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Seeking Opinions On Rockwell Lathes

John Altberg

John Altberg

Joined
Oct 2, 2007
Messages
76
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Location
Spokane, WA
Tomorrow I plan to take a look at this lathe. Given the breadth of knowledge and opinions of this group, I thought I would ask about the pros and cons of getting involved with an older lathe. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

John


The listing was deleted from craigslist, so I added a PDF of the listing.
 

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rockwell lathe

the pitcure did not come up for me but some of the old rockwell lathes had bushing instead of bearings on the spindle, this is not a big problem if everthing is new but with wear creates all kinds of problems, rebuilding them requires a new spindle and new spindle bushings. You need to see if Delta can get one for you on that model before you buy. See what some others have to say then decide.
good luck
 
Had one, has bearings, 5 steps if I recall. Bearings are light, change to better bearings when you can. Bed is cast, nice and heavy. Lots of old parts for those laying around. They had a great steady rest at one time.

I gave it to a friend 5 years ago and he turns on it every day. Had a 1/2 HP motor which is adequate. I wanted to put a 2hp in it.

Go enjoy the lathe.
 
Old warhorse. Built like the proverbial masonry privy and available everywhere. Yours looks like it is one of the many 46-5XX types. http://www.acetoolrepair.com/46210-p-1687.html?osCsid=tu4hg1kfoe31f5ie1es26rtde1 It is 12", 16 over the gap, with a Reeves drive that will get you down around 300 with a 1725 motor. That strange outboard thing troubles me, however.

I turned on the 46-204 version for years at home, and the pre-Rockwell badged Delta at school. Jump on it if it's in any shape.

Oh yes, the bearings are preloaded ball, and though you probably never will have to, they are replaceable with current types.
 
For $ 200 you should pounce on this ASAP....

I just rebuilt a headstock of a Rockwell 46-525. Inboard and outboard bearings are easy to replace with widely available sealed bearings. I had to chase the inboard (RH) spindle threads with a rethreading die because the threads were pretty beat-up, but it works beautifully now. Just check for spindle play to see if you'll need a set of replacement bearings I got both of mine on eBay for about $ 25. Also, check to be sure the spindle retaining nuts are in place. There is an exploded parts diagram at the link that Michael Mouse gave you - Just be sure you're sitting down when you price out some of the more unique replacement parts - e.g. a replacement spindle alone sells for over $ 170!

The machine in the craig'slist photo looks in good shape. I don't think you'd go wrong with this purchase, even if you had to sink some additional cash into tuning it up.

Should be a keeper, especially if you retrofit it with a DC variable speed motor!!

Good luck!

Rob
 
Thanks

Thank you all for your responses. Unfortunately the seller saw fit to sell the lathe to someone else before our appointment tomorrow morning without giving me first right of refusal. Oh well - there will be more deals to be had!

Regards,

John
 
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