Southbend 9 inch model A lathe [Archive]

flyer1

10-20-2016, 12:23 AM

We had a garage sale around here this past weekend and stumbled across a 1945 9 inch southbend metal lathe. Here is a picture.

179096

It comes with the tooling and bench. I got a basic lesson today. I gave 1100 for it. Seemed reasonable to me. I have not run a lathe in 40 years and have no idea what they are going for now. The industrial lathe my dad had didnt cost near this price.

Now, I could use some ideas where to start learning. Consider me having zero knowledge and go from there.

Thanks to everyone in advance.

Mike

Nueces

10-20-2016, 12:53 AM

There will always be some guy who can crow about getting one like yours for a song. Good for him. Good for you, too, as this one appears to be a peach and has the quick change gear box. What little too much you 'may' have paid, when spread over the years you will enjoy this little jewel, vanishes into nothing. You have your machine and will spend no more time pining for a 'better deal.' I'd have jumped on it myself and I already have a lathe!

Good on you.

As for learning, see if you can find a nearby machinist or modeling club.

fast ronnie

10-20-2016, 01:00 AM

Looks like this one has had a lot of TLC.
Nice find.

DougGuy

10-20-2016, 01:44 AM

Very nice and no you didn't overpay at all. Not for what you got, and it does look well taken care of.

I got a 1947 9x18 Logan that runs really good, for $400 and had to buy a chuck, tailstock tooling, quick change tool post (you will want one of these) and a bunch of cutters and stuff. Mine did not have a stand with it.

The 9" takes a size B or 200 series tool post. I found the Asian made tooling to be quite acceptable and have zero issues with it so I can recommend it if you are on a budget it is good value for the money. I think mine is a Phase II and I have some Phase II and some AXA holders that worked well. Generally don't care for Asian tooling but this stuff is not bad at all so I give it a thumbs up. Shars tool co. sells a lot of it and their stuff is decent.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Logan%20Lathe%20Stuff/20150208_115547cropsmall_zps02b33013.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Logan%20Lathe%20Stuff/20150208_115547cropsmall_zps02b33013.jpg.html)

tim338

10-20-2016, 07:23 AM

Great buy on a good little lathe. I have a 9A Southbend and it does everything I need it to do. Get the book "How to run a Lathe" by Southbend lathe works. It will help with the basics.

ph4570

10-20-2016, 11:09 AM

Looks like a very good machine in nice shape.

Learning -- a lot of good info on the web. Look at youtube videos. Monkey around with machining scrap rods of different materials and get a feel for speeds/feeds of materials and depths of cuts.

If a quick change tool post is not in the kit I suggest getting one sooner rather than later. The "lamp post" tool holder is ok but a quick change unit is well worth the cost in terms of rigidity and setup time.

AZBronco

10-20-2016, 02:26 PM

Ditto ''How to run a lath book""....Take a look at MrPete222 on You Tube, you can learn something new each time you watch this teacher,I know I have.

scarry scarney

10-20-2016, 04:20 PM

My local Community College still offers machine shop classes. I've taken them and the welding classes. I got to learn the stuff that wasn't shown to me....Was well worth the time.

flyer1

10-20-2016, 10:32 PM

The orginal "How to run a lathe" book comes with th lathe. I will look into the quick change tool post. Thanks guys. Please, keep the ideas coming. Maybe a few beginner idea projects.

Nueces

10-20-2016, 10:41 PM

Some perfect beginner's projects would be custom dimensioned M-die stems or sizer/seater top punches. Log onto Speedy Metals and order some sticks of steel, so you know what you are cutting.

DougGuy

10-20-2016, 10:57 PM

I would suggest a sampling of 01 tool steel rods, can get from Speedy metals, and some cold rolled steel rod. Lowe's has the cold rolled rod.

flyer1

10-20-2016, 11:41 PM

Great ideas. I would not have thought of them. Please, more ideas.

runfiverun

10-21-2016, 12:07 AM

start with stuff like sizers.
you learn outside turning and inside cutting and how to polish and measure.
it also let's you figure out center points and such pretty quickly.

Ole Joe Clarke

10-21-2016, 03:24 AM

If you buy cold rolled steel, try to get some with lead in it. Machines so much better and is good for a lot of reloading projects. Regular old 1018 is a stringy mess. Try for some 12L14, 1117L, or something like that. Hot rolled steel such as 4140, 4150 is good for parts that have to be heat treated. Aluminum is easy to machine in the 2000, 6000 alloys, but it can get pricey.

ricksplace

10-21-2016, 06:26 AM

Here's my southie...
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r619/rikjason/SANY0049_zps1a991059.jpg (http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/rikjason/media/SANY0049_zps1a991059.jpg.html)

Born in 1947, she's older than me.

