Metal Lathe Price Question

[farmallcub49]

I stopped by an parishoner/friend of mine today. He is dying from cancer slowly. He is a retired operating engineer. He can do anything he wants from plumbing to fabricating. He gave me a tour of his shop which is very nice. Inside he has a lathe among many other tools. I inquired whether or not he would sell it. He didn't know, he said he was in limbo about all his tools. He had bought it so long ago, he couldn't remember the price. It is a Sheldon lathe. I don't recall the size and I didn't have my camera along. I was wondering what a fair price would be? Also, is this a good lathe to buy for the shadetree/weekend/BEGINNING Machinist??

Thanks

[George Willer]

It depends a lot on how it was treated from the beginning but Sheldon is a very good lathe. I expect your friend would tell you about any of its shortcomings. I'll assume it's a toolroom lathe that wasn't used for production work.

Remember, the larger they are the harder they are to move but they all work around a common center. Small lathes bring higher prices because of hobbyists.

[LiL' Red]

Sheldon is an excellent machine, size, condition, and tooling will determine value. In my area a decent 10,11, or 12 inch with basic tooling will bring around 1500.