My new Diamond in the rough

[Shipdisturber]

I just purchased a Southbend lathe for $400 Canadian it's 52 inches long overall and 29 inches wide with a number of bits and tooling I have no idea how to use them. The lathe came with two metal trays full of bit's and pieces that in some cases are a mystery to me. The dirt I noticed on it is actually dust or dirt growth from misting oil in the air around the lathe, this of course would be from the lathe itself. The Southbend is replacing my Taig lathe which was basically tiny with an array of attachments, that I sold for $660 so I think I'm doing alright. I'll post pictures once I figure out how to do that.

 

[Shipdisturber]

I also wonder how all the controls work if anyone can help out there.

 

[GLCarlson]

Go get a copy of "How to run a lathe".

And for oil- 30W ND. Lots of other options, but generically that'll do pretty much everything.

 

[swarfrat]

That is a South Bend 9B, and I hope the full set of change gears were included in the purchase. The one attachment pictured is a milling attachment.
The manual that came from the factory with the lathe "How to Run a South Bend Lathe" can be downloaded from the Yahoo group http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/southbendmanual/, provided you become a member. Numerous other helpful files are also available to members. There is also another group just for SB9 users https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/southbendlathe9/. I recommend you join these groups.
Your "diamond in the rough" is definitely in need of cleaning and inspection. I know of no better way to learn about your lathe than to become "intimate" with it through a full tear-down and cleaning. I obtained a manual and kit of replacement wicks and wipers for my SB9B from a vendor on Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rebuild-Man...126594?hash=item255b559a02:g:m3wAAOSw9NdXq9nf). The exploded views and instructions will guide you through the process and instruct you how to make adjustments upon reassembly.

Craig

 

[Shipdisturber]

Thanks Craig and GLCarlson I'll download that manual and I guess tear it down and rebuild from the ground up.

 

[Shipdisturber]

No extra gears came with it so far as I can see, unless they are yet to be discovered.

 

[kiwi2]

Hi,
There are heaps of videos about restoring and running south bend lathes on youtube. Tubal Cain is good:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz9pZfGE-U0[/ame]

and here is a link to a video showing how to get your purchase up and running.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD7wDdVaMGQ[/ame]

Regards,
Alan C.

 

[Shipdisturber]

Thanks Kiwi, do you happen to know where I can get an exploded view of this lathe? To give you guys a little heads up as to my experience with lathes so you know I'm not a total rookie. I myself am a Heavy Duty Mechanic for the last 36 years who has at times had to use a lathe to repair and even make the odd device. My Grandfather, Father when still living and oldest Son are Machinists by trade so I have been exposed to lathes since I was a tyke. Once I found out that item was a milling attachment it didn't take long to understand how it works. Don't get me wrong I appreciate all advice because even though I may have done something with success for a long period of time someone often comes up with a gem of advice that helps me alter what I do because it's a better way to do it.
Back to lube, I have some high pressure grease that says it's good for head stock bearings very sticky stuff but would likely prevent me from filling the oiler cups so I'm not sure about that. The gear set I'm thinking I should lube with gear oil and I'm thinking lube the ways with 20w hydralic oil how does this sound to you guys? All I really need manual wise is an exploded view of all the parts.

 

[Shipdisturber]

Anyone know where I can get parts for these things in Canada?

 

[arc]

Don't use grease,that would be bad. Use only oil in the head stock, because there are felt wicks that wick the oil up to the spindle via capillary action. I use spindle oil in mine.I don't use grease of any kind anywhere on the lathe, it will attract and hold chips just where you don't want them.
As for parts Ebay is your best bet although some can be pricey. There are rebuild kits that have all the felts and gaskets available. I got a kit off of Ebay and the book too.

 

[Shipdisturber]

Watched the videos and they are a great help. The serial number is 150222 so it was made somewhere around 1945 if I'm correct. As far as wear goes it has hardly been used but it needs a major cleanup, near as I can see the gears are pristine. Anyway I have it blown apart and should have it fixed right up over the next couple of weeks.

 

[ACHiPo]

Looking forward to following your progress!

 

[Shipdisturber]

I've contacted South Bend and am waiting to receive my file card via email, nice to know I can still buy new parts for it. I found this ad through an ad on Craigslist where I stated "Lathe wanted any condition" two people responded. The South Bend I will keep the other I'm selling locally for $400 here are some pictures of it, wish I had room for both.