O/T Sheldon lathe Q's

Anyone have any experience with a sheldon lathe? I have a chance to pick one up with tooling. Anything out of the ordinary I should look for? Thanks

 

The Sheldon brand is very reputable. Their lathes were marketed as compe***ion to the South Bend and quality is comparable. You don't say what size it is-I have a 13" which I'm quite happy with even though it's showing its age. Larger/later ones with gear heads are probably a bit more desirable due to the ease of speed changing. If the one you're looking at is still under power, it would be good to try it out under a variety of speed/feed/load conditions.

 

Thanks Dale, I also found some great info by googleing.

 

I have run them working in a large aircraft overhaul facility. Not my first choice, but a pretty solid machine.

 

Go here:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/index.html

Scroll down for Sheldon.

 

Hey,

Are these on the order of a Myford for quality?

S****ey Devils C.C.

 

I, believe at one time lindsay publications carried a how to run a lathe book by sheldon lathes. The home shop machinist may also be of interest to you, one of the books they sell did a complete sheldon recondition/way s****e etc. This is probably overkill but it may give you some ideas on where to look for wear. Good luck! pool.

 

I ended up buying it, $500.00, So I'm happy. It has a 13" swing. There was a lot of tooling, a six jaw chuck, and that book by Lindsay. It looks and ran good and seems nice and tight. We'll see when I hook up the 3-phase power and dial it in. My Dad was a machineist for 45 years, time for some Father/Son bonding. Thanks for all the replies. I'll post a pic. soon. Mike

 

Here it is, bad pic. and all. It also has the tapering attachment.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u262/IrishMike_photo/Mikesworkcamera012.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u262/IrishMike_photo/Mikesworkcamera017.jpg

 

Great deal. You and your dad should have fun. I love making chips.

 

500.00 you can't go wrong.

 

Since you got it for only $500, I suggest you spend another $120 with Enco for a quick change tool post set. One of these makes running your lathe a real treat as compared to the old rocker style with the Armstrong/Williams tool holders. And, if you have to resort to a phase converter (***uming you don't have 3 phase available) make sure you get a rotary or dynamic one. The "Black boxes" are a farce.

 

Thanks for the tips Dale. I'm going to order the quick change Monday. My warehouse is set up for 3 phase and a friend who is an electrican is on his way. Shouldn't be long now.

 

I envy you! Not even sure what I need one for, but I'd sure love to have one! How on earth did you get it to your shop? And move it around? That's the biggest hang-up I have, those things aren't light!

 

4000# forklift makes it very easy. Bought the lift 7 years ago for $400, wasn't running, needed plug wires, it's a flathead too.