Nov 30, 2011 · The commonest problem that I've seen with buying secondhand gap bed lathes is that the gap piece (if it ever existed - not all gap bed lathes have gap pieces, just look at the Myford 7's) is missing. Finding a replacement from a similar lathe doesn't look like a good option, as the gap piece is probably ground along with the bed.

Mar 30, 2003 · I had a Grizzly 12 X 36 gap bed lathe and removed the gap. I had a lot of trouble getting the gap back in and lined up again. The lathe worked fine with the gap out but you limited your travel of the saddle. With a lot of work I got the gap back in and aligned again. The main problem was with the taper alignment pins.

Hey guys - need advice on purchasing a 12" x 36" or 37" Gap Bed Lathe. I have looked at Enco, Harbor Freight, Wholesale Tool and Grizzly models. At this point I favor the Grizzly model 12" x 37" Belt Drive Gap Bed Lathe with the 2HP motor. I already have a 9" x 20" Bench Lathe but it is too small for some of my larger projects.

Mar 1, 2003 · I am considering the purchase of an Enco 13 x 40 Gear Head Gap Bed Engine Lathe with the DRO installed. I think Model BD111-3311 is in the last catalogue for $4,496. I would like for someone that has or had one to give me their honest opinion on the quality, accuracy, value and their experience with the lathe.

Apr 30, 2014 · Anyone own or herd of a National Gap Bed Lathe? I have an opportunity to buy one with steady rest and follower for 2000.00. I bought my Bridgeport from the guy and he is needing cash, He said he would work with me on the price, let me pay so much down and payments..... It is a big SOB.

Mar 26, 2024 · I've not heard of a Wolf engine lathe before but there is a popular Wolf jeweler lathe. That being said the Wolf engine lathe pictured appears to be reasonably rigid so keep looking for a source of information and parts, you may have a winner. In the early 1990's I bought a Saimp 1440 engine lathe from Morton Machinery in LA California.

Aug 9, 2023 · A lathe that measures 6 inches from the center of the spindle to the closest part of the bed is considered a lathe with a 12 inch swing. What is a gap bed lathe? The bed of a lathe is the central ...

Mar 26, 2024 · National C6232E-1 Gap-Bed Lathe This particular machine was also discussed here about 10 years ago, unfortunately some of the links contained there are now dead. National Gap Bed Lathe 14x40?

May 30, 2005 · The tailstock problem, gap bed, and the bad, bad backplates on the supplied chucks would have led to poor performance without some work to tune her up. Most of the screws, bolts etc. are made of papermache or, as some have said, butter.

A properly design gap bed lathe, like the Mori Seki or Dean Smith & Grace toolroom lathes, has massive bed around the gap section. They're so ridiculously rigid, removing the little (in comparison) gap makes no difference in rigidity. This is the gap from a Mori Seki 1250 toolroom lathe. 3,7000 lbs. Tell me there's a rigidity issue