TFS: How to Buy a Lathe When You Don't Know How to Use One

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Hi Justin, Thanks for the shout-out and putting me in the category of Mr Pete, This Old Toni, and Abom 79. Great Video! Now go out in your shop and Build something cool

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks, Dale! I picked up a bunch of useful info from your content and really love the way you deliver it!

[@abeplant3640]

LL

[@ThantiK]

Abom + TOT are absolute musts on YT.

[@BBlaylock06]

ThantiK AvE is the superior

[@melgross]

Blaylock’s Bullshit ugh!

[@Shocker149]

I dig it man. Looking forward to some lathe stuff. You're one of the few i follow on KZbin for one reason.... you're honest.... keep up the good work.

[@TheAussiePirate]

What? A useful, honest thorough discourse on how a newbie can successfully find second hand machinery? Where’s the waffle? Where’s the sensationalism? Where’s the clickbait title? WHERE THE HELL IS MY OPPORTUNITY TO HATE ON THIS VIDEO. Good job man. A lesson in what constitutes informed, reasoned content.

[@ericeaton371]

i think you found a reason to hate ...not being given a reason.

[@gregsmith2262]

Thxs for sharing I ended up with an antique giant with a flat leather drive belt......makes me happy just staring at it 😁

[@alexblackburn627]

Does it turn whole redwood trees?

[@davidschwartz5127]

I bought my first and only lathe (1936, 13" round top Le Blonde,) as a rescue project, it was laying in pile of parts on the garage floor at the end of an estate sale. Several daughters and husbands had disassembled in their deceased fathers basement gunsmithing work shop. A local scrap dealer had offered to sending some employees over on Monday to pick it up as a favor. He estimate it would bring $50.00 in scrap cast iron weight. It had also had a pile of attachments an tools, many devices were custom made for doing something. I offered them $500.00 for it but I could have gotten it for $50.00 if I as goin to save it, however, I do have a conscience. As and example it had 6 spindle chucks and a BXA Aloris tool holder and pile of tool holders to fit which at that time I had no Idea what they were at that time. I got a great deal but had to work for it. I spent the next 6 months Cleaning, refurbishing and painting. The only thing I had to buy was 2 oil cups that had gotten smashed somehow. I certainly enjoyed the time spent on this project and at this time life I would not want to part with my Le Blonde. One other thing, I forgot to paint the steady rest like the one in you video 🤣

[@anthonymarino4260]

enjoying what you do. Fabulous

[@stephentayler1414]

You have hit the nail on the head with buying a lathe. I have 2 mini lathes and a milling machine, None of which is anything like standard anymore. I couldn't have anything bigger than the mini lathes, but they can stand a lot of improvement and boy have they had it. But I uses all the machines regularly and they do earn their keep. I have though just acquired a tig welder and while I have dabbled with stick welding and just about got by with it, The tig seems a better way for the most part. And I must say you have been a big help in getting started. A friend and myself are both just about in the same level of ability at the moment and your videos for beginners have been absolutely invaluable Many thanks Justin

[@phillipchambers8487]

Thanks for the Video & Info. I've been wanting a Lathe & a Mill for years, and plan on getting one in the next year or two. No, I've never ran one, but I will learn. 25 years ago, I didnt know how to Weld, and I went out and a bought a Miller Syncrowave 250 Tigrunner Water Cooled, a Millermatic 250 Mig, and a Lincoln Procut 55 Plasma Cutter. I hired a Welder of 20 years to teach me to Weld. In one short month he had me Tig'ing Beer Cans together. 25 years later, I earn my living Welding & Fabricating. So, if you have the want to, some IQ, and a little bit of cash, (for the Equipment) you can learn anything that you want.

[@jeremyshields4798]

Timing. I just bought an Atlas series 3000 1 week ago to restore. Brushing up with Tubilcain and long time follower of ABOM79 for inspiration. MrPete has great videos on this Lathe. Thanks for the vijeho. Keep your.... I will let AvE explain.

[@donnyo65]

I got fed up of looking at useless machines that were overpriced (biiiig problem in the UK). Having restored a couple of classic cars I can spot a BS make over a mile away! I ended up doing my own thing - I bought a mini lathe to learn on. I broke it, fixed it, broke it again, fixed better and so on until I could make stuff without breaking it and the whole process only cost me a few hundred quid. I then decided to buy a largeish Chinese lathe but figured that they are not as solid as the proper toolroom stuff (Which I have neither the money for or the space for) so I got one a couple of sizes bigger than I needed (325mm swing by 1000mm between the centres and weighing 760Kg). I've now made lots of parts etc and have not broken anything - result! Just another way of doing it that worked for me. Great video by the way.

