Southbend Repair or 10x22

[2_many_hobbies]

I have a price for payoff question.

I have seen this lathe for sale and can pick it up for a reasonable price but it needs work. Southbend 13 Lathe

It needs its ways reground, new gibbs, and a new motor. A motor would be the cheapest part to replace and Im sure I could put out a RFQ for new gibbs but I really have no idea how much re-grinding the ways will cost. The two shops I called wouldn't even give me a price they just said its $85/hr

In your opinions would I be better off buying say a Grizzly 10x22 and paying all the taxes and such getting it into Canada for an end cost of say $1500 or getting the Southbend and having $850 to spend on the repairs?

Thanks!

[sld4121]

I will make a couple of assumptions here.

1. The Grizzly is new, with warranty, etc.
2. The Southbend is in pretty rough shape.

The question really becomes, are you prepared to do a complete rebuild of this machine?

To have the ways ground, you need to disassemble this lathe - pretty much down to the base casting.
Gibbs need to be manufactured and fitted.
Main Motor needs replacing.
I would suggest that the screws and split nuts need to be replaced on the top slide and cross slide (Been there and done that!)
God knows what else you will find at disassembly.

IMHO, it will be "cheaper" to rebuild than buy new. Until you factor in the time you will spend doing the work. So, unless you have more time than money......... I would buy new.

[ibuildstuff4u]

There is always option #3. Keep looking for a good used machine and pay a little more up front for the machine instead of the repairs.

Good luck with your purchase.

Dale P.