I've learned a lot just reading this thread and now I have a question - I'm going to look at a clausing 100 mk3a and from the pictures it looks to be in pretty good shape.  It's the threading type with a clutch and hardened ways, has 3 and 4 jaw chucks, 12" by 36"  He's asking $1300 and I'm seeking advice on whether or not this is a good value.  I'm assuming the ways aren't worn and the gears have all their teeth.  I'm an absolute novice on machine tools and would appreciate any/all comments.

Thanks, Joe

Thanks Chuck, believe it was made around 1950.  It is 115 volt single phase and has the quick change gearbox.  Pretty sure the clutch spindle has a 3/4" bore.  Supposedly all iron and steel - no Zamak.  If in good shape, is $1300 a decent price?  High?  Low?

Thanks again, Joe

Rule of thumb lathe is only half the cost. Tooling and others double the purchase price. For example,

Logan I bought was 1300 with a 3 jaw, 100 more for a 4 jaw.

I moved it myself spent 80 bucks for two heavy duty dollys from  Northern tool. Jacks lashings and trailer I already had .  My big Powermatic 90 wood lathe hired a vending machine mover at 125 per hour 3 hours out of a 2nd floor shop to my basement shop 25 miles away. You may have to drive a long way to pick up, figure that in.

Tail stock end same # 2 Morse as my wood lathe, did not need to buy any drill chucks. I want to upgrade taps and dies and add a tailstock die holder.  Good dies not cheap. 

Headstock chucks Ok with the addition of 4 jaw, collets still giving me trouble.  Bought a bunch used for 90 dollars. Logan needed a thread protector and adaptor add 90 dollars off eBay. Making the draw bar after buying one eBay that won't fit with no return available.  70 dollars. 

It had a Phase II quick change post 3 tool holders, bought 3 more, eBa about 100 dollars.  I had plenty of bits boring bars etc. 

Grinder is essential and a good one too.  100 to 200 dollars. 

Fellow that overhauled my Logan never ran it much drive train was poorly adjusted. He had too much belt tension I guess . Motor looks new bearings are squealing. Guessing 100 to 150 at the motor shop.

1300 dollar lathe can get to 2600 real fast. I expected it and am very happy to have that Logan.   Might have sold my Atlas for 500-750 gave it to my son instead, he's doing some nice work with it. 

Boats