[@Adam-b8i]

Yep. Always gotta check that wiring out. I learned that one the hard way too myself on a used Zubal I bought. Another “bonus” (like extra tools) is any original documents like manuals, cabinet diagrams, etc. If all else fails: take a pessimistic friend with a dial indicator and a mag base to keep you from pouncing too soon.

[@Just1GuyMetalworks]

Oh man, where were you in October? lol You pretty much nailed it on the "shady character" department. I bought a 1936, Atlas 10-D as my first lathe. Still using it but had to make some new parts for it just to get the manual feed working. So, long story short, paid $500 (against my better judgment) and I'm still fixing it 7 months later lol. Thanks for the video man, I know I've definitely learned something.

[@themotofixery]

Thumbs up for abomb79! And TOT! double thumbs up! Buying a lathe is money well spent! One of the most useful things you can have in your shop

[@danweiss4928]

Great information at the right time in my life. I’m also not a machinist. I am a woodworker by trade/custom furniture. And it’s time in my life to get a little metal lathe to make parts to keep my old equipment running! In the wood shop. Thanks

[@brianp1738]

Man, I watch all those guys all the time and I had to go to a welding channel (ok, a phenomenal welding channel) to get a really insightful video on buying a used lathe under 10 tons for my hobby shop. I suppose it is fair since I do get some useful welding tips from Abom and Tony ;-)

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Super great video Justin! Really covers all concerns on buying a lathe...and a great cast of top YT caricatures of noted fame!

[@CutlassOutdoors]

Awesome video! This is exactly my problem right meow. I’m trying to get a lathe and have never used one before. That’s a surprisingly complicated endeavor.

[@jasonchaney5382]

Dude, I have the exact same lathe. And didn't know a thing about machining before getting it. This is all great information. I'd like to say it's info I wish I'd had before, but my lathe came at a price I couldn't refuse. FREE! It's not perfect, but I wasn't walking away from that.

[@georgedennison3338]

Here's something else about those old Craftsman lathes, (& table saws, planers, etc). If they have those dual arbor motors, or if you find a solo motor, they make great bench grinders/buffers. For

[@farmalltomf]

Justin, great approach, great info for the "virgins" out there. Seriously, the Atlas craftsman lathes are an excellent starting point for someone wanting to "get into it". Also, for smaller parts, they are just fine, and I personally own one (along with a Lodge and Shipley 18x72 lathe). I liken an Atlas Lathe to the classic Lincoln "Tombstone" buzz box. They have their place, and they can do some pretty slick things. Well played my friend, well played.

[@leepo2142]

This video was totally to the point-exactly what I needed to see. thank you!

[@anthonymarino4260]

thanks for sharing. learned a LOT

[@donpollard9460]

My lathe - a LYLAK (painted machinery green), was purchased in 1988 from a friend, and was stored on an open shed (recessed back a bit) and was loan to a gunsmith and a sport hunting bow and arrow type guy. I don't know where it was stored, but it needed attention when I got it back ... it sounded like the contactors needed serious attention (heavy whirring noise) ; it was actually the drive belt to the change pulleys. To change the belt involved major disassembly around the pulley area, so I used a Link-belt and adjusted its length. The difference? Bliss - runs like a new one, doesn't slip, cost around $100 Aus/$75 US, and was worth every cent. I used a grease gun of the push on variety in the oil holes, I think I needed to repair or replace my oil can!, but it is lubricated.

[@scottgrumpybastard311]

as for learning to operate one , south bend lathe had a book thats still offered by online book shops , not video but good old analog reading .. I was lucky enough to went to a high school that had a vocational ed dept ( 1980's) , and took 3 years of machine shop combined with other arts ( welding , drafting , woodcraft ) and was offered several jobs to become a apprentice .

[@MOUNTAINEAGLES]

Thanks for the information!!!

[@JDS042]

Great advice. Thank you

[@ModMotorMayhem]

Abom is the man. Awesome video as always!

