130 rpm minimum being far to high for screw cutting, reaming etc. Some lathes in the $2500 price range have a 70rpm minimum speed, which is ok for running along the od of a shaft, but still too high if running up to a shoulder, even with an undercut. i.e need lightning reflexes to back out without hitting the shoulder and breaking the tool. It seems that one has to forgo the higher power and versatility for very slow speeds, on the mini lathes, and the slow speed ranges for higher power on the 19 plus lathes. Which causes the 19 plus lathes to have less anticipated versatily than expected. It is only when one gets into the $4,000 plus lathes that the lower ranges become available.And I know follows the axiom, you get what you pay for. Questions:- 12 Group. I would be interested in hearing from the 12 group, what they consider a heavy cut before burning out a control board, and how often are replacements needed at what cost. Also typical screwcutting/ reaming applications used on these lathes. 19 plus Group:- Preferably under $2,000 costs. Do any of these lathes offered come with capability of a back gear low speed range?. (I would have thought the builders would have stated this in their ads if so). Have any owners adapted these size lathes to gain a low speed range?. (Not in
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Paul, Understand and thank you. This would be the ideal situation, to see, and compare all the makes under one roof. Problem is the dealers are spread all over the US. I am having a hard time finding Machine Tool agents in the Bay Area who carry a selection, or any smaller lathes, which will enable actual physical contact. Therefore personal experience/recommendations from fellow modelers also carries a lot of weight towards search and final choice. Best regards, Tony D. At 08:23 PM 9/30/02 -0400, Paul Anderson wrote: Anthony Dixon wrote: Questions regarding both groups:- What do you not like, and would change on your current lathe or trade up for?. Before you buy the machine, make sure you get a chance to play with it. -- Paul Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/victorianmen -- Owner
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Tony: I too took delivery of a HF mini-lathe. Never made a part, one look told me it wasn't up to snuff. Thank God they took it back no questions asked. Bought the Griz lathe and love it for small work. Jim
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
this site does some comparisons http://www.mini-lathe,com Clint - Original Message - From: Anthony Dixon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 1:19 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi Paul, Understand and thank you. This would be the ideal situation, to see, and compare all the makes under one roof. Problem is the dealers are spread all over the US. I am having a hard time finding Machine Tool agents in the Bay Area who carry a selection, or any smaller lathes, which will enable actual physical contact. Therefore personal experience/recommendations from fellow modelers also carries a lot of weight towards search and final choice. Best regards, Tony D. At 08:23 PM 9/30/02 -0400, Paul Anderson wrote: Anthony Dixon wrote: Questions regarding both groups:- What do you not like, and would change on your current lathe or trade up for?. Before you buy the machine, make sure you get a chance to play with it. -- Paul Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/victorianmen -- Owner
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
I know it is a bit small, but how hammered would I get if I said I love my Sherline lathe? I have done nice work on it over the past 25 years or so, both big and small pushing the limits on both ends of the spectrum. Parts are easy to get as well. I have bigger machines, but always seem to come back to the Sherline. The vertical mill attachment is not the greatest, but for vertical mill work, I bolt the Sherline head to my Burke horizontal mill using a face plate bored to fit the ram. I know its crude, but it works so darn nice. Does anyone have the Sherline mill? I suspect a lot of flex in the machine. Is that true? J.R. www.njmt.org - Original Message - From: James Curry [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 3:46 PM Subject: Re: Lathes for Live Steamers Tony: I too took delivery of a HF mini-lathe. Never made a part, one look told me it wasn't up to snuff. Thank God they took it back no questions asked. Bought the Griz lathe and love it for small work. Jim
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Steve, Ok. You make the boilers, casings, fine woodwork, and detailing, and I will machine the wheels, crank shaft eccentric for the internal cylinders on your 8-12-4, 4 cylinder compound and all the round parts. Now we just need Gary Broader to mill the connecting rods and valve gear. Option- Have you considered a project Alleghanney!. Coal fired of course. Should be able to undercut Aster's $20,000 price a little!. Let me know when you plan to start, scale, prints, Bill of Materials, schedule and a cost model. Who is our painting expert?. Regards, Tony D. PS. Will this engine be left hand or right hand drive?. At 06:24 AM 10/1/02 -0700, Shyvers, Steve wrote: Tony, I'm delighted to hear that you are in the market for a lathe. I was worried about how I was going to get the drivers turned for my American Project, since my Taig lathe is on the small side for turning driver castings. It's great to know that a trained, experienced friend, with lathe, will be around. For my American Project I think I'll sketch up, oh, maybe a 8-12-4 so that when you get finished turning the wheels for me I'll have enough to build the 4-4-0, the 4-6-0, and the 2-2-4 that so far have eluded my machining capabilities. Thanks in advance. Steve