I recommend dumpster diving at your local garage. When someone asks where you got the snazzy muzzle brake, you can tell them you made it from a tie rod off a truck. 12g inserts are fun and easy to make too. Quick change gearbox makes threading setup quicker. I use mine quite a bit with a milling attachment using the power feeds. New manufacture milling attachment/center rest/follow rest are available on ebay.

Notice I changed the leather drive belt to a laced automotive serpentine belt. Runs smoother and quieter. Feels like it's gear drive, and no more tick,tick,tick. Google for how to lace it. Some folks are using one piece serpentine belts. In my opinion, it's not worth dismantling the headstock bearings to install it. The laced version on mine is going on 10 years use with no change in performance. The belt in the photo was rescued from the neighbourhood garage dumpster.

flyer1

10-21-2016, 09:01 AM

Wow guys, these are all great ideas. Most of them would never have occured to me. Please, keep them coming.

KCSO

10-21-2016, 10:54 AM

Mine was a 49 and I used it in the gun shop for years as it was used in a gun shop by the previous owner. South Bends How to Run a Lathe is available on line and if you do You Tube try Pete222 for instructions and tips. You can do any gun work you want on this although you will have to do some jobs outboard.

jumbeaux

10-21-2016, 12:14 PM

Great machine tool and a great price sir. Make friends with your local scrap dealer...a good source for aluminum, brass, copper and steel at reasonable prices. Have fun and be safe.

rick

Alstep

10-21-2016, 12:47 PM

$1100 for a well taken care of SB 9A that's well equipped is a most reasonable price. Ditto on "How to run a lathe", and a Quick change tool post. Nothing wrong with the Phase II, get the wedge type rather than the piston design. The wedge type will be repeatable and maintain it's "zero" when you take it off and put it back on again. A lot of projects will require different tooling setups, and the convenience and time saved over the old "lantern" style tool post is money well spent. Got mine from Travers Tool Co, www.travers.com , good people to deal with, courteous and quick shipping. The shop I retired from got most of their tooling there.

A lot of machining skill has to do with the "feel" of the machine, and only time and experience will get you that "feel". Machinery is always "talking" to you, it let's you know when the speed and feed is right or you're over heating the tool bit, maybe the tooling is getting dull, bad vibration, poor surface finish, etc. That's where the quick change feed comes in handy, you can easily change the feed. A good bench grinder and some stones are essential to keeping your bits sharp. Many times just changing the tooling geometry will vastly improve cutting and finish. This is something that can't be explained but must be learned by time making chips.

Look for a model engineering show or club in your area. People there will freely exchange ideas there, you can learn a lot. Most shows have venders selling tooling & materials. Get yourself some good quality measuring instruments, be careful of used stuff as a lot of mics and gages are worn out. Same thing with chucks and other tooling.

And most important, WORK SAFE!!! Always wear safety glasses, Always!!! Never wear gloves while a machine is running, a chip will grab your glove and tear your finger off, especially on a drill press. And never grab a long chip to get it out of the way, it'll either burn you or cut you bad, or both! The time to wear gloves is when cleaning up to save your hands from cuts. Long sleeves and loose clothing can get you hurt too.

Good luck with your South Bend. You'll have many years of enjoyable use with that machine.

ricksplace

10-21-2016, 02:03 PM

Here's a pic of my other lathe:

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r619/rikjason/SANY0051_zps6e6e94e0.jpg (http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/rikjason/media/SANY0051_zps6e6e94e0.jpg.html)

It's a Canadian made Moody 11X48, made in 1945. It has an interesting provinence. During WW2, a plant in my home town, now Thunder Bay, made Hawker Hurricanes and Curtis Helldivers for the war effort. (the plant is now a Bombardier railcar plant). Parts for the fighter planes were sub-contracted out to citizens in the area with the skills and machinery to make them. This lathe was purchased for that reason in 1945. Then the war ended. It sat in the back of a bowling alley and was used to make the occasional part for the pinsetting machines when I gave it a new home. It still has the swirl marks on the ways.

ricksplace

10-21-2016, 02:05 PM

As alstep mentioned, safety first. When I work on a lathe, it's no sleeves and no jewelry (rings, watch). (particularly open-belt machines like ours)

Harry O

10-21-2016, 02:29 PM

179208 Here is mine, just after it was set up. It has lots of goodies that go with it, not shown in the photo. I inherited it, so it was very costly in one way.

I took a class at the local tech school when I first got it (about 20 years ago), but the teacher was very poor. He was great on the lathe, but he could not explain what it did or why. When the student could not follow (there were more than just me), he just yelled the same things louder thinking that would solve the problem.

