We would like to purchase this 9" South bend lathe for my son who is studying to be a machinist/engineer, 4' bed, cat# 644 A, but I have no idea how to determine reasonable expense. Is $2000 reasonable? What do I need to specifically check? It is in working order with original parts but I understand replacement parts are expensive if found to be needed. I am guessing 1949 but exact date and serial number has not been provided. I do not want to take advantage but also dont want to assume the seller, my cousin, knows the value as he's never used it. It belonged to our grandfather who passed and had been stored in cousin's garage after grandpa moved in with me for care. I know my grandfather took good care of it. Any advice appreciated.
Largest Manufacturing Technology Community on the Web
Stay Connected:
944 A 9" lathe purchase
- Thread starter kap9760
- Start date
- Replies 31
- Views 1,077
I believe that's too much money for a 9, but a lot depends on your local market. I would put that lathe at $1000-$1500 depending on wear and tooling. Included tooling can have a large effect on the value. It is easy to spend more on tooling than the price of the lathe. I see a 3-jaw chuck, does it also come with a 4-jaw? It has the original rocker style toolpost. You would likely want to replace that with an Aloris style quick-change toolpost. Drill chuck for the tailstock? Machining is an expensive pursuit, be prepared. Suggest you check in here:
and here:
www.facebook.com
South Bend Lathe | Facebook
This is a group to talk about the southbend lathe. It would be neat to talk about the repurposing or upcycling of the older southbend lathe while still maintaining some originality.
www.facebook.com
Last edited:
Thank you! I will check this info and also use the resources shared to determine other important questions. I appreciate your help!I believe that's too much money for a 9, but a lot depends on your local market. I would put that lathe at $1000-$1500 depending on wear and tooling. Included tooling can have a large effect on the value. It is easy to spend more on tooling than the price of the lathe. I see a 3-jaw chuck, does it also come with a 4-jaw? It has the original rocker style toolpost. You would likely want to replace that with an Aloris style quick-change toolpost. Drill chuck for the tailstock? Machining is an expensive pursuit, be prepared. Suggest you check in here:
and here:
South Bend Lathe | Facebook
This is a group to talk about the southbend lathe. It would be neat to talk about the repurposing or upcycling of the older southbend lathe while still maintaining some originality.
michiganbuck
Diamond
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Location
- Mt Clemens, Michigan 48035
A very odd paint job. A 4' bed and quick-change are assets. The condition is difficult to tell from here. Is that a shim under the headstock?
It should have a 4jaw, a steady, tail drill chuck and a thread dial to be an Ok learning machine.
I see well-equipped 9s for lower prices, and some (near mint) even at $4K.
Agree: $1000-$1500 for what I see..or pass if it is worn out or broken.
You might tell what comes with it.
If you had your location listed a PM guy might help you choose or inspect that machine..
QT: (What do I need to specifically check?)
*The flatness of the bed/everything works and accessories.
It should have a 4jaw, a steady, tail drill chuck and a thread dial to be an Ok learning machine.
I see well-equipped 9s for lower prices, and some (near mint) even at $4K.
Agree: $1000-$1500 for what I see..or pass if it is worn out or broken.
You might tell what comes with it.
If you had your location listed a PM guy might help you choose or inspect that machine..
QT: (What do I need to specifically check?)
*The flatness of the bed/everything works and accessories.
Last edited:
lazz
Stainless
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2012
- Location
- The warm desert of Phoenix Arizona
Location location location...
The price of a lathe almost depends more on its location than its condition.
On 3/4/23 here in Phoenix a very similar lathe went for $600. It was very well tooled. That lathe was cleaned off and put on Craigslist the following Tuesday for $3575... The ad went off Craigslist before the weekend. I was not involved....
In the great southwest machinery desert prices are all over the place.
If you are from a more machinery popular place that price could be high...
Here in Phoenix it seems semi reasonable.
A good reference might be to reachout to one of your sons instructors.
Thanks. I dont think they really know enough about it but they saw a different larger model listed at 4,000 on ebay, so they believe they're offering a deal. And I don't really know either. My son knows how to use it as he uses them in tech school, but is also unfamiliar with pricing as he is still young but has various projects that he wants this type of equipment for. This is why I am gathering information to discuss. I figured I can make a reasonable offer. I do know that it runs and was well maintained for many years. I dont think it was used much or as well maintained in the past 20, nor do I think any parts have been replaced. I will ask about what tools are included and check the gears and ways.
Thanks. Where do you typically see/find these lower prices?
What is a pm guy?
I will come back and list when I get a response on specific accessories included.
Planning to go check gears, pins, ways, spindle, levers, etc in person but am told it is in working condition. Was hoping to have an idea of what to look at and basis for negotiation before I make the trip. Responses have been helpful.
What is a pm guy?
I will come back and list when I get a response on specific accessories included.
Planning to go check gears, pins, ways, spindle, levers, etc in person but am told it is in working condition. Was hoping to have an idea of what to look at and basis for negotiation before I make the trip. Responses have been helpful.
michiganbuck
Diamond
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Location
- Mt Clemens, Michigan 48035
Q: Where do you typically see/find these lower prices?
