Is this lathe worth it?

CruisinGA · 02-22-08, 04:48 PM

I may have the chance to buy this lathe, but I don't have any idea how much it's worth, etc.

American Machine Tool out of Carson CA
Turnmaster 13"
Serial 1340F08840185
13"x40"

I've been working in a machine shop part time for the last couple of years, so I am a reasonably proficient machinist, but I don't know much about manufacturers or tool prices.

The lathe has hardly been used the last 4-5 years, has the x-axis encoder for a DRO, but the y-axis encoder was damaged and removed. To the casual observer, it seems to be in pretty good shape.

I might be able to get it for $500. Anyone know what kind of price is appropriate?

Thanks,
Bailey

zebrabeefj40 · 02-22-08, 04:58 PM

If it runs and is complete that is a good price IMHO. I run an American lathe almost daily at work (a 25" x 120" Pacemaker). They're definitely well made machines. For a price comparo you might search for "Turnmaster" or "American" on EBay. EBay prices tend to be higher than private sales but at least it'll get you in the ballpark.

Nick

CruisinGA · 02-22-08, 07:43 PM

This ebay auction is for what seems to be the exact same lathe - just more used

13" X 40"TURNMASTER ENGINE LATHE,MOTOR 3 HORSEPOWER - eBay (item 170094727189 end time Mar-17-08 13:28:23 PDT)

The buy it now is for $4.5k+.

So I'm thinking $500 may be alright.

Anyone with experience- please chip in.

nat · 02-22-08, 08:07 PM

is it a 3 phase or single phase machine?

CruisinGA · 02-22-08, 08:38 PM

3 phase.

I have 230 service in my garage, but not three phase.

I wonder if a converter be viable? Or maybe I should source a single phase motor for it?

nat · 02-22-08, 09:22 PM

there are converters available.............just not sure how much they are

D'Animal · 02-23-08, 06:41 AM

Rotex makes a converter.

El Cazador · 02-27-08, 09:01 PM

Would post your question to one of the machining websites and see what kind of feedback you get.

Practical Machinist - The Manufacturing Forum - Powered by vBulletin
The Home Shop Machinist & Machinist's Workshop BBS - Powered by vBulletin
The Home Machinist! :: Index
BackyardMetalcasting.com - Lionel's Laboratory :: Index

But if it's a decently made machine and in reasonably good condition, grab it and don't look back. Don't worry about replacing w/ a single phase motor. Get a phase converter, 10 hp rotary if you can afford it, and start making chips. Just make sure it's running well and the bed's not trashed.

Trevor · 02-28-08, 06:04 AM

You can also make your own rotary phase converter with a spare 3 phase motor. It's kinda

. I have never done it myself, but an old machinist I worked with told me about it.

As you probably know, the lathe is the cheap part. The tools get expensive.

02-22-08, 04:48 PM	#1
CruisinGA Ramblin Wreck Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Georgia Tech Posts: 5,812	Is this lathe worth it? I may have the chance to buy this lathe, but I don't have any idea how much it's worth, etc. American Machine Tool out of Carson CA Turnmaster 13" Serial 1340F08840185 13"x40" I've been working in a machine shop part time for the last couple of years, so I am a reasonably proficient machinist, but I don't know much about manufacturers or tool prices. The lathe has hardly been used the last 4-5 years, has the x-axis encoder for a DRO, but the y-axis encoder was damaged and removed. To the casual observer, it seems to be in pretty good shape. I might be able to get it for $500. Anyone know what kind of price is appropriate? Thanks, Bailey __________________ Bailey Quintrell '74 FJ40--37 Irocks-32 Bolt 'Locks-SM420-ARB-XD9000i-FJ60 PS-MetalTech Cage '93 FZJ80-DD-Part Time 4wd-locked-5" lifted-snorkel-bullbar-315 AT's '97 FZJ80 '98 UZJ100-OEM RR locker ΣΧ

02-22-08, 07:43 PM	#3
CruisinGA Ramblin Wreck Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Georgia Tech Posts: 5,812	This ebay auction is for what seems to be the exact same lathe - just more used 13" X 40"TURNMASTER ENGINE LATHE,MOTOR 3 HORSEPOWER - eBay (item 170094727189 end time Mar-17-08 13:28:23 PDT) The buy it now is for $4.5k+. So I'm thinking $500 may be alright. Anyone with experience- please chip in. __________________ Bailey Quintrell '74 FJ40--37 Irocks-32 Bolt 'Locks-SM420-ARB-XD9000i-FJ60 PS-MetalTech Cage '93 FZJ80-DD-Part Time 4wd-locked-5" lifted-snorkel-bullbar-315 AT's '97 FZJ80 '98 UZJ100-OEM RR locker ΣΧ

02-22-08, 08:07 PM	#4
nat IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm in like Flynn Posts: 876	is it a 3 phase or single phase machine? __________________ 1972 FJ55 "Geirdriful" named after one of the Valkyries Check out my build thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/165633-build-up-progress-my-piggie.html Some more good pics of the Pig here too: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...-iron-pig.html Maid Marion, "Why, you speak treason!" Robin Hood, "Fluently."

02-22-08, 08:38 PM	#5
CruisinGA Ramblin Wreck Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Georgia Tech Posts: 5,812	3 phase. I have 230 service in my garage, but not three phase. I wonder if a converter be viable? Or maybe I should source a single phase motor for it? __________________ Bailey Quintrell '74 FJ40--37 Irocks-32 Bolt 'Locks-SM420-ARB-XD9000i-FJ60 PS-MetalTech Cage '93 FZJ80-DD-Part Time 4wd-locked-5" lifted-snorkel-bullbar-315 AT's '97 FZJ80 '98 UZJ100-OEM RR locker ΣΧ Last edited by CruisinGA; 02-22-08 at 08:46 PM.

02-22-08, 09:22 PM	#6
nat IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm in like Flynn Posts: 876	there are converters available.............just not sure how much they are __________________ 1972 FJ55 "Geirdriful" named after one of the Valkyries Check out my build thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=165633 Some more good pics of the Pig here too: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...-iron-pig.html Maid Marion, "Why, you speak treason!" Robin Hood, "Fluently."

02-22-08, 04:58 PM	#2
zebrabeefj40 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: southeastern IN TLCA# 7767 Posts: 1,732	If it runs and is complete that is a good price IMHO. I run an American lathe almost daily at work (a 25" x 120" Pacemaker). They're definitely well made machines. For a price comparo you might search for "Turnmaster" or "American" on EBay. EBay prices tend to be higher than private sales but at least it'll get you in the ballpark. Nick

02-23-08, 06:41 AM	#7
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 9,597	Rotex makes a converter. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

02-27-08, 09:01 PM	#8
El Cazador IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Redlands, CA. Posts: 515	Would post your question to one of the machining websites and see what kind of feedback you get. Practical Machinist - The Manufacturing Forum - Powered by vBulletin The Home Shop Machinist & Machinist's Workshop BBS - Powered by vBulletin The Home Machinist! :: Index BackyardMetalcasting.com - Lionel's Laboratory :: Index But if it's a decently made machine and in reasonably good condition, grab it and don't look back. Don't worry about replacing w/ a single phase motor. Get a phase converter, 10 hp rotary if you can afford it, and start making chips. Just make sure it's running well and the bed's not trashed.

02-28-08, 06:04 AM	#9
Trevor IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a house TLCA# 12411 Posts: 909 Blog Entries: 1	You can also make your own rotary phase converter with a spare 3 phase motor. It's kinda . I have never done it myself, but an old machinist I worked with told me about it. As you probably know, the lathe is the cheap part. The tools get expensive.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode