Mini Lathe-Found a Bargain

Here's a look at what I found by watching Craig's list every day. You will be surprised at just what I paid for this lathe!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• mini lathe
• machine shop
• lathe
• metal
• mini mill
• milling machine
• tinkerjohn
• home shop
• machinist

[wongsol]

Are you bragging? :) It's like finding that 1903 Harley in the barn under a tarp!! Good on you mate!

[johnrob281]

@wongsol

Yep...I was lucky on that one!

John

[lexichronicle2]

$150 is practically stealing them. When I was 16, I bought Dave Gingery's build your own metal furnace and lathe books. I took them into school. The technician, feeling sorry for me, basically GAVE me a CNC lathe for £50 (about $100 then), in next to new condition, just old, because the students were no longer allowed on it. It was a Denford Orac; there are videos of them up on here. Once I have some kids of my own, I have some ideas for how they might be put to use.

[johnrob281]

@lexichronicle2

Your right about the good price...that doesn't come along my way very often! I also have the Gingerly book you mention, along with several others. I've often wondered how many lathes were actually built vs the number of books sold.

Sounds like you got a good deal on your lathe.

All the best,

John

[gsfish11]

I just bought a Harbor Freight 7X10 at the local flea market last week. Still in cosmoline and with a sign saying "as is $85". Said it wouldn't run. I found five electrical problems including a speed potentiometer with no wiper. Five bucks and I have it running!! Always wanted something like this to play with.

[johnrob281]

@gsfish11

Now that's a good deal! They may be far between but with patience a good deals comes along from time to time.

John

[torqueman6]

"Being patient makes me more money than just about anything I do."

That is so true.  I can't believe people who don't spend anytime looking for used merchandise.

[Bilbo107]

Excellent find John. I'm not suprised you have yet to use the machinary, you must still be dancing around with sheer glee at your purchases. Well done and they have found a good home. Regards from Steve in a snowy UK.

[robbmeex]

Hey John! I hate you because that is so awesome!! (and thats just jealousy :p )

[chipism1]

wow way to go!



[OpeiGrafikka]

....so....jealous....right..no­w!

[freediver57]

Impossible to buy so cheap in Thailand. It is for U.S. only as Americans stopped to produce anything but have yet great tools and machinery from older times. Asia is importing machinery and industry is growing. Tools are in big demand.

[PirateWelding]

You lucky dog. Did you wear a black mask when you paid him:O) Good work.