Craftsman 109 Metal Lathe Opinions and Modifications

[@anthonyoresteen4767]

There are 4 main generations of the 109 lathe. The 1st Gen "0700" was made from 1939 to 1942ish. Models were 109.0701, 109.0702, and 109.0703. These had 28" long beds and the bed Vees were 2.125" between centers. The 0701 was crude, and is not found very often. The 0702/0703 were much improved. The 0702 is the same as the 0703 but without the gears for thread cutting function that the 0703 had. An upgrade kit was available to convert it to a 0703 spec lathe. 2nd Gen were "20630" models and were made from 1945-1946ish. Models were the 109.20630 plus some regional model variations. The bed is 22.5" long and the Vees are 2.50" center to center. The 109 lathe shown in the video is a 109.20630 model lathe. 3rd gen was made from 1948-1963. It is the model 109.21270. These are most often found with a bronze/gold color bed, headstock, & tailpiece etc and are much better that the two previous generations. Beds are 22.5" long and the bed Vees are 2.50" center to center as in Gen 2. The 4th gen were the 109.21280 final models which are very rare (and valuable) and never appeared in a Sears catalog. Parts are completely different from Gen 2/3. This model was introduced in 1964 and the last year that any were made is estimated to be 1968. I am in the process of re-building a Gen 1 109.702 converting it to a 109.0703, a Gen 2 109.20630, and a Gen 3 109.21270 bronze model. These 3 Gens all use the same spindle. Gen 2 & Gen 3 share quite a few parts. I have never seen, much less handled a Gen 4 109.21280 lathe.

[@lookingbehind6335]

Nice....I have the same lathe. They are great bench top machines. Proper care and they will last for decades. I recently purchased a Barnes 4.5. Patient date 1887 but mine was made in 1906. It was a treadle and I converted it to motor. It only had 1/10 runout on the headstock. A real steel heavy duty chip maker.

[@stan5513]

You deserve credit for working to put that lathe into shape with a real spindle and bushing! I had a 109 that was too far to be worth fixing since I had no second lathe to make parts. I eventually went Chinese but should have kept the 109 as a project. I would advise anyone shopping for one to spend extra for a complete one with a good spindle.

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

Thanks. I would definitely recommend taking the route I did: Find a complete machine that needs work, restore the lathe so you understand how it goes together and operates, use it as intended until you find a bigger/better lathe, then use that to make any upgrade parts for the 109.

[@billrose2083]

Hi. I like your mods to the 109. I'm looking at one right now to purchase. I've been a machinist for almost 50 years but have retired. This is the perfect little toy. Thanks for the video.

[@larryg.9187]

... Worked as a Class A metal lathe machinist... And just found a 109 at the swap meet today, June '22 ...So, yours is the 1st of what looks like, over 50 films on the 109... So, thanks for expressing some insight on this micro-lathe...

[@timhart7554]

Hey Mark, great video, I have an Atlas 10 inch, I am going to get a 109 eventually just for an extra machine , I have looked at all sorts of smaller lathes and I really like the simplicity of the 109 , the thread cutting ability is another reason I like it . It will mainly be used for small brass parts , best video overview I have seen on the 109 . TJ

[@deanmoore1857]

20 thumbs up dude!! I just got a 109 and I'd love to totally copy you with that. I was 16 when I kinda got kicked out of high school and via paperwork got to start the 2yr machine tool program at Napa JC. Blah,blah,blah, Anyway, even though I'm a carpenter and remodeler for the past 20 yrs I've got a decent sized shop now and can't wait to get this guy tuned up and, anyway ,Great Job Dude!!!

[@christopherhicks4694]

Always looking to buy more of these machines

[@mikestand714]

i just changed the spindle in my 109 put solid 1/2 x 20

[@drafty0183]

Nice work man! I also have one of these. It's a bit of a live/hate relationship, which I'm sure you relate to. The first time I used it, I tried to face off a bit of bar stock. It dug in and screwed the job up...

