Which lathe to keep

i have a clarke cl430 and a southbend model c 9" ( just need a new workshop).

but once i get set up again plan on making an adaptor for each so i can swap chucks between both.

can you not do similar and keep your raglan?

not sure if idea will work but will be giving it a go soon as up and running again.

Edited By naughtyboy on 26/01/2017 13:53:47

I'd keep both, some years ago I was offered a 8-1/2 swing Mitchell Lathe I already had a Harrison l5 but I said yes I found I could leave work in one and start another machining job in the other this speeded up my model making no end ,

but greedy I have since bought a Boxford cud for repair rather than see it sent to the scrap yard

Mick,

I'm biased. Keep the Raglan, unless (perhaps if) it is an early Mkl!

Def, for certain, retain it if is a 5". I'm reading here that it is a 5"and not a LJ. (Some describe any Raglan as a 5" lathe, even though it is a tad over that).

Lead screw only used for threading (don't know about the boxford). Delightful auto trip on long travel power feed apparently. The variable speed is good for changing cutting speed for chatter avoidance (but need an easy to fit rev counter for reproducibility - less than a tenner). You would regret moving it on, later. Built to a quality not to a price.

I would only change my LJ for a 5'', at my time in life and my (limited) use. Certainly not change it for anyting similar but made in China. It should be around long after many modern machines are dumped.

The proceeds from the sale of the Raglan will enable you to tool up the newer Boxfords to a superior level with collets, milling drilling spindle, etc to last a lifetime. Its sale might also fill the requirement for a beginner on here wondering what to get between new import and old ebay item of unknown quality.

Research (and advisors on other forums) tells me that you will get more money if you sell the lathe with the minimum of accessories (say original standard issue) and sell anything else separately, Particularly if selling on the public market.

If selling to someone "in the know" you may be able to negotiate a decent deal for the whole lot - its certainly less work that way.

This forum has plenty of stories from people who have "got an amazing deal on a fully equipped lathe".

I once bought an ML7 tailstock, and found the lathe it came from was one of those special "double height" lathes that were used by Ferodo and others for skimming brake drums/discs at race meetings.   The chap refused to sell me the complete lathe as he could make much more by selling the parts.

Edited By Robbo on 27/01/2017 14:01:20