Clausing 59XX series lathes

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danutz

Banned
I'm going to look at, and possibly buy a 59?? series lathe with hydraulic drive this weekend, and it's been tore down for restoration. I'm wondering what i need to look out for on it. The guy said it was nice and tight, and ran smooth before he tore it apart. Any insight on these lathes, and advice is appreciated. Thanks.
 
As I said in the other thread, I tried looking up the weight on the 5900 series - found out there were many models.

But Googling Clausing 59xx lathe got several hits and many were about guys rebuilding a 5900 series. They got some good pointers. Here's one:

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=33735

There are more on the HomeShopMachinist site - but you probably already did the same thing.

HTH

Gary
 
danutz said:
I'm going to look at, and possibly buy a 59?? series lathe with hydraulic drive this weekend, and it's been tore down for restoration. I'm wondering what i need to look out for on it. The guy said it was nice and tight, and ran smooth before he tore it apart. Any insight on these lathes, and advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You're rolling the dice if it's knocked down.

Clausing parts are expensive.
Clausing's assembly is very complex too.
 
danutz said:
I'm going to look at, and possibly buy a 59?? series lathe with hydraulic drive this weekend, and it's been tore down for restoration. I'm wondering what i need to look out for on it. The guy said it was nice and tight, and ran smooth before he tore it apart. Any insight on these lathes, and advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

The hydraulic drives are notorious for leaking.

Do yourself a favor and walk away, they can be had in running condition for 1-2k.

Not only do you not know if it even runs you:

1. Didn't take it apart. Feel like finding a breakdown, making SURE all the parts are there, then trying to put it back together? Say NO.

2. Like Joey said, Clausing parts ARE pretty expensive.

3. Will probably find there are more things wrong with it than you are being told. People lie and WHY would ANYONE take a lathe apart a nice/tight lathe to restore it. There are GOOD reasons older lathes have many coats of paint slapped on...think about it.

Don't even go look at it unless it is free, then consider it a project that will cost you at LEAST 500.00

Run, don't walk, away from this. You will be thankful you did.
 
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Thanks guys, i know you're right. I thought it might be worth messing with for $500, but i'm sure i'd be getting in over my head with it. I don't know if it's true but, i heard the bearings on it are like $500 apiece. Ouch....
 
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