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My “NEW” SB Lathe

ifirefight

Plastic
Joined
Jul 5, 2019
1st post so forgive me if it’s in the wrong place. I just acquired what I believe to be a fine example of a SB Lathe. I’m very new to all this so cut me some slack if I don’t know all the lingo. A little background on me.. im a firefighter for 24 years. I did autobody,heavy collision,fabrication,welding, for 20 years. I also did high end woodworking for many years. I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a metal lathe so I found a beauty. I’m 53 years old and close to retirement...figure this might keep me busy.

From the number on the end of the bed, I believe this machine was built in 1917 and shipped to a school in Washington State. I was able to cross reference the numbers on some site I saw....if I’m correct. Hopefully here are some pictures.
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I have completely gave her a 100 year old detailing, lubed up everything according to specs. She is running like a champ!


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Welcome to the forum. Very nice example of a 9A southbend and nicely tooled as well. I'm no SB expert but i suspect it's newer then 1917. Hodge
 
It's between 1947 and 1950 per my _Serial Number Reference Book_. South Bend used a single serial number series for all its lathes until 1947. Then in that year each model had its own serial number series with the s/n followed by a letter signifying the model. The letter for the 9", whether version A, B or C, was "N". So your serial number is in fact 14144N. (I'll leave it to others to explain the "A", "R" and "9" that follow.

The version "A" had a quick change gearbox; that's what you have. The "B" had power longitudinal and cross feeds via a worm driven by a keyway in the lead screw (as do you) but used change gears rather than a quick change gearbox for selection of threads and feeds. The "C" lacked power cross feed; longitudinal required engaging the half-nut, as for threading.
David
 
Yes, per above 1948. The site you found is accurate and a treasure trove of info, you just need to realize SB started their numbering system over at least twice...if you keep scrolling down on the serial list you will find the numbers with the letter suffixes were post 1947

Looks good!
 
Pretty cool. Do you have the missing taper attachment pieces?

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Ah! I think so..I couldn’t figure out where that went, thanks! I have very little knowledge about a metal lathe, just something I’ve always wanted to learn. I have a local machinist coming over to help me with the basics. I know I could watch videos,but I’d rather learn from a pro. For now I’m just cleaning,oiling and going through the inventory of everything that came with it. ..and reading..

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13434NAR8 10/13/1948 1948 "South Bend" cast into bed 9 4.5 R Workshop-9A 644-R 12spd HMD FFA QCG
13500N 1948 9
13600N 1948 9
13636NAR9 1948 9 4 A Workshop-9A 644-A 12spd HMD FFA QCG
13700N 1948 9
13800N 1948 9
13900N 1948 9
13976NAR9 1948 9 3.5 Z Workshop-9A 644-Z 12spd HMD FFA QCG
14000N 1948 9
14100N 1948 9
14105NAR9 1948 9 Workshop-9A FFA QCG
14133NAR9 12/15/1948 1948 notes 9 3 Y Workshop-9A HMD FFA QCG
14144NAR9 1948 9 3.5 Z Workshop-9A 644-Z 12spd HMD FFA QCG
14192NCR8 1948 9 Workshop-9C SFG SCG
14200N 1948 9
14300N 1948 9
14301NAR9 1948 9 4 A Workshop-9A 444-A 6spd HMD FFA QCG
14400N 1948 9
14448NAR9 1948 9 4 A Workshop-9A 644-A 12spd HMD FFA QCG

Steve
 
NICE! you are going to have fun with that. first thing is invest in an ALORIS AXA tool post. you won't be sorry. you can get import tool holders. but go for the Aloris tool post.
 
That's a nice well preserved lathe.
Your welding experience shows in your nice table. Considering the top heavy weight do you think adding gussets where the upright angles meet the cross angles would stiffen it some. The fact that it's getting rolled around casters and get stubbed on small objects on the floor. Give it a little twist test. I may be over thinking it.
When rolling it roll from the ends.
I would like to find one that nice.

I wouldnt paint it.
 
NICE! you are going to have fun with that. first thing is invest in an ALORIS AXA tool post. you won't be sorry. you can get import tool holders. but go for the Aloris tool post.

Thank you for the info. I did a little searching, seems to be many different models of the Aloris AXA. Which one do you recommend for my size lathe? Thanks.
 
That's a nice well preserved lathe.
Your welding experience shows in your nice table. Considering the top heavy weight do you think adding gussets where the upright angles meet the cross angles would stiffen it some. The fact that it's getting rolled around casters get stubbed on small objects on the floor. Give it a little twist test. I may be over thinking it.
I would like to find one that nice.

I did consider that and have plenty of metal to do it. I ran nice beads all around. Its 1/8 inch or 11 gauge angle, so it can hold plenty of weight. I did give it the twist test..does not budge. And the casters are rated at 250lbs each.
 








 
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