I was recently introduced to a Celtic 14 Lathe. I am not familiar with this machine. It was offered for sale at a rather nominal price. The strongest factors I am aware of are it apparently was made in Belgium, The previous owner was a watchmaker/repairman, It appears in good shape. It is not set up and running. It does have 3 & 4 jaw chucks, tailstock, toolholder, index plate, and a few tools, .
Any pointed comments?
Thanks
hrmm.. a 14" lathe for a watchmaker? seems a bit overkill to me. Must have been some very big watches lol..
What kind of comments are you looking for?
My understanding he was a watchmaker and had a few larger pieces of machinery that was his 'hobby'. But then, he may had an opportunity to work on a courthouse clock somewhere. As I never knew him and he lived about 50 miles away in another state, I really don't know.
Type of comments I was expecting would have to do with the strength, durability, & inherent problems, if any. Do the rails wear, deform, or do anything that one should look for and check when considering this machine? Do any of the gears give problems? Are the levers & handles convenient or are there anything awkward about using it? Are there features I might look at after I use it a while and when I check on them later, everyone says something to the effect, "yea, all those do that"
So if someone was looking at a 1972 Camaro and I said I like Fords better, might not be too helpful. But if I said many of the early '70s Camaros were bad about breaking the right motor mount which allowed the transmission to twist and self destruct under high torque, This would be a helpful comment in evaluating the car.
So If anyone has used, watched someone use, or heard about the Celtic 14 lathe, If you would let me know your experiences and in what capacity, it would really be helpful!
I dont have experience with Celtic 14 Lathe, but from what i've read, they were built to last with duribility. If they were originally built for clocks, I dont think you should worry about the gears. Hope that helps!
That was my general thought. Didn't find but one listed for sale, around $3000. Probably sells for half that.
Is that a good price for a machine like that?
Well sir, that can be considered a part of my question. I believe $1100-1500 will buy the machine. This is a non-set up, but clean looking (not beat up, no visual marks or signs of wear along surfaces-smooth operating screws) machine.
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