I just looked at a very old lathe - I'd say 40 to 50 years old - that was made by the Cullman Wheel Company. I measured it up rather quickly and figure it's about 32" between centers with a 9" swing. It's 120 volt with a flat leather strap drive belt, takes a 1/4" tool bit.

I have never heard of the Cullman company especially associated with lathes. This thing is in really good shape for its age - no rust, runs smooth, ways are clean, no play in head or tail. It's got a screw cutting chart on what appears to be a quick-change gearbox. It's set up with the motor above the ways with the pulleys nearly vertical to each other. The gear box is at the far left. There's a desk lamp mounten in the tailstock (looks like it should be there, anyway).

The guy is an old timer who's had the lathe for many many years and just doesn't want it any more. He said it came from the old paper mill that used to be here in town until it burned down in the mid seventies - really the biggest industry my tiny little town ever had other than limestone quarries way way back in the day. So, there's some local history that comes with it.

My problem is, I asked him how much he wanted for it and he answers back, "How much will you give me for it?" God, I hate that! Since I can't find any information about it, I'm a little scared. I already have a small Craftsman lathe - 6"x18" so I don't know if it's worth hauling all the way to my garage.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Jay