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Advice on antique lathe

J

jwavem

Joined
Dec 31, 2004
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I am going to look at a Boice Crane Double Gap lathe, 17" swing / 40" between centers. I've been told it comes with many accessories, but no motor. If it's in good shape what is a fair price? Where can I purchase a motor and what size? I havent seen this baby yet, waiting for the owner to clean it up and find all the parts. I understand this lathe dates back around 1935.

I've been turning on a Jet mini for five years and realy want a bigger lathe but money is tight.
Thanks
Waverly
 
Honestly, Waverly, I'd have a hard time thinking you'd be saving money by purchasing an antique lathe. The likelyhood that it will be compatable on spindle sizes for accessories, replacement parts available, etc. wouldn't be that great. Also, by the time you spend money on the lathe (don't know how much but would be somewhat surprised if it was less than a few hundred), a decent motor (1-200 there), and cleanup (bearings, belts, possibility of age damage), you could pick up a Jet or Delta 12-14" x 36-40" (currently $550-650 on Amazon).

Now if you're into antique tools we're talking a different story. If you find pleasure and value in rehabing and owning the oldest lathe on the block, you might be in for a good time with this one.

So, opinion from this end would be to save pennies and spend on a newer lathe if you're upgrading, or buy the antique if you're collecting.

Good luck,
Dietrich
 
Re antique lathe

Thanks Dietrich
I've been thinking along the same lines. I am going to look at it when the owner calls me back and report my findings to the members of my woodturning club. May be an antique collector there.

Anyone know anything about the Grizzly Heavy-Duty Lathe on sale now for $750.00?
Waverly
 
Spindle thread size

I also was looking at the Grizzly lathes. The spindle thread size is not a common one. Since chucks, faceplates, and other spindle mounted accessories are vital, I decided to get a lathe that has a more common thread size.

Same would apply to an old lathe.
 
Haven't worked on a Grizzly myself but I read lots of posts with very mixed reviews on them. Wierd spindle sizes, poor tollerances, vibration, head and tailstock slippage. That kinda thing. Never heard similar complaints about Jet, Powermatic, even Delta. Personally, I'd skip a Grizzly unless it came free or was simply all I could afford. (emphasis on personally)

IMHO
Dietrich
 
A grizzly question

Waverly, if you go to newbie question by cleburne just below your post you'll find my response, via a friend that has one, about a Grizzly lathe.
 
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