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[onlyflash944]

So there is a South Bend 84-B lathe for sale at auction this weekend.  I'm going to be taking a look at it soon and would like to know what I should look for in a good functional lathe.  What are common problems and wear points that I should be aware of?

Specs:
11" Swing, 5' Bed, 36" between centers, 7/8" hole through spindle, belt driven quick change box

How much would you give for one?

[Joseph Davis]

Make sure the ways and lead screw aren't terribly worn.  You can limp a flaky lead screw (or just not thread with it) but the ways pretty much ARE the lathe.  The usual cosmetic appearance stuff, and pay close attention to how much tooling you get ie chucks, bits, doo dads, etc. 

Go ahead and sift eBay for what those units actually go for.  Don't look at buy it now or high reserve bullshit, watch the real auctions.

[onlyflash944]

Found this:

http://www.mermac.com/advicenew.html