A Trio of 618's

[MillersvilleProf]

Thank you for your service. It has definitely improved as I have a couple students who are stationed overseas right now.

I noticed there must be a slight difference in length. I have a drawbar and collet set that fits the older one, but appears to be a bit too long for the newer.

 

[Superburban]

Yes, the spindle is shorter on the new one. They changed the style of the compound, and the tail stock, but they are interchangeable.

 

[phubbman]

I’ve got the Craftsman version (same as your red one). It’s my first metal lathe and I’ve been learning on it. It’s a good little machine. It was a pretty straight forward rebuild as well. Check out “deansphotographica.com”. He’s a retired camera repair man, but has the same lathe and has posted a lot of helpful information and projects on the website. I found it really helpful. His work is really impressive as well.

seems like you’ve got two complete lathes there. Planning to have two set up in your shop?

 

[MillersvilleProf]

I currently have four of these Craftsman lathes. The one in the picture in the middle I recently overhauled and turned into a good running lathe for a new machinist. Here is the picture of how it turned out.

The second picture is a different one I just picked up last week. I like getting them fixed up and playing with them. The red one is probably headed to a total restore and that will be one that I keep.

 

[MillersvilleProf]

I agree with you about Dean's site, it is excellent.

 

[MillersvilleProf]

This is my current Craftsman in my basement workshop.