[@joearledge1]

A year ago, I didn't even fully understand what a machinist was, I didn't know what an endmill was, or the difference between a router and a mill.... 6 months ago I bought my first cnc mill with no idea what I was doing. I got a tormach 440 brand new. My previous professions died, so here I am teaching myself(via KZbin and other stuff) how to make stuff and break stuff in my garage lol

[@rodolforodriguez70]

Thank you very much for this Great Video, I do really apreaciate the advices !!! Greetings from Costa Rica!!

[@beachboardfan9544]

00:08 😆 Justins haircut is from the same era as his lathe!

[@vigwelding926]

Good video. Looking for a good lathe myself and like you I am not a machinists but I did pick up some great pointers from the video. Keep up the good work !!!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Good information, nice of Adam coming to visit.

[@PatrickPease]

That fire was the most realistic youtube content I've ever seen

[@adamedgar5765]

what a classic video...true industrial comedy at its finest!

[@efimsutyagin4691]

Very useful advices and recommendations! Thanks a lot!

[@tomk3732]

As someone that got a bad deal on an old lathe here are few more tips: 1. Even if not under power go through all the speeds and when checking a speed put some resistance. If a gear is missing few teeth the oil pressure alone can move the chuck! So my lathe had only 4 / 16 speeds working - but everything moved when speeds were cycled through. 2. clean the machine if dirty - don't come in with a good set of clothes from your job - get dirty clothes on and arm yourself with lots of WD-40 or anything else - clean that sucker to inspect the metal surfaces. 3. Check power feed and threading operations work - don't just check whatever it goes into every gear - it can go into every gear & don't work - guess how I know. Decide whatever you want a clunker and you want to spend time restoring it or get a nice machine you can make chips with. Get the biggest lathe you can handle and afford. But beware that anything over 16" swing and about 75" length is getting big and heavy to the point that swing over 22" and length over 100" star *decreasing* the price. Plenty of old 14,000lbs lathes go for a price of a mini-lathe. Even relatively new ones. Tempting - but you need lots of power to run them and a crane to put chucks on + its a bit painful to make 1" part in 24" chuck with carbide tooling at lathes max speed.

[@TheWhittleGreenVanUK]

Great video and done in great basic language :) the only correction that I would give is on the difference in colour of the steady, a lot of the hobby lathes this was an extra that was purchased at a later date when you had the need or funds for them, so are quite often a different shade, or even a different colour completely to the lathe, I have a Myford Super 7 (British made hobby lathe from the 20's to the 70's mainly) and over the years that came in 4 different colours, so it isnt uncommon for a grey lathe to have a green steady lol

[@SolidRockMachineShopInc]

Thanks for the video Justin! Steve

[@ryanwolfe911]

Justin, I've never seen you without your welding cap. That scared me, don't do that again lol

[@gordowg1wg145]

Yup, he looks like a kid - I thought it was a really old video.

[@jamesgulrich7416]

I have that exact same lathe. I bought it about 15 years ago from a woman that had lost her husband a few years earlier. 600 bucks and she gave me two wood lathes and a belt sander and a couple of motors too. It had a homemade quick change, three and four jaw chucks, lots of tools and plenty of dirt and grime to go with it. I still use it all the time. Nice score! That's a great machine except I notice you are missing the belt guard. Don't worry about that. Mine rubs and I have to leave it open or it will drive me nuts!

[@srmj71]

I searched for how to buy a used lathe.. and boom, a most helpful video!

[@1970chevelle396]

I had only used a lathe a few times back in High school metal shop class 30 years ago. until I bought a lathe about 5 years ago. Now I'm looking to upgrade to a better lathe.

[@howardtoob]

Abomb79 is the master KZbin machinist! Keith Fenner is #2 only because his postings have dwindled to nearly nothing. They both compliment each other.

[@kevincollins2184]

That flaming kill switch and the stop that comment was point where I lost my shit classic

[@vazfx16]

Great headline!!!!

[@weldHAGOJIBI]

That's a great video. Good Job👍

[@marcusmorgan1419]

Nice old piece of equipment, the milling pieces are very hard to come by, so nice score for sure.

[@gordowg1wg145]

I would add checking the motor voltage - since you chaps have that weird 110-120V domestic and 220-240V for useful stuff, if the lathe (or any other power machinery) is 220V it may need the workshop wired for that if not already done. Bigger lathes may be 3 phase, also something to be aware of and a potential bargaining point? If you have a DTI, you can check other things, like runout, tracking, etc.

