Southbend lathe

[TrxR]

Can anyone give me any info on this little lathe?

 

[59FLH]

Start here.

South Bend Lathe Co.

www.southbendlathe.com

 

[scasa]

that would be fun if it had the quick change gearbox. Personally I hate change gears. I've had both and I'll only have the quick change now.

 

[Tim Singleton]

that would be fun if it had the quick change gearbox. Personally I hate change gears. I've had both and I'll only have the quick change now.

Thinking samething. I looked for a long time to find mine
can it be added?
I have seen the gearboxes on ebay

 

[Tempest]

Wow! Very cool.

I have the same one and all the original paperwork with it.

 

[59FLH]

I can't speak to that particular model but in general, when they were current the were very well built, accurate and durable. Last time I ran one was in the early 80's I think it was a model B clutch feed. Check it for taper caused by wear. That can't be adjusted out by the tail stock.

 

[TrxR]

They are wanting 1500ca for it. Lathes seem to be awful expensive around here. Im thinking that one would be a bit small for doing barrels?

 

[wkdickinson]

My guess is it is a SB 9" B or C, probably from the 1940's. I have a SB 9" model A (quick-change gear box) and find it great for most "home" projects. I did recontour and chamber (between centers) a barrel on it this winter and it worked great.

Great resource here:

The SBL Workshop - How To...

 

[hoz53]

Can anyone give me any info on this little lathe?

wat size is spindle bore?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

wat size is spindle bore?

Most ive seen were less than 1”

 

[hoz53]

Most ive seen were less than 1”

south bend made them in around 7/8 and around 1 9/16--- with the little one no chambering through headstock -- can still be done between centers with long enough bed. nite

 

[Tom Baker]

Can anyone give me any info on this little lathe?

I think it's a 435 yl. A great little lathe.

Can anyone give me any info on this little lathe?

 

[butchlambert]

In my opinion it is a toy. Maybe you could use it to turn brass, but awfully expensive for that.

 

[jackson1]

Many years ago, I had a similar lathe. The weak link in the system is the threaded lathe chucks. Also not very rigid for cutting 1" in diameter threads. Spent a life in a machine shop, and believe you would be happier with a larger machine, with a cam lock spindle.

 

[TrxR]

Any recommendations on a good lathe to look for?

 

[skeeljc]

You can usually find an Enco 13x40 used. Made in China but a good machine. I purchased mine new in 2000 for $2500. Used ones can be as low as $1500. D-1 spindle. 1-1/2" spindle bore.

 

[Ggmac]

Antique

 

[wkdickinson]

wat size is spindle bore?

The spindle bore on my SB9A is 3/4". I would assume the "B" & "C" to be the same.

 

[hoz53]

The spindle bore on my SB9A is 3/4". I would assume the "B" & "C" to be the same.

ok 3/4-- i think sb only had 2 sizes

 

[RickKr]

SB lathes can be very functional. The one pictured appears to be a Model C. It has only one driving rod for the carriage. IIRC, the Model B has a feed driving shaft as well as a threaded shaft for threading. It has a threading dial, so it can cut threads, but all of the driving is done via the single shaft. Just means there is more wear on the threads when doing feeds as well. Small dials on the cross slide and compound - pain in the eyes to use. Threaded spindle really only an issue if/when you want to run in reverse. Spindle hole size definitely 3/4". Can't tell anything about its condition, $1500 is a bit high for that machine.

I had a very sweet Model A which has the change gear box. I also hated all change gear lathes I had, but if you don't need to change feeds a lot, they can be okay.

I agree that it is a bit small for doing barrels and as mentioned it is not particularly rigid.

Rick