Bought a lathe, now what...

[abrogate]

I'll try this again, PBB seems to not like me lately and has me log in after i click preview post.:evil: so here we go...

i saw a lathe in the classifieds last week, called the guy, went by and checked it out, came home with this:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe001.jpg

the guy said its a 1890's - 1900's prentice bros. he said this because on the name plate, it shows 12 TPI and he said this wasnt around until this era. so, since i dont know jack about lathes, i said "okay"

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe005.jpg

some other pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe002.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe003.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe006.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe007.jpg

did i just buy a useless antique, or is this something that is worthwhile, at least to learn the basics on? i got it $175, so i dont really think that i got ripped off either way.

by the way, if you are ever offered use of someone else's equip (trailer) and yours isnt that far away, just pass on it.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y85/abrogate/lathe008.jpg

i learned the hard way 3/4's of the way to my destination that i should have used my trailer. the weight cause the rotted wood to break through, almost ruining my antique/new toy.

the guy told me to look at lindsay publications for literature on "how to use/ care of" these types of lathes. any others that you can think of?

so, any opinions/ thoughts?

[Chark]

Do a Google search or a site....I think frugal machnist, was one I've used for info. Good luck, and at $175 with the way the elec. motor is mounted I'd say you did well.

[androbus]

did i just buy a useless antique, or is this something that is worthwhile, at least to learn the basics on? i got it $175, so i dont really think that i got ripped off either way.

so, any opinions/ thoughts?

definately worth teh $$ I think i paid four times that for the southbend I have...but mine is from the forties...and came with spare gears, and a spare chuck a big box of tools and other misc..

look on ebay and you will find anything you have missing.
there are some god books listed there for the use of a lathe. can't thin of the names though..
what do you want to be able to do with it?

[androbus]

for starters...

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-books-on-LATHE-OPERATION-GEARS-NR_W0QQitemZ6262324672QQcategoryZ13876QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem
I was going to bid on it..but mine is in storage so i'm not going to be using for a while..etter jump!
and thee are othrs too

[frankenfab]

Get the "How to run a lathe" book by South Bend. It's $7.95, and available from Lindsay Books...

http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks/lathebk/index.html




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[CPOM]

might want to change your subject line to include the make and the fact it is an antique, might get more hits

[PTSchram]

Looks like you're missing the back gearing. This may or may not be an issue.

Depending upon what you want to do with it, you may have gotten a good toy. I wouldn't expect to be able to cut any threads with it, but basic turning, you'll be fine. Get yourself a toolpost and some cheapie carbide insert cutters and go to town!

PT

[abrogate]

i have three boxes of extra gears and tools for it. i'll check out those books too, thanks so far guys.

[s_ontario]

heres a link to one that looks like yours 12" tho

http://shopswarf.orcon.net.nz/pren12.html

someone on this forum maybe more help http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php

[critterkiller]

Go here:www.practicalmachinist.com

These guys know their classic lathes real well. And I second Lindsays Books. Order the free catalog. They've got some really interesting books.