Used Craftsman Lathe: Buy or Pass?

[LarryG]

A co-worker has an older Craftsman lathe that he's offered to sell me. I've not yet seen it, but here's what I know:

Model number is 113.238180 indicating it was built by Emerson

Size is 12" x ~36"

Dates from the mid 1970s or so. Could be a little newer, he's not sure.

It's the kind that uses a round tube to connect the headstock and tailstock. My understanding is that this is not preferred, but is somewhat common on inexpensive lathes (i.e., you're getting what you're paying for).

It's not variable speed except in the sense that the belt can be moved to a smaller or larger pulley.

Includes a 6-piece basic turning set (round nose, skew, parting, three sizes of gouges), also Craftsman.

Asking price is $100, and for a variety of reasons I'm disinclined to dicker. I don't see a hunnert dollar bill as a big obstacle to get started with turning. So my question is: do the experienced turners her regard this package as a decent choice for a newbie to turning, or would I be better off applying the $100 to something else?

Thanks much ...

[RayintheUK]

It's the kind that uses a round tube to connect the headstock and tailstock. My understanding is that this is not preferred, but is somewhat common on inexpensive lathes (i.e., you're getting what you're paying for).

This is exactly the type of lathe that I started with (also bought used). It was a real pain to try to get it vibration-free, mostly due to the single tube. The locking levers on this type are also fairly basic, so be sure that they work!

It's not variable speed except in the sense that the belt can be moved to a smaller or larger pulley.

Probably four or five different steps, using the weight of the bottom-pivoted motor to keep the belt tensioned. Another reason that these do vibrate quite a bit, no matter how firmly you bolt them down.

Includes a 6-piece basic turning set (round nose, skew, parting, three sizes of gouges), also Craftsman.

Yep, that'll get you started, but don't forget that the experience soon becomes poor (frightening, even!) once the tools dull. Got any means of sharpening the funny-shaped tools?

Asking price is $100, and for a variety of reasons I'm disinclined to dicker. I don't see a hunnert dollar bill as a big obstacle to get started with turning. So my question is: do the experienced turners her regard this package as a decent choice for a newbie to turning, or would I be better off applying the $100 to something else?

Given all the above, it's what I did and - although I soon found severe limitations on the lathe, including run-out and severe vibration - I still don't regret it, as it started me along the road to turning, which I love!

Would I do it again? - not necessarily. There are other ways to try turning first - join a club, try someone else's lathe, take a class, etc. - although I'd guess that you've already considered these approaches.

Bear in mind that a sweet-running lathe with sweetly-sharpened tools leads to a sweet turning experience. You can guess that this statement works with "sweet" replaced with another word too!

Ray.

[bmyers]

In addition to what Ray said:

If you end up liking turning, you won't have that lathe very long.

If you end up not liking turning, you won't have that lathe very long.

Can you get $100 for it if you resell it, pretty good chance you could.

That said, I also bought one of those lathes as a starter at a garage sale. It taught me alot, like what NOT to have for my 2nd lathe.

Ray is right on with the vibration, centers not lining up, cheesy levers, etc. I found all the same problems with the one I had.

The enjoyment factor goes way up when you turn with a stable, tuned lathe and a sharp chisel. Nothing will teach you that better than a wobbly, out of whack lathe and dull tools. It's a right of passage.

Also, I'd recommend a full face shield as a must have in addition to the lathe and tools.

Bill

[Ken Massingale]

Larry,
Here's a Jet VS midi for $200. It's in Chatham, IL., but even with shipping it's still a deal.
Ken

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=45315

[Tom Miller]

Hey, Larry, if you want any help greasing the slope, just let me know!

Have you checked if this lathe has "standard" headstock threads? Does it have morse taper on the head and tail? It's always nice to know that any accessories you buy will be transferable.

Although my experience with lathes is fairly minimal, I'd be a little wary of the tube construction. Ray covered the operational issues, but I'm thinking in terms of the jigs/fixtures I've built for my Jet mini. It's hard to imagine how to make them so easily for a tube-bed lathe.

Regards,
Tom

[Popeye]

I have/had/still have the same lathe. Paid $50 for it 15 years ago. Just started using it a month ago and have already bought another lathe. You can't keep the centers lined up, it vibrates, etc. I'd keep looking and tell your thanks for the offer. The motor off mine is gonna make a nice buffer though. Pat

[BearPipes-1]

I'm with Pat.

For $100, you can get a noticeably better, used, crappy lathe than that one.

[LarryG]

Gosh, is there a concensus in here, or what?

Thanks, everyone. I do believe I'll pass ...