What lathe to look for

JC

JC

Coos Cues
I am thinking about buying a full size lathe for coring and live threading primarily. I am thinking of old American steel, non gear head. Don't want to spring for 5k for a new chinese lathe. I am patient but would like to know what lathes specifically to look for that are best suited for these tasks and may come on the market for a reasonable price.

I know the basic characteristics I'm looking for size, bore size etc but am wondering if folks can tell me manufacturer and models to look for that work well for what I want since many on the used market are short on specs by the seller when advertised and I'm not all that knowledgable about the subject.

Thanks

JC
 
Logan, Clausing, SouthBend, Sheldon, etc. in no particular order; all belt drive.
Preferably you want at least a 1-3/8 thru-hole and a threading transmission.
A short bed on any of these will still allow coring in the spindle.
Bed length is up to you. On Craigslist, these generally go $2-3K, some cheaper.
 
Collet closer on the coring lathe, smaller Turret lathe to drill the pilot holes on both ends before you hit it with the core drill with air.
 
PRED said:
Collet closer on the coring lathe, smaller Turret lathe to drill the pilot holes on both ends before you hit it with the core drill with air.
Click to expand...

Gonna be tough to core handle sleeve on collet closer when they are over 1 1/4 in diameter.

6-jaw chuck , 1 3/8 spindle hole or bigger.
 
Variable speed saves time...no belts or gears to change and a steady rest adds to the versatility.

Mario
 
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While I haven't had anyone give me a clearly defined answer as to why,talking to cuemakers here and in person,I've heard Clausing mentioned a LOT,in particular the 49/59/6900 models since you expressed interest in old American iron.

As far as buying a new lathe,you'd be hard pressed to do better than the Grizzly G0776,it even has a rear spindle "spider" that if used correctly,might eliminate the need for a rear chuck. Tommy D.
 
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PRED said:
Collet closer on the coring lathe, smaller Turret lathe to drill the pilot holes on both ends before you hit it with the core drill with air.
Click to expand...

First thing you want to do is forget this nonsense as quickly as is humanly possible.
Turret-lathe to drill a hole ? Are you kidding me ?
Doesn't anyone screen these posts anymore ?
 
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KJ Cues said:
First thing you want to do is forget this nonsense as quickly as is humanly possible.
Turret-lathe to drill a hole ? Are you kidding me ?
Doesn't anyone screen these posts anymore ?
Click to expand...

Joey in cali
Gonna be tough to core handle sleeve on collet closer when they are over 1 1/4 in diameter.

Ya'll some grumpy old men. Your way or the highway,

I can drill and bore both ends before I move to the cc lathe, slide that 1.375 front, handle, or butt piece in the collet closer and core it out with the gun drill.
With this setup you can core wood quickly and precisely.
 
PRED said:
Joey in cali
Gonna be tough to core handle sleeve on collet closer when they are over 1 1/4 in diameter.

Ya'll some grumpy old men. Your way or the highway,

I can drill and bore both ends before I move to the cc lathe, slide that 1.375 front, handle, or butt piece in the collet closer and core it out with the gun drill.
With this setup you can core wood quickly and precisely.
Click to expand...
Okies. So, you use two lathes?
How big of a piece can the collet closer hold ?
What collet closer and lathe is it?

And I did not say my way or the highway.
 
Sometimes you can get Hardinge lathes very cheap , so don't go closing your eyes too soon. It all depends on the auctioneer and the companies position. In 09 went to an auction and there was a Hardinge collet lathe with $500 reserve no body took it, or the 2 Turret lathes that had never been wired up, brand new they were. At the time I had no place to store them or use them.
 
JC said:
Now I need to look for two machines?:(

JC
Click to expand...

You don't.
There are plenty of good ole 12 by 36 or 13 by 40 Yankee old steel.
Plenty with 1 3/8 spindle hole.
Those with motors mounted under the head stock tend to be more vibration free.
If you get a 36" between centers or more, you have the option to use the steady rest.
 
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