[@richardross7219]

Nice video. I have several of the little lathes, a 10" South Bend and 2 huge old lathes that are 100+ years old. When I get the time, I'll get several of the machines working. I like the modifications that you made. In 1978, they were $200 from Atlas but you really had to spend another $100 to get the tooling. Good Luck, Rick

[@Cabal2600]

I making my own modifications for Craftsman 109...I finally acquired spindle 3/4 in outer diameter which over 9" length...Front stock entry holes widened to accept much larger brass bushings/bearings to support 3/4 diameter..I already did same with face gear assembly with pulley,it become success and brass bushings was installed..Final part is slight reaming to let spindle go through..The 3/4 diameter is maximum large spindle that can go through pulleys,gear drives,etc..Next project would be installing brass bushings on plain pulley and keep as spare accessory for lathe....Spindle gear was drilled for 3/4 hole and need additional retaining screw because of large spindle..Benefactors from that spindle allow installation of MT1 arbor plus it have little larger hole than 3/8 all way through spindle which allow do deep drilling operations,tapping,reaming and rifling..The fun with that lathe won't end on front stock with spindle,I already got designs how to build gear box and modify lead screw..Last part would be making large size holes on manual adjust chuck,self centered chuck and face plate with cog..Furthering upgrade would consist of modify secondary bed and use as extension bed reaching swing over 56" long,also this would be need making extended lead screw..last part would be upgrading lathe with gear rack and transform tail stock into turret tail stock allowing deep drilling operation....I did work with Wen 12" drill press by building new support column and securing gear rail so table assembly won't rotate or wobble..This only could be done if column walls is thick and can withstand maximum weight of 10 ton,I test column for strength after it was build and finished..My strict tolerance is factory zero 1:1 scale design,not too tight and not too loose which exact 2.550" wide,all drill press parts fit like glove including head assembly..Those extreme transformations of drill press making perfect candidate for milling machine set up science I have all accessories that made for such mini milling machine,including special milling vises that installs at milling compound...If I get certain materials I can build horizontal milling head and particular would become horizontal milling machine which I have most tools and accessories for that as well....All machinist measuring and cutting tools,bunch of spare parts and accessories allowing virtually achieve any machinist task..I did ones again precise calculations,I knew without reading anything that lathe would take 3/4 spindle,and it did exactly so..the gear/pulley face assembly allow exactly maximum 3/4 size of spindle go through..Geared pulley took lot of drilling and deburring to allow brass bushings/bearings installation..None of bushings loose inside and was firmly knocked with hammer and copper plate by not damage them,little polish from inside and spindle would enter precisely as intent..Front stock would face a little problem,it need to make special collet shaped bushing like original but much larger size,the holes for bushings measures 24.3 and 26.3mm,as for holes they need to be bit smaller than bushings allowing them tight installation so they won't wobble or become loose...Last part would be modifying retaining clamp for pulley which is very easy of everything else,more things than that apron have to be retained at other end,Sears and Craftsman models not interchangabe although looks identical,I making exceptions and making parts align.last annoying part is tail stock,somehow it not sits on bed correctly and need alignment with front stock spindle before it get calibrated and made to suit..The gear box assembly contains normally 2 lever adjustments,first for spindle speed select while other is for lead screw speed select.Machine is very simple and easy to understand how it function,I didn't had chance loot for manuals,there is totally like 6 different manuals,including Sears 109 version...The 3/4 spindle is exact size that Craftsman or Sears should design for that 109 lathe,it is like using lathe with electric drill capacity and inserting large object to work on..Weaker 1/2 threaded end can band and deform because of large sized parts,Craftsman/Sears 109 lathe can work on anything that 6" limit of loaded parts,that how large object could be worked on...

[@burnheretic3950]

Have had a handful of small lathes. Didn't really care for the craftsman 12 I had years ago. The Southbend 9 with underdrive cabinet blew it out of the water. Had no issue taking a 1/8 cut using back gears. The craftsman with flat ways just couldn't do much without alot of headache. But these little bench models used inverted v ways which in a great advantage, am thinking about picking one up just to see how capable I can get it within its means. Thanks for sharing you lathe.

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

Nice upgrades on that 109, looks really good!

[@justinlacapria2898]

Someday I'll get to finish my great grandfather's 109 I "borrowed" from my grandfather 5 years ago. I tore it down cleaned everything. Then discovered one of the main drive gears was in peices. (Replacement parts aren't cheap) the other things that gave me huge problems was the spindle(someone modified or replaced to have a center) and those darn bronze oilite bushings, especially that front tapered one I haven't attempted to make yet. I really like the idea of enlarging the spindle and threads that I can actually find chucks and accessories for unlike the 1/2x20. Oh and the #00 Morse tapers have been annoying too lol. Ever thought about putting ball bearing instead of the bronze. I'd assume you'd have to machine out the spindle housing. Someday I'll get to it all.