[@AndrewDuff2188]

I really want to add one of these hobby lathes to my home shop but it seems in my area there is absolutely NONE around. I hope when the time comes where I can pull the trigger on one I can find something otherwise it looks like I need to put some miles on to check one out.

[@matttk421]

Great info for us Noobs!! Thank you!!

[@Super1337357]

Abom is lookin good these days.

[@FortyGritSandpaper]

Great explanation. thorough.

[@aceroadholder2185]

To the list of video help I would highly recommend "The Lazy Machinist". Marc is a retired shop teacher and he does a very good job of explaining machining fundamentals as well as "how-to" segments. Well worth your time to seek him out.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Theres so many awesome machinists on KZbin. So tough to name all of them off.

[@Phantomthecat]

Having a big giant industrial lathe is cool - I have one in my garage - the cars have to live outside. 😇. Agree with the patience bit, took me nearly a year before I pulled the trigger on mine.

[@brownell10]

Thank you for fitting TOT in the top 3. That name needs more drops (yes- it's 2023 now, but still).

[@ryancl03]

Check the gears to find wear.. and listen to the gears for any odd noises as it's running. That should be the second thing to do after checking the movement on the slides (and gibs)

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

What does an odd noise sound like when you've never used a lathe or heard the odd noise people talk about?

[@noellwilson1273]

ryan abcdefg Depending on what you plan to machine, wear on the ways can be the #1 thing to check. If they are worn badly near the chuck, there is no good fix. Look for wear where the carriage slides on the ways. In some cases it’s more than a fingernail deep and could be 0.020” error in the tool position. For comparison, the ways right next to the headstock won’t be worn. A quick check would be to run the carriage down near the chuck, finger tighten the carriage stop screw, and gently crank the carriage away to see if it stops after 8-10” or if it moves a long distance towards the tail stock.

[@Vladviking]

A rather good common sense how to. I might suggest getting a copy of the original manual and schematic. It would be even nicer to have it when you go to check out the lathe. It is invaluable when figuring out what nut or bolt belongs where. Odds are not good that you will get all the manual change gears so if you see a quick change gear box that's a plus. Have a look at SearsPartsdirect they actually still sell some old lathe parts. eBay too . This will give you an idea of what you can get a hold of and what you just aren't willing to pay for on the particular model you venture. Lastly do check out KZbin and other seeking knowledge on the particular piece of equipment you wish to purchase. Good news is most any tool or fixture you need but can't find or costs a lot can be made. Lastly fun with the realization that these things can take a finger or mangle your hand pretty well with a momentary loss of common sense.

[@Mhurtle65]

Nice job man.

[@mrgreenswelding2853]

I just bought a milling machine, it was brand new. The first one i was going to get was way too small, so i upgraded and got one that is 4x the size at double the price.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

I have an interest, although not an immediate one but maybe in 2020, to have a metal lathe in my home shop. The problem is I do not have any idea what is a fair price. You talked about size and transmission but not motor size (hp). Don't really know if a lathe would be afforded as I am sure there are 10,000 dollar ones and there are 200 dollar ones that would be better as a boat anchor than as a tool. Can you clue me in as to what one can expect as a broad general rule as to size vs cost and what acceptable horsepower and ..... ?...?

[@JoeB-pv8su]

Thanks! Very helpful!!

[@franknapolitano2745]

Just subscribed to your channel. Very good I bought a southbend lathe tool room lathe from a Goodyear airship factory on eBay 6year ago just retired. Note it’s motor is commercial electric should I change motor out or have a electrician install a electric converter to two twenty.

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

ahh it has a quick change gear box ..you dont need those gears also sure if you scrape off paint you will find atlas on inside of bed and stencel will have chraftsmann if you can pick up a cabinet and convert it youll get its potencial up

[@jackjordan7691]

How much did you pay for it? You didn't talk about that. Thank you for all you do on youtube I always enjoy watching you.

[@andrewscott820]

Keith Fenner is also a great machinist

[@ypaulbrown]

You bet!!!

[@mrmomjoe8019]

Awesome video 👍

[@jcnpresser]

Your little lathe is a “mini-lathe” for abom. 😆

[@ypaulbrown]

Again... outstanding

[@chuckschob107]

Where is ave?

[@timallen6025]

Patience , get your ducks in a row , go looksee, wait… such sound advice 👍 “ time doing research is never time wasted “ Nice lathe btw

[@koitorob]

Was your lathe hotwired?

