"Karl Townsend" wrote in message
...
I'm in need of upgrading my big lathe...

"The Kid" volunteered to take the old one, so at least I have room.

I used a leblond servo shift many years ago and loved it. here's a
leblond- regal
http://tinyurl.com/9tls68g

"The Kid" thinks a Clausing would be way better
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271079709597

I'll go look at lathes this week, may find a few more. I'm only buying
in the MN area because I can look at it and pick it up, no truck
expense. Anybody have comments or comparisons on these two lathe
models? Any special problems to look for?

Ahm no 'spert.... but I have come to realize that some lathes seem to have
unnecessary (read: expensive to fix) complexity.

Some Clausings have a kind of hydraulic variable speed, which can go.
Newer clausing-colchesters have a friction clutch, which can go (slip). I
think it's bypassable (you can lock it up), but not sure.
My buddy's euro 15" SouthBend has so many goddamm relays in it, you need a
schematic.... ditto Hardinge. His southbend has been apart for over a
year.

But, apart from all that, plentiful parts is a point to consider. But
clausing parts from clausing are phenomenally expensive -- your knees will
buckle. But if plentiful in the used market, then mebbe no pro'leng.

Mebbe distill the wisdom of used machinery dealers in the area -- some of
these guys are ex-machinists/repair guys, and really know a lot about the
innerworkings. The only problem is vested interests in the advice, but
that's where distillation comes in.
--
EA



Karl