[@DavidHerscher]

That's a really cool little lathe. I've never seen one of those before, i only knew about the atlas lathes. I guess craftsman used to make all sorts of neat stuff. I recently acquired a craftsman rotary x/y table that i also had no idea even existed until i found myself buying one... haha.

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Just found your channel and Subscribed. Nice work.

[@jayrock4ya]

It would be cool to see you turn some stuff on that little lathe. Nice video!!

[@billrose2083]

To make the mods, I would have to sketch it all out with dimensions and make them all on the existing machine for later installation. Very cool.

[@houseofbrokendobbsthings5537]

Nice set of motor. Well done. _Dan_

[@grantdeisig1360]

I like my 109, I've added lifting blocks to the feet to make it easier to clean underneath it, I've also changed out the spindle to a 3/4-16 solid shaft. I've also added a Bison mini 3 jaw chuck, and I've made my own quick change tool holder for 1/4" stuff, and I've replaced all the gears and thrust washers with 3D printed nylon. The beauty of nylon is that I don't have to lube any of the gears anymore and they are whisper quiet when they mesh! Cool lathe! I'm trying to see if I can some how convert the carriage to roller bearings for a tighter, smoother operation. Ofcouse, I want to do this without doing any permanent modification to the original parts.

[@NordicDan]

A little late to the party here, but after a year, are your nylon bushings and gears still holding up? Any luck devising a way to use bearings instead of bushings on the carriage?

[@Trikekid84]

Great video! I'd like to do these upgrades to mine in the future. So there are no bearings, just bushings in the headstock?

[@Rolingmetal]

I have one of those. It's greenish and horrible :) Looks like you did a great job upgrading this one.

[@katemoon7476]

I wonder if you bought it in Michigan. I had a green one and sold it to a guy.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Not sure why you made a larger keyway . Correct me if I'm wrong , but the smaller key is to act like a shear pin which breaks if the lathe meets a great deal of resistance to keep from damaging gears etc. Your lathe appears to be in great shape . Wonder if you have put a test indicator on the chuck to check for run out . What I call a "standard" is nice to have . A piece of round stock turned down to close diameter tolerance and concentricity - used to check run out across the "sweep" from chuck to center . Great little lathe for making firearm suppressors . No death threat from me unless you say you don't like Guinness beer . ATB

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

I understand about the rigidity issue . Maybe soft aluminum or brass for the key ? Try to forgive an old guy who has his preachy moments and BA opinions . You get a temporary pass for not being a consumer of Guinness which will be reviewed periodically should you change your mind . Had you said you prefer Miller beer over Guinness , there would be an issue . ATB from rattlesnake land NM .

[@billjackson9702]

I used to have one, but I traded it to a machinist for some work he did for me. Coulda woulda shoulda I know....as in I wish I still had it!

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

Man, that is some jarring and unexpected music at the beginning. I imagine that drives off a lot of people pretty early in to the watch time.

[@georgespangler1517]

Picked up 2 lathes today ,,109 like yours and a 101 6 inch,, both in really good condition,,, and great price 400 for both,,, already had the 12 inch,,, going to sell the 109 and keep the 101,,,wondering what to ask for the 109?

[@johnstrange6799]

Nice upgrades.

[@Cabal2600]

Hello,What did you do with spindle to become larger???Is it larger diameter than original 109 model???If so how it inserts in the front stock assembly???The larger the spindle the less wobble and friction would be,if spindle is hollowed it would allow do all major gunsmithing and possibly rifling operations..Upgrade ideas would be interesting to hear...

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

I made a new spindle slightly thicker than the original (the measurements are in the video) and just made new bushings to go with it. If I went any thicker on the spindle diameter, the bushings would be getting too thin, so I'd have to increase the OD of them. Then the holes the bushings go into would be too small and need to be opened up, then the casting would be getting too thin and could crack, so the entire head casting would have to be modified. It would just be better to buy a bigger lathe. I think I went about as big as is practical.

[@Cabal2600]

You got incredible machinist skills friend,Is it possible to make even larger spindle that have hollow entry through??For example like Craftsman 101 have??I know front stock need to be designed differently,but is it possible though??I personally manufacture my own designed steady and following rests for 109 model,found thick steel plate that already started cutting it in profile...