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Therefore personal experience/recommendations from fellow modelers also carries a lot of weight towards search and final choice. Tony, Are you absolutely locked into getting a brand new lathe? Since the introduction of CNC machining, there is a glut of machines on the market of Industrial quality with almost no wear, but as they are obsolete as far as industry is concerned, can be had cheaply and will get you a much better lathe for the money. Even the old bugaboo of 3 phase powers is meaningless anymore! The advent of Variable frequency drives allowsa n infinitly variable speed control on older three phase motors with a 220 V. single pahase line in, and a 3 phase output that will give you the full H.P. potential of the original motor! I even know of one gent who took off a perfectly good single phase motor, and replaced it with a 3 phase motor so he could gain the advantages of the VFD! You can jog the motor, a portion of a turn, or run up to full speed. Or, set the running speed, and the motor will automatically slowly accelerate to the set speed. I personally use a 1916 built South Bend lathe (9 swing 16 between centers) without the VFD, and have been very happy with that lathe. With it's back gears, I can cut threads on 3 diam stainless. (not fun, but can be done) or running at top speed, turn parts for gauge one steamers. Jim Curry can testify to it's ability to work to closer tolerences that I am capable of working to! I would much rather have an older machine, that had been well taken care of, by a machinst or amateur, than virtually any new machine on the market. One posting mentioned how happy he was, but then went on to talk of de-burring, gib adjusting, cleaning etc. I bought my lathe, did none of thiose chores, started right from the get go and probably paid half of what a new machine goes for! You just need to be patient, and look in places you don't expect. Tell everyone you know what you are looking for. You never know when someone will say, Hey, I know where there's one of those gathering dust in my Uncles basement! I bought a beautiful Derbyshire Model A Instrument makers lathe at a meeting of Clock and Watch collectors! Keith Taylor Very happy owner of a 1916 South Bend lathe!
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Tony, You're on. I priced a ten-foot length of 2 copper pipe at Home Depot last Sunday. You start making wheels and I'll tell you when to stop. But seriously, coal-fired is what I have in mind, and a basic 4-4-0 or 4-6-0 American-style loco in 1:20 might be big enough and have the right proportions to accommodate a home-made coal-fired boiler. It's only an idea right now. Regards, Steve
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
In a message dated 10/1/02 5:08:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I personally use a 1916 built South Bend lathe (9 swing 16 between centers) without the VFD, and have been very happy with that lathe. With it's back gears, I can cut threads on 3 diam stainless. (not fun, but can be done) or running at top speed, turn parts for gauge one steamers. Jim Curry can testify to it's ability to work to closer tolerences that I am capable of working to! I would much rather have an older machine, that had been well taken care of, by a machinst or amateur, than virtually any new machine on the market For my 2 cents, I fully agree with Keith's viewpoint. I have a South Bend 10K, fully equipped, that I picked up used for practically nothing. Yes, it had some wear, but it served me fine for 10 years. Even though it didn't meet factory specs, it was still sufficiently accurate for anything I had to do in my early years. Recently, I had it rebuilt to tool room specs. The total cost, original cost plus rebuild, was probably less than the cost of a comparable new Asian lathe. New, I have a machine that would cost $1000s, if I had to purchase it new. I did the same thing with a Mikron Swiss toolmakers lathe for the watch industry, which I also got for next to nothing. Because it was 3 phase power and it wasn't screw cutting no one was interested. Picked up some spare parts at the same time, e.g., bronze headstock bearings, etc., and had it refurbished last year for a total investment of under 1K. Schaublin and Mikron are of similar quality. Try buying a Schaublin today and you will spend mega bucks. Buy taking the route that Keith recommends, you can get high quality machines at a reasonable price that will last a lifetime. and which will meet your most exacting needs. Shop around, the stuff is out there. It may take some time, but in the end I think you will be better off. Bill Kuehsel Cold Spring, NY
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Jim, Thanks for the feedback. Which size Grizzly did you buy?. Regards, Tony D. At 03:46 PM 10/1/02 -0400, James Curry wrote: Tony: I too took delivery of a HF mini-lathe. Never made a part, one look told me it wasn't up to snuff. Thank God they took it back no questions asked. Bought the Griz lathe and love it for small work. Jim
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
In a message dated 10/1/02 1:43:56 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does anyone have the Sherline mill? I have had one for years, both mill and lathe. Right now it is my only mill. While you can't take great big bites out of metal, any kind, it does the job. I definetly would like something more substantial but I have no room. Bob
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
In a message dated 10/1/02 2:08:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Very happy owner of a 1916 South Bend lathe! And me with my 11 x 36 1937 Southbend. I agree Keith! I found mine in one of my client's garage and paid $140! Bob
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
