My new 9 inch South Bend

All,

According to the build card, its a 9W x 4, serial number 134,667, shipped 3/25/43, to GENERAL METALS SHOP, FREMONT SCHOOL FREMONT MICHIGAN. The catalog number is 915-AO.

Looks to be a 9" pedestal mount workshop lathe. I have found the 915 catalog number, but not the "AO" yet.

Anyway, got it home today and fired it up. Works better than the Clausing 12 x 40 that it is replacing. However, does not have the cross-feed that the Clausing has. I have taken the chuck jaws out and have started to clean them up. Will probably take the chuck apart. Heavy grime in there.

Any info on the lathe would be appreciated. I bundled this with a brake lathe and a Allis Chamlmers tractor, so I have roughly $250-500.00 into it, give or take.

Enjoy to pictures,

cb1

Any help on the chuck make, etc., would also be appreciated,

cb1

Did it come with s set of change gears?

No, it did not. I knew that going in.

I see a set on the bay for 250.00. Not set to buy yet, but that is what I found so far.

Thanks,

cb1

Company History | Trens

Ps- if that is the tool and the orientation you used to cut that bar I suggest looking into the tool bit grinding section of HTRAL for a more satisfying experience.

The key to success using the lantern tool post and holders is to use the grinds designed for it.


It's a fun little lathe and one you will likely keep even if you decide to upgrade.


And that steady rest will fit.

The 'A' in the catalog number is the bed length, 4 feet. The 'O' is unusual, but might be how they indicated the chip tray, which SB tended to call an 'oil pan'.

allan

Chuck is made in Czech Republic you can see them here:
Self-centering Scroll Chucks

Thanks for all the replies. Learn some today.

cb1

I bought one zackly like that last week. Stout little lathe, more mass than the 10K next to it.
Also sans change gears, but found almost a full set in my spares.