Old Lathe

[Bill O'Conner]

I got a Craftman Lathe from my Grandfather it's a 103-23071. I was wondering if this is a a good starter lathe?

Thanks
Bill

[Scott Donley]

Welcome Bill, That lathe is the all cast iron one made by King Seeley, I just sold mine to make room for a larger one. If I had the room I would have kept it :( It was my first lathe and learned a lot on it. It is limited by the swing (9 inch) but great for pens, tea lights a vase or two, and goblets. Never tried bowls but no reason why you couldn't. It is a MT1 and 3/4 X 16 TPI, you can get the manual for it from the OWWM site. Good luck.

[Bill O'Conner]

Thanks Scoot

What does OWWM stand for?:confused:

[Scott Donley]

Thanks Scoot

What does OWWM stand for?:confused:Old wood working machines. Link (http://owwm.com)

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Bill......Welcome to the Creek! Be advised..........if you've never turned before..........it's an addiction!

[Curt Fuller]

Many of the old lathes don't have the swing capacity of some of the newer ones. But if the bearings are still good and the motor works then it's probably a lot better machine than most of the new beginner type lathes. Plus, just being able to work at a machine that was once your grandfathers has to be a huge nostalgic plus.

[Scott Donley]

Bill......Welcome to the Creek! Be advised..........if you've never turned before..........it's an addiction!If it was JUST an addiction you would have a chance to beat it :D

[Bill O'Conner]

I did some turning as a child, Grandfather used to make tops and candle sticks and some other stuff with it. As kids he would show us the tops and than would help us make our own.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Okay Bill...........you had the addiction whipped for a while. Now you're going to relapse and there is no cure or substitute!

Enjoy your grandfather's lathe! If I had one....even if I was to go to a bigger lathe, I keep that one just for sentimental reasons!