I took a look at the classes again at the tech school a couple of years ago, right after I retired. Unfortunately, there are no classes for actual lathe work. There are several classes for writing code for numerical control lathes. I would think that you would have to know how to run a lathe before you could write code for it, but they don't seem to think so. I have learned a little by myself, but I am using it waaaaaayyyyyy below its potential.

I think you got a good deal.

pertnear

10-21-2016, 02:49 PM

WOW...$1,100! How come I can't find a deal like that? Congratulations sir!

beezapilot

10-21-2016, 02:58 PM

I've one just like the one you've purchased, don't worry about the price- a good deal is the one you feel good about, and I'd feel good with the deal you got. I've had pretty good luck with "TubalCain" videos, a copy of the Machinest Handbook, and a little patience. Here's a link to the videos...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBC69869E8CB708F2

marvelshooter

10-21-2016, 04:25 PM

I have the same lathe as you. For the condition its in and what came with it you did well. You even got the often lost thread dial.

aspangler

10-21-2016, 04:40 PM

I have a 1935 Model A 9" Southbend with QCGB and 4 foot bed. My dad bought it and paid $500 for it and I would'nt take $2000. Great lathe and mine will make repeatable 5 ten thousands cuts. You did well sir. Cherish that great old classic.

dead dog

10-21-2016, 09:18 PM

What is the difference between a model A and C? I know someone has a 9x42 C, could you thread a 24 inch barrel with it? He wants 700.00 for it.

marvelshooter

10-21-2016, 09:43 PM

The 9A has a quick change gearbox for threading and changing feed rates. The 9C has a box of gears that you change to cut different threads and vary feeds. The 9A has a clutch on the apron for power longitudinal and cross feeding. The 9C uses the half nut for longitudinal feeding and has manual only cross feed. After setup both lathes have the same thread cutting capability.

dead dog

10-21-2016, 10:11 PM

Thanks for the information.

Alstep

10-22-2016, 12:57 PM

South Bend model "A" has the quick change gear box and a clutch for feed.

The model "B" lacks the quick change gears, and comes with a stack of gears that you have to manually change and calculate the gear train for the thread pitch & feeds. It has the clutch for feed. A real pain when you want to change from a rough cut to a finish cut, or change thread pitch.

The model "C" is the "B" but lacks the clutch. All threading & feeds are engaged by the half nuts. Since most of your machining will be turning & facing, that puts a lot of wear & stress on the lead screw. On the "A" & "B" the feed power comes through the spline in the lead screw and the clutch, not from the threads on the lead screw. I've seen a few boat anchor machines that had totally worn out threads on the lead screw.

There is also a toolroom model, comes with a taper attachment, collet attachment, and other goodies.

kingstrider

10-22-2016, 05:05 PM

Nice machine, congrats! My 9A was made in 1949 and also has the somewhat rare v-belt drive. I paid $1k a few months ago but it came with a lot of tooling so I thought it was a good deal. I am in the middle of a restoration now but am looking for another lathe with a larger spindle bore.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/kingstrider/South%20Bend%209A%20Lathe/IMG_1444.jpg

Alstep

10-22-2016, 11:34 PM

Mr. Kingstrider, if you're still looking for a bigger lathe, I've got a 16 X 36 with a 1-5/8 spindle bore for sale. In nice shape, just don't use it any more. PM if interested.

kingstrider

10-23-2016, 01:36 PM

Alstep, I appreciate the offer but I'm looking for something closer to home. That's a long way to travel for a big heavy machine.

bob208

10-23-2016, 08:19 PM

if that is a 4 1/2 foot bed you did real good. the tooling you got for free. I agree get the book how to run a lathe.

the 9" lathes always bring more then the bigger lathes. they are easier for the hobby guys to get in the basement. also if you move it is to take with you.

if you lived closer I could give you lessons.

marvelshooter

10-23-2016, 08:49 PM

Nice machine, congrats! My 9A was made in 1949 and also has the somewhat rare v-belt drive.

It looks like you also have a 2 speed counter shaft which not all the 9" lathes came with. Mine did not. I also don't see a thread dial. Do you have it?

flyer1

10-23-2016, 08:51 PM

The orginal "How to run a lathe" book comes with th lathe. I will look into the quick change tool post. Thanks guys. Please, keep the ideas coming. Maybe a few beginner idea projects.

I put this near the front of the thread. I just started reading the book . I learn a bit easier by doing. But the book will help a lot. The you tube videos will help a lot. Thanks. I would not have thought of looking there. I guess I am not up with todays new ways of learning. I am very excited. We will move it to my place this week. Great idea about going to the recycle place. Thank you for all the ideas. Please, send more.

