Craftsman 9″ Lathe
September 10, 2006 – 7:37 pmCirca 1940’s
Model 103.23070
This is a Craftsman Lathe, 9″ Swing/ 30″ between centers.
Owwm.com offers a download of the manual for this lathe here.
Here it is finally restored. You can read through the process below.
As found:
While visiting my parents in the Sierras, my dad and i went on a old tool hunt at the salvage yard. After a hour or so of looking at all the random junk, we were on our way out an spotted this gem on a wood pallet.
The lathe came with a threaded morse taper adapter and a craftsman keyless chuck threaded on. It is also missing the headstock end cover.
Tear-Down/Dissasembly 9-10-06
I tore down the lathe tonight.
I ran into 2 problems. First, the mt#1 threaded adapter was rusted in. Secondly, the tailstock ram would not come out of the tailtock.
For the first problem, I soaked the assembly in penetrating oil for a while then used a rod pushed through the spindle to try to hammer the center out. That didnt work so finally I bolted the spindle down and (to the horror of other owwm’ers) used vise crips on the adapter to rotate it back and worth. Finally it came out.
For the second problem I used some of the existing parts to pull the ram out of the spindle. I’m not sure if it is supposed to fit that tightly, I’m sure I’m going to have to get creative again when it comes time to put it back in.
I also began to use electralysis on the tool rest to remove the rust and paint.
To find out more about what electralysis is please visit the following links:
http://www.owwm.com/FAQ/electrolysis.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis
Paint/Rust Removal & Paint Prep 11-18-06
To remove the paint and rust on the larger parts I let them soak in my Electrolysis tank for several days each. After this I used a wire wheel chucked ino my drill press to clean off any grime or rust left and end up with a shiny, clean surface.
I got these 2 wheels at my local Home Depot. One is a cup for getting into crowded areas and the other a standard wheel.
The great thing about using your drill press and a wire wheel together is that the up-and-down action of the spindle can help speed things up alot. Here are some shots of the cleaned parts. The bed is the only thing i couldnt get the paint off of, since it wouldnt fit in my electrolysis tank and I don’t have a sand blaster. I went over the bed with some medium grit sandpaper to give the new paint a good surface to bond to.
To remove the Craftsman badge and the Model Number badge I took the advice of some owwm’ers and grinded down the time of a 3 1/2″ nail and used it as a punch to drive out the pins from behind. It took some patience to find the right angle and room to swing the hammer but eventually the all came out. Tip if you are doing this yourself. Either have a clean floor underneath the pins or put a towel or blanket to catch the pins and badges when they finally do come flying out. You don’t to be on your hands and knees looking for that tiny pin. (sound like i know what i’m talking about?)
Hopefully I will find time to prep further then paint then week! After it dries I’ll reassemble then build the stand I’ve been sketching out.
Finally Assembled 1-5-07
I no longer own this machine.
24 Responses to “Craftsman 9″ Lathe”
Great restoration. I have the exact same model Craftsman wood lathe I aquired from my father-in-law. It belonged to his father and fortunately he had built a stand out of angle iron and wood. I’m curious if you needed to find any parts for your machine, I’m finding it difficult to locate a source for parts. Keep up the good work.
By Harry Shelton on Aug 9, 2007
Nice job! I just picked one of these up last week-end. It’s about 95% complete. I managed to get the bearings freed up in the head stock. The index pin is frozen. I’ve had it soaking in penetrant. Any reccomendations on freeing this up without breaking it. I tried propane heat with no luck. I’m missing the two nuts on the outboard spindle, do you know what size those are. Again , great restoration.
By Mike on Aug 27, 2007
I have used transmission oil for freeing up frozen rusted metal with good success. A little bit of tension to cause a twisting type of tension while it’s in the solution also helps. Do you know what the deminsions are for the tool rest in your photos: length, width, thickness of shaft, etc.?
By bill lozano on Sep 24, 2007
Beautiful work. I just purchased one. I notice that the same model was posted and it had the aluminum cover, like brand new. The one I have doesn’t have the chrome cover. Is there a way to get these covers?
By Santos Ramos on Sep 28, 2007
Great job on the restoration. I have one that seems to be a copy of yours however the color is a metalic wheat, or very similar to powermatic yellow. It has not been repainted so I am assuming the color is original. I am very interested in your electrolysis system. Can you direct me to info on how to set this up.
