Ulrich von Ludendorff
Aluminum
- Joined
- May 29, 2023
Hello, I recently purchased a Schaublin metal lathe, specifically the 1962 model 102-VM, from the Facebook marketplace. Along with the lathe, I acquired several accessories, including three chucks: a 3-jaw self-centering chuck, a 4-jaw self-centering chuck, and a 4-jaw independent chuck. Additionally, there was a Jacob chuck 33, a keyless chuck (which I believe was not common at the time of purchase, so it was unlikely included in the lathe, however it is still an authentic Schaublin accessory), a variety of collets in different sizes (approximately twenty of them), a traveling steady rest, and more. Essentially, I received everything of importance for the Schaublin 102-VM lathe except for the milling-related accessories and the mag-chuck, which I would have loved to have. Notably, the lathe itself and the majority, if not all, of these accessories are of Swiss or German origin. I couldn't find any items imported from Asia or other places with a poor reputation. It is important to note that terms like "Made in Germany" and "Made in Switzerland" are not necessarily synonymous with quality. This reputation has somewhat eroded in recent times due to companies simply assembling products in these renowned countries for marketing purposes. However, this concept is negligible when it comes to tools from that era.
However, there are a few imperfections. Although I don't doubt the quality it possessed when it left the factory, that quality has diminished over time. The lathe is particularly old, having served for 61 years, it appears to have been moderately used. There is a slight lack of lubrication, as it wasn't lubricated daily, and when it was, it mostly focused on the necessary areas to move the carriage, making it challenging to move the carriage to the extreme right of the bed. The paint is in poor condition, the back panel is rusty, and the lathe is generally dirty, covered in a mixture of grease and dust. In summary, it shows signs of slight neglect.
Nonetheless, the lathe's condition remains good. The carriage is still easily movable for 80% of the bed length, the tailstock is among the best I have seen, and the compound rest is equally impressive. These components exemplify high precision and have aged gracefully. After cleaning, the lathe already looks better, and there are no indications of broken or missing parts, etc.
I must admit that I am quite new to the world of machining. I have only developed a serious interest in it within the past year. Until now, my involvement has mostly been theoretical, except for a few small and potentially hazardous projects on the drill press. Occasionally, I converted them into milling tasks, or lacking a milling table, I would manipulate the workpiece with my hands. In the worst-case scenario, I would use the lathe in the most basic way, employing files to shape the piece secured in a Jacob chuck. I have no practical experience whatsoever. Consequently, I have several questions and hope to receive some guidance. Here they are:
Is this a good lathe for the price? Based on my research on the marketplace and other sales platforms, I believe it is, but I often hear YouTubers discuss lathes they acquired at significantly lower prices.
Is it a reliable lathe? Again, I have gathered that it is, but I am uncertain about the specific aspects that make it reliable. While it is a lathe designed for relatively precise operations, I wonder if it is also suitable for more general machining tasks.
I am considering scraping the bed by hand, excluding the removal of the headstock. Is this a practical idea, or would it simply be a waste of time?
The machine requires approximately 600V. Considering that I have access to a maximum welding socket, would a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) be a viable solution?
A small quick-change tool post was included with the machine, and I'm curious about its quality. Naturally, it cannot provide the same rigidity as a larger post. Given that larger posts were available during the production of the lathe, I wonder about the usefulness and application of its miniature version. I left a picture of this ridiculous post and the lathe in question.
If you have any additional information, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you, and have a great day.
The tool post:
The lathe:
However, there are a few imperfections. Although I don't doubt the quality it possessed when it left the factory, that quality has diminished over time. The lathe is particularly old, having served for 61 years, it appears to have been moderately used. There is a slight lack of lubrication, as it wasn't lubricated daily, and when it was, it mostly focused on the necessary areas to move the carriage, making it challenging to move the carriage to the extreme right of the bed. The paint is in poor condition, the back panel is rusty, and the lathe is generally dirty, covered in a mixture of grease and dust. In summary, it shows signs of slight neglect.
Nonetheless, the lathe's condition remains good. The carriage is still easily movable for 80% of the bed length, the tailstock is among the best I have seen, and the compound rest is equally impressive. These components exemplify high precision and have aged gracefully. After cleaning, the lathe already looks better, and there are no indications of broken or missing parts, etc.
I must admit that I am quite new to the world of machining. I have only developed a serious interest in it within the past year. Until now, my involvement has mostly been theoretical, except for a few small and potentially hazardous projects on the drill press. Occasionally, I converted them into milling tasks, or lacking a milling table, I would manipulate the workpiece with my hands. In the worst-case scenario, I would use the lathe in the most basic way, employing files to shape the piece secured in a Jacob chuck. I have no practical experience whatsoever. Consequently, I have several questions and hope to receive some guidance. Here they are:
Is this a good lathe for the price? Based on my research on the marketplace and other sales platforms, I believe it is, but I often hear YouTubers discuss lathes they acquired at significantly lower prices.
Is it a reliable lathe? Again, I have gathered that it is, but I am uncertain about the specific aspects that make it reliable. While it is a lathe designed for relatively precise operations, I wonder if it is also suitable for more general machining tasks.
I am considering scraping the bed by hand, excluding the removal of the headstock. Is this a practical idea, or would it simply be a waste of time?
The machine requires approximately 600V. Considering that I have access to a maximum welding socket, would a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) be a viable solution?
A small quick-change tool post was included with the machine, and I'm curious about its quality. Naturally, it cannot provide the same rigidity as a larger post. Given that larger posts were available during the production of the lathe, I wonder about the usefulness and application of its miniature version. I left a picture of this ridiculous post and the lathe in question.
If you have any additional information, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you, and have a great day.
The tool post:
The lathe:
