Used Lathe Value?

[gearhead1]

I know of an old lathe that may be up for grabs. I don't want to approch the owner just yet without doing some homework. This piece was moved out of the maintenance shop to make room for a larger one...now its sitting in the warehouse. I can't recall the name, (E something?) but its fairly old, has a variable speed drive with the crank on the front left side of the support cabinet. It was made in the US. Size and power requirements are not know yet. It looks complete minus tooling. This machine is approximately 6' -7' long with a cabinet pedistal on each end. To say its puke green would likely be a foolish statement, but I thought it should be said nonetheless.

Please advise on anything I should look for in regards to quality how to tell swing or capacity etc...

[gearhead1]

I had a better look at it today. Its a Logan Lathe by Powermatic Model 114001-D14H. Besides the lack of tooling it is missing the center chip (& coolant?) tray. It looks like it swing? is 9" x 36-40" long. The ways have some marks and minor damage. There is no telling what voltage, only three black wires coming off of it. It looks like it may have a taper attachment on the back also. Any Ideas??

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Good brand, good size for the kind of work 'we' do, ie anvis, uppers, and tooling. Chip tray is no problem. just sheetmetal. Probably 3 phase. Did you get a price on it?

[gearhead1]

No i'm trying to do some homework on it so I can make a reasonable offer without putting the owner off. (or embarrass myself or pay too much....)

[Nortonscustom]

Gearhead,
There's a ton of information on Logans web site about the older lathes or you could call them and I'm sure they'll be happy to help.
www.lathe.com/

As far as the value of the machine, I had a 10" Logan in far shape that I sold for $1200 a few years ago if that's any help.

norton

[Kerry Pinkerton]

When you say no tooling, does that include chucks? You'll want a 3 jaw and 4 jaw and they can be pricy or cheap depending on the mount. You can get a decent import tool post for cheap from ENCO/MSC. I think the brand is Phase 4. I have one and it works fine.

[gearhead1]

Thanks guys....Sorry I wasn't that clear on the tooling. (been years since I've touched some of this stuff. It has a 3 jaw chuck, tailstock (no centers) and a tool post with 4 sides and many square head bolts but no tool holders. There are no other tools or loose pieces whatsoever. Anything loose is now long gone. I don't think they ever used this machine to begin with.

[Hemirambler]

Gearhead1,

Buying a machine like this is similar to buying a used car with only a picture to look at - sure you can get some clues by careful inspection - check the VS drive pulleys for wear etc, the ways of course are paramount - check the back gear - check the gear train - and most importantly RUN THE THING and make some test cuts on some test bars. Comparing the measurements (taper) will tell you a lot about the "real" condition of the ways and complete system (although this may be potentially skewed if it isn't leveled).

But there's pretty much the rub - a seller CANNOT expect FULL MARKET RATES UNLESS they can demonstrate the capability (condition) of the machine - the "right" way to do this is by making actual cuts. Anything less means (to me) that they absolutely HAVE to get a LOWER OFFER - no insults intended, but when I buy used machines UNLESS I can prove otherwise I ALWAYS assume the worst.


Good Luck!!!!

Jacin in Ohio

[CCWKen]

Check for bed wear. Crank the carriage down the length of the bed (towards the tailstock) and feel for binds or hard spots. If it feels smooth, lift the carriage up and down. There should be no noticeable movement. Crank the carriage back to within 4 inches of the chuck/headstock and lift the carriage again. If there's movement, the bed could be worn.

Check the halfnuts. Engage the halfnuts and move the carriage left to right by hand. Some movement is ok but should not be more than a few thousandths. Disengage and crank the carriage back to the tailstock. Do the same test. If it feels tight there, the lead screw is worn in the working range.

Grab the chuck and turn it back and forth. Listen for clinking gear wear. There should also be NO lateral movement of the chuck.

Extend the tailstock shaft about 1/2 way and move it side to side. Slight movement is liveable but not good.

Failures in any of these areas drastically reduces the value. All of them can be fixed but add to the cost. Steady rest or follower rest? Missing these also adds to the cost, if you want them.

Make sure you compare prices in YOUR area. A $2500 lathe in the South may be worth $1000 in the North, East or West.

[gearhead1]

Thanks guys. I checked out the logan site. I couldn't find anything referring to that model number. By the looks of the old lathe manuals available there, this machine isnt that old. Maybe 30 years or so? It has a more squared off gear case similar to current machines. There was another name on it i forgot to add....I think it was Powermatic-Houdaille or something... Could another company have carried on production for a while? I think I saw that the last powermatic lathe was built in1985.

[Gene_Olson]

Powermatic-Houdaille

Houdaille was one of the consolidate corporations that bought up American industry competitors and closed down a bunch of them.

They bought out out DiAcro, Strippet (sp) both punch press co.s, Powermatic and a bunch of others, bankrupted some, closed some, consolidated, I am uncertain of the final fate of Houldaille but they bought Powermatic about the same time they bought DiAcro, in the late sixties. so that would be the oldest it could be.

G.

[kustomizingkid]

How bad would a worn out lathe be to use? I want a lathe and have no intention of turning out accurate parts. If I found a cheep worn out lathe would it be okay or is there a point when lathes are just usless.



Brandon M.

[CCWKen]

How bad would a worn out lathe be to use? I want a lathe and have no intention of turning out accurate parts. If I found a cheep worn out lathe would it be okay or is there a point when lathes are just usless.

LOL...
Like using a hammer with no handle.
Like drilling with a dull bit.
Like driving a 4-speed with no clutch.

I think you get the idea.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

LOL...
Like using a hammer with no handle.
Like drilling with a dull bit.
Like driving a 4-speed with no clutch.

I think you get the idea.
Great Anaolgy there Ken!!

My 2 cents.... It really doesn't cost that much more to buy something you can use for a few more tasks. At a minimum you can probably part a bolt, make a face cut, or polish a shaft with it. After a few months of that, most likely you will find it more bothersome to even chuck something up.