-eBay, facebook market place and Craigs list
Q: What is a pm guy?
A local Practical Machinist member.
-eBay, facebook market place and Craigs list
Q: What is a pm guy?
A local Practical Machinist member.
In western Wisconsin, $2,000 is what people ask for one of those.
In Connecticut, you can get one for as little as $1,000.
Heavily depends on what comes with it.
A collet closer setup with collets will set you back $200-$300.
If it comes with a milling attachment, they are worth $300-400.
You will need the threading stop.
You will want a carriage stop, maybe a threading stop.
Can't tell if it has a taper attachment, but that would be a big plus.
Get some more information and the serial number and we can narrow it down.
Steve
In Connecticut, you can get one for as little as $1,000.
Heavily depends on what comes with it.
A collet closer setup with collets will set you back $200-$300.
If it comes with a milling attachment, they are worth $300-400.
You will need the threading stop.
You will want a carriage stop, maybe a threading stop.
Can't tell if it has a taper attachment, but that would be a big plus.
Get some more information and the serial number and we can narrow it down.
Steve
Thank you! Thats a fantastic idea! I will ask one of them! We are in southern PA but the lathe itself is in MD. Interesting that it would make such difference! But from research I did I saw them sold for anywhere from $50-$1350 which is why I was unclear. I assume we will have more questions in future once we have one, so thank you for sharing your experience!
jim rozen
Diamond
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2004
- Location
- peekskill, NY
This seems to be a pretty high mileage machine. It should be well-tooled for $2K I believe. Otherwise, inspect closely in person before purchasing.
john.k
Diamond
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2012
- Location
- Brisbane Qld Australia
Cousin is a hardass.......you look after the grandfather,and I know how hard that is, cousin has the lathe by possession,and wants a motza for it?..He should give it to you,and Id let him know that in no uncertain terms..
Thanks, Steve. We are in PA, but lathe is in MD. (Part of what makes it hard to just go look). Serial number appears to be 160,120. They sent me pictures of other tags/numbers but that is the one stamped on bed. i will try to attach pics of others cuz idk what they indicate. she said there is another model # listed at tail also, maybe for motor or tail piece? That is 2x441. I think this 160120 serial number dates it between 45 and 47 based on years Model A existed before the numbering changed to include letters. But again, idk thats me googling. It does cone mounted on table/stand. My son is going to get specific info on tooling and things he thinks would indicate condition this weekend. He knows more about what and how to ask. Ill let you know what he finds out! I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us!!
Im attaching additional info cuz I cant figure out how to edit original question, in case any of you have feedback on this. Will get more info on tooling this weekend and post that also. It does come with stand. Thank you so much for all your help! Also, if anyone has resources to recommend for info on proper maintenance and operation, it does not come with any manual, so that would be great to get as well! There is another model# on a tag that says Forward... Dayton Electric at tail 2x441(not legible in pic). Serial number stamped in bed 160, 120, probably dates between 1945 and 1947? Pictures attached of other labels, numbers that idk what mean and havent had much luck googling. Thank you again! Im so glad I found this group and will tell my son to join so he can share the things he learns once he gets started!
Thank you for your compassion. I probably shouldnt have mentioned that... I tried to edit out and couldnt lol. I do understand the intention behind it which is why I want to be fair about counter offer.
Quote "it does not come with any manual, so that would be great to get as well!" The manual for that lathe is "How to run a lathe" printed by South Bend many years ago, hard copy's can be found, also down loaded on the net or reprints, your son should get a copy, it started me on a path of marching and interest SBLs years ago....My first copy I found at a yard sale.
Dobermann
Hot Rolled
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2014
- Location
- North Carolina
Pricing a South Bend can be a daunting task. It is true that the price ranges will change with location. However keep in mind that the cost to go pick up "the crown jewel" can be significant if you have to rent equipment to do the job and it can be very significant if you damage the lathe on some sort of cross-country journey.
There are also other brands of lathes that are at least as good as the South Bend equipment. Think of Logan or Rockwell for example. Atlas made some "workable" lathes if you stay in the larger sizes -- say 10 to 12 inch and they're typically "down market" from the South Bend stuff.
Of course, this information is too late if you already have the lathe! If nobody else has mentioned it, get yourself a copy of South Bend's publication "How To Run a Lathe" which you can find in book form on eBay and in download formats on the internet. It will answer many of the questions you'll have.
There are also other brands of lathes that are at least as good as the South Bend equipment. Think of Logan or Rockwell for example. Atlas made some "workable" lathes if you stay in the larger sizes -- say 10 to 12 inch and they're typically "down market" from the South Bend stuff.
Of course, this information is too late if you already have the lathe! If nobody else has mentioned it, get yourself a copy of South Bend's publication "How To Run a Lathe" which you can find in book form on eBay and in download formats on the internet. It will answer many of the questions you'll have.
