New Nichols Lathe

[jcooper]

I just bought this custom made John Nichols made lathe from my woodworking professor Charlie Sheaff. Has a 39" swing once the bed is extended (red bed can be extended end for end and and you can get a 39" swing. also, by doing that you can turn between centers about 3 1/2 feet.
1 1/2 hp motor at 110v
Headstock able to be filled with 300 lbs of sand for stability.
1 1/2 " X 8 tpi
#2 morse taper"
I bought it for $1200 dollars. I'm in awe of the great deal i got for it. What would you pay? I summit this picture (i havent picked it up yet so i apologize for the junk around it. that motor on the ground has nothing to do with it)
And yes, i know 1 1/2 hp isnt brialliant but my professor has turned pillar bases theat were 37" without stalling or lagging.

 

[Mark Mandell]

J,

I've not seen them but, but I do have to say that I've never seen nor even heard of a Nichols being made with plywood part as shown in your pictrue. While Mr. Nichols is out of business, he may still be reachable if you do some research. I can note that the red bed and toolrest look like Nichols parts. I'm attaching a picture of a complete Nichols lathe for comparison.

 

[jcooper]

forgive me for not explaining. John was commisioned by my friend to make the bed, tailstock, and toolrest. My friend made the "headstock" himself, getting the appropriate parts for the drive shaft, motor, and bearings. John Nichols only made the tail, bed, and rest. I am told he charged $1100 for that commision.

 

[Mark Mandell]

That's fine. Long as you didn't think you were getting a whole $7,000 nichols lathe for $1,200. 😀

Good luck with your "new" machine.

mm

 

[grandpawoodsman]

I would have

Well to be honest young man, I don't think I would have bought that lathe at all, I really have no need for it since I can use Charlies shop any time I want. I guess in response to your question, I wouldn't pay anything for it at all. However if I did need a lathe I would be willing to pay $2,600 dollars for it.

 

[rbabbittjr]

Jcooper, I'm glad you explained the lathe. I was about to report you to the authorities for grand theft lathe.

Does anyone know why John has quit making his lathes? Did he just retire?

 

[Mark Mandell]

Jcooper, I'm glad you explained the lathe. I was about to report you to the authorities for grand theft lathe.

Does anyone know why John has quit making his lathes? Did he just retire?

As I understand it, he is an inspired engineer and consumate fabricator but a really lousy business man. The operation went bankrupt. 🙁

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

I have a friend with a full size Nichols lathe for sale - includes just about everything John ever made as an accessory, bed extensions, steady rests, extra banjo, big boring bars etc.

The fellow with the lathe is George Haack and he can be reached at 608-437- 5279. George does not have email. I can personally vouch for the lathe as being in excellent condition - kept in a nice heated studio. Lathe is in Mt. Horeb Wisconsin, about 1/2 west of Madison.

Just for full disclosure, I have no business interest in George selling the lathe. He's just a friend and fellow AAW club member. Please contact George directly with any questions. If somebody wanted pictures I could probably stop by some evening and get a few to email you, but please contact George first.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Brent,

If your friend wants to sell his Nichols, he/you should put the info on the Classified section of this website as well as on that of WoodCentral. Nichols' are now collector's items and it should not be very hard to sell.

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

Mark, great idea. I'll contact George and see if there is anything special he wants to include in the ad.

Didn't mean to hijack the string, looks like jcooper has a lot of fun turning ahead of him.

Brent