Nueces

10-23-2016, 09:24 PM

Here are some online forums for home shop turners. You'll hear of Practical Machinist, but that's a group of professionals in manufacturing - they like to give new guys digital noogies for fun. You could hide and watch, though.

Each of these has it's own flavor. If you are really interested, take care, as going through the archives will burn through a caffeine fueled weekend.

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forum.php

http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/index.php

http://hobby-machinist.com

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php

http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php

http://madmodder.net/index.php

A google search of 'South Bend Lathe' might turn up other nuggets.

I'm sure other booliteers are on some of these sites, too. If any of y'all know of others, please post.

retread

10-23-2016, 09:31 PM

Great find! You did well on the price. That little South Bend is a fine lathe. The tooling itself is the real plus. Your are getting good advice here, heed it and buy some good books. Good machining!

retread

10-23-2016, 09:41 PM

I taught Machine shop in a local community college some years back (1975-77). Students were both college students and Machinist Apprentices. The text we used was a good one for persons learning the basics of machine work and is a great reference for anyone in the machine trade. Saw this listing for it on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Machine-Shop-Practice-A-Manual-for-Apprentices-and-Journeyman-Machinists-a-/361708135872?hash=item54377c25c0:g:MzUAAOSwgmJXw7D w

flyer1

10-23-2016, 10:16 PM

Chill Wills

10-24-2016, 10:17 AM

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/south-bend-lathes/

There are a lot of SB owners here and a wealth of info.
Also links to parts and lube plus a great book to get you through take down in case to need to clean or repair.
If you already know of this web-site, disregard.

I grew up with one. I have my fathers 1946 9-A 56" bed and his atlas mill.
I got it when I lost him - the lathe is great but I sure miss him. Using it is a way to be near him when ever I turn it on, which is a few times a week.
If you are a gun crank a lathe and mill are invaluable, but you already know that.

flyer1

10-25-2016, 09:48 AM

Don brought over the lathe yesterday. We have it set up now. While he was at the house he told me he has a 4 inch jointer/plainer and a 1930's table saw with several blades including dato blades and other accessories for 100 bucks. I bought them as well.

flyer1

10-25-2016, 10:45 PM

Chill Wills

10-25-2016, 11:48 PM

now that you are cutting metal. Think about making one. Good starter project. Lotsa plans out there.

Also, they are handy but don't wait to get one to start making stuff. They are not that big a deal. Other ways to get the job done. Machining is a lot to do with thinking out of the box and making stuff with what you have. It is always, 'just one more tool'. :roll:Don't I know that! :)

ph4570

10-26-2016, 10:45 AM

Ok guys. I am following your advice. I am looking at quick change tool posts. It was recommended to an " aloris" brand wedge type, indexable carbide tooling and I need a carriage stop. Does anyone have a carriage stop to sell? I was told to get this first. Any sugestions on what type of indexable carbide tooling.

The Aloris posts are good (lathe at work has a set) but the cost of the post and a set of holders will be very dear. I bought a clone set on ebay including post and 5 holders for a little north of $100. Is it as good? No way but it works for my needs at about 1/6th the cost of an Aloris set.

My set is a no-name brand. The Shars and Phase II branded sets are another option. Search "quick change tool post" on ebay and you will be presented with many choices. In any case you will likely have to make an interface plate to mount it. My set came with a blank plate that needed minimal machining to union the post to my lathe's compound rest.

ricksplace

10-26-2016, 10:56 AM

These guys have some pretty good prices on Chinese tooling. I'm not affiliated with them, just a (repeat) customer.
cdcotools.com

ph4570

10-26-2016, 11:00 AM

These guys have some pretty good prices on Chinese tooling. I'm not affiliated with them, just a (repeat) customer.
cdcotools.com

Memory jog -- that is the supplier I go mine from via their ad on ebay.

flyer1

10-26-2016, 10:35 PM

My book a reprint of machine shop practice, came today. Lots of great stuff. I have a lot to learn. Thanks folks.

Mike

kingstrider

10-29-2016, 08:22 PM

It looks like you also have a 2 speed counter shaft which not all the 9" lathes came with. Mine did not. I also don't see a thread dial. Do you have it?

Yes that is correct, the belt drive setup allows for 8 speeds plus the back gear. Unfortunately the thread dial was gone when I got the machine. I bought a new one from Grizzly for $50 vs. hundreds for an original one on ebay.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/kingstrider/South%20Bend%209A%20Lathe/IMG_8673.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/kingstrider/South%20Bend%209A%20Lathe/IMG_8674.jpg