Say Gents,

A local pulp mill went out of business a few years back, and now I see there's going to be an auction next week. One of the items that caught my attention, was a lathe. Actually, there are several of them, a couple of which are huge!

What do you think a good bid would be for this lathe?

SUMMIT 12" x 30" lathe, s/n: 80

Looks kind of rough in the picture. I plan on going to the pre-inspect day and check it out.

Here's the address for all the stuff. I think some of you real 'smiths would be interested in seeing the 53.5" x 324" lathe on this website!

http://www.murphyauctions.net/alaskapulp.html#pic5

Thanks!

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Brian
The 416 Taylor WebPage!

Hard to suggest a price for something based on a pic and me having no knowledge of the local economy. One thing that I would look for is if they have any other tooling that goes with it. A 4 jaw chuck is something you want to get, in addition to a host of other little things. Also, it is probably wired 3 phase so you'll need to remotor or get a phase converter. If it is single phase that is worth an extra hundred or two IMHO. Again, I don't know what the scene is in AK but in that condition with no tooling and a 3 phase I'd be thinking around $500, as you can find them around with more stuff which all adds up when you try to get it running to where you can do some useful work out of it.

You might try going to metalworking.com and seeing if there is any info there you can use.

Another thing to realize is there might be a few equipment dealers bidding on this and you can take a lead from them whether or not they are interested in how much it goes for.

I just had another thought about the 3 phase- You can build a phase converter out of another 3 phase motor of larger horsepower, a little bit of a PIA but not as much as putting in a new motor. Anyway, so if you decide to buy this lathe I'd suggest buying an old 3 phase motor at this auction too, I bet that you could buy one for peanuts then it would save you a little money at least getting it up and running.

I feel morally obliged to warn you that I see all the signs here of an innocent person sliding down the slippery slope of addiction...

As part of my job I attend and bid at auctions fairly regularly.
Three items:
1)Decide your "drop dead" price and don't exceed it.
2) You will be bidding against professional salvage guys. They have a "drop dead" price also.
3) Whoever can't live without it loses

Im curious as to how much you think theyll get for those table saws? Also, and i know its a long shot, but how much you think they want for that crane at the bottom of the page?

Brian,

As was mentioned, find out what tooling comes with it. Also, try and find out how the chucks attach to the head, they may be threaded or a quick disconect. Try and find out what the bore is through the headstock.

Tooling can add alot of expense, so if there are extra chucks, centers, tooling holders, bits, etc, it'll definately sweeten the deal. Check for a steadyrest, if its missing, it may be difficult to find a replacement. I think you may have the advantage of bidding against other folks who have to factor shipping into their bids. I know folks bash the Chinease lathes, but when you factor in tooling, you could spend as much tooling this thing as buying a new Chinease machine, and may not even have as a good a machine.

If it does have a 3 Jaw, 4 Jaw, centers, steady rest, and looks to be in a good shape, I'd go up to $1000 for it.

One thing to carefully inspect is the bed of the lathe, look for wear, or dings. Also run the carriage, and check the backlash.

PS, did you get those north fork PDF files from me?

Oh, and here is a really long shot, but worth a try- ask around and see if you can find someone who might have actually worked in this section of the pulp mill when it was running, and ask them what they remember about this lathe. If there is a small town atmosphere where you live this may help you find out even from somebody who ran this machine.

BW

Mark White has the best advise. Track some of the old employees down.

That big hammer laying in the chip pan makes me nervous. What were they beating on?

Dang Craftsman, you got good eyes! I didn't even notice that! Or maybe you noticed it because that's where you keep your hammer too!

Hello BW

I'd also be inclined towards the $500 range, unless it is in really good condition and has some tooling with it. Caveat ( of course ) I'm not a professional and bought my South Bend some years back...

Tom

Remember if it needs work or parts it is not worth bringing home for free. Except moter work. I spent 1500 for a 42 inch Clausing with a 3 and 4 jaw chuck, a colet bar , live center and it is variable speed. It was perfect or i would not have taken it. Remember if you spend to little it could be money wasted.