By Greg Applen on Feb 14, 2008
I’ve just gotten one just like yours, albeit in better condition, for $60. Only missing piece is the spur center, and I understand that it’s a standard #1 Morse taper. Trying to order one from the PartsDirect website, tho.
By Matt Hayden on Feb 25, 2008
I have a Craftsman model 103.23180. It
is in mint condition and just gave it to a
woodworking friend. It was given to me many
years ago with the stipulation that no money
ever changes hands, kind of a legacy. I was
the third owner and as my friend lives with-
in an hour, I can always go there and do my
turning work. That’s when Sears sold real
goods. phone is (518) 399-1521.
Take care,
George
By George Tongue on Mar 20, 2008
I have the same lathe (103.23070) and was hoping you could help me. Have you found a place where an owners manual can be found?
I like your restoration! You do nice work. Its good to see these old ww machines restored and put in use. Thanks for sharing.
By TJ Profera on Apr 21, 2008
Did you ever get this lathe mounted and running? I’d like to see what you’ve done for a bench and copy it maybe.
By TJ Pro on May 14, 2008
good morning, i just bought this wonderful old lathe last weekend, and i need to get a shorter belt to make work on the stand it came on. how do i get it off the motor?
thankyou, therese martin
By therese martin on Jul 4, 2008
I was given this lathe a few years ago by a cabinet maker who retired. I would also be interested in seeing how the lathe is mounted and in particular how the motor is mounted.
By Russ Trice on Jul 4, 2008
Besoin d’info sur les prix des machines.
By Tsoumou on Sep 4, 2008
What size electric motor is stock for this wood lathe. I bought one from someone w/o the motor.
By Scott Beck on Sep 8, 2008
Scott,
Check out the owwm.com site - you can find the original manual / papers on there that have all the specs for the lathe (and it’s motor).
Luke
By Luke on Oct 25, 2008
I just bought this lathe which is in pretty good shape, I would like to change to a longer belt. The headstock spindle seems frozen onto the bearings. I have tried tapping both ends but am afraid of hitting too hard. Any ideas how to free it up without damaging the bearings?
By john saffran on Dec 18, 2008
John,
The spindle is supposed to be tight on the bearings. Make sure the bearing retaining plates are off and use a rubber mallet. Worst case scenario is that you trash the bearings and need to buy new ones. They are cheap and the lathe might need them anyway.
By Luke on Dec 18, 2008
If parts (the bearings) do need to be replaced, suggestions as to where should I start looking would be appreciated?
By John Saffran on Dec 31, 2008
I have a Craftsman model 101.06260 wood lathe that doesn’t have a tailstock shaft. Anyone know where I can get parts for this lathe?
By Randy Beard on Jan 21, 2009
Randy,
Try ebay and the owwm.org site.
By Luke on Jan 30, 2009
Need your insight. I have this old GE wood lathe/table saw combo. It came on its own GE stand, 1/8 hp motor, between centers is 18in and 9in swing. table saw fit 7.25to 8in blade. I would like to restore it but im missing a few key parts. (tools rest, miter gage) and maybe more stuff> I can’t find any info on anywhere on the internet. any help on finding parts or point me in the direction to some one who know about this lathe.
By Shawn on Apr 2, 2009
I have a Dunlap lathe model 1040602. Someone replaced the spindle in the headstock with a solid spindle. I have never owned a lathe before but from looking at various sites it appears: 1) that the business end is supposed to have tghreads on the outside and 2) a moorse taper in the middle. I am looking for a replacement for the original spindle or the specifications of an original such that I can have a machine shop make me on. If you can provide either please contact me at 508-999-3290 (you will get a recorded message stating you have reached a psychotherapist’s office, but leave the message because that’s me!
By Jesse Rieber on Aug 2, 2009
Sorry error in typing the correct number is 1030602
Jesse
By Jesse Rieber on Aug 2, 2009
Nice job…lots of hard work. I found a 103.23070 at a yardsale…giant pile of rust…and am currently restoring it. I didn’t do quite the job that you did, but I did completely dismantle it a wire wheeled everything, repainted, etc. It looks good. I’m missing the cover and the #1 morse tapers on the head and tail stocks…nobody seems to make them anymore. The guy was using it for metalwork and had a 4 jaw chuck..I can use that but want the original stuff. Any hints on finding parts?
By Ray Sutherland on Oct 24, 2009
Ray,
You can find the MT1 tapers at many tool stores, particularly Sears. If your local store doesn’t carry them then check out their website - they are available there - albeit a little pricey.
By Luke on Oct 24, 2009