I bought a South Bend lathe, same size as yours, a couple of years ago. It is from 1943. According to the story, only machinists could order lathes during the war and then only with approval of the War Production Board. A machinist was going to order one and his friend, a dentist wanted one, too. So two were ordered and the dentist used his for his hobby (whatever that was, not production use). The guy I bought it from was the second owner and he too, was a hobbyist. He showed me a percussion rifle he had made with it. I am the third owner and a machinist friend came over to look at the lathe and says it is in great condition. I also got a ton of parts, quick change tool holders, etc. As I am a neophyte, he gave me a 1941 booklet from South Bend, titled "How to Run a Lathe'. I have done some small stuff, for example, replicated the shoulder bolts that were rusted and broke, that hold and hinge the cowel vent on my '42 (they are 8-32, but have a 1/4 inch shoulder that acts as a bearing surface). You can buy reproductions for $20 but it is so much more rewarding to make your own.
Of course, after aquiring the lathe I had to get a small milling machine, but that is another story.
Kent
Last edited by Lightholder's Dad; 07/10/2025 8:46 PM.
