Measuring a Prospective Lathe

FirstEliminator · Aug 8, 2007

Hey guys,

The last time I touched a lathe was about 12 years ago in vocational school in south Florida. I am looking at buying a lathe that is claimed to be 17". The lathe is a Leblond. From looking at other pics, I think it is a roundhead Leblond. Anyway, how would I properly measure to determine the actual size of the lathe? Would 17 be the radius? ---Like from the center of the spindle to the bed? Or, is it measured on the diameter? ---Like 17 total diameter meaning 8 1/2 to the bed from the spindle center?

thanks,
Mark
Berkshire Transmissions
North Adams, Massachusetts

pgfaini · Aug 8, 2007

The latter. 17" would be the total swing over the ways. A pretty large lathe for a first one, I'm thinking. Drill presses are measured the same way, by the diameter of the largest circle they will drill into the center of.
Paul

johnoder · Aug 8, 2007

This is somewhat misleading. You will find plenty of lathes that will swing about 2 1/2" more than their "size".

The used dealers love this - they would always say my Monarch (which is plainly marked 16") is an 18 1/2.

Moreso the bigger they get. My plainly marked 24" Lodge & Shipley will actually swing 27 1/2"

John

FirstEliminator · Aug 9, 2007

So, if you had a 17" lathe, probably the biggest stock to put in there would be about 18" in diameter?
Man, maybe I need a Niles. I don't think I need a big lathe, just kinda want one. Big lathes seem to be cheap for what they are. If a 60" lathe came along at a low price, I would probably pick it up just for fun....maybe I am getting ahead of myself. But it would still be fun though.

Mark
Berkshire Transmissions
North Adams, Massachusetts

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