First time poster on here. I've read a lot of content but I'm finally ready to join in. I have a chance to buy a Cincinnati hydroshift 13x36. I don't have any experience with them nor do I know much about them. The guy wants 1500 for it. I'm thinking it is a fair price. Not sure if these machines are worth it. I have some pictures if it is helpful.....I'm looking at this machine for a small home shop. The tooling is minimal 4 jaw, steady rest, follower rest, and faceplate. It has a toolpost on it also.
Long time now since the last NEW Hydrashift left the factory, so I'd take for granted that at least
part of the shifting is dodgy., maybe most of it.
But.. Pennsyltucky is close to where lots of them spent their working lives, "the knowledge" to repair can be found, and you did say "small HOME shop"?
Ready-to-run tooling - steady AND follow rest are seldom still there - 4-J can do lots of work, those and the TP sold-off could get back the entire $1,500 if there as no better option.
And they are not as hard to move as a heavy-duty engine lathe, same work envelope.
A L&S, Monarch, Axelson, ATW, Hendey, it is
not. Closer to Leblond's middleweight "Regal" in target market when new.
I'd call it worth the modest risk, and in an all-'round useful size for a home shop. If you can lay-hands on it, so much the better. If you dither until someone ELSE does?