Possible issues???

[CaryC]

I am looking at this Clausing and this would be my first lathe. It's a ways from me so I am not able to check it in person, so I am going off of what the seller tells me.

It looks like there is a leak at the gearbox.

Is this a potential money pit???

 

[markba633csi]

Yes it could be if the spindle bearings are bad- you don't want to know how much they cost. But for hobby use it may be OK
even if the bearings are tired
Oil seals can be replaced but it's a job. You might want to keep looking
I've seen quite a few of these for sale lately and I suspect they may all have expensive problems
-Mark

 

[Liljoebrshooter]

It depends on the price

 

[Nutfarmer]

It's always better to inspect a machine in person. If not ,price it for parts or scrap iron.

 

[CaryC]

It depends on the price

Probably mid 2k...plus it would be about $1,000 to get it shipped to me.

Comes with two chucks, taper attachment, follow and steady rests

 

[markba633csi]

Too high

 

[Nogoingback]

Those were very good lathes when new, but buying without inspection is a complete crap shoot. Would you be willing to
buy an older used car without looking it over?

 

[CaryC]

Those were very good lathes when new, but buying without inspection is a complete crap shoot. Would you be willing to
buy an older used car without looking it over?

True...

 

[aliva]

From the picture I can tell the owner never really took care of it, check all the chips in the pan , dirt and probable oil leak. Ways look surface rusted along with the compound. For 3k I'd pass or inspect personally

 

[Nogoingback]

markba633csi pointed out that spindle bearings are REALLY expensive for those machines: a point that
has come up in every post I've ever seen about them. Without an in person inspection, you won't know if they're
needed. Changing them will cost a significant percentage of the price of the lathe.