Seeking info on a fair price for a Logan 11x36

[Markit]

Hello,

I am hoping to get some input from those knowledgeable about Logan lathes and their value.

I found a Logan 917 11x36” lathe approx 3 hours from me. It’s from approx 1952.

The seller is wanting $3,500 firm.

The price seems high to me.

I have not seen the lathe in person but the pics seem to show a lathe in good condition for its age.

It has a selectible gear box.

It comes with the original 3 and 4 jaw chucks, a faceplate, steady rest, a knock off of an Aloris QC tool holder, some basic turning tools, a few lathedogs, live and dead centre, a spare original 1hp 110v motor, and a custom made bench on wheels (the original cast iron stand is MIA). It runs and has been converted to / or uses a V belt.

The ways do not appear pitted chipped or damaged from the pictures but unknown if they are worn.

Is it worth a round trip of 6 + hours for this price?

Any info on a reasonable price is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[MashingMetal]

I think the hard part to answer without seeing it is the overall condition and wear. For that price I would want everything A1. You are still going to add on more tooling, collet chuck, DRO?

 

[YotaBota]

For that price I would want everything A1

Agree, you'll also need drill chuck for the tail stock.

It's worth what someone is willing to pay. If it's a smoking deal then it would already be gone. The only way to find out is to go have a look and see what your gut tells you.

What is your experience with lathes?

If you need a second set of eyes there's lots of members in your area, I'm sure if you ask help will be an email away.

The 1 3/8 bore is a big plus as is the gearbox. From info I have the 917 was originally a flat belt drive, marketed as a bench top machine and legs were not stock.

 

[Susquatch]

Doesn't Logan command a slightly higher price? Anyone?

The right lathe is always worth a 6 hour drive if you ask me.

The better question is whether or not it's worth wasting 6 hours only to say no.

The danger is in letting the 6 hour investment cloud your judgement.

The joy is about falling in love on the long drive home.

My advice is to go. As has been said, it isn't sold so its not a screaming deal and/or its not worth buying. You can only know what it's worth after you look at it. Just steel yourself to be objective and don't let the long drive cloud your judgement. Be objective and be prepared to say no.

 

[MashingMetal]

I agree with @Susquatch we have all traveled a distance and bought because we put the gas in. You don’t say where you are located (I am guessing not in southern Ontario) and what’s available in your area. I would compare what is available new, delivered to your door and theoretically problem free and perhaps more capable with metric and imperial. When buying a used older the there are always surprises that you only see later, like I said earlier it would have to be A1 and it does sound to have things done.

 

[Markit]

Thank you for all the responses and info.

I’m in Calgary area and the lathe is in the Edmonton area.

The issue is not just the drive but having to rent a trailer or uhaul with a power lift gate to get it home as I drive an suv.

Very few lathes of this type come up for sale in my neck of the woods which is why the firm price is what it is I guess.

I could always buy the same 10x18 Craftex gear head lathe I owned before as they are on sale at busybee right now for $1,000 less than the Logan, and put the savings towards a 4 jaw a steady rest and some tooling, or just get the Craftex 10x22 which is also less than the Logan, but my experience with the gear head was less than stellar and makes me weary of getting another Craftex.

Again thanks for the advice and comments.

Much appreciated.

 

[Susquatch]

The issue is not just the drive but having to rent a trailer or uhaul with a power lift gate to get it home as I drive an suv.

Yup, the investment I referred to earlier.

There are members in Edmonton who could look at it for you.

Look at the fuel, the time, and the trailer rental as a finders sunk cost. Essentially the same as paying a realtor to find you the right home. That way you can still walk away from the wrong lathe.