I have never never turned anything on a lathe, but now that I am retired, I've been wanting to add a lathe to my shop. I have a chance to pick up a Craftsman 113.228360 12" x 37" wuth a stand and some basic tools for $150. Is this a decent price for a decent lathe? Wil I be able to tirn a bowl on this thing?
Looking for comments, particularly from owners.
Thanks in advance.
-jj
try news:rec.crafts.woodturning
You might be able to tern, or tirn,or even turn... or whatever.
It's a decent price -- I don't know if it is a decent lathe. Are they=20 high speed steel or carbon steel tools? HSS steel is generally better.=20 That would be a good price for a set of HSS tools -- even good carbon=20 tools are about $60 to $120 for a good set.
--=20 Will R. Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
It is difficult to say based solely on your description but...
...the determinant of value would be whether the bearings are solid and if the motor is in good shape. If either grind badly or if the headstock pushes out of alignment then look elsewhere. Otherwise small parts are easily had.
You're almost certainly going to be getting a tool made no later than
1980, and more likely sometime in the 50's or 60's. (See owwm.com for details. You may even find a photo of the particular item you plan to buy.) By the term "basic tools" I presume you mean a set of 6 or 8 lathe chisels. A 12" is plenty for bowl turning (I suspect that it does not have a 12" , which would result in a lathe too big to fit in the back of your car), and 37" length is perfectly adequate for hobbyist spindle work. IMO the type that has a pair of iron ways for the bed is much superior to the type of lathe that has a single big pipe for a bed. You get truer alignment and a beefier tool.In sum, you might be able to get it $30 to $40 dollars cheaper, but on the other hand if you were to buy it on eBay you might well spend a whole lot more. If you want it, buy it. If the tool is in good shape then you're probably not getting rooked and your seller will be very happy.
J.
JJ wrote:
I bought the same one, also with basic tools for $70 at an auction a few months ago. It also came with a copying setup and a few other accessories. Several people there told me I got a steal; they just couldn't use it. Since then I seen the same lathe with tools but nothing else go for $100 at two auctions.
So, I suspect if you wait it out you can find one for less; but if you want a lathe now it is not too bad.
I sold mine for $100. The purchaser threw in an extra 10 to for a few spare tools (cheap but functional tools)
BTW $100 was my asking price. I'd say $150 is worthy of some negotiation. I never did turn a bown on it, only spindle work, for which it was perfectly adequate. I eventually dumped it simply because the adjustments (lockdowns) were unrefined (like having to use a wrench to side the banjo). It just makes me appreciate my Jet 1442 all the more. (I fully acknowledge that that is kind if like comparing a Ford Fetiva to Lincoln Town Car, The LTC is bigger, heavier, with more amenities, at a completely different price point)
I'd say go for it. Learn on it for a while and then, worst case, sell it for $75.
I assume that's a Sears tube bed lathe. It's an okay beginner lathe, but that price is a little steep to my mind. If you're anywhere near NE Florida, I'll sell you mine (without stand, but with tools + several accessories like faceplates for tirning bowls) for $100.
Thanks for all the replies. I now know about 900% more than I used to know about wood lathes. I'll go take a look at it and try to get the price down. I are a enjineer, so I can tell pretty much about the condition of a tool, motor, etc. If it's in decent shape, I'll try to get it for a C-note or so.
Another Craftsman showed up for sale last night. The guy claims it is a
15" but doesn't have the model number. I'll go take a look at it too.-jj
"I assume that's a Sears tube bed lathe. It's an okay beginner lathe, but that price is a little steep "
I agree, 3/4" spindle, tube bed not terribly rigid, sold mine for $100 with some face plates, etc. now have cast iron bed lathe.
Walt Conner
======================= I do not know if my Craftsman Lathe is the same as yours,... I purchased mine in the 60's brand new BUT honestly do not do much turning... If I did.. my single tube rail Craftsman Lathe would have been history long ago...
But that is NOT the point... I also am retired and gheese I could get
150 bucks worth of "entertainment" out of almost any lathe...not much of a problem turning one of a kind bowls etc...a few little mistakes just add to the final look of the bowl...Just do not wear a flanal shirt or your wife will be on your case the minute you walk into the house because you will have shavings "stuck" all over you....
Go Ahead...enjoy the new toy... at worst you may be out 150 bucks but you will have more fun then going to a few movies and spending the money on Popcorn etc...
Bob Griffiths
Well,
The lathe was sold by the time I got around to going to look at it, But, I have found that Harbor Freight has their el cheapo 14 x 40 $134.99 Lathe on sale for $84.99. Plus, I have a 20% off single item coupon. I can pick it up for $67.99 + tax.
-jj
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