[@melgross]

That belt needs to be replaced! The reason why that type of belt isn’t preferred, is because to replace it, you have to take part of the lathe spindle assembly apart. With a flat belt, or even a belt made of small sections, you can take the belt apart to replace it. But the one on now, isn’t giving you all the power you should be getting, and it may fly apart at some point. That dirt is actually bits of the old belt coming off as you use it.

[@RichieCat4223]

Justin does Adam live close to you ?

[@MyWyze]

What ever happened to the jig giveaway?

[@mrmomjoe8019]

I have the 10x 48 atlas sort of the Little brother to that lathe . has it's limitations but a good machine 👍

[@fishhuntadventure]

Especially with s Norris chuck

[@sparksmobilerepair4025]

Dam bud that belt is hammered lol don't want to be around when that let's loose.

[@agwhitaker]

21:06 - REAL machinists never ever screw up. Really. Honest.

[@GaryRowlands]

Hi Justin, great video very interesting but my question is: where did you get that hat or more importantly where can I get one? Oh, and I'm in the UK thanks again for the video.

[@POWDERNPELLTS]

Just found your channel 👍. really would love to start fabricating stuff, only have a mig welder and no experience what so ever. Do you have any mig welding videos on your channel haven’t had a chance to search channel yet. I’m saving for a tig after I get some experience. Thinking about taking your classes. Great videos so far keep it up

[@Ryan_1997]

Awesome man👍

[@mitchdenner9743]

What about Keith fenner? Can't forget Keith.

[@jamessonger3]

best intro ever

[@floydmiller9315]

That was made for a farmer when you didn't go to town and get parts you made him at home and fix it yourself we've got to be on right now we're just a throwaway Society

[@richardhaughey3661]

Maybe you can get TOT hands on the next one

[@shawneliason790]

Man.. nice Atlas! Cut that belt off and get yourself a link belt. My 12" Atlas runs way smoother with one.. and you won't need to pull the spindle to put it on... If you need to know when you're lathe was built.. there will be a date engraved on the inboard headstock timkin bearing race. Just remove the dust cap and it should be visible.

[@ShowMeThePony]

Great vid Justin. Love that intro. But you should have had a white lab coat on! That would have been epic. BTW- that belt looks rough! Like it needs a haircut. Just like you! Haha!!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I wonder how many people remember that commercial haha.

[@skoue4165]

Even as a semi wanker (as a machinist) having a small lathe around is great. Weirdly it's probably a lot less dangerous to use than a table saw. The biggest "problem" with these machines is that they have relatively loose tolerances so you can't worry too much about trying to hit 1/2 a thousands repeatedly, but for home/ hobby/ general repair you don't need to.

[@wrenchbender01]

My position on buying used equipment is as follows. You don’t need a reason to buy the machine that you are looking at. That reason is already established, you want/need it! You are looking for a reason to leave it there. Now it’s time to pull out your go, no go list. If you are serious about your no go list, if you tick off a box, you walk. There can be multiple people making a list for the same machine, everybody’s list will vary slightly. How much wear is acceptable? Is it a change gear or gearbox? The lists go on and on. Remember this is my opinion and it’s worth exactly what you paid me for it.

[@AboveandBeyond44]

Like what your doing Justin. . . .

[@RambozoClown]

Vise Grip vise handle? I know, you are just demonstrating one of the things to walk away from. ;)

[@mikeaguilar7648]

Dude. Were you just getting back from or getting ready to go to court or something? You cleaned up.

[@nightsaber2272]

Catch switch on fire is not that scary than if same happens with the chuck :)

[@metalworksmachineshop]

Im like you. Im a millwright by trade, and machine stuff on my channel, I've been watching the fab 4 for a few years.

[@buder5116]

1:48 you are too lucky the 1 at 400 iwant IT !!!!! i only got crap stuff broken stuff for that price been looking for few year T_T find naught

[@ttsupra87]

Can't believe aVe wasn't mentioned

[@markrainford1219]

Who knew he was secretly growing hair?

[@dragonfireproductions790]

Also if you buy a cheap lathe, for the love of God put weights to prevent it from chasing you. Speaking from experience

[@jameskuukkeli]

always buy old russian Lathe they were meant to last and they are cheap also near immortal

[@BlipSS]

+1 for TOT

[@jhbonarius]

Replace that belt! It looks like it's going to break any second. You'll scrap a part that way.

[@harrisonkatzz7090]

Keith Fenner ? Just saying