Is this worth looking into

110v and for only $400, If It's not too bad off, at that price, I'd find a use for It. Too far from Me though, and I never run across metal lathes that cheap here regardless of condition.
 
What about half splice, billet work, or ruffing squares? I can see it having It's uses as an extra lathe for that kind of money if someone has the extra space, but yes It won't do all I suppose, so joint work out of the jaws would not be an option.
 
One question to ask the seller is, what is the hole size thru the spindle? If it's 1-3/8" or above, your good, then take a machinest with you to look it over for wear, unless you know what to look for.
If the ways are shot, and or missing parts, then leave it for the next guy, IMO. Also, if they can't run it under power for you to check it out, then IMO, leave and don't look back. Looking good and running good are 2 very different things.
Good luck,
Dave
 
What about half splice, billet work, or ruffing squares? I can see it having It's uses as an extra lathe for that kind of money if someone has the extra space, but yes It won't do all I suppose, so joint work out of the jaws would not be an option.

Something that size takes up WAY to much room to only use it for billet work, etc. It either has to become the workhorse lathe, or be put to pasture...:)I have a Atlas 10" that has a spindle bore of 7/8" I believe, and it's been a long, hard road to get it to do all the main work that is required of a lathe for this 'hobby' I contracted:grin-square:
To the OP, good luck on the quest for a lathe, it can be interesting, to say the least.
Dave
 
Something that size takes up WAY to much room to only use it for billet work, etc. It either has to become the workhorse lathe, or be put to pasture...:)I have a Atlas 10" that has a spindle bore of 7/8" I believe, and it's been a long, hard road to get it to do all the main work that is required of a lathe for this 'hobby' I contracted:grin-square:
To the OP, good luck on the quest for a lathe, it can be interesting, to say the least.
Dave



True It would be a beast, and speaking honestly I wouldn't currently have the extra room to put it Myself, but If I did and the ways were good, It may would be worth the $400 to me just to have for ruff turning. You guys up there are lucky, $400 lathes don't come across on My local craigslist too often, in fact not sure if I've ever saw one that low except for woodlathes. I guess one man's trash is another's treasure. Thinking hard about It though, moving It would be a PITA, and for $400, I could probably build a more portable jig to do the same thing.
 
A Sheldon is a pretty decent lathe. I own one and I know that Brent (BHQ) owns one as well. Given it's a 12" swing suggests that it might have a 1.375" through-spindle. You should check with the seller. I believe mine is a 13" and has the big spindle.
As far as bed length, you won't be turning any cues btwn. centers but that's not to say you couldn't do joint work, etc. if you have the spindle capacity. I like all the drawers in the base, keeps all your tooling close at hand.
 
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