[@Cabal2600]

Greetings again....From your opinion,which would be idealistic type of spindle to install on model 109 lathe if head stock build differently??What type of spindle to be use so it would stay hollow through??Is model 101 and 109 somehow have same length spindles??At least which model have identical length and close size of pulley??I can manage manufacture new headstock with larger spindle features but I need specific model of spindle that might prove logical to insert....Lets assume that threaded front area of spindle 3/4 size while rest is more wider neather 13/16,7/8 or 15/16 of the size....If I can get approximate model with identical lengths of spindle like Craftsman 109 this would help a lot..Ones spindle acquired with pulley setting,threading adjust speeds controller like on model 109 that would be even more sweet...I work right now at construction of following and steady rest's of my own design science Craftsman 109 never had one before...

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

I don't know what lathes use what spindles, aside from the two lathes I have, which is this 109 and my 12" Atlas. I'd start with what is readily available and cheap, which around here, would be a bigger Chinese import, an Atlas, or a South Bend. The thing is, once you start turning larger material, you'll need more torque to turn it, which means a bigger motor. Then you'll have so much more power than it was designed for that you run the risk of putting too much pressure on the carriage and breaking off the toolpost. If you strengthen that, then you have a very small leadscrew driving the carriage with a weak, cast iron half nut. Then you have all that added power running through small, zamac gears. Pretty soon, you've rebuilt the entire lathe to make a super-strong lathe that can only turn small pieces and has no quick change gearbox, carriage handwheel, taper attachment, steady rest, follower rest, dial graduations, etc. I understand the desire to make things better, but there's a point where it makes way more sense to have a small lathe for small work and a bigger lathe for bigger work. You can't make a 109 do it all.

[@Cabal2600]

I understand your logical answer,My point of view that Craftsman 109 is stand for 3-3 1/2 inch maximum capacity..However the original spindle is not acceptable science it build wrong at first place...My point is not building bigger parts or something but making spindle hollow,this is what I actually meant....I just not sure which spindle would be better to choose or design and that second problem..The primary part and point is correct spec's of design...The head stock could be made for specific spindle,I have no problems to designing pretty much anything..The idea why spindle must be hollow is to allow things like drill bits or rifling buttons to pass through..From my point of view I understand that spindle must be no less than 11/16 inch size and thread must be 5/8 or 3/4 size..The hole size must be roughly as 9/16 inches wide,there is no point to make wider things however I think spindle should be wide at front while rear could be thinner...If the head stock made new from scratch with correct bushing areas this should work,the only things that must be made is brass bearings that fit its proper needs..

[@AppalaShane]

Do you know if there is a milling attachment available anywhere for the 109? Thank you for the video.

[@oscarj.ariaspadilla9073]

Thanks for the video. Question: what's the part number for the A2Z tool post? I got this 109 lathe and I need to restore it. It's my first time doing this and have never used one but I think it's a good start. So far I have noticed 3 missing parts. I may not be able to get the original parts, but to start it's good to see I can use a different tool post.

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

Unfortunately they are no longer available. Similar versions are out there though. Just have to look around.

[@stevenjaffe6481]

I have a 1948 Craftsman Dunlap. I want to do some milling. I need help with the vertical milling attachment. WHY CAN I GET ONE' Truly enjoyed your video thanx be well

[@southjerseysound7340]

My friend has a copy of a Myford milling slide that he copied from a video on here that works really nice. I cant think of the channel but if you search you should find it. It's simply a slide that mounts to a angle plate where the tool post goes and while not perfect it does a lot for what it is.

[@ricardoaleman3905]

Great video. I need the lantern top post. Is it posible to help me and send me a drawing with dimesions?

[@georgeruzich5423]

A very good video.

[@georgeruzich5423]

I did enjoy it ! I just got one of theses lathes. The one I have in a step down from what you have. I believe it never had gears. I'll play with it for a while. The atlas is a very good home lathe. The 109 I have is a toy. I have been a machinist for 42 years. Running a lathe now is fun.

[@southjerseysound7340]

Why don't people like the 109? I'm shopping for a little lathe for my boat and I'm wondering what the common issues are with this lathe. Right now its either the 109 or Sieg mini unless I can find something just a little bigger that will fit on board...……….Also great restoration, it looks awesome and the color reminds me of the gear in my HS metal shop.

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

I've never used a Sieg, but based on what I've seen and read, it is a good machine. In my opinion, here are the biggest drawbacks to the 109 lathe: 1. The 0MT tapers. It's hard to find much in that size and they're pretty flimsy. 2. The lack of a quick change gear box. Swapping gears around to thread is such a hassle that I do all I can to avoid threading. 3. The lack of a handwheel to rapidly move the carriage. Either you shove the whole thing down the bed by hand or if your gibs are too tight, you have to endlessly crank it with the tiny handwheel at the far end. 4. The tiny, wimpy spindle. I had to straighten the original on numerous occasions by putting an indicator on the chuck and hammering it with a dead blow. Hence the new, thicker one.

