Lathe question

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Was just wondering if $300 was a good price for a full size metal lathe? And if this would be a good size to do barrel work? I looked at the brand new ones and they start at around $2500.
 
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I havent dealt with patterson but 300.00 for a metal lathe is good, with the understanding that means the lathe is is good operating condition. The ways on the bed are still sharp with no ridges. no excessive end play on the cariage and cross slide, and little or no side to side wiggle on the compound and cross slide. I couldnt find much in a quick search on google. If there isnt much information what happens when you need repair parts? I have bought lathes that needed small rrepairs and it quickly went past the price of a better lathe in better shape. It might be a great deal to start with and then be able to move up later, reselling this lathe and moving on. Is it capable of threading as is? does it need gears? hope this helps Mike
 
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Woot thanks, Mike. Those questions will give me the ground work I need when I contact the seller. I haven't seen a picture so I don't know if it just a pile of parts or not. I find very few good deals on Craigslist in my area so hopefully this will be one.
 
Here is a picture of the lathe"

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MY first thought is for you to turn it down. IF you still consider buying this check the headstock shaft for side play and movement up and down. IF there is any slop you will have to rebuild the top end. Rust stains are ugly and show up worse in pictures. but its an indication of lack of care. It looks like a "Project" to me. I would recomend you wait. Mike
 
Just like Mike said. I'd snap it up for a project and take the gamble that it could be restored. But I wouldn't buy it to use straight away.
 
Just at quick glance, I'm not seeing any gearing on the end for threading, which
usually brings up the price. (might just be the small photo) But if not, this might
be more than you would want to spend for this one. If it was $100, I'd probably
put it in my stack of 'projects' the be forgotten till the next time I clean the shop.
Looks good for a restoration project. Visually it should clean up nicely, but that's
not why you'd want it.
 
rjwolfe3 said:
Anyone know anything about this (metal) lathe?

http://mansfield.craigslist.org/tls/1476910152.html

I was wondering if I could use it for gunsmithing as well as other smaller work.
Click to expand...

It would be a project like most have said.

If you are interested in gunsmithing (rifle) there are purpose built gunsmithing lathes. But be prepared for sticker shock!

For pen related items, a mini metal lathe 7x14 works well.
For pistols, the Grizzly G4000 (9x19) and G0602 (10x22) are good general purpose lathes. They have good support and parts are readily available.

Don't know if you have done any metal lathe work, but the mindset is completely different from wood lathes.
 
I personally wouldn't even consider it. It's more than likely got poured babbit bearings, which if are even remotely shot will either cost you a lot of time and frustration or a lot of money. I'd also guess that it's probably over 100 years old and probably closer to 150 years old by looking at the small picture. It appears to have originally run off of an overhead leather belt system, which can be expensive to convert to electric power correctly.

For gunsmithing, specifically working with barrels you need something that is going to be precise over a long length. That is why gunsmithing lathes cost an arm and a leg. As stated previously you can do small things like recoil rods for pistols with a 9x20, but not much in the way of bore work on rifles.
 
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