[bogiestl]

I'm looking at a local South Bend Heavy 10 later this week, and if it checks out, it is getting a collet closer and going in my garage, where it will feed parts to the G0704... I may still find a 9x19 or 10x22 for a quick and dirty CNC tho...

Or... Thinking... Since I'd end up ebaying the tailstock, and a bunch of misc. parts, has anyone successfully computerized a small South Bend? Considering that they seem to go for a few bucks more than a 7x10, if the platform is solid, I'm thinking that could be the way to go for some of the "push the button, get a part" type stuff that I'm working...

[bogiestl]

Well, I bought it. Dates to 1965.

First mod is going to be a VFD. And a sheet-metal backsplash.

[Anokiernan]

Congrats on the purchase! I'm currently traveling down a similar path. I just restored an old champion blower & forge 9L to use as my manual lathe (added a 1HP VFD at the same time). I also have a southbend 9L headstock, bed, tailstock and cross slide with the intention of converting it to CNC in the near future. Best of luck, I'll be interested in seeing your progress.

[bogiestl]

What route did you take with the VFD? I can already tell that the belts are going to drive me nuts.

Looking for a 9" now, or maybe just a 7x10, with eyes toward CNC'ing for a specific operation.