This just proves you do not have to go all the way back to 1916 for a good machine. I'm perfectly happy with my 1917 Seneca Falls Star with factory risers to make it a 12 x 48. Included was a taper attachment, coolant pump, and a mill/drill. That big forward/reverse lever allows you to cut threads without using a thread dial. A newbie talked me out of the mill drill for more than I paid for both machines. I then bought an ENCO knee mill with DRO's and have been happy ever since. It always amazes me what people will do when they hear Make me an offer. I bought a collection of steam whistles from a fellow. I made an offer and he must have known how much was in my checking account, because he asked for $200.00 less than the balance. He got his asking price and was glad to make a good deal. I later found out that one of the whistles was worth three times what I paid him for all of them, and another one was twice as much as that. He's one of my best friends to this day. We both felt we had made a good deal, and neither one of us knew there were some sleepers there. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
JR May wrote: Does anyone have the Sherline mill? I suspect a lot of flex in the machine. Is that true? I have the sherline mill. I've never found it to have any accuracy problems. -- Paul Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/victorianmen -- Owner
RE: Lathes for Live Steamers
Hi Ken, Thanks for the good honest feedback. I am a little concerned about minor rework neccessary to clean up the machine. But at the $750 price range these may be expected, and sounds like you are very happy with the final results. I wonder if the more expensive G9249 at $1895 needs similar rework. (Possibly, as it comes from the same company)?. Ken Taylor and Bill Kuehsel raised some interesting options regarding advantages of looking at the 2nd hand industrial/commercial market, and trade offs of more bang for the buck. i.e. More versatility, power, speed, size options etc. Also, if a machine needs some minor rework to trim it out, then better off starting with a versatile machine with better capability. I also like the optional motor and control tweeks/suggestions used to gain better speed ranges, on both new and older machines. The kicker is in researching the markets, acknowledging your limits, financial or engineering, whether new or used and cost of quality and short or long term investment. So there are still a lot of options still open for review, and seemingly many satisfied users, with their personal preferences. Thanks a lot guys for all the feedback. I am also still plugging away at identifying local suppliers/agents to arrange a tyre kicking session, and test drive on both new and used equipment. Best Regards, Tony D. At 10:48 AM 10/1/02 -0600, XXYZ wrote: Anthony, I would assume that you are speaking of the popular 7x10 and 9x20 size lathes. I just purchased a Grizzly 9x19 lathe model G4000. I haven't done a lot of precision work on it yet, but am very impressed with the overall quality. I did need to do a little amount of cleanup, as you will need to do with any Chinese made machine. Mostly, removing the cosmoline, deburring, lubrication, adjusting gibs, etc. Many people claim that all of the Asian made lathes of the same size are the same, I don't think this is so. I looked at the identical lathe from Harbor Freight and found that the machine was not finished nearly as well as the Grizzly model. The castings appeared to be from the same manufacture (may have been copies), but looked very rough and poorly finished. There is also the issue of customer service, which I have heard is much better from some companies than others. I chose the 9x20 because it has more horsepower and weight than the 7x10 lathes do. It also has a quick change gearbox and a chuck that can be changed more easily than the 7x10. However to make either lathe truly functional you will want to do some modifications. The most popular (and needed) modification on the 9x20 is to change the mounting of the compound. The supplied clamp is pretty wimpy and making a 4 bolt mounting clamp will increase the rigidity greatly. I also added a cam lock to the tailstock (no wrench needed) and a quick change tool post (reduced setup time between tool changes and gives capacity for additional tools). The website mini-lathe.com has lots of info on the quality, capabilities and modifications needed for both size lathes. As far as the speed issue, there is an article in this months Home Shop Machinist about adding a second motor to reduce the spindle speed on a 9x20. I have also seen information regarding the use of a hand cranked spindle for slow threading operations or changing the motor to a DC drive, which can use an industrial speed controller. Overall I am very happy with my 9x20, I figured that some improvements would need to be made, but it's still been much less expensive than a quality lathe. And I think much better purchase than a used lathe (either really expensive or trashed). Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Grizzly or HF other than being a customer Ken -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Anthony Dixon Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 6:00 PM To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam Subject: Lathes for Live Steamers Hi Guys, Slightly off Topic. I am in the market for a lathe, preferably 19 to 36/40 between centres, as I find the 10-12 lengths too confining for working room and low on power/versatility/expansion etc. But I notice a major problem with all these small lathes offered, which seems to break down the offerings into two specific groups:- The 12 mini lathes, have infinitely electronically controlled variable speeds from 0- 2500rpm. Which enables really slow speeds for screwcutting, reaming etc. But I have heard that the control boards can overheat/burnout when loaded with slightly heavy cuts, as opposed to stalling), and some users carry spare control boards, just in case. These cheaper mini lathes also require additional reworking on receipt to get them into good working order, even when new?. Whereas the larger 19 plus, mechanically adjustable speed lathes (belt or geared driven), although more powerful for taking
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
Anthony Dixon wrote: Questions regarding both groups:- What do you not like, and would change on your current lathe or trade up for?. Before you buy the machine, make sure you get a chance to play with it. -- Paul Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/victorianmen -- Owner
