Trying to buy a Logan lathe

[FrankieC]

Hi,
I am looking at buying a basket case Logan 850. It is the base model, it does not have a QCGB, power cross slide, or turret tail stock. It appears complete except as noted below.

The bed ways are not worn with only a few tool dings and the lead screw is not worn. However, it has a few issues and I wonder if they are deal killers.

Issue 1, there is at least one tooth missing from the bull gear in the headstock (I bought the manual from Logan Actuator so I am pretty sure the terminology is correct). Is one, or a few, missing teeth on the gears in the headstock OK? The lathe is not running but I was able to turn the spindle 360 degrees by hand and didn't notice any roughness.

Issue 2, it is missing the entire half nut assembly (cam, half-nuts, half nut plate) except for the handle. Plus there is no threading dial. I can get new half nuts and cams from Logan, but no plate. Is there a way to replace this plate?

Issue 3, the compound slide is frozen, you cannot turn the screw and the handle is missing. Is this a known failure mode with an easy fix or do I need to replace the compound slide?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[AlienSteve]

I can't believe no one answered.

I just bought an old Logan 850. The bull gear (I'll have to trust you on the name) in mine had several teeth broken off and the previous owner brazed in and machined new teeth, and it works great. He said the most common cause is someone hammering on a stuck-on chuck while using the gears to lock it in place.

I suggest joining the Logan lathe user's list. Scott Logan of Logan Actuators is active there, they still make parts for Logan lathes. Given the model and serial number, he can probably tell you your lathe's history.

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/lathe-list/

Steve Greenfield