Craftsman Commercial 12" Metal Turning Lathe

[DeltaV]

NOT MINE

Craftsman Commercial 12" Metal Turning Lathe - $1500 (RICHMOND HILL)

Richmond Hill is a bit South of Savannah, GA.

Model 101.28990
Includes various accessories - See photos
Price is firm

https://savannah.craigslist.org/tls/d/richmond-hill-craftsman-commercial-12/7082493830.html

 

[493 Mike]

Good price-buy it!
Mike

 

[hoover]

That key in the chuck is BAD!!

 

[dsd1967]

They need to get that key out of the chuck. I’ve seen people forget and then turn it on. Sent one guy to the ER.

Otherwise I agree that is a good price for a decent looking machine.

 

[ESOXER]

I remember 7th grade when my buddy Gary left the key in, took it in the hip, nasty bruise and the teacher was screaming at him while he was in the floor in pain. Good times lol

 

[DeltaV]

I didn't know that was a good price. Thanks.

Are those base legs and "bed" sturdy enough? Will it hold tight tolerances (with care)?

 

[68Moparmaniac]

I didn't know that was a good price. Thanks.

Are those base legs and "bed" sturdy enough? Will it hold tight tolerances (with care)?

It's a old Craftsman, they're great for piddling in the garage. The threading attachment is a bonus, always handy. Various accessories to include ??? what exactly. No foot brake so you have to be careful, a lathe will freakin hurt ya if your not paying attention. Sure you can hold tolerance if your patient with it. You can't tell about a machine tool until you get your hands on it and feel for screw/carriage slop, make some test cuts etc.. I think it's a tad on the high side price wise, if it runs 750 - 1000 is fair depending on what the "various accessories" are. This one with was manufactured around 1967 FYI

 

[Islandkent]

I don't know I think it's a pretty good price. With the quick change gear box and the milling attachment. I spent $400 on my initial lathe but now have over 2200 into it. But I live in Canada. And all my accessories and change gears came off e-bag. I switched my 1936 gears out for the 1940's bigger and changed the lead screw so I geared up power cross feed. Then I had to get a 4 jaw chuck, tool post, steady rest, follower and on and on and on!!! lol

 

[Islandkent]

Oh I should of added that parts for the Craftsman Commercial parts are not as common as the regular versions and a specific to Commercial version only. Some are interchangeable though. A guy named Phil out of Cali on ebay has parts for sale if you needed.

 

[Cranky]

Who made that for Sears? It kinda reminds me of a old South Bend......

That key in the chuck is BAD!!

They need to get that key out of the chuck. I’ve seen people forget and then turn it on. Sent one guy to the ER.

Otherwise I agree that is a good price for a decent looking machine.

Makes me cringe to see a chuck key left in the chuck like that. Got bit by one in my first year of machining but barely then again about a year or so later. The 2nd time it broke the square drive off of it but it didn't hit me. So far so good for the next 30+ years. Looks like I learnt my lesson....I hope lol

 

[Islandkent]

Who made that for Sears? It kinda reminds me of a old South Bend......

Atlas Kalamazoo Mich. I think Clausing is associated with them now.

 

[Cranky]

Atlas Kalamazoo Mich.

Forgot all about that one!

 

[Islandkent]

Nothing like old machines. With and without tires.

 

[Dipstick]

Will it hold tight tolerances (with care)?

My first lathe was a Craftsman and I quickly learned the lesson that accuracy suffers with straight (flat) bedways. Opted for one with V ways.

 

[70chall440]

I would not say it is a bad price but you need to remember it has been used (and abused) for a long time and at some point will need some type of repair. I would recommend you look around and see if anyone makes parts for it or have any available before spending the money. You can find a South Bend 9K or 10K for probably the same money and there is a lot of parts available for them. I have a South Bend 16" 2-H turret lathe and just recently had to do some work to it bc the rear bearing was heating up; there is a lot of online information as well as companies that are dedicated to these machines. You would not want to spend $1500 and then have it break down critically only to find that no one makes the one part you need and end up with a $1500 peice of garage art.