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Lathe recondition?

I am coming to the end of the stripdown of my recent purchase (Denford Viceroy). I have determined all of the bits that need tickling, fixing and making. Nothing too terrible, two missing teeth on drive gears, loose handles etc. Bearings are excellent with no visible wear. Main question now is whether to repaint or not, not a process I enjoy. Existing paintwork is typical of a lathe of its age - tatty.

Should I ever resell does a repaint enhance the value or make people concerned as to whats underneath?

Reply to
Richard Edwards
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Personally repainting puts me off. But then I don't have a lathe to polish and look at.....

Charles

Reply to
Charles Ping

Personally speaking, I certainly don't mind machine tools (or most other of my possessions for that matter) looking 'used'. That is after all what they are for. If you're going to re-paint it, for me, that has to be done near enough as thoroughly and robustly as the original.

I did re-paint my lathe when I got it, as I had completely stripped it and the paint was shattered, I did not re-paint the mill despite it being a somewhat battered and me giving it a comprehensive strip and re-build as the castings were well filled and the finish (probably stoved) in reasonable order - where present.

A quick swipe over with anything, but especially Hammerite (yeuckhhhhh-spit), to simply make it all the same colour will make not impress but will make me tighten the grip on my wallet considerably.

Richard

Reply to
Richard

I'd agree with that too. Unless you' re doing a complete refurbishment with re-ground bed, new spindle/bearings, gibs and so on, then a repaint just looks like a DIY cover up for something.

Peter

Reply to
Peter Neill

Comments below :)

I only take notice of repainted machines when they look tired, but "tarted" up.

Must admit the first thing I do with a machine is to strip, clean, replace worn parts where possible, then repaint where time permits.

So far, all machines have been stripped, but only 2 have been repainted due to wanting to "make" swarf. But the new addition ( Myford S7 ) is going to get the full works :) Only then will I get on with the other machines.

I look on the machines as an investment for my hobby, and my pride, not for re-sale value, but also, isnt a well cared for machine that looks the business a source of pride and acheivement in itself ?

Richmond

Reply to
Richmond

There is a saying in my part of the world that goes like this:

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig.

A machine with good ways and mechanicals will sell itself. A paint job adds nothing unless you like painting.

Wes

Reply to
Wes

On or around Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:24:01 -0500, Wes enlightened us thusly:

If I were doing a serious refurb on a machine to as-new (or as near as you can get) condition, then I'd clean it up and repaint as well. On an old but functional machine, unless it's truly horrible, I'd leave it as-is.

Reply to
Austin Shackles

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