Thread: help id'ing a 20 x 72 lathe

it has indianapolis and two big M's (one on top of the other) cast on it. thanks for any info (good or bad)

I'm responding to bump this. I checked on lathes, but could not find anything that seemed related to the MM, or Indianapolis on the lathe. So I'm intrigued.

Looks like a sturdy lathe, though. How are the spindle bearings and ways?

Just a guess, but I'm going to say that's an import. Probably Taiwanese. I'd check the motor tag.
JR

Originally Posted by bosleyjr

I'm responding to bump this. I checked on lathes, but could not find anything that seemed related to the MM, or Indianapolis on the lathe. So I'm intrigued.

Looks like a sturdy lathe, though. How are the spindle bearings and ways?

I am new at doing forums and brand new as a machinist, the mill is in indiana my dad is bringing it to me (montana). When he saw it run it sounded quiet and the ways looked ok for as little as we know. You wrote "to bump this" what did you mean? He should be here on tuesday, do you have a guess on the weight. I have a large, tracked skidsteer (t250) I think it will lift it. I paid $3000 for the lathe and a 1984 enco mill, two kurt vices and a bunch of tooling, +1000 for fuel + 150 for loading, $4150, does that sound like an ok deal. thanks

Well, I don't think Minneapolis-Moline ever made lathes, so I haven't a clue. But yup, you prolly did OK at that price. Maybe not a screaming deal, but not to damn bad either. I've seen a lot less go for a lot more. I've got a 20 x 82 American that I paid 3600 for.....with zero tooling.

Motch & Merryweather Machinery Company made machinery, may have dabbled in importing lathes, but are listed in the serial book as being in Cleveland. There is also a Mitts & Merrill listed - they bought the G&E line.

Originally Posted by joemud

You wrote "to bump this" what did you mean? thanks

When you start or add a message to a thread on this forum site, the thread bubbles up to the top of the list of all the threads. If no one responds, the thread keeps descending until no one notices it. Responding to someone's questions "bumps" it to the top. I was just trying to get folks to notice your question.

That's what "bump" means.

Probably a long shot, but is there any chance that the M-M stands for Meehanite Metal?

Sort of like a different / early take on this.

http://www.meehanitemetal.com/images...nitelogopr.jpg

Phil.

I'd say almost certainly an import with a US sounding name (like Birmingham, Central, etc...) to throw off buyers that would run from one that has a name analogous to the noise wind chimes make in a thunderstorm. The cross slide with the slots on the back, design of the compound, and weak tailstock clamping method all scream import. MM is indeed probably indicative of Meehanite... genuine Chinese certified Meehanite, that is.

well the lathe is a german made Max Muller, type 250, year 1955. has anyone heard of it?

May still be in business...

http://www.max-mueller-werkzeugmaschinen.com/

that website is a company that rebuilds Muller machines. I dont know if they are still in business, but they were until quite recently, as there are quite a few used CNC Muller lathes for sale on European used machinery sites.