Thread: Hercus Model AR lathe

Hello, going by what the asking price is and not knowing really what the Band saw and Drill Press are like or worth it could be a little high.

If you could get the package for around $2000.00 that wouldn't be too bad.

That model Hercus has a roller bearing Headstock which is a plus in some ways.

If the bearings are worn they can be expensive to replace if you get high precision bearings, but there are cheaper varieties, price for bearings could range from $150.00 a pair to over $1000.00 a pair.

If the lathe is running you can do a few checks to see how the bearings are, whether there noisey,get to hot to touch, you can check for lateral movement and vertical wear.

In Australia an AR can range in price from around $900.00 to $1600.00 depending on condition and any extras that may be with the lathe.

Most parts will interchange with Southbend machines of the same type.

Hercus made some changes to there machines and these few parts may not be available through Southbend.

Most parts are still available 2nd hand or re manufactured in Australia if you needed them.

In general the AR is a good machine.

I would try and negotiate a better price closer to $2000.00 for the lot or if trying for the lathe only somewhere up to $1600.00.

Hey there.

I'm only new to this as well, but having no idea what equipment like that would cost in Canada to me it seems way out of the price range that it should be. I'd look at a bigger new Chinese machine before I paid $2000+ for a Hercus. That's just me, but even with the other equipment, way way too dear. The AR is the roller bearing version, and that machine is imperial also (not that it matters). I just got myself a Hercus Model A with milling attachment, collet draw bar and radial indexer for $400 with a Woodfast Band saw and GME pedistal 8" grinder.

Yes most of the parts are interchangeable with the South bends, but these also command pretty premium prices for parts and accessories.

I think there are better buys out there. Good luck with it.

All other things being equal, I think owning a SB9 makes more sense to someone in America.
I know of an unused SB9 in Australia, that might be worth a fortune to a South Bend enthusiast, if it were on the other side of the Pacific Ocean.
Late model SBs were made by Hercus and exported.

Jordan

Thank you for putting your thoughts.
I have been checking prices of South Bend 9 lathe here.
I found majority of those lathe are listed for under $1000, although sometime
see very high prices. I think those are asking prices only and they don't sell.
SOUTH BEND METAL LATHE - 9" x 24" BED - POWER CROSS FEED - Ontario Power Tools For Sale - Kijiji Ontario Canada.
Southbend 9" Lathe - Ontario Power Tools For Sale - Kijiji Ontario Canada.
I cannot see why Hercus 9" lathe could be priced higher than South Bend 9.

Hi pipeclay
Are those spindle bearings standard sized items or Hercus specific parts?

The bearings are standard they just come in different tolerances classes.

The 1st lathe you posted at $950.00 was only a C model the basic machine, not sure about the 2nd one.

Have you attempted to negotiate a price on the machines you originally listed to.

"The 1st lathe you posted at $950.00 was only a C model the basic machine, not sure about the 2nd one."

Do you mean the lathe I originally interested isn't basic machine?
I guess I have a lot to learn before I get actual lathe

No, I haven't approached the seller yet.
I am a kind of chicken about negotiating prices.

The basic model Hercus is the same as the $950.00 machine, except the one pictured is a Southbend.

The base model does not have a Quick change Gearbox (left of machine under spindle) for thread cutting, nor does it have power cross feed or Roller bearings.

The Hercus lathe you pictured has these additional features.

The seller lives only five minutes away, so I went to his house and saw it.
I was impressed with looking of the lathe. The lathe was inherited from the seller's father who was an inventor, machinist. Since he past away, the lathe hasn't been used and seems to be in very good condition and it runs very quite. Things I worry the most are small items might have been scattered and missing from the area the lathe is located. I made an offer to him and am crossing my fingers.