Still looking for a lathe ! What do you think ?

[Titusak]

Well, it seems the first guy pass. Im gonna check it out tomorrow.
She posted more photos:

I think the rest of the gear are missing, but I will check for it. Im also seeing two of the handles are broken too...
Anyhow, will keep you posted guys !

 

[mickeyf]

You may be able to find a set of gears on eBay, but I'd check for that first, look at the historical prices, and factor that into what you think the lathe is actually worth - i.e., maybe deduct the cost of the gears from what it would be worth if it came with them. (Plus aggravation value...)

 

[SightlessSeer]

One thing I notice from the new pictures is that there's no drive belt between the countershaft and the spindle, so it probably hasn't been used recently. To put a new one on you either need to disassemble the spindle, or use a link V belt. Also the motor pulley doesn't look like the original one to me. It doesn't really matter, but it will change the speeds that you can use relative to what's listed in the manual (several versions are listed on vintage machinery).

If you have access to, or know somebody who has access to a 3D printer you can find models for the change gears. This was the first one that I found and at a glance they look reasonable. There's an old Mr Pete video where he shows a set of 3D printed Atlas change gears and iirc they worked fine.

Atlas 10 lathe change gears. by Gadget047

Tumbler gears and change gears for the Atlas 10

www.thingiverse.com

 

[Susquatch]

make sure it comes with a full set of gears. If not, you will be very limited in cutting threads.

Easy to make any missing ones! In fact, not all lathes can cut all threads. They always seem to miss the one you need next!

Just identify the gear parameters, buy the appropriate gear cutters, and cut your own.

Also, don't assume that your lathe can't cut the thread you want. Sometimes it just isn't on the chart. But you can calculate the missing pitches and fill in the chart.

 

[Titusak]

I guess Im gonna have to learn along the way if I take it @Susquatch, thanks for the tips guys !
Do you guys mind if I do a video and post it here for feedback later ?
Also @mickeyf, yesterday night I checked the video of Blondihacks on youtube. spent the whole night looking at her videos. Simple and effective, that's the way I like it
I also found this one:

It seems to be the same model. As a beginner, I don't if I'm making the right choice here, but that's the story of my life I think...

 

[Susquatch]

As a beginner, I don't if I'm making the right choice here, but that's the story of my life I think...

I like to say it a different way. "The more you know, the more you know you don't know...."

Post away with your video. We love checking stuff like that out.

When I get time, I'm going to make a checklist to help members buying a used lathe. I have posted one already for mills so it only seems appropriate to draft an equivalent one for lathes.

 

[Susquatch]

As a beginner, I don't if I'm making the right choice here, but that's the story of my life I think...

I had some time so I thought, no time like now to make a check list for evaluating used lathes. It is just a first draft. I'll update it over time. I posted it here:

https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/used-lathe-checkup-list.16034

 

[jorogi]

As a beginner, I don't if I'm making the right choice here, but that's the story of my life I think...

The only right choice is to get started. There is always going to be something better so if you go in without paying too much you can always cash out and upgrade without remorse.
I'm going to sell my South Bend now that I have the Meuser, the SB has served me well for several years so no regrets.

 

[Susquatch]

The only right choice is to get started. There is always going to be something better so if you go in without paying too much you can always cash out and upgrade without remorse.
I'm going to sell my South Bend now that I have the Meuser, the SB has served me well for several years so no regrets.

This is GREAT advice! Even if you sell the earlier equipment at a loss, it's like low cost rental fees. It's a no brainer to get something to use and learn on instead of waiting forever for the perfect machine.

 

[Titusak]

So, I went to check it, unfortunately, the light in the room break, and the only way to check it was with 2 cellphones flash. So I wasn't really able to take a video....
It is a succession's sell, so the machine hasn't been used in 3 years. From what I was able to check:
- the gears had no tears or defects but the whole set is not here. So there is that.
- The lead Screw Seemed ok, as well as the carriage. No sign of wear, tear, rust.
- The bed had no apparent sign of rust, seemed in pretty good shape.
- The tool post was a bit rusty, and I was not able to say if it was able to hold the tool correctly. Seemed rusty.
- I was not able to determine if it would run on 15A or it was taking 20.

Also, from what I understood, the machine was mostly used with wood. there was wood dust everywhere on the machine, but I guess its easy to clean.

Actually the only concern for me was the fact that I was not able to run it because it was missing belts.
The seller told me he will have someone come tomorrow, to put it back to work, and check is the machine is ok, and make an estimate.
He will then contact me.

One other thing:

This part here, had cracks, I'm not just if its problematic or not.
Will update you tomorrow guys, but not sure if I should spend more than 500 buck here.

 

[mickeyf]

Here's someone selling the quick change gear box that is needed:

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[SightlessSeer]

So, I went to check it, unfortunately, the light in the room break, and the only way to check it was with 2 cellphones flash. So I wasn't really able to take a video....
It is a succession's sell, so the machine hasn't been used in 3 years. From what I was able to check:
- the gears had no tears or defects but the whole set is not here. So there is that.
- The lead Screw Seemed ok, as well as the carriage. No sign of wear, tear, rust.
- The bed had no apparent sign of rust, seemed in pretty good shape.
- The tool post was a bit rusty, and I was not able to say if it was able to hold the tool correctly. Seemed rusty.
- I was not able to determine if it would run on 15A or it was taking 20.

Also, from what I understood, the machine was mostly used with wood. there was wood dust everywhere on the machine, but I guess its easy to clean.

Actually the only concern for me was the fact that I was not able to run it because it was missing belts.
The seller told me he will have someone come tomorrow, to put it back to work, and check is the machine is ok, and make an estimate.
He will then contact me.

One other thing:
View attachment 66330
This part here, had cracks, I'm not just if its problematic or not.
Will update you tomorrow guys, but not sure if I should spend more than 500 buck here.

I wouldn't worry about it running on a regular 15A circuit. Iirc the recommended motor for these machines is a 1/2 HP, which shouldn't be an issue. Even if the one on it is toast, you can generally pick them up pretty inexpensively. The tool holder on it is a lantern style one. They're pretty simple (basically just a bolt), so it will probably hold a tool without any issues, although that being said, you might want to upgrade to a quick change tool post rather than getting into lantern style tooling, just because it's more convenient. The crack in the spindle cone pulley is more concerning, but it's hard to say how serious it is without seeing it, so you might have to make that call yourself.

 

[SightlessSeer]

Here's someone selling the quick change gear box that is needed:

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That's a solid deal! if it wasn't on the wrong side of the country from me and I hadn't just bought a bigger lathe I'd be sorely tempted to go after that myself.

 

[mbond]

I wouldn't worry about it running on a regular 15A circuit. Iirc the recommended motor for these machines is a 1/2 HP, which shouldn't be an issue. Even if the one on it is toast, you can generally pick them up pretty inexpensively. The tool holder on it is a lantern style one. They're pretty simple (basically just a bolt), so it will probably hold a tool without any issues, although that being said, you might want to upgrade to a quick change tool post rather than getting into lantern style tooling, just because it's more convenient. The crack in the spindle cone pulley is more concerning, but it's hard to say how serious it is without seeing it, so you might have to make that call yourself.

A half horse power motor is less than a bad vacuum cleaner - just to make the comparison