LeBlond Regal (?)

[ldsld50]

Hi,

My name is Ron and I have an opportunity to purchase a Tree 2UV mill along with a LeBlond Lathe. (I believe after researching it is a Regal) 15” x 58” (?)

First; I am trying to figure out what something like these would be worth. They are fairly dirty (see photos) but I ran them through a number of functions and all seem to work well. Also if someone knows the year, where I can find the info on the machine as every placard held not history other then patents and lever positions.

The lathe runs quite with no obvious bad noises, threading, power feeds work smooth in both directions along with cross slide power feed. The cross slide is sloppy on the wheel (as to be expected I believe for it’s age) but works smooth. I did not cut anything with it and should have. Comes with lots of tooling

A master machinist owned and used them into his 80’s before passing making precision pieces and I believe he took care of them and didn’t abuse them, but didn’t clean them either. So lubrication oil in the gear box my never have been changed. Lots of unknowns but he knew his way around them.

Any help would be truly appreciated. I would like to know approximate value if possible just by looking at the pictures of history of similar machines: a good offer to make being fair to both parties. How available parts are? Looks as though the Lathe holds the most promise for parts and support, as I cannot find much of anything for the mill.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Ron

[RotarySMP]

Looking at Lathes.co.uk, it would appear to date from the 40's or 50's.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/regal/page4.html

Generally the bigger lathes (too big for the average model maker) are nearly worthless these days. I'd watch the type on ebay for a few weeks to see what they fetch, but unfortunately a lot of this type of machinery now ends up on the slow boat to china, to be recycled.

[ldsld50]

Thank you Mark for your reply and the link. I know the machines need to find the right home otherwise they will end up as scrap. What a shame! As well as things were built compared to what we see today. Everyone seems to be going to CNC (for good reason) which I don’t think helps this market either.

I looked around quite a bit and I was unable to find this particular model, only newer so coming up with an offer price to be fair to both parties is difficult. I guess it boils down to how bad you want it. It would be nice if there was better ID info on the machine.

Thanks again Mark

Best Regards, Ron

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Ron, You should be able to find the machine's serial number stamped on the tailstock end of the bed. With that number the year of manufacture should be attainable from a serial number book that most dealers have as well as being available to the public.

If the machines are in serviceable condition, could be a good buy. They were well built and reputable pieces.

Good Luck

[ldsld50]

Thank you Richard. I did look around that area for anything, but had limited lighting at the time and will have to look again. If it was on the Patent plate R/H side of the bed (on the front side end) I missed that info. as I only found a plate full of patent #'s. I'm assuming it is a different plate or placard attached, or is it actually "Stamped" into the bed on the end?

Thanks again for the info Richard. Much appreciated.

Ron

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Ron, I don't know if all machines were marked that way, but it was a common practice. The reason was to make the serial number permanent. If removed, the reason may not be legitimate. The exception may be "war finish" machines from the second world war. Sometimes the S/N's are under a lot of old paint. Hope that helps.

[RotarySMP]

The other thing about the value of these machines is location. Unless you can find a local buyer, the transport costs can easily swamp the value to a prospective buyer.

My scrap dealer scrapped a beautiful, swiss gear shapping machine. Must have cost a fortune in the 60's when it was built. Broke my heart, but I couldn't bring that stray home (already took pity on the old Deckel engraver frame, which is in a friends garage now

http://www.wrathall.com/Interests/CN...nkenDeckel.htm

You can't use it yourself?

[ldsld50]

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW Ron, I don't know if all machines were marked that way, but it was a common practice. The reason was to make the serial number permanent. If removed, the reason may not be legitimate. The exception may be "war finish" machines from the second world war. Sometimes the S/N's are under a lot of old paint. Hope that helps.

Richard, that totally makes sense. I guess I fell into the trap of looking for the obvious. I would assume any detaching part to the bed would have a S/N hidden somewhere also.

I'll look harder next time I get the chance. Thank you.

[ldsld50]

[QUOTE=RotarySMP;360356]The other thing about the value of these machines is location. Unless you can find a local buyer, the transport costs can easily swamp the value to a prospective buyer.

My scrap dealer scrapped a beautiful, swiss gear shapping machine. Must have cost a fortune in the 60's when it was built. Broke my heart, but I couldn't bring that stray home (already took pity on the old Deckel engraver frame, which is in a friends garage now
/QUOTE]

Moving these monsters will truly be a challenge if I do decide to bring them home. About a 30+ mile trip. Not too bad but still a challenge and is being taken into consideration.

That swiss gear shapping machine probably still worked to perfection if the operator knew what they were doing. Most people want instant gratification anymore so speed becomes priority, not skill. Truly amazing what people throw away either willingly or not so willing. Quality equip tossed in the trash, I've done my share of dumpster diving just at work alone. Can't believe what gets thrown out. At least recycle it or save me the time and place it in my truck....haha!!
Thank you for your thoughts.