[@katemoon7476]

I had one. You have to be very aware of every little thing, and this isn't easy for a beginner. The thrust bearings, alignment of the belt, tension of the belt. I had a rocker style tool post, and so there is relief on the cutting tool, angle of engagement with the work, slop in the traverse, height. I bought some cheap Indian cutting tools which were worthless. Unfortunately, the low price for these ($300) has a massive price in useability. I salute the man that made this video for getting it to work at all. It is halfway between a toy and a useable machine.

[@goodbob2127]

I looked for that A2Z tool post setup but unfortunately, they seem to have gone out of business. I' read crappy reviews on other brands so wanted to take a chance on this one.

[@drewhonderich5194]

Did you find a tool post you like? I'm also looking...

[@colusafrwv]

Have you had any issues with the larger spindle?

[@dominickcavallo97]

Dominick trying trying to re build my 109 lead screw won't turn close slide is off still wont tun any help

[@georgespangler1517]

Just bought a 109 and 101 both 6 inch,, some fool painted the 109 red,,,I took it back to the vintage gray color,,,

[@fermarioav6473]

Hello!! My father have one of this, I want to restore it

[@mikestand714]

WHATS THE NUMBER ON TOOL HOLDER?...like to order one for my 109

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

Sorry, but they are no longer available. Best you can do is search for AXO tool post online and order something from China.

[@donfilippo2052]

Nice job on the mods. Could you help me? I am having a problem with my internal gear drive. It keeps come loose or slips, and I do not know it should work correctly. I took it apart cleaned everything and reassembled it. The only thing I cannot figure out is the screw that slides up and down on the drum, where is it supposed to be set, and how does it work? I think that is my problem, but not sure. The plunger I am not sure how it should be used. Thanks

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

Sorry for the late reply. That screw is very important in the operation of the planetary gear assembly. It needs to be slid and engaged to lock the two halves of the drum, otherwise the whole thing will spin freely. I can't go into much more detail because my 109 lathe now lives with my brother, but just make sure there is a square nut on the back of the screw and it is engaged with the other half of the gear assembly. Good luck!

[@rustyisaacson3007]

Do you have a blue print of the chuck shaft I need one mine is missing

[@Daviddavid-hc4zi]

Hola amigo tengo uno igual y me faltan los engranajes de la caja. usted podria pasarme la medida y cantidad de dientes para yo fabricarlos ? muchas gracias

[@roopgillfixitreview7642]

Hi, what do you recommend for a small table top metal lathe for working on british motorcycles. thanks in advance.

[@Cabal2600]

What type of milling attachment you use by setting on Craftsman 109??

[@armasartesanales8974]

Can someone tell me the price in dollars or Mexican pesos of this little bolt please

[@BisonWorkshop]

you should see the 109 i just restored.

[@jakestockett3839]

Link?

[@cupofcoffeeinthebigtimeyea3485]

do you have dimensions of the shaft you made ?

[@visegrips_n_gafftape]

Just got 2 chucks off ebay for mine. Still need to figure out what size motor to pair it with. Any suggestions? 1/2HP?

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

I think mine had a 1/4 HP motor, but I've since loaned/given the machine to my brother. Lighter is better, but I think anything 1/2 HP or under would work if you already have one. Just make sure it's 1725-ish RPM and not 3500-ish.

[@visegrips_n_gafftape]

@@PhillipsHomeRepair thank you!!

[@drors01]

We have a facebook group for the 109. Please join us facebook.com/groups/1434332113313365/

[@carolinarigwelders]

What type of paint did you use on the 109 restoration?

[@PhillipsHomeRepair]

This is nothing fancy. Just Rustoleum gloss gray from a pint can brushed on with a disposable brush. It's surprising how good that can turn out if you're careful.

[@jakestockett3839]

@@PhillipsHomeRepair did you bake it? How durable has the paint been?

[@visegrips_n_gafftape]

I just got one of these. First time dipping my toe in these waters so to speak. Didn't come with a chuck or motor. Can anyone help me out by linking me to a chuck that will fit? Amazon, eBay, etc?

[@terrinewman7390]

try ebay. amazon didn't have much and also go to www.littlemachineshop.com