Hardinge Lathes

[boiler_house7]

I have been looking at finding a good quality used lathe. I was wondering if the older hardinge machine tool lathes is worth looking at and what size would I need to get for chambering and threading. I have very little experience but I do have some very experienced retired machinist that live here in my small town. I've heard the hardinge threading is of good quality and ease of use. Thanks Bill

 

[rwk]

There GOOD

 

[boltfluter]

You would be hard pressed to do better. Hardinge is that good. If you find one jump on it. ;D

Regards.
Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[ROCKJAG4]

IF U CAN FIND A GOOD OR REBUILT ONE, THEY ARE THE FINEST LATHE THAT U WILL EVER THREAD ON.I ran hlvh models for 35+ yrs in the tool room where i worked.accurate beyond belief.they are pricey,but well worth the $..not ideal for barrel work though as the bore at best is only 1- 1/4". if u don't plan on doing any large bbls. then it should work for you..they are great fo installing brakes on sporter wgt. hunting bbls..

 

[Steve Blair]

Most people do not let Hardinge lathes go cheap. Check prices and, if this one seems low, check it very carefully. Everyone I know who has owned a Hardinge knows exactly what they have. I owned a Feeler "HLV-H Hardinge copy" and sold it for more than I paid.

 

[boiler_house7]

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like it is way above my ability and I'm sure I will be the limiting factor on what ever I start out with for some time. I've come to learn one thing with age if you can get good quality from the start, you never seem to regret it and should be able to recoup most of your investment if part. I know the 11X18 is small but would it do a fine job on chambering. It seems I can find these sizes SOMEWHAT reasonable. Thanks for all your help. Bill

 

[Phil3]

Like others said, Hardinge is like the Porsche of lathes. VERY nice. I have a Southbend, but would trade it in for good Hardinge any day. Phil

 

[butchlambert]

As stated above, the Hardinge is an excellent lathe, but not for chambering. The between center dimension is too short to do it in a steady and the ID of the spindle is too small to do it in the headstock. A 1.250" spindle ID will not allow you to indicate a 1.250" barrel as it will be tight in the spindle. Most barrels use a 1.0625 tenon. This would allow you a shoulder of only about .090".
Yes, I would like to have a Hardinge, but not for chambering.

 

[boiler_house7]

Thanks butch, I was wondering about the spindle capacity. Would a four jaw chuck help any, with the barrel going smaller on contour through the spindle. Thanks Bill

 

[Erik Cortina]

Thanks butch, I was wondering about the spindle capacity. Would a four jaw chuck help any, with the barrel going smaller on contour through the spindle. Thanks Bill

It would, but you are up a creek if you want to indicate the bore, since it will be inside the spindle.

Just get the SB Heavy 10, it's a better machine for chambering.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I have a uncle and a few neighbors that have and one still does work for Hardinge bros.. I have only heard good things about there lathes and to go off subject a bit The demand and talk I hear it sounds like they could still do some good business making smaller lathes..

 

[MDSpencer]

Info on the Hardinge

 

[MDSpencer]

This is the machine I wish I could afford... even if it's used.

Mark

I do have a production Hardinge. Quite a mouse. Even at 4000 RPM's.

 

[Erik Cortina]

This is the machine I wish I could afford... even if it's used.

Mark

I do have a production Hardinge. Quite a mouse. Even at 4000 RPM's.

Mark, but could you chamber 1.25" barrels though headstock on this lathe?

 

[butchlambert]

It is close to the class of a Monarch 10EE. It has been a few years since they have offered a 10EE, but I think it was in the $100,000. range. Ain't much market for a manual lathe in that price range.

 

[MDSpencer]

Here is more info on that lathe. As for barreling, you would need to get it past the spindle nose and you would be ok. Monarch is buying 10EE's. Dollying them up and re-selling them. Their is talk of Hardinge making their little lathes. But my understanding is they don't have patent rights. Could be wrong on that. Saw two Hardinge's and one 10EE(late model) at Bridgeman machine a few weeks ago. He had the 10EE for somewhere around $12,000.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Mark, it has 1.250" spindle bore, and 18" between centers. I think you would have a hard time chambering a 1.250"x32" barrel on this lathe, wouldn't it?

 

[MDSpencer]

It would be a challenge. M

 

[Raythemanroe]

monarch 10ee

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Monarch-10EE-Lathe-12-5-Swing-20-Between-centers-/250725414892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a606637ec

 

[Raythemanroe]

?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harrison-Geared-head-Tool-Room-Lathe-/330920267360?pt=BI_Lathes&hash=item4d0c628e60


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