Which brand lathe to buy used?

[dondlhmn]

I am looking for a good used lathe to buy for general use in my garage/shop and have come across several brands for sale. Given that the condition is equal, what brand should I be looking for? The ones that I stick in my mind that I have come across are Sheldon and Samson. Are either of these any good, quality-wise? I know that there are a lot of decent old lathes out there, but what should my priorities be as far as brand and the quality of the various brands be?

What is the consensu on what size seems to be adequate for general purpose BS use in a shop where most of what I do is related to old motorcycles and other smaller repairs? I have heard that a good policy when shopping around is to figure out what swing/distances between centers you NEED and then go a size bigger. Any truth to that?

Thanks for the help!

[aametalmaster]

Yes you will need bigger. I started with a 6" then went to a 10" than a 10" with a bigger spindle hole then a 15" for some bigger work. I would check out some SB's even the 9" and heavy 10's for the bigger spindle hole. The Sheldon is a good old brand and the Sampson is prob chinese. Ohio seems to be the buying place for old lathes right now and i have a buddy that deals in them. I can send you his ph number and see what he has because his stock changes daily...Bob

[dondlhmn]

Bob,

Thanks for the reply. Maybe this is one of those deals where the Chinese spell something "close" to the original maker's spelling, but the lathe I mention is actually spelled "SAMSON" and NOT Sampson. There is no "P" in the word on the plates on the lathe I am interested in. Comments?

[aametalmaster]

Is it a big square ish headstock? Its prob still a chinese copy. I can't find a Samson lathe anywhere i normally look. But it still could be a good one to use. Can you get a picture of it?...Bob

[aametalmaster]

I think the lathe you are looking at and this one are the same.
Samson TD-6 Its in your neighborhood and i talked to the guy on the phone about 4 months ago. Sorry i forgot...Bob
http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4008