Oh dear, he's been using it for woodturning.
That's what I assumed too, but no. It's odder.
Firstly, the owner is deceased, and was the father-in-law of the seller. But the seller knows something of the history. And the wood shavings.... wait for it... were sprinkled on it as a 'rust preventative.'
Well, it would work if they were soaked in oil. But they are not. No real harm done though.
>A grimey lathe I bought a couple years back cleaned up real well with White Spirits, amazing how much better it was than other solvents.
It will clean up OK. All rust is light surface, nothing serious. Everything nice and tight, almost no play. The only real bummer is that removable section of the bed, which is goneski. Has never been sighted. But if needed I can make a replacement.
What I can't make, is the GIANT faceplate that comes with it. One of several different size face plates included, plus extra 3-jaw chuck and some other stuff.
I bought it for the huge faceplate, which I need for a specific machining project.
>What's the make TH ?
Ha ha... Damn, I was looking at the manufacturer's plate today, but didn't take pics (because I'd already decided I love it) and now I've forgotten. A well known old Australian brand, I just can't think of it right now. Not Hafco, not Sheraton.
It was listed for $1300, I got it for $500. Had hoped for $300 considering the bad presentation, but 'the poor widow', etc. Not sure if I'm an arsehole or a sucker.
Btw, in the past I found White Spirits are a nasty nerve poison, when absorbed through skin. Kerosene is much safer.