craftsman lathe - Woodworking Talk

chevyll_1967 · 11-25-2008, 11:49 PM

Can anyone tell me if this old machine would be a good buy or not there asking $200.00 or best offer. Iam not up on tomany of the older machines but it does seem to be from what can tell all there. Trying to contact the seller by phone to find out more info. Any input be helpfull. Also says it's overall length is 48", so if Iam correct one would be able to place atleast a piece up to 30" or am I wrong on that.

firehawkmph · 11-26-2008, 11:40 AM

Chevy,
This looks like the machine someone else was just asking about on another thread.(not the same ONE, same model). It looks to be pretty solid, and with a good cleanup would probably work well, assuming the motor is in good shape and the bearings in the headstock are in good shape also. I don't think I would pay anywhere near 200.00 for it though. Even though these older machines may work ok, they are not as convenient to use as some of the modern machines. If the lathe works, I would probably offer 50-75.00 for it. If the person gets insulted, walk away. Just my .02.
Mike Hawkins

The woodsman · 11-26-2008, 05:59 PM

I will almost agree with Mike,except for the fact that they would have to give me the 75.00 bucks to take it.It would make a good boat anchor though

All jokes aside,you would be taking a risk with it,as some of those old lathes you can't get parts for them.Look around and you may find one on craigs list or even in the papers.My advice would be to save your bucks and buy a new one,unless you do find a good deal,but I would steer clear of the old craftsman.Also with those they may have a different spindle thread size that would be hard to find chucks and other lathe accessories that would work on it.

Bob Vaughan · 11-26-2008, 07:51 PM

Do a google search on: 103.23070
The manual is available over at OWWM.org.
A Jet mini with an extension may serve better for a little more than the same price.
The iron in the body is typical American and not the peanut butter soft iron of the Pacific Rim machines. Its a better made machine than the Pacific Rim machines, for sure, but it does have some minor limitatons. The #1 morst taper is not as common as the #2, but is available, The bearings are 6203-3/4 bore, so that's not a problem. Faceplates and accessories are available from woodturner supply companies.

The biggie is to inspect the condition of both the motor pulley and the driven pulley. In bad condition or missing, that is a deal killer. $200.00 is a bit high. Usually they go for one to 1.5 c-notes, but someone may be desperate enough to pay that much. The included accessories aren't much.

dbhost · 11-26-2008, 11:03 PM

That lathe, if everything is in perfect working order, no work bearings or anything, would fetch $100.00 in the Houston market, Your mileage may vary...

chevyll_1967 · 11-27-2008, 12:09 AM

well I appreciate all the feed back on this older machine. I t was as a matter afact on craig's list here in michigan were I live. Still waiting to here from the seller. I thought in my own mind depending on the condition and tools that go with it have to be in good shape it might be worth $75-100. But also watching for something little more updated possibly around same price range. Thanks for the input though I dont usually purchase alot of used tools specially of this age and caliber, try to stick to more updated tools.

Woodchuck1957 · 11-27-2008, 09:49 AM

I had that same model lathe a few years ago, can't remember what I paid for it. I cleaned it up really good, painted it, then mounted it to my work bench. It seem to run run pretty good, but I don't think I ever turned anything on it, so I sold it. Ofcourse I can't remember what I sold it for either, I doubt I got $200 for it, and I threw in a new set of tools also.