Subject: Buying an Older Lathe: How Does One Learn?

From: [email-masked] (Andrew Keyser)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 22:07:52 GMT

I'm about to buy a turret lathe, smaller sized, used, non-CNC.

Is there a source that lists the specs for the various brand names of
older lathes? I've found a few possibilities within 4 hours drive of
my town, all from different dealers:

Logan "Hardinge-style" variable speed
Rathbone "11 in. swing"
Warner-Swasey #2
Monarch 10" Chucker Model EC
Warner-Swasey #1 AC Chucker

How do you experts know what all the brands are, what brands still
have parts available for them, what brands are most reputable? With
really good data, I'd be able to identify the year of manufacture from
the model number or possibly serial number when I see the lathe in
person. Is there a source with such detailed information?

Many many thanks,

Jon C. Fox
[email-masked]

"The first thing you have to do to make a dream come true is wake up."

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From: [email-masked] (Scott Logan)
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 1996 13:10:13 GMT

>Logan "Hardinge-style" variable speed

Well, it looks like I'll have to get something up on our Web site with
the Model No. listings.  Other than that, this seems to be the place
to ask.  There are several dealers who frequent this ng, and someone
is sure to help you on the other machines, but as for the Logan:

I think you are talking about the Logan 7500 Series Chucker.  This was
based on the Logan 14" Lathe, converted to compete with the Hardinge
Chucker.  The Logan, however is slightly larger.

Originally, this lathe would not have had a Tailstock or Compound
Rest.  It would have had an eight position cross slide turret, which
would accept 5/8" tooling.  These were also available with either a
lead screw and QC Gearbox or a DC motorized feed drive.

A Compound Assembly or Tailstock from a 14" Logan Lathe can be fitted
to these Lathes.  One modification will be needed:  The Chucker uses a
larger diameter crossfeed screw, and a different style crossfeed nut,
so a special crossfeed nut would be needed.

Keep in mind that if this is a Lathe with the DC drive, you will not
be able to do single point threading, even with the Compound.

  +----------------------------------+
  | Scott Logan  -  [email-masked] |
  |        Logan Actuator Co.        |
  |     http://www.loganact.com      |
  |    Repair Parts & Accessories    |
  |    for Logan and Wards Lathes    |
  +----------------------------------+

FAQ - http://plains.uwyo.edu/%7Emetal/index.html
Metal Web News - http://www.ten.k12.tn.us/~wgray

        "Measure Twice, Cut Once"

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From: [email-masked]
Date: 15 Dec 1996 17:35:09 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] (Andrew Keyser)

>person. Is there a source with such detailed information?

The MDNA, I think sell a book of machine serial numbers that defines date
of manufacture etc. I think an email to Andy Popke with the s/n might be a
cheaper way of getting info. Apart from the caps lock keys he is usually
quite helpful.

PeTEr