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
11 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