Basic Questions on South Bend 9 x 20

I would not worry about the motor - on a smaller lathe like that, you can easily change to a 110V single phase motor - half horse or 1 horse - others will provide far better information on the lathe itself than I can

This depends to a large degree on two factors. 1) is it an underneath drive model, or the kind with the separate, rear drive. And 2) what is the bed length.

The bench you put a machine like that on will be a foot or two longer than the bed length, and if it is a rear drive model, the bench will realistically be almost four feet deep to make it all fit. If it is an underneath cabinet drive model, then the size of the cabinet is the footprint.

If you break the bench lathe down, two folks can lift the largest part, the bed.

That is a good approximation, tooling cost = lathe cost more or less.

QC toolpost and toolholders, steady rest, chucks, collets, collet setup are only a few things you will find handy.

Jim

Well ... I just got through typing a list of the tooling which could come with a lathe, and what some of it is useful for. This was in another thread, asking for a choice between the SB Heavy 10 and a Clausing 59??.

Rather than re-typing all of that, I'll simply suggest that you find that thread and read it there. The only things which do not apply are the references to chuck sizes, QC-toolpost sizes, and collet sizes -- but everything else should apply.

One thing to watch for in the SB machines is whether it is a model 'A', 'B', or 'C'. Model 'A' has the full power feed (longitudinal and cross) with a quick-change gearbox. Model 'C' has only threading with the "basket of gears" change system, where you tear down one geartrain and build up another. (This tends to discourage setting the right feeds for turning, simply because of the inconvenience.) The model 'B' I think has the power cross-feed and longitudinal, but not the quick-change gearbox. (Or is it the reverse?) Anyway -- having the true power feeds reduces wear on the lathe's leadscrew and half-nuts, as the power is picked off from a keyway which runs the length of the leadscrew, instead of from the actual Acme threads. As a result, it only gets wear when actually threading, which is usually a small enough percentage of the total work so you will be fine.

Good Luck, DoN.

The three foot bed model has a footprint of 39 3/8" x 33 1/4"

The shipping weight of the Model C was 320 pounds with motor and crate. I have lifted the bed with headstock out of a car trunk and onto the bench.

Go to mermac.com and read "how to inspect a lathe"

I don't

Not an issue. It unusual to find one with a three phase motor. These are small (1/4-1/3-1/2 HP depending on year) motors.

The webpage below

The Yahoo Southbend lathe group has a lot of information.

I don't have a three jaw for the SB. I work with the headstock Jacobs chuck, faceplate, and four jaw. The accessories you need will depend on what you make.

Kevin Gallimore

You were correct DoN.

A = quick change, and lever-selectable X- and L- feeds.

B = no QC, but still has feeds.

C = no QC, no feed worm in the carriage, so any longitudinal feed is via the halfnuts.

Jim