Help with lathe decision

[jthompso]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/tls/240431109.html

I saw this lathe today and am considering picking it up and fixing it. I talked to the owner and he said mostly it just needs cleaning up and that some of the handles have broken off. Does anybody know anything about this type of lathe that could help me with the decision?

[Anders Troberg]

From the pictures, it looks like it's a bit more than just a cleanup. All the small stuff looks downright rusty.

Also, if some handles have been broken off, I wonder how much violence it has been subjected to?

With any lathe or mill, you should check that everything is nice and snug. If there is any wobble or loose fit (wtf is the English word for "glapp"?) in the moving parts, you are wasting your money. Shake everything thouroghly, and make sure it's good.

On the other hand, for that price, you are not putting much on the line. You can take a chance, fix it if you can, salvage for parts if not.

[Bo Danerius]

(wtf is the English word for "glapp"?)

That would be "axial play" Anders. http://autorepair.about.com/library/glo ... ef-013.htm

/Bo

[Anders Troberg]

That would be "axial play" Anders.

Thanks. When I heard it, I recognized the word. Too bad my memory can't drag it out by itself...

[skyfrog]

Hi,

That lathe looks pretty old you might not be able to find accessories that match it. Before you make any decision, maybe you should gather more info from these sites :

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Default.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/7x10minilathe/

Budget for a mini lathe : $300 to $500

Regards,