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So I found a hardinge-copy lathe for a very reasonable price, in really good condition (although there was a lot of dust/dirt, the ways were pretty damn good. The spindle seemed good, but I couldn't measure TIR there.). Mostly, I wanted to buy a bigger machine instead of a chinese machine if I could. I buy a lot of stuff from China, so I thought I'd do the US economy some good and keep my money here for a change.
Everything on the machine seemed to operate quite smoothly. I sample part was cut and the machine clearly cut according to it's dials. Then... we had the machine moved.
I hired a "tow truck driver" to pick up and haul the machine. Unfortunately I could not be there for the pickup, and clearly this was a huge mistake! The tow truck driver apparently lost my lathe while going up an on-ramp. I'm not quite sure *how* this happened, but I do know it did happen. I had another towing company go out there and pick it up and bring it to our shop (car shop).
The lathe basically fell on it's frontside, and several levers and knobs were sheared off. There's quite a bit of damage, but the main important components of the lathe seem to be fine, although I'm not sure if the ways can sustain a fall like that without damage. I know the damage wouldn't be a lot if it could sustain damage, since the ways are super super super big and rigid!
Anyhow, I'm not sure if I can get parts for this machine (1967 Tsugami chucker). Also not sure if original Hardinge parts will work. Still working with the guy to have his insurance take care of this, so we'll see how things go. It's unfortunate that this happened, but people make mistakes and **** happens. I think if the ways *are* good, this machine would be a fine candidate for CNC conversion. Didn't really want to go that route right away, but that might be the only/best option.
Kinda a rough entry into owning my first machine . Let me know what you guys think about this. Would be good to know how much repair would cost if was even an option.
Thanks,
Matt