14-ton lathe

i can’t believe I’m even entertaining a thought of buying this engine lathe. It weighs 14 tons, is about 35 feet long, has a 25 hp electric motor. It looks like it is in very good condition, apparently has good original paint. It was delivered to Link-Belt Ordnance Division in 1943 and was used for making larger cannon barrels. It has all the accessories it had when delivered (the manufacturer gave me the serial-number-specific details.) It can hold cylinders up tp 39” diameter and 27 feet long. I’d have to beef up the warehouse floor to install it, but now I do have enough power to run its motor. I’d love to have it as a super-interesting collectible tool but it is massive overkill for any metal-turning project I’d have. The machine’s purchase price seems very reasonable but rigging and transportation would push the cost way up. Then in two years when that warehouse lease expires, what do I do with it? Yard ornament? Mailbox? Not really much market for non-computer-controlled lathes this size.

 

Time to get into the space race?

 

Reproduction cannon here we come!

 

You could make your own spitball straws!!!!

 

you could go for a ' spin '...

 

Hmmm, now I’m wondering if it has original paint or not. I’m sure it was running nearly 24/7 for a couple of years during WWII, yet has no chipped or worn-off paint? When I look at my notes of my call to the maker, he said their lathes were normally shipped with grey paint. If the paint’s not original, I’m not going to buy it.

 

how much jingles $$$$$$$$$

 

They want just into 5 figs but I think rigging and transportation will be similar or more. Since it isn’t shown on any kind of pallet or cribbing I’d have to go test the straightness of the bed and ways to make sure they weren’t bent by sloppy moving, a distinct possibility when I look at the photos of the unprotected machine. The test is easy to do, all you have to do is put a precision level on the carriage at one end of the bed and crank the carriage to the other end. If the bubble moves at all the bed is bent.

 

I HATE when THAT happens..................

Oh! Wait!
I LIKE when that happens!

 

Original paint or not, due to size/weight/transport/storing issues/problematic to resell for all of those reasons, I would PASS on this. One needs to calculate the difficulties a purchase will bring. That is my heartfelt advice.

Perhaps take some of the $ you would have spent, and make a donation to your favorite charity instead.

 

I think he likes me best.

 

Here’s “proof” it has been repainted. LeBlond would never slop paint on their own logo thingy; in fact they’d have put the circular medallion on only after the machine was fully painted.

 

The repaint somewhat dampens my interest, as well as the great weight and need to verify bed straightness and difficulty of keeping it that way during shipment.

My favorite charity must be da gummint since I give it so much money every year.

 

Give me a CALL ASAP!!!!! I think I can get you set up with a Shrink in your area.........NOT for the LATHE.................for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ARE YOU NUTZ??
(but don't get me wrong, Spring.....we really DO love you!!!!!)

 

Love ....is a strong word !
But, never stand in between boys & their toys..!