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Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it?

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ShepFL

01-19-2002 19:36:23




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I have used one intermittently (playing) and always thought I would like to have one to turn threads, spindles, gunsmithing, nothing to serious. Also thought about a milling machine. HOWEVER, both these things are rather spendy. Wondering what you do with your lathe and if it would pay for itself in saved machinist fees over time.
Thanks,
ShepFL




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wrenchman

02-03-2002 00:59:42




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
go for it.i've never regretted buying mine(sheldon 11"x36").i don't get much time off & having it really helps when messing around with old machines & other stuff.it's real nice to be able to make bushings to fit & odd length & thread bolts & nuts instead of running around trying to find em.saves a bunch of time...it has paid for itself in just time & frustration saved...not to mention in making stuff you can't hardly find anymore...along with modifying other parts to fit...

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Tom

01-21-2002 18:36:00




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I have a small verticle milling machine, two lathes, and three drill presses. Machine tools are like tractors, neat machines. You can't have too many.



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Chuck

01-22-2002 20:44:46




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 Re: Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to Tom, 01-21-2002 18:36:00  
I agree with Tom. I Just bought my third metal lathe last week. They are all old but what good therapy. I also have Bridgeport mill. Look around, there are some good bargains to be found. Chuck



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DaveInMI

01-21-2002 04:42:50




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I have a WWI vintage Seneca Falls 11 X 36 lathe, a 14" shaper made in Covington, KY, and a Gingery mill. I use the lathe in spurts, maybe 10 times a year.



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HTR

01-20-2002 21:01:20




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
You can't be a farm machinery mechanic without a lathe. If you don't have a lathe you are a service technician.



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Wayne W

01-20-2002 18:04:42




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I have an old (1950's model ) Logan, 10" X 24", a small 7" shaper, and a horizontal mill. Got all three at an auction, cheep, because they were 3 phase, and most of the other bidders apparently never heard of a home built three phase converter. Got all three for the price of what the lathe should have brought! Took some cleaning up and a few parts replaced, but working fine now. (BTW, if you need to replace any gears, check out gear suppliers like Boston Gear. Needed a couple gears for the quick change gear box. Logan supplier wanted $85 each. Got gears from Boston that only required boring out the hole and broaching new keyway. Cost, $12.50 each.)
I don't look at these pieces of machinery in the normal sense of how much money I've made with them, but how much tension and frustration they've relieved. And I quess how much "Shrink Doctor" bills I've avoided! I may make more swarf than anything else, but Damn, am I having fun, or what?

There's still bargains around, just need a little luck, persistance, and a few bucks in your pocket to take advantage of the opportunities!
Keep those gears turning!

WW

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Franz

01-20-2002 13:37:28




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
The one in the shop is a Hamilton 16 x 36, built in 1905. The company went under in 1911. That machine is .003 out after almost a hundred years, and I wouldn't be without it for anything. I may only use it a few hours a year, but when I need it it saves me a ton of money and hours of heartache.
The one in the cellar is a 6 x 18 Ames speed lathe. That one gets less use, but it ain't going anyplace.
There are plenty of "obsolete" lathes looking for new homes, and once you have one you never want to be withot it again.

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Dave_Id

01-20-2002 11:26:17




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I'm a self-employed moldmaker. I have a Victor 16x40. I seldom get any work for the lathe. I'm lucky if I get 2 hours a month on it. Most everything I do is inserted in rectangular form. I still couldn't be without it,though, but for a garage, farm, or hobby shop, an older lathe will do you just as good as a $10,000 new one.



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kraig WY

01-20-2002 06:19:28




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I have two lathes, milling machine, and a few other machine tools. (I like tools). I would be lost without them. I don't know how many times I've made a screw or bolt because I'm tool lazy to drive to town and its quicker then the drive. Also made some hard to find taps. The milling machine sure beats a had drill when you need large holes. Faster then a troch even. Lot easier and faster cutting treads on a lathe then taps and dies. I thank I could go on forever.

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snitkawl

01-19-2002 20:22:32




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 Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to ShepFL, 01-19-2002 19:36:23  
I have a 21x120 Clausing Colchester that I use several hours a month. I do all my own machine work, and there is a lot of it maintaining an old sawmill and all the other equipment that goes with it. I have built two forklifts from the ground up and that takes a lot of machine work as well as a lot of welding. I do a little custom work for people. Today I made two stainless steel conveyer rollers for a feed mill in the area.
My lathe has more than paid for itself because not only do I save the money I would have to pay out for the things I have to fix, I`m able to do things that I would not do if I had to pay a machine shop.
I have Bridgeport vertlical mill that is real nice to have around, but I don`t use it as much as I use the lathe.

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Jake

01-20-2002 21:15:35




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 Re: Re: Do you have a metal lathe? How often do you use it? in reply to snitkawl, 01-19-2002 20:22:32  
I have a 9 X 48 "A" Southbend with all attachments. It has been a life saver when making impossible to find items, rebuilding gens and staters plus saving by making expensive replacment parts. I've owned lathes for 40 yrs and wouldn't be without one.



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