Metal Lathe

[Bill]

Thank you. That doesn't make them sound too valuable. They are all currently residing in a fancy antique tool chest which could quite likely get in my way of getting the bits. It has lots of drawers, some side-by-side, and a slide out cover which buckles down,and a mirror. It's exactly like this one I located on Google if you can follow this long link:

the one in the picture appears to be in better condition. I was only after the bits and metal stock anyway! Maybe my wife would love to see the toolbox in the living room? :) No, seriously!

Bill

[Michael Kenefick]

I suspect the 50 year old metal lathe may run extremely well, even today. Yes, if it is broken it would be harder to get parts. Yes, if it is broken it may not be the right machine. But I think you should consider it if possible. Also, owwm.org has added a metal working posting page. Ask a few of those folks about the one you saw. See what they think.

Mike in Ohio hilliardman on owwm

[Bill]

I will look. Thanks! -Bill

[Bill]

Here's a much better view of that "tool box" I was describing. Evidently, it's holding just what is was designed for...

tomorrow...

Bill

[Nova]

Check to see if it's a Gerstner tool chest.

See:

[Bill]

$139. The auctioneer even said it "looked like" a Gerstner. With it's content: several calipers, cutting bits, blanks, and other small miscellaneous stuff, it went for $140 + 10% (buyer's premium) + 7% sales tax. I was prepared to bid but turned away when the bidding got to $100. I don't even own a lathe--but I figured there was enough there to get me off to a good start! : )

Each item I encounter like this leaves me a little wiser. For instance, last week I would not been able to tell the difference between a machinist's toolbox and a loaf of bread...and that's just a run of the mill bit.... %)

Bill

[Steve]

Check Craigslist. Somebody in the Indpls area has listed a South Bend lathe under the rather opaque title, "10." There are several smaller metal lathes listed as well.