I saw there is at least one other Craftsman model 113 lathe in this group (or was).  I was just given a 113 for free (and wondering if I overpaid?!).  [the model 113 is distinctive because it has a 2+" tube as a base]   What do you do for parts?  Specifically, the adjusting wheel on the tail, but probably more before I'm done!  Thanks

@PeteM

Could you post photos, and the complete model number?

The 113 Prefix indicates it was made by Emerson Electric Co.

Is one of these the lathe?

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2875.pdf

or

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/1985.pdf

Edited November 3, 20205 yr by Larry Buskirk

Either way just use it as a boat anchor. The only good tube lathe I have ever seen was made By Sorby. Two tubes and that was one heavy headstock.

17 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

@PeteM

 

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2875.pdf

or

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/1985.pdf

I can't tell the diff between the two samples you listed.  Mine looks just like both, but maybe I'm missing a detail or two.  The stamped info on mine is "1-133" (and "75621" which I suspect is the serial).  I found another commentary that indicated the C'man 113 had a tool rest marked in inches:  mine isn't, but since the tool was made in the 50's, can't be sure what is OEM.  I think Gerald is cruel.  "Boat anchor".  That's way off base Gerald, and I refuse to dignify that idea, only because I don't own a boat!  The word "recycle" has floated to mind.  I've never owned a lathe, and thought if this one is salvageable it might be an entry/throwaway, but I'm suspecting renovating it will involve more than my supply of patience.  The thingy on the right (tailstock?) doesn't spin and the adjustment wheel is missing.  On the left, the entire housing that shielded the drive and had the motor switch is missing.  I'd consider offering it for parts, but I'm not sure I can get anything loose on this puppy.  Was hoping not to have to buy a boat to find this useful!

  

Edited November 4, 20205 yr by PeteM

@PeteM,

Yours looks more like the http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2875.pdf lathe.

You might find a complete used tailstock assembly on eBay.

There should be a tag that has the number listed something on the order of 113.xxxxxx

 

Not all of us can afford some of the lathes available today. Myself included.

Edited November 4, 20205 yr by Larry Buskirk

59 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

@PeteM,

Yours looks more like the http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2875.pdf lathe.

 

Curiosity:  what's the diff between the 2875 and 1985?  They look the same to me.

The head stock may be repurposed to a disc grinder or ????????.

35 minutes ago, PeteM said:

Curiosity:  what's the diff between the 2875 and 1985?  They look the same to me.

The one you have has the knob on the tailstock lock like the 2875.

The 1985 doesn't show the knob.

Tailstock on lathes that old did not have a revolving center . It was a dead center. I have seen some discuss it and there were things you did to make it work.

 

Try reading thru this discussion to get the idea of how dead centers work.

https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/211857-using-a-lathe-with-a-dead-center/

 

One problem with one tube lathes is that the tool rest rotates around the tube when you get a catch or sometimes just because it wants to and that is why new flat bed designs are superior and lead to the demise of tube lathes.

40 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Tailstock on lathes that old did not have a revolving center .

True enough Gerald, but they do make...

After looking at Pete's photos a bit better it doesn't look like he has the original tailstock spindle, so might not have the possibility of using Morse Taper Centers anyway. The old Craftsman and a few others were MT1 which are a bit harder to find, but are out there.

 

I agree with you about your following comment though.

53 minutes ago, Gerald said:

One problem with one tube lathes is that the tool rest rotates around the tube when you get a catch or sometimes just because it wants to.

 

Might be able to rig something like this to push on the rear of the shaft.  Or if the shaft has threads, what size are they and can you just get a nut to fit and use a wrench to adjust?

 

Hey gang, thanks for the insights.  I'm not yet decided whether to keep or toss, but I've learned a lot.  Since the acquisition (free) was motivated by a g-kid's desire for round legs on a desk (and that would cost money, eh?) (and the desk got done a month ago, tapered & "rounded" legs), not quite sure what investment is warranted!  But I did find:

--Gerald, Mr Sears was listening to you, and put a keyway under the entire tube, so the head/tail/tool clamps are fixed in rotation

--again G, the manual says use a blank longer than finished piece, and oil the non-rotating tail (but the commentaries pointed out that wax works really well)

--Larry, I think you're right that it's a 113-23881 (it's REAL name!).  But I suspect I'm going to be searching for parts to a deck chair on the Titanic!

--Dan I sure hope you didn't get that thing from your urologist. 

Edited November 5, 20205 yr by PeteM

@PeteM,

I just took a quick look on eBay, and found a few that might fit.

It all depends upon what you care to spend.

This one is for a 113.23851 but looks like it would fit. It also has a live center with it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tailstock-from-Craftsman-12-wood-lathe-model-113-23851/373297262997?hash=item56ea403195:g:NOsAAOSwmjxfli3c

 

I found a few others also by typing "Craftsman Lathe Tailstock" into the eBay! search bar.

Me I would look around some and see what a used lathe is going for in your neck of the woods. Then compare to what you might have to put into this one.

 

If you were closer I'd work you a deal for my JET 10x12.  All I need out of it is $200 so I can get extension bed for my RIKON 70-300.  But I do admit having two has been nice.  Rarely do I part with a piece of equipment.  Having 2 or 3 is kinda nice.  Now making them fit, whole nother problem.

51 minutes ago, PeteM said:

--Dan I sure hope you didn't get that thing from your urologist. 

YEEOUCH!!!

52 minutes ago, PeteM said:

--Larry, I think you're right that it's a 113-23881 (it's REAL name!).  But I suspect I'm going to be searching for parts to a deck chair on the Titanic!

Emerson made quite a few lathes for Sears, with slight differences between the models. Most look to have shared some common parts.

...Some of my old Delta machines are pretty close to being in the Titanic age group. 

Some few years back Home Depot was selling a lathe under their Rigid brand.  It was a tube style and as far as I could tell - identical to my Craftsman 113.xxx model.  They may have parts available, or at least another option when searching for used parts.

 

Pete, I no longer have the C'man lathe - but it worked well for me while I had it.  My son and I both learned a great deal about turning (spindles only, no bowls).  My son made hundreds of pens, many on this lathe.  I did about 100 spindles for our front porch and a few yarn spindle gizmos for our daughter.  We had fun with it, learned a great deal and I sold it for basically what I paid for it.  Seeing some of the turning work here almost makes me want to consider another lathe!