Older General (Central?) Machinery No:T123 lathe info

[eightfingers]

Hi everybody,

I am new here. I've always been interested in wood turning. I've been searching for a lathe lately and came across a like new, never used General Machinery No: T123 3/4HP Wood Lathe and have been having trouble finding info in regards to this brand. I have found Central Machinery which is a harbor freight brand it seems but the seller said its General. He was doing some work for a client and in exchange she parted ways with this lathe that was stored in the basement and never used.

I was hoping somebody could provide some info and let me know if I should buy this or not. It does seem like a good deal.

Here is a picture:https://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_kh4vMSNfyol_600x450.jpg

Thank you!

 

[awldune]

This type of tube-bed lathe is pretty common to find on Craigslist. I am not a fan of that design, but this one does appear to be in decent shape. I wouldn't pay much more than $100 for it.

Something to watch for if you go check it out is the key on the bottom of the bed. This is a rectangular piece of metal that is riveted to the bottom of the tube and holds the tailstock and banjo in the correct orientation. The rivets that hold the key can be broken through rough handling and this messes up the lathe.

 

[eightfingers]

Thank you, I will certainly check for the key when I go look at this in a few hours. He is asking $100 so that seems like a fair price.

This type of tube-bed lathe is pretty common to find on Craigslist. I am not a fan of that design, but this one does appear to be in decent shape. I wouldn't pay much more than $100 for it.

Something to watch for if you go check it out is the key on the bottom of the bed. This is a rectangular piece of metal that is riveted to the bottom of the tube and holds the tailstock and banjo in the correct orientation. The rivets that hold the key can be broken through rough handling and this messes up the lathe.

 

[Mike Mills]

I had one that looked similar when I first started. Sam is correct about the key but it is probably fine now.
It is mainly a spindle lathe and can't handle heavy work. My second bowl was out of balance and the rivets did not shear, the entire key broke. I did do a fair amount of spindle work prior. Mine was a Jet but most everyone sold the same basic type. If like most it will not have a MT in the headstock or tailstock so that may limit your accessories. Hopefully the table/bench will go with it.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Canadian company.

 

[eightfingers]

Canadian company.

Thank you, I am going to see if I can dig some more information up.

I ended up buying the lathe and a set of 8 tools for $120 from the guy on Craigslist yesterday. The tailstock doesn't appear to be in line as the tube bed shifts slightly . I'll get some picture up in a little while for you guys.

 

[eightfingers]

Here a link to some pictures I took real quick last night.

http://imgur.com/a/vlQOC

 

[Rick M]

I read once of a guy filling the tube with sand to add mass and reduce vibration. Can't vouch for it personally. Congrats on your new to you lathe.

Sent from my KFGIWI using Tapatalk

 

[Touchwood]

Canadian company.

Bill...that sure doesn't look like any General machines I've seen

 

[Mike Mills]

Looks like you go a good deal to get you going. Just beware of large out of balance blanks and speed.
I used mine for 20+ years before I started turning bowls. Looks almost identical to my Jet (and other brands).
There may be a set screw at the backside of the headstock which locks the tube and keeps it from turning/rotating.
If you aren't familiar with rust converter (any hardware or auto supply store) it converts it from iron oxide to iron phosphate. Usually takes a few hours and the ex-rust will be black. A rubdown with 0000 will get rid of that minor surface rust lickity split.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Bill...that sure doesn't look like any General machines I've seen

Nope, not General. Hobo Freight.

 

[eightfingers]

Nope, not General. Hobo Freight.

It's a 1989 harbor freight lol... Seems like it works tho. I turned my first every thing today just messing around. I have a ton of scrap 14' long tamarack/larch that's about a 1.5"x1.5" square. My daughter wanted me to make a toy microphone so it came out well I think.

Turned my first piece of wood https://imgur.com/gallery/hNkbi

 

[Mike Mills]

Cool or Kuel (depending on your age)
Here are hundreds of thing you can do without exceeding the lathes capacity.
https://www.woodturningonline.com/projects.php
And that doesn't include jump rope handles for daughter, G daughters, nieces, nephews etc.

 

[awldune]

I think you got a decent deal at that price.

As mentioned, there should be a set screw on the tailstock for adjusting the alignment.

I believe this lathe should have a #1 morse taper at the headstock and tailstock. This size is nonstandard but usually available if you look for it.

The spindle should be 3/4 x 16, but I would double check that before buying accessories.

 

[Dee2]

If you want a matching one in Rigid colors, let me know.

 

[eightfingers]

Well I believe I am going to try and sell this one and get something more... modern and user friendly.

I think even a cheap ebay lathe would be better to learn on than this.

 

[awldune]

Not sure you will do a lot better for under $200, but good luck!

 

[eightfingers]

Ended up selling that old lathe and picked up a HF 34706 which I am much more happy with.