re building machine tools

[Wichitachuck]

Hi all,
Steve killer site. Anyway I'm going to go to the used up machine tool store tomorrow and look at metal lathes. Any advice on restoration and what to look for in a tired but still useful machine?

Thanks,
Chuck

[Steve Lindsay]

Welcome and thanks Chuck.
Check out the ways. Look close up next to the head stock for wear on the ways. Turn it on and try and listen to the spindle for bearing spindle noise. Spindle bearings are expensive and time consuming to replace. If it is an engine lathe and it is practical to take the cover off, then do that and look at the edges of the gears to see if someone ground the gears a lot during shifting.

Keep us posted what you find tomorrow.

Steve

[Wichitachuck]

I found a 13x40 south bend with a standard change gear vintage somewhere in the 1930s.Tons of tooling comes with it. Not much wear on the ways or gears. Supposed too have been owned by a farmer, who probably only ran it on Sundays after church.

Thanks for advice Steve. I have been immersing myself in all things pertaining to vintage machine tool restoration. South Bend has a cult like following. I think I will go for it.