StainingSteel
Plastic
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2018
Need input before I buy- South Bend 16” (6ft)
So, I am looking at buying a 16” SB with the 6ft bed. I have never used a lathe of that size and could be considered “new” to machining. I spent almost 10 years using a 9” Logan for basic jobs (turning shafts, commutators, etc.) but I have never used a larger lathe.
I will mostly be using the lathe for smaller work 6” DIA x 16” long, but if I had the larger capacity I would likely pick up different types of work. I restore classic car parts and would likely be using the lathe several times a week.
And to get to the point, I would like some input from members that know more than I do about running these lathes. Anything would help but I am mainly questioning the precision on smaller diameter work, costs of running one of these machines, and value for shop space. The machine shop I will be moving this into is only about 300sq ft.
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The lathe in question was used by a machinist for many years but he no longer uses it. The lathe is wired and will run, but it has only been used a few times in more than two years. I have not seen the lathe in person, but will be looking at it soon.
The reason I am considering this lathe is so that I will have the option to do larger work, either for customers or for other business mis-adventures, and most importantly the price. The seller wants the space instead of the lathe, he has it listed just south of a grand but sounds like he’d be willing to take less if I come get it.
Here’s the only photo I currently have of it:
https://imgur.com/gallery/AvJhJ
Please give any input you can, and thank you in advance.
So, I am looking at buying a 16” SB with the 6ft bed. I have never used a lathe of that size and could be considered “new” to machining. I spent almost 10 years using a 9” Logan for basic jobs (turning shafts, commutators, etc.) but I have never used a larger lathe.
I will mostly be using the lathe for smaller work 6” DIA x 16” long, but if I had the larger capacity I would likely pick up different types of work. I restore classic car parts and would likely be using the lathe several times a week.
And to get to the point, I would like some input from members that know more than I do about running these lathes. Anything would help but I am mainly questioning the precision on smaller diameter work, costs of running one of these machines, and value for shop space. The machine shop I will be moving this into is only about 300sq ft.
**
The lathe in question was used by a machinist for many years but he no longer uses it. The lathe is wired and will run, but it has only been used a few times in more than two years. I have not seen the lathe in person, but will be looking at it soon.
The reason I am considering this lathe is so that I will have the option to do larger work, either for customers or for other business mis-adventures, and most importantly the price. The seller wants the space instead of the lathe, he has it listed just south of a grand but sounds like he’d be willing to take less if I come get it.
Here’s the only photo I currently have of it:
https://imgur.com/gallery/AvJhJ
Please give any input you can, and thank you in advance.
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